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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Packet 03-21-2017 CAPE CANAVERAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING Library Meeting Room 201 Polk Avenue, Cape Canaveral,Florida 32920 AGENDA March 21, 2017 6:00 PM CALL TO ORDER: PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: ROLL CALL: PUBLIC PARTICIPATION: Any member of the public may address any items that do not appear on the agenda and any agenda item that is listed on the agenda for final official action by the City Council excluding public hearing items which are heard at the public hearing portion of the meeting,ministerial items (e.g. approval of agenda, minutes, informational items), and quasi-judicial or emergency items. Citizens will limit their comments to three (3) minutes. The City Council will not take any action under the "Public Participation" section of the agenda. The Council may schedule items not on the agenda as regular items and act upon them in the future. CONSENT AGENDA: 6:15 p.m. 6:20 p.m. 1. Approve Minutes for February 21, 2017 Regular City Council Meeting. 2. Resolution No. 2017-04; authorizing an additional extension of time for the property owners (Baugher and Lagges) to deliver to the City the Unity of Title Agreements in executed and recordable form in accordance with Resolution No. 2016-03; providing for repeal of prior inconsistent resolutions, severability and an effective date. 3. Approve Interlocal Agreement with Brevard County Property Appraiser (BCPA) and Brevard County Tax Collector (BCTC), to contract with a third party vendor, Tax Management Associates, Inc. (TMA), for the review of the validity of all residency-based property tax exemptions; the City agrees to have 28% of the proceeds of the collections paid to the vendor. PUBLIC HEARING: 6:20 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 4. Ordinance No. 04-2017; establishing minimum dimensions for automobile parking spaces within the City; providing for the repeal of prior inconsistent ordinances and resolutions, severability, incorporation into the City Code and an effective date, first reading. City of Cape Canaveral, Florida City Council Meeting March 21, 2017 Page 2 of 2 ITEM FOR DISCUSSION: 6:30 p.m. 6:40 p.m. 5. PACE Program Membership Discussion. REPORTS: 6:40 p.m. 6:50 p.m. ADJOURNMENT: Pursuant to Section 286.0105, Florida Statutes, the City hereby advises the public that: If a person decides to appeal any decision made by the City Council with respect to any matter considered at this meeting,that person will need a record of the proceedings, and for such purpose that person may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based. This notice does not constitute consent by the City for the introduction or admission into evidence of otherwise inadmissible or irrelevant evidence,nor does it authorize challenges or appeals not otherwise allowed by law. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act: all interested parties may attend this Public Meeting. The facility is accessible to the physically handicapped. Persons with disabilities needing assistance to participate in the proceedings should contact the City Clerk's office (868-1220 x220 or x221) 48 hours in advance of the meeting. Item No. 1 CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING CAPE CANAVERAL LIBRARY MEETING ROOM 201 Polk Avenue,Cape Canaveral, Florida TUESDAY February 21,2017 6:00 PM [DRAFT] MINUTES CALL TO ORDER: The Chair called the Meeting to Order at 5:58 P.M. Council Member Betty Walsh led the pledge of allegiance. ROLL CALL: Council Members Present: Council Member Mike Brown Mayor Bob Hoog Mayor Pro Tem Brendan McMillin Council Member Rocky Randels Council Member Betty Walsh Others Present: City Manager David Greene City Attorney Anthony Garganese City Clerk Mia Goforth Administrative/Financial Services Director John DeLeo Capital Projects Director Jeff Ratliff Community Development Director David Dickey Culture and Leisure Services Director Gustavo Vergara Economic Development Director Todd Morley Public Works Services Director Ralph Lotspeich Community Engagement/Deputy Public Works Services Director Joshua Surprenant Brevard County Sheriff's Office Lieutenant Michael Green Cape Canaveral Volunteer Fire Dept. Assistant Chief John Cunningham PRESENTATIONS/INTERVIEWS: Proclamation supporting the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge Community Conservation and Education Center: Mayor Hoog read the highlights of and presented the Proclamation to Merritt Island Wildlife Association President Chris Fairey and Vice President Laurilee Thompson. Discussion ensued regarding the allocation of money approved by the United States Department of Interior, Fish and Wildlife to fund construction of the Center. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION: Ray Osborne, 209 Holman Road, spoke about PACE (Property Assessed Clean Energy) funding and read letters from citizens in favor of subscribing to the PACE program. Discussion ensued and included how the Program is forthcoming and will be on the March City Council Meeting Agenda with a positive recommendation from Staff. City of Cape Canaveral, Florida City Council Regular Meeting February 21, 2017 Page 2 of 4 [DRAFT] Accept the Annual Audited Financial Statements and Independent Auditor's Report for the Fiscal Year ended September 30, 2016 — Presentation by Zach Chalifour, James Moore & Co: Zach Chalifour, CPA, James Moore & Co., introduced himself and associates Caity Walker, Audit Manager and Doug Gillikin, Senior Accountant; provided a summary presentation of the Annual Audit for Fiscal Year ending September 30, 2016 and thanked City Council and Staff. Council Members thanked Mr. Chalifour for his one-on-one meetings with each. City Manager Greene suggested City Council formally accept the Audit Report. A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem McMillin, seconded by Council Member Walsh, for approval of the Annual Audited Financial Statements and Independent Auditor's Report for the Fiscal Year ended September 30, 2016. The motion carried 5-0 with voting as follows: Council Member Brown, For; Mayor Hoog, For; Mayor Pro Tem McMillin, For; Council Member Randels, For and Council Member Walsh, For. CONSENT AGENDA: Mayor Hoog inquired if any items were to be removed from the Consent Agenda for discussion.No items were removed. 1. Approve Minutes for January 17, 2017 Regular City Council Meeting. 2. Resolution No. 2017-02; in support of the 'Safe Cities, Safe Florida' initiative through the Florida League of Cities, Inc. during the fiscal year 2016-2017; providing for the repeal of prior inconsistent resolutions; severability and an effective date. 3. Resolution No. 2017-03; commending the Florida Association of City Clerks for its 45th Anniversary; providing for the repeal of prior inconsistent resolutions; severability and an effective date. 4. Approve Agreement between the City of Cape Canaveral and Space Coast Art Festival, Inc. and authorize the Mayor to execute Agreement for same. A motion was made by Council Member Randels,seconded by Mayor Pro Tem McMillin,to approve the Consent Agenda. The motion carried 5-0 with voting as follows: Council Member Brown, For; Mayor Hoog, For; Mayor Pro Tem McMillin, For; Council Member Randels,For and Council Member Walsh, For. PUBLIC HEARINGS: 5. Ordinance No. 03-2017; amending Sections 50-4 and 2-283 of the Cape Canaveral City Code regulating sleeping and camping upon public streets and sidewalks,beach end streets,beach dune crossovers, beaches and parks; providing for procedures to remove personal property remaining in camp sites; providing for penalties; and providing for the repeal of prior inconsistent ordinances and resolutions, incorporation into the City Code, severability and an effective date, second reading: City Attorney Garganese read the title into the record and reviewed the item. The Public Hearing was opened. There being no comment, the Public Hearing was closed. A motion was made by Council Member Walsh, seconded by Council Member Randels, to adopt Ordinance No. 03-2017 at second reading. The motion carried 5-0 with voting as follows: City of Cape Canaveral, Florida City Council Regular Meeting February 21, 2017 Page 3 of 4 [DRAFT] Council Member Brown, For; Mayor Hoog, For; Mayor Pro Tem McMillin, For; Council Member Randels, For and Council Member Walsh, For. REPORTS: City Attorney Garganese advised the Southgate closing for property along North Atlantic Avenue is final and the City now has possession of the easement property; the Amenities Easement regarding the future Cumberland Farms has been recorded by the City Clerk's Office; the Puerto del Rio road closing has been extended due to infrastructure in the right of way and may require an easement granted back to the Homeowners Association from the City prior to closing,the details of which will be worked out within the next sixty days. Council Member Walsh thanked Staff for a presentation to residents of Villages of Seaport on happenings in the City; mentioned the graffiti map placed on the website is working very well and reported the Trash Bash and the City's Founders Day Spring Festival are both on April Pt. Community Engagement/Deputy Public Works Services Director Surprenant provided details regarding Keep Brevard Beautiful Trash Bash event; and the upcoming Community Brainstorm at the Recreation Center. Council Member Randels mentioned the bus route change at Polk Avenue; the new Space Coast Area Transit App; the painting Mayor Hoog purchased from the Central Brevard Art Association during the recent Fine Arts Show, is now displayed in City Hall; and various events in Brevard County. Council Member Brown thanked Staff for an excellent Friday Fest; congratulated Culture and Leisure Services Director Vergara on the new addition to his family; praised Staff for the excellent Sea Oats Planting event; stated he met with Florida Representative Bill Posey on Feb 1st and discussed the half cent sales tax initiative; maintaining tax exempt status regarding municipal bonds and the need for more privatized national flood insurance to help reduce rates for citizens. Mayor Pro Tem McMillin congratulated Cultural Programs Manager Molly Thomas for her second appointment by County Commissioner Barfield to the Brevard Historical Commission. Culture and Leisure Services Director explained the Commission's mission is to preserve and enhance cultural and historical resources in Brevard County. Mayor Pro Tem McMillin reported he and Council Member Randels attended the Transit One Summit hosted by Space Coast Area Transit. Items discussed were busses,general transportation issues in the County, the bike sharing program in Cocoa Beach with Zagster and the initiative to include the City of Cape Canaveral and Port Canaveral in the Program. He thanked the Auditors and Dr. Tom Friejo for the Strategic Planning meeting. Mayor Hoog requested Dr. Tom Friejo provide an overview of the Strategic Planning Process and upcoming Retreat. Dr. Friejo thanked the City Council and Staff. Mayor Hoog praised the City Council and Staff Team for all of the accomplishments made so far and stated he is looking forward to the Retreat. City of Cape Canaveral, Florida City Council Regular Meeting February 21, 2017 Page 4 of 4 [DRAFT] ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business, the Meeting adjourned at 6:51 P.M. Mia Goforth, CMC, City Clerk Bob Hoog, Mayor City of Cape Canaveral [city seal] City Council Agenda Form Meeting Date: 03/21/2017 Item No. 2 Subject: Resolution No. 2017-04; authorizing an additional extension of time for the property owners (Baugher and Lagges) to deliver to the City the Unity of Title Agreements in executed and recordable form in accordance with Resolution No. 2016-03; providing for repeal of prior inconsistent resolutions, severability and an effective date. Department: Community Development Summary: At its March 22, 2016 Regular Meeting, City Council approved Resolution No. 2016-03 that provided for two separate divisions of land related to two adjoining parcels (24- 37-15-00-00752.0&24-37-15-00-00778.0)located along Astronaut Boulevard and the resulting Unity of Title(UOT).A condition included in the Resolution required the executed and recorded Unity of Title Agreements be submitted to the City within 90 days of adoption of the Resolution (June 22,2016) or the Agreement would be deemed null and void. As the property owners had not completed the sale by the June 22nd deadline, the Council at its June 21, 2016 Regular Meeting, passed Resolution No. 2016-10 that extended the deadline 60 days to August 22, 2016. The City further extended the deadline 60 days with the passage of Resolution No. 2016-16 on August 16, 2016. According to documents submitted by the applicants,the real estate closing occurred on or about November 22, 2016. Therefore, Resolution No. 2017-04 has been prepared to retroactively extend the deadline to April 30,2017 which will provide additional time for the property owners to deliver the Unity of Title Agreements to the City. All of the terms and conditions of Resolution No. 2016-03 shall remain in full force. Submitting Director: David Dickey [initials DD] Date: 3/13/17 Attachments: 1 - Site Aerial 2 -Resolution No. 2016-03 3 -Resolution No. 2017-04 Financial Impact: Cost of Resolution preparation and Staff time/effort to complete Agenda Item. Reviewed by Administrative/Financial Services Director: John DeLeo [initials JD] Date: 3/13/17 The City Manager recommends that City Council take the following action: Adopt Resolution No. 2017-04. Approved by City Manager: David L. Greene [initials DLG] Date: 3/13/17 Attachment 1 [aerial picture] Attachment 2 RESOLUTION NO. 2016-03 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CAPE CANAVERAL, BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA; PROVIDING FOR TWO SEPERATE DIVISIONS OF LAND RELATED TO TWO ADJOINING PARCELS OF LAND LOCATED ALONG ASTRONAUT BOULEVARD AND OWNED BY ROBERT A. BAUGHER, TRUSTEE, AND KYRIACOS J. LAGGES AND MARIANTHI LAGGES, TRUSTEE FOR PURPOSES OF ADJUSTING PROPERTY BOUNDARIES FOR FUTURE DEVELOPMENT PERMIT PURPOSES; PROVIDING FOR UNITY OF TITLE AGREEMENTS TO ESTABLISH NEW LOTS OF RECORD FOR DEVELOPMENT PERMIT PURPOSES; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL OF PRIOR INCONSISTENT RESOLUTIONS, SEVERABILITY,AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE. WHEREAS, the City is granted the authority,under Section 2(b),Article VIII,of the State Constitution,to exercise any power for municipal purposes, except when expressly prohibited by law; and WHEREAS, Robert A. Baugher, Trustee (hereinafter"Baugher") is the owner of certain real property located adjacent to Astronaut Boulevard which has a Parcel Identification Number of 24-37-15-00-00752.0 (hereinafter referred to as "Baugher Property"); and WHEREAS,Kyriacos J. Lagges and Marianthi Lagges, Trustee(hereinafter"Lagges") is the owner of certain real property located adjacent to Astronaut Boulevard and adjacent to the Baugher Property which has a Parcel Identification Number of 24-37-15-00-00778.0 (hereinafter referred to as"Lagges Property"); and WHEREAS, Lagges has submitted to the City a site plan application to construct an expansion of the existing commercial parking lot on the Lagges Property to accommodate a restaurant/bar expansion and tenant demands located and operating on the Lagges Property; and WHEREAS,because Lagges' proposes to locate the parking lot expansion on a portion of the Baugher Property, Lagges and Baugher have privately agreed, in furtherance of the Lagges' site plan application and other mutual interests,to adjust the boundaries of the Baugher and Lagges Properties by splitting and conveying to the other a small portion of their property for future development purposes; and WHEREAS, the City Council desires to recognize the aforesaid two lot splits and the adjusted boundaries agreed to by Baugher and Lagges for future development permit purposes including,but not limited to,the City's approval of the site plan application submitted by Lagges; City of Cape Canaveral Resolution No.2016-03 Page 1 of 4 and WHEREAS,the two lot splits and adjusted property boundaries agreed to by Baugher and Lagges are more particularly depicted and legally described herein; and WHEREAS,the City Council of the City of Cape Canaveral fords that this Resolution is in the best interests of the public health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of Cape Canaveral. NOW THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CAPE CANAVERAL HEREBY RESOLVES, AS FOLLOWS: Section 1. Recitals. The foregoing recitals are deemed true and correct and are hereby fully incorporated by this reference. Section 2. Recognition and Approval of Lot Split Unity of Title. (a) Subject to the conditions stated below, the City Council hereby recognizes and approves for future development permit purposes, the two divisions of the real property generally located along Astronaut Boulevard, and legally described in"Exhibit A" (hereinafter the"Lagges to Baugher Lot Split") and Exhibit "B" (hereinafter the "Baugher to Lagges Lot Split"). Said Exhibits are attached hereto and fully incorporated herein by this reference. (b) The Lagges to Baugher Lot Split comprising of approximately 0.03 acres,more or less, shall no longer be considered part of the Lagges Property for development purposes upon conveyance of said property to Baugher. (c) The Baugher to Lagges Lot Split comprising of approximately 0.15 acres, more or less, shall no longer be considered part of the Baugher Property for development purposes upon conveyance of said property to Lagges. (d) As a condition of the two lot splits recognized and approved by this Resolution and Lagges pending site plan approval for the expansion of the commercial parking lot, Baugher and Lagges shall each be required to execute and record in the Official Records of Brevard County, Florida, a Unity of Title Agreement, which will provide as follows: (1) Lagges' Unity of Title Agreement shall aggregate the remaining portion of Lagges Property (existing Tax Id. Property 24-37-15-00-00778.0 less the Lagges to Baugher Lot Split) with the Baugher to Lagges Lot Split for purposes of creating a new lot of record for development permit purposes. The new lot of record is legally described and depicted on Exhibit "C," which is attached hereto and fully incorporated herein by this reference. (hereinafter the"New Lagges Lot"). (2) Baugher's Unity of Title Agreement shall aggregate the remaining portion of City of Cape Canaveral Resolution No.2016-03 Page 2 of 4 Baugher's Property (existing Tax Id. Property 24-37-15-00-00752.0 less the Baugher to Lagges Lot Split) with the Lagges to Baugher Lot Split for purposes of creating a new lot of record for development permit purposes. The new lot of record is legally described and depicted on Exhibit "D," which is attached hereto and fully incorporated herein by this reference. (hereinafter the"New Baugher Lot"). The Unity of Title Agreements required by this Section (d) shall be fmalized by the City Manager and City Attorney in a form substantially similar to the form attached hereto as Exhibit "E." (e) Upon recordation of this Resolution and Unity of Title Agreements in the Official Public Records of Brevard County, Florida, the New Lagges Lot and the New Baugher Lot shall each be deemed a lot of record for development permit purposes within the City of Cape Canaveral pursuant to applicable law. Section 3. Repeal of Prior Inconsistent Resolutions. All prior inconsistent resolutions adopted by the City Council, or parts of prior resolutions in conflict herewith, are hereby repealed to the extent of the conflict. Section 4. Severability. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase, word or provision of this Resolution is for any reason held invalid or unconstitutional by any court of competent jurisdiction,whether for substantive,procedural,or any other reason,such portion shall be deemed a separate, distinct and independent provision, and such holding shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Resolution. Section 5. Instructions to Staff. The City Clerk in consultation with the City Attorney is hereby directed to record this Resolution in the Official Public Records of Brevard County,Florida at such time the fully executed and recordable Unity of Title Agreements have been delivered to the City by Lagges and Baugher. At such time, the Community Development Director is hereby directed to modify city maps and documents to reflect the new lots approved herein upon recordation of this Resolution. Section 6. Effective Date. This Resolution shall become effective immediately upon adoption by the City Council of the City of Cape Canaveral. However,the Resolution shall not be binding upon the affected properties described hereunder until recorded by the City in accordance with the requirements of this Resolution. If the Unity of Title Agreements are not delivered to the City in executed and recordable form within ninety (90) days of the adoption of this Resolution, this Resolution shall automatically be deemed null and void. [Signature Page Follows] City of Cape Canaveral Resolution No.2016-03 Page 3 of 4 ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Cape Canaveral, Florida, this 22nd day of March, 2016. [signature] Bob Hoog, Mayor For Against John Bond Motion Mike Brown X Bob Hoog X Brendan McMillin Second Betty Walsh X ATTEST (City Seal). Mia Goforth City Clerk Approved as to legal form and sufficiency for the City of Cape Canaveral only: ANTHONY A. GARGANESE, City Attorney [signature] City of Cape Canaveral Resolution No.2016-03 Page 4 of 4 [Drawing of] SKETCH AND ACCOMPANING LEGAL DESCRIPTION IN A PORTION OF SECTION 15, TOWNSHIP 24 SOUTH, RANGE 37 EAST, BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA LEGAL DESCRIPTION: Parcel No. 2 (as prepared) Commence at the intersection of the West right of way line of State Road A-1-A, a.k.a. Astronaut Boulevard, and the South boundary line of Section 15, Township 24 South, Range 37 East, Brevard County, Florida, thence run N37'21'20"W along the West right of way line of State Road A-1-A a distance of 1500.00 feet to the Point of Beginning; thence run N 89'2720W, parallel to the South of said Section 15, a distance of 70.98 feet; thence aforesaid West right of way line or State Road A-1-A: thence run 537'21'10"E, along said West right of way line a distance of 44.15' to the Point of Beginning. Said parcel contains 1226.75 Square feet, being 0.03 acres more or less. [Drawing of] SKETCH AND ACCOMPANING LEGAL DESCRIPTION IN A PORTION OF SECTION 15, TOWNSHIP 24 SOUTH, RANCE 37 EAST, BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA LEGAL DESCRlPIION: Parcel No. 1 (as prepared) A portion of that particular parcel of land as described in Official Records Book 3359, at Page 4184 of the Public Records of Brevord County, Florida and more particularly described os follows: COnimence of the intersection of the West right of way line of State Road A-1-A, a.k.a. Astronaut Bo.levara. one the South bounda•y line of Section 15. fownshp 24 South. Range 37 East. _Brevard County, Florida, thence run N37'21'20-W along the 'West right of way line of Stole Rood A-1-A a distance of 1,500.00 feet; thence run N 69'1.720"W, parallel to Ina South of said Section 15, o tlistonce of 70.98 feet to the Point of Beginning; thence run N52`6'15"W, a distance of 105.94'; thence run NN3772.09-w. a distance of 36.13: thence run N37'21'10"W, a distance of 74.03; thence run 589'27'20-E, o distance of 177.65' to the of Beginning. Said parcel contains 6490.73 , square feet, being 0.15 acres more or less. [Drawing of] SKETCH AND ACCOMPANING LEGAL DESCRIPTION IN A PORTION OF SECTION 15, TOWNSHIP 24 SOUTH, RANGE 37 LAST, BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA LEGAL DESCRIPTION: Parol No. 4 (as prepared) A portion of that particular parcel of land as described in Official Records Book 3359, at Page 4184 and Official Records Book 5456. at Page 7625 of the Public Records of Brevard County, Florida and more particularly described as follows: Commence at the intersection of the West right of way line of State Rood A-1-A, 0.6.0. Astronaut Boulevard, and the South boundary line of Section 15, Township 24 South, Range 37 East. Brevard County, Florida, thence run N37'21'20-W along the West right of way line of State Road A-I-A a distance of 1544.15 feet to the Point of Beginning; thence run S 52'16'15'W. a distance of 161.51 feet; thence run N3772'09'W, a distance of 36.13 feet; thence run 552'37'St'W, a distance of .33.98 feet. thence run N3T21't0'w, a distance of 184.22 feet, thence run 1452'37'51'E. a distance of 33.98 feet; thence run S37.22'09'E, a distance of 36.13 feet; thence run N52'38'50'5. a distance of 196.73 feet to the aforesaid West right of way line of Stole Rope A-1-A; thence run S37'21.10'E, along said West right of way line, a distance of 218.85 feet to the Point of Beginning. Sold parcel contains 41.832.34 square feet, being 0.96 acres more or less. [Drawing of] SKETCH AND ACCOMPANING LEGAL DESCRIPTION IN A PORTION OF SECTION 1 TOWNSHIP 24 SOUTH, RANGE 37 EAST, BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA LEGAL DESCRIPTION: Parcel No. 3 (us prepared) A portion of that particular parcel of land as described in Official Records Book 3359, at Page 4184 and Official Records Book 5456, at Page 7625 of the Public Records of Brevard County, Florida and more particularly described as follows: Commence at the intersection of the West right of way line of State Road A-1-A, a.k.a. Astronaut Boulevard, and the South boundary line of Section 15, Township 74 South, Range 37 East, Brevard County, Florida, thence run N3T21'10 W along the West right of way line of State Road A-1-A a distance of 1350.00 feet to the Point of Beginning; thence run N 89'27'20'W, parallel to the South of said Section 15, a distance of 300.00 feet; thence run N37.21'10'W, a distance of 150.00 feet; thence run 589'27'20T, a distance of 50.00 feet, thence run 537.21'20't, a distance of 74.03 feet, thence run N52'37'S1'F, a distance of 33.98 feet; thence run S37'27'091, a distance of 36.13 feet; thence run N52'16'15'E, a distance of 105.94 feet to the aforesaid West right of way line of State Road A-1-A; thence run 537.21'10'E. along said West right of way line, a distance of 194.15 feet to the Point of Beginning. Said parcel contains 30,106.65 square feet, being 0.69 acres more or less. Resolution No. 2016-03 EXHIBIT"E"to Resolution No. 2016- Prepared by and return to: Anthony A. Garganese City Attorney of Cape Canaveral PO Box 2873 Orlando, Florida 32802 (407) 425-9566 Tax Parcel Id: UNITY OF TITLE AGREEMENT THIS UNITY OF TITLE AGREEMENT is executed this day of , 2016, by and between ("Owner"), a , whose address is , Cape Canaveral, Florida, 32920; and the CITY OF CAPE CANAVERAL, a Florida municipal corporation,whose address is 105 Polk Avenue, Cape Canaveral, Florida 32920 (hereinafter "the City"). WITNESSETH: WHEREAS, Owner owns a parcel of land located within the jurisdictional limits of the City of Cape Canaveral which is identified as tax parcel identification number 24-37-15-00- 00 .0 ("Existing Parcel"); and WHEREAS, Owner conveyed a small portion of the Existing Parcel ( acres more or less) to an adjacent property owner, which is legally described in Exhibit "A" ("Conveyed Property"); and WHEREAS, Owner acquired a small portion of property ( acres more or less) from the same adjacent property owner, which is legally described in Exhibit "B" ("Acquired Property"); and WHEREAS, Owner desires to adjust the boundaries of the Existing Parcel to account for the Conveyed and Acquired Property in order to have the City recognize and approve a new lot of record for future development permit purposes;and WHEREAS, the new lot of record is legally described in Exhibit "C" ("New Parcel"); and UNITY OF TITLE AGREEMENT City of Cape Canaveral/ Page 1 of 4 Resolution No. 2016-03 Exhibit "E" WHEREAS, Owner and City have agreed to record this Agreement to recognize that the Owner will have unity of ownership and title in the New Parcel; and WHEREAS, Owner and the City desire to have the New Parcel recognized by the City as one(1) lot for development purposes under the City's land development regulations; and NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants contained herein, the receipt and sufficiency of which is acknowledged by the parties, the parties agree as follows: 1. Recitals. The foregoing recitals are true and correct and are hereby fully incorporated into this Agreement by this reference. 2. The Property. Owner represents and warrants that it possesses fee simple title to the New Lot which is legally described on Exhibit"C." 3. Representations of Owner. Owner hereby represents and agrees as follows: A. Owner agrees, as a condition of future development permit applications submitted to the City, that the New Lot described in paragraph 2 of this Agreement, upon recording of this Agreement, shall be unified in ownership and title for development purposes. B. Owner further agrees to not sell, convey, or assign any interest in the New Lot, which would cause the loss of unity of ownership or title, without first obtaining the written consent of the City of Cape Canaveral. Nothing herein is intended to prohibit or restrict the Owner from selling, conveying or assigning the New Lot as a unified parcel of land or encumbering the New Lot with easements or other interests in land that do not cause loss of unity or ownership of title. C. Owner agrees and consents that this Agreement shall be recorded in the office of the Clerk of Circuit Court in and for Brevard County,Florida, and that all costs of recording shall be paid by the Owner. D. Owner agrees that the provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon the heirs, personal representative, successors and assigns of Owner. This Agreement shall run with the land. [Signature pages follow] UNITY OF TITLE AGREEMENT City of Cape Canaveral/ Page 2 of 4 Resolution No. 2016-03 Exhibit "E" IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto caused this Agreement to be executed by their duly authorized representatives as of the date first written above. OWNER: Print Name/Title: STATE OF FLORIDA COUNTY OF BREVARD I HEREBY CERTIFY that on this day,before me,an officer duly authorized in the State and County aforesaid to take acknowledgments,personally appeared ❑ to me known personally to be the persons described in the foregoing instrument, or ❑ who have produced as identification. WITNESS my hand and official seal in the State and County last aforesaid this day of , 2016. Notary Public My Commission Expires: UNITY OF TITLE AGREEMENT City of Cape Canaveral/ Page 3 of 4 Resolution No. 7016-03 Exhibit "E" THE CITY: CITY OF CAPE CANAVERAL, a Florida municipal corporation. ATTEST: Robert Hoog, Mayor Angela Apperson, MMC City Clerk Approved as to legal form and sufficiency for the City only: Anthony A. Garganese, City Attorney UNITY OF TITLE AGREEMENT City of Cape Canaveral/ Page 4 of 4 Attachment 3 RESOLUTION NO.2017-04 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CAPE CANAVERAL, BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA; AUTHORIZING AN ADDITIONAL EXTENSION OF TIME FOR THE PROPERTY OWNERS (BAUGHER AND LAGGES) TO DELIVER TO THE CITY THE UNITY OF TITLE AGREEMENTS IN EXECUTED AND RECORDABLE FORM IN ACCORDANCE WITH RESOLUTION NO. 2016- 03; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL OF PRIOR INCONSISTENT RESOLUTIONS, SEVERABILITY AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE. WHEREAS, the City is granted the authority, under Section 2(b), Article VIII, of the State Constitution, to exercise any power for municipal purposes, except when expressly prohibited by law; and WHEREAS, pursuant to Resolution No. 2016-03, the City Council authorized a lot split of real property subject to several terms and conditions; and WHEREAS, one of the conditions requires that the affected real property owners (Baugher and Lagges) deliver to the City executed Unity of Title Agreements in recordable form within 90 days of the effective date of Resolution No. 2016-03; and WHEREAS, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 2016-10 and 2016-16 extending the delivery date of the Agreements. However, the applicants did not complete the conveyance of the subject properties until after the deadline imposed by the City to deliver the Agreements; and WHEREAS, the City has recently been provided a copy of the recorded Warranty Deeds executed by Baugher and Lagges, on or about November 22, 2016, to effectuate the lot split authorized under Resolution No. 2016-03; and WHEREAS, the property owners have requested additional time to deliver the Unity of Title Agreements; and WHEREAS, the City Council desires to grant the request for additional time in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Resolution; and WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Cape Canaveral finds that this Resolution is in the best interests of the public health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of Cape Canaveral. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT DULY RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CAPE CANAVERAL, BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA, AS FOLLOWS: Section 1. Recitals. The foregoing recitals are deemed true and correct and are hereby fully incorporated by this reference. City of Cape Canaveral Resolution No.2017-04 Page 1 of 2 Section 2. Extension of Time to Deliver the Unity of Title Agreements. (a) The City Council hereby grants an extension of time for Baugher and Lagges to deliver the Unity of Title Agreements required by Resolution No. 2016-03 no later than April 30, 2017. If the Unity of Title Agreements are not delivered to the City in executed and recordable form by the end of the extension period, Resolution No. 2016-03 shall automatically be deemed null and void. (b) All other terms and conditions set forth in Resolution No. 2016-03 not modified by this Resolution shall remain in full force and effect. Section 3. Repeal of Prior Inconsistent Resolutions. All prior inconsistent resolutions adopted by the City Council, or parts of prior resolutions in conflict herewith, are hereby repealed to the extent of the conflict. Section 4. Severability. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase, word or provision of this Resolution is for any reason held invalid or unconstitutional by any court of competent jurisdiction, whether for substantive, procedural, or any other reason, such portion shall be deemed a separate, distinct and independent provision, and such holding shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Resolution. Section 5. Effective Date.This Resolution shall become effective immediately upon adoption by the City Council of the City of Cape Canaveral. ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Cape Canaveral, Florida, this 21st day of March, 2017. ATTEST (City Seal): Bob Hoog, Mayor Name FOR AGAINST Mia Goforth, CMC, Mike Brown City Clerk Bob Hoog Brendan McMillin Approved as to legal form and sufficiency Rocky Randels for the City of Cape Canaveral only: Betty Walsh Anthony A. Garganese, City Attorney City of Cape Canaveral Resolution No.2017-04 Page 2 of 2 City of Cape Canaveral [city seal] City Council Agenda Form City Council Meeting Date: 3/21/2017 Item# 3 Subject: Approve Interlocal Agreement with Brevard County Property Appraiser (BCPA) and Brevard County Tax Collector (BCTC), to contract with a third party vendor, Tax Management Associates, Inc. (TMA), for the review of the validity of all residency-based property tax exemptions; the City agrees to have 28% of the proceeds of the collections paid to the vendor; authorize the Mayor to execute the Agreement on the City's behalf. Department: Legislative Summary: The Homestead Property Tax Exemption, which is defined by the Florida Constitution, is a valuable benefit for permanent Florida residents. Coupled with the Save Our Homes cap, homeowners' savings on property taxes can climb into the thousands of dollars annually. Due to its money-saving benefits, the Homestead Property Tax Exemption is ripe for fraudulent or improper claims. A claim of improper homestead exemption shifts the burden of property tax payments to other property owners and denies cities, school districts and other taxing authorities of needed revenue. Per the Brevard County Property Appraiser Homestead Background Memorandum (Attachment 1), the current method used by the BCPA for detecting possible homestead exemption fraud relies primarily on reports from citizens and returned mail from the post office. The majority of potential fraud cases come in as tips and complaints from the general public. They also rely heavily on returned, undeliverable mail as that is a red flag that a homestead exemption is no longer valid. The homestead fraud department has a staff of four plus a manager. In 2016, this limited staff worked 988 cases generated by these reactive methods, resulting in 251 new liens totaling $738,410 being filed and $1,140,876 being collected and paid to the taxing authorities from previously filed liens. From 1999 through 2016, the investigative efforts of this staff have resulted in $235 million in property value being returned to the tax roll countywide, with $5.6 million in back payments, penalties and interest collected via property liens per applicable state statutes. The BCPA and BCTC desire to contract with TMA for audit services which has helped to recover millions in tax dollars for other counties. Findings will be returned to the BCPA so that they can validate that the homestead was improper and file liens against parcels receiving undeserved benefits. By entering into an Agreement with the BCPA and BCTC, the City would agree to have 28% of the proceeds of any tax, penalties and interest collected from back taxes assessed or tax liens filed paid to TMA. The City may opt out of this Agreement provided it notifies the BCPA and BCTC in writing at least ninety (90) days before the end of the fiscal year. The Agreement shall renew automatically on an annual basis until such time as the TMA Audit Agreement is terminated or otherwise expires. Staff recommends that Agreement for Use of Property Tax Collections to Fund Exemption Audit Services (Attachment 2)be approved. Submitting Department Director John DeLeo [initials] Date: 3/10/17 City Council Meeting Date: 3/21/2017 Item# 3 Page 2 of 2 Attachments: 1. Brevard County Property Appraiser Homestead Background Memorandum. 2. Agreement for Use of Property Tax Collections to Fund Exemption Audit Services. 3. Tax Management Associates, Incorporated and Brevard County, Florida, Agreement for Provision of Exemption Audit Services for Tax Revenue Enhancement. Financial Impact: Staff time to prepare this Agenda Item and cost of the Audit. Reviewed by Administrative/Financial Services Director: John DeLeo [initials] Date: 3/10/17 The City Manager recommends that City Council take the following action: Approve Interlocal Agreement with Brevard County Property Appraiser (BCPA) and Brevard County Tax Collector (BCTC), to contract with a third party vendor, Tax Management Associates, Inc. (TMA), for the review of the validity of all residency-based property tax exemptions; the City agrees to have 28% of the proceeds of the collections paid to the vendor; authorize the Mayor to execute the Agreement on the City's behalf. Approved by City Manager: David L. Greene [initials] Date: 3/13/17 Attachment 1 [brevard county seal] Dana Blickley, CFA Brevard County Property Appraiser P.O. Box 429 Titusville, FL 32781-0429 (321) 264-6700 www.BCPAO.us MEMORANDUM DATE: February 1, 2017 TO: Brevard County Taxing Authorities FROM: Milo M. Zonka, Sr. Director, Finance & Administration [initials MMZ] RE: Homestead Exemption Audit Agreement Background The Homestead Property Tax Exemption, which is defined by the Florida Constitution, is a valuable benefit for permanent Florida residents. Coupled with the Save Our Homes cap, homeowners' savings on property taxes can climb into the thousands of dollars annually. Due to its money-saving benefits, the Homestead Property Tax Exemption is ripe for fraudulent or improper claims. A claim of improper homestead exemption shifts the burden of property tax payments to other property owners, and denies cities, school districts and other taxing authorities of needed revenue. Florida Statute 196.011 (9) provides a process for filing liens for back taxes, 50% penalties, and 15% interest per annum for a period up to ten (10) years on parcels that receive undeserved homestead exemption.The amounts collected are returned to the taxing authorities by the Tax Collector.The Property Appraiser does not receive any portion of the funds collected under this statute. The current method of detecting possible homestead exemption fraud relies primarily on reports from citizens and returned mail from the post office.The majority of potential fraud cases come in as tips and complaints from the general public. We also rely heavily on our returned, undeliverable mail as that is a red flag that a homestead exemption is no longer valid. Our homestead fraud department has a staff of four plus a manager. In 2016, this limited staff worked 988 cases generated by these reactive methods, resulting in 251 new liens totaling $738,410 being filed and $1,140,876 being collected and paid to the taxing authorities from previously filed liens. From 1999 through 2016, the investigative efforts of this staff have resulted in $235 million in property value being returned to the tax roll countywide, with $5.6 million in back payments, penalties and interest collected via property liens per applicable state statutes. There are many cases of homestead fraud that go undetected using these methods.There are new technological developments in software and database mining that allow companies to run statistical, mass data analysis that we do not have the capabilities to run.This software enables us to uncover potential undeserved homestead exemptions by identifying property owners who receive benefits or have indications of residence in other jurisdictions nationwide. Continues on Page2 MEMO: Homestead Exemption Audit Agreement Background—Page 2 We desire to contract with a vendor who offers a service that has helped to recover millions in tax dollars for other counties. They use their mass data analysis software to detect possible homestead exemption fraud paired with their highly trained investigative staff to verify information. They then return their findings to us so that we can validate that the homestead was improper and file liens against parcels receiving underserved benefits. We believe that a more aggressive and comprehensive discovery approach of improper homestead will occur if we utilize a qualified third-party vendor versus increasing our staffing to more proactively work this higher volume. We also believe that taxing authorities will receive a greater financial gain using this approach despite the fact that a portion of the proceeds will be paid to the vendor(a maximum of 28% of collected liens). If no liens are filed and paid, the vendor will not be paid. This proposal will require the Property Appraiser and Tax Collector to execute an Interlocal Agreement with each taxing authority in which the taxing authority agrees to have 28%of the proceeds of the lien collections paid to the vendor, plus the Tax Collector's authorized reimbursement rate. The Property Appraiser and Tax Collector have selected Tax Management Associates (TMA) as the vendor for this project, using a piggyback on TMA's recent agreement with the Duval County Tax Collector and Property Appraiser. TMA was selected as a result of Duval County's RFP process and is an established market leader in this field. TMA currently contracts with Sarasota and Pinellas counties as well, and we have received strong references from each. We are confident that TMA will execute their portion of the project expeditiously and professionally. We expect to achieve the necessary taxing authority agreement approvals by March/April 2017. TMA will begin their work immediately and the Property Appraiser's review and approval effort will begin thereafter. In order to maintain an orderly work flow, we will meter cases through the Property Appraiser's office to ensure that both the Property Appraiser and Tax Collector can handle the workflow without additional staffing. Based on the Property Appraiser's previous experience, it is anticipated that taxing authorities will begin to see lien payments in 2017 that will continue into 2018 and beyond as liens are paid off. The proposal creates a funding mechanism to allow us to review the validity of all residency-based property tax exemptions and should serve to decrease the number of exemptions that are improperly claimed.A copy of the proposed Agreement between your agency and the Property Appraiser and Tax Collector is attached as an action item for your consideration. We respectfully request that you join us in our efforts to reduce the incidence of improper exemptions by executing the attached Agreement. For your review only, also included is a copy of the agreement between TMA and the Property Appraiser and Tax Collector offices. Titusville: 321-264-6700 Merritt Island: 321-454-6620 Viera: 321-690-6880 Melbourne: 321-255-4440 Palm Bay: 321-952-4574 Attachment 2 Agreement for Use of Property Tax Collections to Fund Exemption Audit Services THIS AGREEMENT ("Agreement") is made and entered into as of this day of , 2017, by and between the BREVARD COUNTY PROPERTY APPRAISER ("PROPERTY APPRAISER"), BREVARD COUNTY TAX COLLECTOR ("TAX COLLECTOR"), and the undersigned Local Governing Boards of the TAXING AUTHORITIES of Brevard County,hereinafter referred to collectively as the "TAXING AUTHORITIES." WHEREAS, the PROPERTY APPRAISER is responsible under Florida law for the administration of ad valorem property tax exemptions, including homestead exemption, and the preparing and filing of tax liens for back taxes related to the removal of undeserved exemptions; and WHEREAS, the TAX COLLECTOR is responsible under Florida law for the collection and distribution of ad valorem property taxes, including back taxes and tax liens, and associated penalties, fees, and interest; and WHEREAS, the TAXING AUTHORITIES receive local property tax revenue to fund essential public services; and WHEREAS,the Parties to this Agreement recognize that there may be property owners on the Brevard County tax roll claiming undeserved and/or fraudulent personal exemptions from ad valorem property tax, such as the homestead exemption, (hereinafter collectively referred to as "Personal Exemptions"), which reduces property tax revenue and unfairly shifts the property tax burden to other property owners; and WHEREAS, the PROPERTY APPRAISER and TAX COLLECTOR intend to contract with TAX MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATES, INC. ("TMA") for audit services to identify properties with undeserved Personal Exemptions for the purpose of collecting taxes due on those properties, which funds would otherwise be unavailable to the TAXING AUTHORITIES (hereinafter the "TMA Audit Agreement"); and WHEREAS, TMA shall provide said audit services in exchange for the fee established in the TMA Audit Agreement, which consists of an amount equal to twenty-eight percent (28%) of any tax, penalties, and interest collected from back taxes assessed or tax liens filed by the PROPERTY APPRAISER on parcels identified through a TMA audit as having undeserved Personal Exemption(s) (hereinafter, the "Fee"); and WHEREAS, the Fee shall be paid exclusively from the taxes, penalties, and interest collected in relation to the removal of Personal Exemptions as a result of audits performed by TMA, and shall not constitute a pledge or general obligation of tax funds or create an obligation Page 1 of 5 on the TAXING AUTHORITIES to appropriate or make monies available for the purpose of this Agreement beyond the fiscal year in which the Agreement is executed; and NOW, THEREFORE, the PROPERTY APPRAISER, TAX COLLECTOR, and undersigned TAXING AUTHORITY, for and in consideration of the mutual promises, covenants, and conditions herein contained and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which are hereby acknowledged, agree as follows: TERMS 1. Incorporation of Recitals. The recitals set forth above are hereby incorporated into and deemed a part of this Agreement. 2. Authorization of Reduced Collections for Fee Payment: The undersigned TAXING AUTHORITY authorizes the TAX COLLECTOR to deduct TMA's Fee, as established in the TMA Audit Agreement, from the total property tax, penalties and interest collected as the result of the removal of Personal Exemption(s) pursuant to TMA audits. The TAX COLLECTOR shall distribute the remaining tax revenue to the undersigned TAXING AUTHORITY according to governing Florida law. This Agreement does not constitute a pledge or general obligation of ad valorem taxation, or create any obligation on any TAXING AUTHORITY to appropriate or make monies available for any tax year, and does not create the right in any party to compel the exercise of the ad valorem taxing power of any TAXING AUTHORITY. The TAX COLLECTOR shall annually make available to each TAXING AUTHORITY an accounting of all tax proceeds collected pursuant to the TMA Audit Agreement, the Fees paid to TMA, and the total funds distributed to each TAXING AUTHORITY. 3. Term & Termination: This Agreement shall be effective as of the date of execution for an initial term of twelve (12) months. Thereafter, the Agreement shall renew automatically on an annual basis until such time as the TMA Audit Agreement is terminated or otherwise expires. Upon termination or expiration of the TMA Audit Agreement, this Agreement automatically expires except for such provisions as survive termination as further agreed herein. Any TAXING AUTHORITY may opt out of this Agreement provided it notifies the PROPERTY APPRAISER and TAX COLLECTOR in writing at least ninety (90) days before the end of a fiscal year. The option shall be effective upon the first day of the following fiscal year. The parties acknowledge that TMA audit services shall not be provided for any parcel in a specific tax district if any TAXING AUTHORITY in that tax district does not sign, or subsequently Page 2 of 5 withdraws from, an agreement or memorandum of understanding for use of property tax collections to fund exemption audit services. Upon termination of this Agreement, Fees for all audits completed by TMA in effected tax districts up to the date of the notification of termination shall be payable in accordance with the terms provided by the TMA Audit Agreement. Because tax liens may not be paid within the term of this Agreement, the authorization of reduced collections for Fee payment shall survive the termination of the Agreement, and shall terminate upon the later of the collection and payment of all liens related to TMA audits, or the expiration of such liens as a matter of Florida law. 4. Severability: Should any provision, portion, or application of this Agreement be determined by a court of competent jurisdiction to be illegal,unenforceable, or in conflict with any applicable law or constitutional provision, or should future changes to Florida law conflict with any portion of this Agreement, the parties shall negotiate an equitable adjustment in the affected provisions of this Agreement with a view toward effecting the purpose of this Agreement, and the validity and enforceability of the remaining provisions, portions, or applications thereof, shall not be impaired. If a future change to Florida law conflicts with or preempts the entirety of this agreement, the agreement will be immediately terminated, subject to the termination provisions herein. 5. Public Records: The parties are public agencies subject to Florida's public records laws, including records retention, production, and confidentiality provisions. The PROPERTY APPRAISER and TAX COLLECTOR agree to retain all records maintained by their agencies and associated with the performance of this Agreement in compliance with applicable Florida records retention schedules, and to make all non-confidential or exempt records available for inspection or copying upon request and in compliance with Florida's public records laws. 6. Liability: The PROPERTY APPRAISER retains sole discretion and authority to grant,deny or remove exemptions, or file liens for undeserved Personal Exemptions in accordance with Florida law.All legal costs involving appeals of the removal of Personal Exemptions resulting from audits shall be the responsibility of the PROPERTY APPRAISER. The undersigned TAXING AUTHORITY has no decision-making authority in relation to exemptions or liens under this Agreement and assumes no liability for any claims, damages, losses, or expenses, direct, indirect or consequential, arising out of or resulting from the actions of TMA, the PROPERTY APPRAISER, or the TAX COLLECTOR under this Agreement or the TMA Audit Agreement. 7. Notice: Any notice required to be given under this Agreement shall be made in writing and sent by first class mail, postage paid, or by hand delivery to, the contact and address for the party as it appears on the signatory page of this Agreement. 8. Applicable Law: The terms and conditions of this Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Florida. Page 3 of 5 9. Sole Benefit: This Agreement is for the sole benefit of the parties hereto, and in no event shall this Agreement be construed to be for the benefit of any third party,nor shall any party be liable for any loss, liability, damages or expenses to any person not a party to this Agreement. 10. Headings: Headings herein are for convenience of reference only and shall not be considered in any interpretation of this Agreement. 11. Execution: The parties agree that this Agreement may be signed in counterparts. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed by the proper officer of each, as of the date first written above. PROPERTY APPRAISER: DATE: DANA BLICKLEY, CFA PROPERTY APPRAISER 400 SOUTH STREET TITUSVILLE,FL 32780 321-264-6700 APPROVED AS TO LEGAL FORM For the Property Appraiser: Signature: TAX COLLECTOR: DATE: LISA CULLEN,CFC TAX COLLECTOR 400 SOUTH STREET TITUSVILLE,FL 32780 321-264-6969 APPROVED AS TO LEGAL FORM For the Tax Collector: Signature: Page 4 of 5 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed by the proper officer of each, as of the date first written above. TAXING AUTHORITY NAME: AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE: PRINT NAME: TITLE: DATE SIGNED: PRIMARY CONTACT: ADDRESS 1: ADDRESS 2: CITY, STATE, ZIP: PHONE: EMAIL: APPROVED AS TO LEGAL FORM For the TAXING AUTHORITY: Signature: Name & Title: Page 5 of 5 Attachment 3 [FOR INFO ONLY-Watermark] Tax Management Associates, Incorporated & Brevard County, Florida Agreement for Provision of Exemption Audit Services for Tax Revenue Enhancement This Agreement (the "Agreement") is made and entered into this day of , 2017 by and between the BREVARD COUNTY PROPERTY APPRAISER, with its principal place of business located at 400 South St. Titusville, FL 32780 ("PROPERTY APPRAISER"), the BREVARD COUNTY TAX COLLECTOR, with its principal place of business located at 400 South St. Titusville, FL 32780 ("TAX COLLECTOR"), and TAX MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATES, INC, TMA] a company authorized to conduct business in Florida, to assist the PROPERTY APPRAISER through the performance of audits to verify entitlement to personal xemptions from ad valorem taxation granted on the County tax roll. The PROPERTY APPRAISER, TAX COLLECTOR, and TMA are hereinafter jointly referred to as "Parties." Contractual services may begin upon full execution of this contract. WITNESSETH: WHEREAS, the PROPERTY APPRAISER is responsible under Florida law for the administration of ad valorem property tax emptions and the preparing and filing of tax liens for back taxes related to the removal of undeserved exemptions; and WHEREAS, the TAX COLLECTOR is responsible under Florida law for the collection and distribution of ad valorem property taxes, including tax liens, and associated penalties, fees, interest; and WHEREAS THE PROPERTY APPRAISER desires to obtain services to Audit the Brevard County tax roll (hereinafter "Audit Services") to identify undeserved personal exemptions from ad valorem property tax. Such exemptions include, but may not be limited to, the homestead exemption granted pursuant to Article VII, section 6 of the Florida Constitution, and exemptions governed by Chapters 193 and 196, Florida Statutes (hereinafter collectively "Personal Exemptions"); and NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises mutually exchanged, the Parties agree as follows: 1) INCOPORATION OF RECITALS. The recitals set forth above are hereby incorporated into and deemed a part of this Agreement. 2) EXEMPTION AUDIT SERVICES a. TMA agrees to furnish Audit Services to identify undeserved Personal Exemptions on the Brevard County tax roll. The Audit Services provided by 1 [FOR INFO ONLY-Watermark] TMA will be performed in accordance with the terms and conditions in this Agreement and in compliance with all applicable Florida law. b. It is expressly agreed by the Parties that the PROPERTY APPRAISER shall retain the final discretion to act on any and all Audit recommendations made by TMA. The PROPERTY APPRAISER shall remove Personal Exemptions and prepare and file tax liens in accordance with governing Florida law and PROPERTY APPRAISER internal policies and procedures. The PROPERTY APPRAISER retains the right to limit a lien to certain tax years, waive penalties and interest, or revoke a lien, as allowed by Florida law. This Agreement does not, and shall not be construed to delegate any of the PROPERTY APPRAISER’S statutory duties, obligations, or decision-making authority related to the administration of exemptions. c. The PROPERTY APPRAISER shall assign properties to TMA for Audit Services as may hereafter be deemed appropriate. TMA agrees that no TMA employee will discuss any aspect of an Audit being performed, except with authorized TMA personnel, authorized PROPERTY APPRAISER or TAX COLLECTOR officials, and the property owner being audited (to the extent hereafter determined appropriate by the PROPERTY APPRAISER), unless otherwise directed to do so by the PROPERTY APPRAISER. All correspondence to property owners in connection with audits will be signed by the PROPERTY APPRAISER or by its authorized designee. d. TMA agrees to audit all Personal Exemptions assigned for Audit for the most current year and applicable prior years in compliance with Florida Statutes, which provide for property tax liens for undeserved Personal Exemption for up to ten (10) years. e. The PROPERTY APPRAISER agrees to make available to TMA the Brevard County tax roll of granted exemptions for the years for which audits are to be performed. Additionally, as necessary, the PROPERTY APPRAISER may make available copies of Personal Exemption applications and supporting documents, or information provided in said applications, subject to confidentiality provisions established by Florida law and addressed in Section (3), herein. f. TMA agrees to provide training to designated employees of the PROPERTY APPRAISER as to all aspects of the Audit Services provided pursuant to this Agreement. Any appropriate designee of the PROPERTY APPRAISER may perform an Audit with TMA personnel, provided the PROPERTY APPRAISER shall be responsible for any related expenses of such PROPERTY APPRAISER employee. 3) PUBLIC RECORDS RETENTION & CONFIDENTIALITY a. The PROPERTY APPRAISER and TAX COLLECTOR are public agencies subject to Florida’s Public Records Law, including records retention, production, and confidentiality provisions. 2 [FOR INFO ONLY-Watermark] b. TMA and its employees and agents shall be bound by all applicable public records laws to the same extent that those laws apply to the PROPERTY APPRAISER and TAX COLLECTOR, (collectively the “public agency”). These requirements include but may not be limited to those stated in Chapter 119, Florida Statutes, and Sections 193.114 and 193.074 Florida Statutes, under which social security numbers, Personal Exemption applications and supporting documents and any information provided within the application or supporting documents, are CONFIDENTIAL and EXEMPT from disclosure. c. Specifically, TMA agrees to i. Keep and maintain public records required by the public agency to perform the Audit Services. ii. Upon request from the public agency’s custodian of public records, provide the public agency with a copy of the requested records or allow the records to be inspected or copied within a reasonable time at a cost that does not exceed the cost provided by law. iii. Ensure that public records that are exempt or confidential and exempt from public records disclosure requirements are not disclosed except as authorized by law for the duration of the term of this Agreement and following completion of the contract if the contractor does not transfer the records to the public agency. iv. Upon completion of this Agreement, transfer, at no cost to the public agency, all public records in possession of TMA or keep and maintain public records required by the public agency to perform the Audit Services. If TMA transfers all public records to the public agency upon completion of this Agreement, TMA shall destroy any duplicate public records that are exempt or confidential and exempt from public records disclosure requirements. If TMA keeps and maintains public records upon completion of this Agreement, TMA shall meet all applicable requirements for retaining public records. All records stored electronically must be provided to the public agency, upon request from the public agency’s custodian of public records, in a format that is compatible with the information technology systems of the public agency. 4) COSTS AND PAYMENT FOR AUDIT SERVICES: a. For services furnished under this Agreement TMA shall be paid an amount equal to twenty-eight percent (28%) of the gross taxes, penalties, and interest collected by the Tax Collector in relation to the removal of Personal Exemptions as a result of any audit performed by TMA (hereinafter the “Fee”). i. The Property Appraiser shall file liens on properties submitted by TMA as ineligible for the homestead exemption when the Property Appraiser 3 [FOR INFO ONLY-Watermark] has determined in his sole discretion that such properties are ineligible for the exemption. ii. If, prior to filing a lien, the Property Appraiser determines in his sole and absolute discretion to not pursue the lien as such filing is not warranted or not supportable in a court of law, then such audit services shall be considered to not have produced any compensable service. iii. If, after filing a lien, the Property Appraiser determines to remove or delete, or otherwise abate amounts that are not properly owed on homestead properties as previously determined to be ineligible for the homestead exemption through the TMA audit, then TMA will not be paid on such amounts meeting these criteria. b. The Fee shall be calculated upon full or partial payment of any qualifying tax lien, whether payment is made prior to or after recording of the lien, and shall be calculated based on taxes levied by all taxing authorities in the tax district of the audited property for each tax year, pursuant to associated Interlocal Agreements with each taxing authority. If no Interlocal Agreement exists with a specific taxing authority for whatever reason, the PROPERTY APPRAISER shall not provide Personal Exemptions for that non-participating taxing authority to TMA for Audit Services. The partial or full payment of any tax lien arising during a period of non-participation by a taxing authority is not a qualifying tax lien, and no portion of the collection of a non-qualifying tax lien shall be included in the calculation of fees due TMA. c. The Fee shall be paid exclusively from the taxes, penalties, and interest collected in relation to the removal of Personal Exemptions as a result of audits performed by TMA. The Fee shall not be payable from future ad valorem tax levies. d. This Agreement does not constitute a pledge or general obligation of ad valorem taxation, or create any obligation on any taxing authority to appropriate or make monies available for the purpose of the Agreement for any tax year. This Agreement does not create the right in any party to compel the exercise of the ad valorem taxing power of any taxing authority, and does not impair the taxing power of any taxing authority. e. To facilitate TMA’s billing for audit fees, the Tax Collector agrees to provide TMA a monthly report listing all taxes, penalties and interest collected as a result of TMA’s audits. The report shall include the parcel number, property owner, site address of the properties audited, total collected amount and the collection date. This report, if possible, should be in spreadsheet format; if not available in spreadsheet format, a system-generated report will be acceptable. TMA shall then invoice the Tax Collector monthly for applicable Audit Fees based on the Tax Collector’s monthly report. Audit Fees will be due and payable within fifteen (15) days following the billing date. f. If the TAX COLLECTOR distributes a TMA Fee based on a lien payment that is subsequently reversed for any reason—including but not limited to a correction to the tax roll, a final judgment in a lawsuit, or a bounced check—the TAX 4 [FOR INFO ONLY-Watermark] COLLECTOR provides notice to TMA and TMA shall return the Fee to the Tax Collector. If, in a month immediately following the payment reversal, the total balance of TMA Fees for the monthly distribution exceeds the Fee made pursuant to the reversed payment (the “reversed Fee”), said reversed Fee will be withheld from the monthly distribution. Any such withholding will be reflected in the TAX COLLECTOR’S monthly report. If the balance of the TMA Fees in the following month is not sufficient to cover the reversed Fee, the TAX COLLECTOR will send TMA a bill for the remainder of the reversed fee, and TMA will remit the full amount billed within 30 days. Regardless, the Tax Collector may continue to withhold from payments owed to TMA such amounts as necessary to recover all reversed Fees. Should a reversed payment be subsequently repaid or otherwise restored for any reason, TMA retains the right to the reversed Fee, which will be redistributed upon receipt by the TAX COLLECTOR of a new payment, in full accordance with this Agreement. g. Collections on all properties the Property Appraiser authorizes TMA to send a Homestead Audit Questionnaire to that are identified by TMA as potentially having received undeserved Personal Exemption(s) shall be construed to be the result of the provided Audit Services and shall be subject to TMA’s Fee under these payment provisions. However, no fee shall be paid on properties the Property Appraiser identified as potentially having received undeserved Personal Exemptions prior to providing TMA the Personal Exemption data file, or if the PROPERTY APPRAISER discovers an undeserved Personal Exemption on a property that was not identified by TMA as potentially having received undeserved Personal Exemption(S), no Fee shall be paid in relation to that property. i. Each individual property, as denoted by the parcel identification number on the property tax roll, shall be treated as a separate account under these payment terms. Any individual account is severable and treated as unique and distinct in terms of the amount owned to TMA for services provided under this contract. Payments of the Fee for multiple accounts may be made together provided that an accounting of the Fee for each individual account is provided. h. All expenses incurred by TMA in performing audits under this Agreement including, but not limited to, travel, food, lodging, mileage, postage, salaries, etc. shall be the responsibility of TMA. TMA shall maintain a sufficient workforce of employees necessary to provide the contracted services, and there shall be no additional compensation paid to TMA for said employees. i. All legal costs involving appeals of the removal of Personal Exemptions resulting from audits shall be the responsibility of the PROPERTY APPRAISER. TMA shall be responsible for defending its audit findings throughout any appeals process, as appropriate and necessary, without additional cost to the PROPERTY APPRAISER. Defense of audit findings may include personal appearances at meetings with property owners or their representatives, and provision of testimony and evidence concerning information identified in an audit at any administrative, judicial, or quasi-judicial hearings. 5 [FOR INFO ONLY-Watermark] 5) TERMINATION a. This Agreement shall become effective from the date entered above and shall remain in effect for an initial term of twelve (12) months from the effective date as specified in a Notice to Proceed letter issued to TMA by the PROPERTY APPRAISER, and at the PROPERTY APPRAISER’S election, in his sole discretion, shall continue in effect thereafter on a year-to-year basis, but not to extend beyond April 12, 2021. After the initial term, any Party can terminate this agreement by providing thirty (30) days’ notice of termination to the other Parties in writing. b. If through any cause, TMA, the PROPERTY APPRAISER, or the TAX COLLECTOR fails to fulfill its obligations as provided by this Agreement, or materially violates any of the covenants or stipulations within this Agreement, or becomes unsatisfied with services rendered, and such failure or violation continues for thirty (30) days after written notice thereof by a Party, any Party shall thereupon have the right to terminate this Agreement immediately upon giving written notice to the other Parties. Said notice shall be delivered to the Parties by hand delivery or first class mail, postage paid to the mailing address as specified herein under “Notice.” c. In the event that the two largest county-wide taxing authorities terminate the Interlocal Agreement or sufficient funds are otherwise not available to support this Agreement for a new fiscal period, the PROPERTY APPRAISER shall notify TMA of such occurrence and the Agreement shall terminate on the last day of the current fiscal period without penalty or expense. In the event of such termination, Fees for all Audits completed by TMA up to the date of the notification of termination of the Interlocal Agreement or insufficient budgeted funds shall be payable in accordance with the terms provided by this Agreement. d. In the event of termination for any reason other than those specified in paragraph 5)c., all Audits assigned to TMA and on which TMA has initiated work or expended resources, shall be completed by TMA and all Fees for completed audits shall be payable in accordance with the terms as provided by this Agreement. Because tax liens may not be paid within the term of this Agreement, provisions related to the payment of Fees shall survive the termination of the Agreement term, and shall terminate upon the later of the collection and payment of all liens related to TMA audits, or five (5) years after a lien has been filed. e. Upon completion of all Audits, TMA shall provide any records related to this Agreement to the PROPERTY APPRAISER for record retention purposes, as further addressed in Section (3), herein. 6) GENERAL PROVISIONS a. INDEMNIFICATION: To the fullest extent permitted by law, TMA shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless the PROPERTY APPRAISER, TAX COLLECTOR, the taxing authorities, and their officials, agents, and employees, from and against all claims, damages, losses and expenses, direct, indirect or consequential (including, but not limited to, fees and charges of attorneys and 6 [FOR INFO ONLY-Watermark] other professionals and costs related to court action or arbitration) arising out of or resulting from the performance of this contract or the actions of TMA or its officials, employees, agents, or contractors under this Agreement or under any agreements entered into by TMA in connection with this Agreement. This indemnification shall survive the termination of this Agreement. b. NON-DISCRIMINATION: TMA represents that it has adopted and will maintain throughout the term of this Agreement a policy of nondiscrimination or harassment against any person with regard to race, color, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, political affiliation, national origin, disability, age, marital status, veteran status, or any other impermissible factor in recruitment, hiring, compensation, training, placement, promotion, discipline, demotion, transfers, layoff, recall, termination, working conditions and related terms and conditions of employment. c. LAW CONTROLLING: The laws of the state of Florida shall control and govern this Agreement. d. NON-ASSIGNMENT: This Agreement is not assignable by any Party, by operation of law or otherwise. e. MODIFICATION: This Agreement may be modified only by a written agreement executed by all Parties hereto. f. ENTIRE AGREEMENT: This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement of the Parties and no other agreement or modification to this agreement, expressed or implied, shall be binding on any Party unless same shall be in writing and signed by all Parties. This Agreement may not be orally modified. Any modifications must be in writing, expressly titled a modification or addendum to this Agreement, attached to this Agreement, and signed by all Parties. g. SEVERABILITY: Should any provision, portion, or application thereof of this Agreement be determined by a court of competent jurisdiction to be illegal, unenforceable, or in conflict with any applicable law or constitutional provision, or should future changes to Florida law conflict with any portion of this Agreement, the Parties shall negotiate an equitable adjustment in the affected provisions of this Agreement with a view toward effecting the purpose of this Agreement, and the validity and enforceability of the remaining provisions, portions, or applications thereof, shall not be impaired. If a future change to Florida law conflicts with or preempts the entirety of this Agreement, the Agreement will be immediately terminated, subject to the public records provisions herein. h. HEADINGS: The subject headings of the paragraphs are included for purposes of convenience only and shall not affect the construction or interpretation of any of its provisions. This Agreement shall be deemed to have been drafted by all Parties, and no purposes of interpretation shall be made to the contrary. 7 [FOR INFO ONLY-Watermark] i. NOTICE: Any notices to be given or submitted by any Party to the others pursuant to this Agreement shall be made in writing and sent by first class mail, postage paid or by hand delivery to: PROPERTY APPRAISER: BREVARD COUNTY PROPERTY APPRAISER 400 South Street Titusville, FL 32780 ATTN: Dana Blickley, Property Appraiser TAX COLLECTOR: BREVARD COUNTY TAX COLLECTOR 400 South Street Titusville, FL 32780 ATTN: Lisa Cullen, Tax Collector TMA: TAX MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATES, INC 2225 Coronation Blvd. Charlotte, NC 28227 ATTN: Richard Cooke, Jr., Chief Executive Officer EXECUTED AND ENTERED INTO BY THE PARTIES HERETO. PROPERTY APPRAISER AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE: ____________________________________ DATE: ______________________________ Dana Blickley TITLE: As PROPERTY APPRAISER BREVARD COUNTY PROPERTY APPRAISER STATE OF FLORIDA COUNTY OF BREVARD The foregoing instrument was acknowledged before me this _________ day of _____________, 2017, by, Dana Blickley as Brevard County Property Appraiser, who is personally known to me or has produced ____________ as identification. ____________ ___________________________________ Notary Public Signature __________________ Notary Seal: TAX COLLECTOR AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE: 8 [FOR INFO ONLY-Watermark] ____________________________________ DATE: ______________________________ Lisa Cullen TITLE: As TAX COLLECTOR BREVARD COUNTY TAX COLLECTOR STATE OF FLORIDA COUNTY OF BREVARD The foregoing instrument was acknowledged before me this _________ day of _____________, 2017, by Lisa Cullen as Brevard County Tax Collector, who is personally known to me or has produced ____________ as identification. ____________ ___________________________________ Notary Public Signature __________________ Notary Seal: TMA AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE: ____________________________________ DATE: ______________________________ Richard Cooke, Jr. TITLE: As CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER TAX MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATES, INC STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF Mecklenburg The foregoing instrument was acknowledged before me this _________ day of _____________, 2017, by, __________________________ as __________________________ of ____________________________, on behalf of the company, who is personally known to me or has produced ____________ as identification. ___________________________________ Notary Public Signature _______________ Notary Seal: APPROVED AS TO LEGAL FORM AS TO THE PROPERTY APPRAISER AND TAX COLLECTOR ONLY BY THE OFFICE OF GENERAL COUNCIL, BREVARD COUNTY Signature: ________________________________ 9 [City Seal] City of Cape Canaveral City Council Agenda Form City Council Meeting Date: 3/21/2017 Item No. 4 Subject: Ordinance No. 04-2017; establishing minimum dimensions for automobile parking spaces within the City;providing for the repeal of prior inconsistent ordinances and resolutions, severability, incorporation into the City Code and an effective date, first reading. Department: Community Development Summary:Currently,City Code states an offstreet parking space"consists of a minimum paved area of 200 square feet for parking an automobile, exclusive of access drives or aisles thereto." This is the only reference in the Code that provides any type of dimensional standard for a parking space.Note that no minimum width or length for a space is included. This is not typical of local government codes and creates an opportunity for unconventionally sized parking spaces. The following table includes the dimensional parking space standards for a sampling of Florida cities/counties: [Table] Location Width Length SQ.Ft. Cape Canaveral n.a. n.a. 200 N.Miami Beach 9 18 162 Cocoa Beach 9 20 180 Cocoa 10 20 200 Melbourne 10 20 200 Titusville 10 20 200 Daytona Beach 9 19 171 Lakeland 9 18 162 Ocala 9.5 19 180.5 Brevard County 9 20 180 Parking spaces also vary in dimension by the layout/location of the space.A typical parallel parking space is 10 feet wide by 24 feet long. This allows for the proper maneuvering of a vehicle. Many jurisdictions allow for a certain percentage of total parking spaces to be designated as "compact" for use by smaller vehicles.These spaces can be as small as 16 feet in length and 7.5 feet in width. Angled parking varies by the angle of the space and the width of the aisle. Any discussion about the minimum parking space size needs to include an understanding of the size of today's vehicles. Throughout the last several decades,vehicle sizes have varied and in large part have changed according to the prevailing gas price. The average mid-size sedan is approximately 71.4 inches by 190 inches. The average SUV is 78.2 inches by 208 inches and the average compact car is 68.8 inches by 177 inches. In the 1971 version of the City's Zoning Ordinance,the definition of an offstreet parking space required a minimum of 200 square feet with minimum dimensions of 10 feet by 20 feet. In 1983, an offstreet parking space required 200 square feet. There was no minimum width or height. Also, for property zoned C-1 or M-1, sites that included more than 400 spaces could dedicate up to twenty-five percent (25%) of those spaces for compact car parking. These spaces could City Council Meeting Date: 3/21/2017 Item No. 4 Page 2 of 2 consist of a minimum of 160 square feet. In 1994, the definition read the same as the 1983 version. As indicated above, today's Code does not provide dimensional standards related to automobile parking spaces. In response, Staff has prepared Ordinance No. 04-2017 to revise the definition of a parking space to provide minimum dimensional standards.As proposed,an offstreet parking space shall be defined as: Parking space, offstreet, consists of a minimum paved area of 290 180 square feet for parking an automobile, exclusive of access drives or aisles thereto. The minimum dimensions of each offstreet parking space shall be as set forth in Section 110-494. Sec. 110-94.—Dimensions. Offstreet parking spaces shall consist of a minimum paved area of 180 square feet for parking an automobile, exclusive of access drives or aisles thereto. The minimum width of each space shall be 10 feet and minimum length shall be 18 feet. At its February 22, 2017 regular meeting, the Planning & Zoning Board unanimously recommended to City Council the changes indicated in the proposed Ordinance. Submitting Department Director: David Dickey [initials] Date: 13 MAR 17 Attachment: Ordinance No. 04-2017 Financial Impact: Cost of Ordinance preparation, advertisement, codification and Staff time and effort to prepare this Agenda Item. Reviewed by Administrative/Financial Services Director: John DeLeo [initials] Date: 9 MAR 17 The City Manager recommends that City Council takkthe following action: Approve Ordinance No. 04-2017 on first reading. Approved by City Manager: David L. Greene [initials] Date: 3/10/17 ORDINANCE NO. 04-2017 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CAPE CANAVERAL, BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA; ESTABLISHING MINIMUM DIMENSIONS FOR AUTOMOBILE PARKING SPACES WITHIN THE CITY; PROVIDING FOR THE REPEAL OF PRIOR INCONSISTENT ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS, SEVERABILITY, INCORPORATION INTO THE CITY CODE AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE. WHEREAS, the City is granted the authority, under Section 2(b), Article VIII, of the State Constitution, to exercise any power for municipal purposes, except when expressly prohibited by law; and WHEREAS, currently, the City Code provides only that automobile parking spaces shall have a minimum paved area of 200 square feet, without establishing minimum dimensions for such parking spaces; and WHEREAS, the City Council of Cape Canaveral desires to establish minimum dimensions for automobile parking spaces within the City to ensure future parking spaces are consistent in size throughout the City and large enough to accommodate average-sized automobiles; and WHEREAS, the City's Planning and Zoning Board recommended approval of this Ordinance at its February 22, 2017 regular meeting; and WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Cape Canaveral, Florida, hereby finds this ordinance to be in the best interests of the public health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of Cape Canaveral. NOW,THEREFORE,BE IT ENACTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CAPE CANAVERAL,BREVARD COUNTY,FLORIDA,AS FOLLOWS: Section 1. Recitals. The foregoing recitals are hereby fully incorporated herein by this reference as legislative findings and the intent and purpose of the City Council of the City of Cape Canaveral. Section 2. Code Amendment. Chapter 110 of the Code of Ordinances, City of Cape Canaveral, Florida, is hereby amended as follows (underlined type indicates additions and strikeout type indicates deletions, while asterisks (* * *) indicate a deletion from this Ordinance of text existing in Chapter 110. It is intended that the text in Chapter 110 denoted by the asterisks and set forth in this Ordinance shall remain unchanged from the language existing prior to adoption of this Ordinance): Chapter 110 Zoning ARTICLE I.—In General City of Cape Canaveral Ordinance No.04-2017 Page 1 of 4 Sec. 110-1.—Definitions. The following words,terms and phrases,when used in this chapter,shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning: Parking space, offstreet, consists of a minimum paved area of 200 180 square feet for parking an automobile, exclusive of access drives or aisles thereto. The minimum dimensions of each offstreet parking space shall be as set forth in section 110-494. * * * ARTICLE VIII—RESIDENTIAL PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENTS * * * DIVISION 3.—LAND USE REGULATIONS * * * Sec. 110-442. - Offstreet parking. In a residential planned unit development, offstreet parking shall be provided as follows: (1) For primary residential uses, a minimum of three parking spaces per dwelling unit shall be provided, unless a reduction in parking is specifically authorized by the city council as recommended by the planning and zoning board. Each space must contain at least [strike-out 200] 180 square feet of area, shall conform to offstreet parking dimensional requirements as set forth in section 110-494, and shall be convenient to residential use. Parking areas shall not be separated from associated structures by any public right-of-way. Parking areas shall be landscaped in accordance with section 110-567. * * * ARTICLE IX.—SUPPLEMENTARY DISTRICT REGULATIONS * * * DIVISION 2.— OFFSTREET PARKING * * * Sec. 110-494.—Dimensions. Offstreet parking spaces shall consist of a minimum paved area of 180 square feet for parking an automobile, exclusive of access drives or aisles thereto. The minimum width of each space shall be 10 feet and minimum length shall be 18 feet. City of Cape Canaveral Ordinance No.04-2017 Page 2 of 4 * * * ARTICLE X.—A1A ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY OVERLAY DISTRICT * * * DIVISION 5.—PARKING * * * Sec. 110-671.—Dimensions. Each space must contain at least 180 square feet of area and shall conform to offstreet parking dimensional requirements as set forth in section 110-494. * * * Section 3. Code Amendment. Chapter 80 of the Code of Ordinances, City of Cape Canaveral, Florida, is hereby amended as follows (underlined type indicates additions and strikeout type indicates deletions, while asterisks (* * *) indicate a deletion from this Ordinance of text existing in Chapter 80. It is intended that the text in Chapter 80 denoted by the asterisks and set forth in this Ordinance shall remain unchanged from the language existing prior to adoption of this Ordinance): Chapter 80 Vehicles for Hire * * * ARTICLE IV.—REGULATIONS * * * Sec. 80-82.—Stands, depots,terminals and parking. (a) Each owner or holder of a certificate of public convenience and necessity shall provide a stand, depot or terminal at his place of business for off-street parking or garage space of sufficient size to accommodate each vehicle authorized by such certificate. For the purpose of this section, [strike-out 200] 180 square feet of lot or floor area meeting dimensional requirements as set forth in section 110-494,together with approved means of ingress and egress thereto, shall be deemed to be a minimum parking area or garage space for one vehicle. * * * Section 4. Repeal of Prior Inconsistent Ordinances and Resolutions. All prior inconsistent ordinances and resolutions adopted by the City Council, or parts of prior ordinances and resolutions in conflict herewith, are hereby repealed to the extent of the conflict. City of Cape Canaveral Ordinance No.04-2017 Page 3 of 4 Section 5. Incorporation Into Code. This Ordinance shall be incorporated into the Cape Canaveral City Code and any section or paragraph, number or letter and any heading may be changed or modified as necessary to effectuate the foregoing. Grammatical, typographical, and like errors may be corrected and additions, alterations, and omissions, not affecting the construction or meaning of this Ordinance and the City Code may be freely made. Section 6. Severability. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase, word or provision of this Ordinance is for any reason held invalid or unconstitutional by any court of competent jurisdiction,whether for substantive,procedural, or any other reason, such portion shall be deemed a separate, distinct and independent provision, and such holding shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Ordinance. Section 7. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall become effective immediately upon adoption by the City Council of the City of Cape Canaveral, Florida. ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Cape Canaveral, Florida, this day of , 2017. Bob Hoog,Mayor ATTEST: For Against Mike Brown Mia Goforth,CMC Robert Hoog City Clerk Brendan McMillin Rocky Randels Betty Walsh Approved as to legal form and sufficiency for the City of Cape Canaveral only by: Anthony A. Garganese, City Attorney City of Cape Canaveral Ordinance No.04-2017 Page 4 of 4 City of Cape Canaveral City Council Agenda Form [City seal] City Council Meeting Date: 3/21/2017 Item No. 5 Subject: PACE Program Membership Discussion. Department: Community Development Summary: In 2010,the Florida Legislature adopted HB 7179, creating Section 163.08, Florida Statutes,which emphasizes it is the public policy of the State to play a leading role in developing and instituting energy management programs that promote energy conservation,energy security, and the reduction of greenhouse gases. Further,the State promotes the use of renewable energy. In furtherance of this public policy, Section 163.08, Florida Statutes, states that the Legislature finds there is a compelling state interest in enabling property owners to voluntarily finance qualifying improvements with local government assistance that promote energy conservation and efficiency. Section 163.08, Florida Statutes, supplements municipal home rule. The basic premise involves a local government making funding available to commercial and residential property owners as a means to finance the costs of installing qualifying improvements. In Florida, the term "qualifying improvement" is statutorily defined to mean: 1. Energy conservation and efficiency improvements which reduce consumption through conservation or a more efficient use of electricity,natural gas,propane, or other forms of energy on property including, but not limited to, air sealing, installation of energy efficient heating, cooling, or ventilation systems, building modifications to increase the use of daylight, replacement windows, installation of energy controls or energy recovery systems, installation of electric vehicle charging equipment, and installation of efficient lighting equipment; and 2. Renewable energy improvement,which is the installation of any system in which electrical, mechanical,or thermal energy is produced from a method that uses one or more of the following fuel sources: hydrogen, solar energy, geothermal energy, bioenergy and wind energy; and 3. Wind resistance improvements such as improving the strength of roof deck attachments, creating a secondary water barrier to prevent water intrusion, installing wind resistant shingles, gable-end bracing,storm shutters,opening protections and reinforcing roof-to wall connections. Section 163.08, Florida Statutes authorizes local governments to enter into partnerships with one or more local governments for the purpose of providing and financing qualifying improvements. Several of these partnerships have been formed in the State of Florida by local governments. Three such partnerships have recently approached the City of Cape Canaveral requesting that the City join their respective partnership and PACE Program. They are: 1. Green Corridor Property Assessment Clean Energy (PACE) District, a public body corporate and politic created as a separate legal entity pursuant to Section 163.01(7), Florida Statutes by Cutler Bay, Village of Palmetto Bay, Village of Pinecrest, City of South Miami, Miami Shores Village, City of Coral Cables and City of Miami. City Council Meeting Date: 3/21/2017 PACE Program Membership Discussion Page 2 of 5 2. Florida Resiliency And Energy District ("Fred"), a public body corporate and politic created as a separate legal entity pursuant to Section 163.01(7), Florida Statutes by Town of Lake Clarke Shores, the City of Fernandina Beach. 3. Florida Green Finance Authority, a public body corporate and politic created as a separate legal entity pursuant to Section 163.01(7), Florida Statutes by the Town of Lantana and the Town of Mangonia Park. In addition, Staff is aware of at least one other PACE Program: Florida PACE Funding Agency,a public body corporate and politic created as a separate legal entity pursuant to Section 163.01(7), Florida Statutes by Flagler County and the City of Kissimmee. Each of these partnerships appear to run separate and distinct Pace Programs consistent with Florida law. Some appear to primarily focus on either residential or commercial properties, while others focus on both. Generally,each partnership will serve as the means of implementing and financing qualifying improvements, as defined by Section 163.08, Florida Statutes. Particularly, the partnership will levy voluntary non-ad valorem assessments on the benefitted properties within the boundary of the respective Pace service area or district to help finance the costs of qualifying improvements for those individual properties participating in the partnership's adopted Pace Program. Each of these partnerships have been created by Interlocal Agreement that expressly allow other local governments, like Cape Canaveral, to join the partnership/district. When other local governments join the partnership/district,the joining local government's jurisdictional limits become part of the overall service area of the partnership's Pace program. At the appropriate time, the City Council will need to determine which PACE partnership or partnerships to join as a member, and will need to approve a resolution and other membership documents authorizing the partnership to operate within the jurisdictional limits of the City of Cape Canaveral. Once the City Council makes this determination and approves the resolution and documents, the City's jurisdictional limits will become part of the overall partnership/district boundaries for purposes of implementing that partnership's/district's PACE Program. Besides making additional funding available for qualifying improvements,it is important for the City Council to understand that a key and unique component of Section 163.08, Florida Statutes, is that once the City Council establishes a clean energy program within the jurisdictional limits of the City, the City of Cape Canaveral may levy non-ad valorem assessments on real property to fund qualifying improvements for Cape Canaveral property owners, who wish to participate in the Pace Program. Regarding available capital resources and the validity of each partnership/district, it Staff's understanding that several of the partnerships have validated revenue bonds, in varying amounts, pursuant to Florida law. These bond proceeds are used to lend funds to property owners to pay for the qualifying improvements. For example, in the case,Green Corridor Property Assessment Clean Energy(PACE) District v. State of Florida et. al. (Case No. 2012 CA 002897), the Green City Council Meeting Date: 3/21/2017 PACE Program Membership Discussion Page 3 of 5 Corridor Property Assessment Clean Energy (PACE) District validated revenue bonds not to exceed $500,000,000. Regarding management of the Pace Program, it understanding that each of the partnerships/districts have retained the services of a qualified and exclusive third party administrator. The third party administrator manages the Pace Program for their respective partnership/district. Each third party administrator appears to have their own platform to run a PACE Program. For example, Ygrene Energy Fund Florida, LLC is the third party administrator for Green Corridor, Renew Financial for Florida Green, Renovate America for FRED, and AllianceNRG for Florida Pace. City staff is conducting a cursory evaluation of each platform to determine any key features and/or distinctions that may make one platform better suited for Cape Canaveral. Under the PACE Program,a property owner can finance eligible improvements over time which will be secured by a continuing annual, non-ad valorem assessment on the property. Generally, loans can vary in amount and are limited by a percent of the property's assessed value by the local property appraiser. The acquisition of the qualifying improvements and the financing thereof through special assessments is completely voluntary and only initiated by the property owner upon filing an application and written consent of the property owner. Special assessments imposed under the PACE Program must be collected by the uniform method of collecting non-ad valorem assessments set forth in Section 197.3632,Florida Statutes,which provides that the assessments must be collected in the same manner and at the same time as the City of Cape Canaveral's ad valorem taxes. Such taxes become due and payable on November 1 of the year when assessed and constitute a lien upon the land. The assessment (financing of the improvements) is repaid over a period of years which should not exceed the useful life of the improvements. The non- ad valorem tax assessment is not subject to discount for early payment and treated with the same priority as property taxes and therefore is superior to a mortgage.The tax payer must make a complete payment and cannot designate specific line items on his or her tax bill as deemed paid in full. In other words, the tax payer must by law pay all ad valorem taxes and any non-ad valorem assessment under the PACE Program in full when due. Further, since the loan is not tied to the property owner,but to the property,issues such as credit scores/worthiness are significantly reduced. Further, given that the qualifying improvements are funded by special assessment, the assessment is secured by real property and is not subject to acceleration upon the sale or transfer of the property, which enables the new property owner to merely step into the place of the previous owner and assume the responsibility of paying the remaining balance due on the funding provided to make the qualifying improvements. However, if repayment is not made by the property owner, the subject property will be subject to delinquency enforcement procedures related to ad valorem taxes and non-ad valorem assessments. Assessments collected thereunder are not enforced through foreclosure or similar court room proceedings, but rather through the statutory tax certificate/tax deed process administrated by the county tax collector on behalf of the local government imposing the assessment. City Council Meeting Date: 3/21/2017 PACE Program Membership Discussion Page 4 of 5 From an operational and managerial standpoint,it is also important for the City Council to know that the usual statutory special assessment notice and hearing requirements do not apply so long as the Program is noticed and operated in accordance with Section 163.08, Florida Statutes. Generally, local governments appear to support PACE programs because the programs promote local jobs for contractors, and there is additional revenue through permit fees for PACE projects. PACE projects may increase property values, creating another tax revenue enhancement for local governments. PACE also provides a strategy to reduce community-wide greenhouse gas emissions and save money on utility bills. Notwithstanding the foregoing, PACE programs have not been without controversy or concern, especially in the residential mortgage lending arena. Lenders have pushed back primarily on the priority status of the PACE special assessment. Further, the FHA (Federal Housing Administration)has had significant issues with the priority status as well, and at one time it was uncertain whether the FHA or VA (Veterans Affairs) could insure or guarantee mortgages on properties that included a PACE assessment. However, last year on July 19, 2016, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development issued new guidelines regarding PACE. The Guidelines are attached to this Agenda Item. Relevant is the stipulation that the FHA and VA will insure or guarantee such mortgages. But, outstanding PACE loan obligations will not take first lien position ahead of the FHA-insured or VA guaranteed mortgage,with the exception that delinquent regularly scheduled PACE special assessment payments will have priority status. Priority over a FHA or VA insured mortgage is not granted for any acceleration of the full obligation; only the past-due amount is given priority. Two short articles are attached to this Agenda Item summarizing some of the concerns mentioned above. Although staff does not anticipate any significant negative impacts from the PACE Program, the local residential mortgage and real estate industry, and current and future homeowners within the City, will obviously have to adjust to the existence of the PACE Program, should the Council adopt the program. The loan financed under a PACE Program does not just affect the current property owner obtaining the loan and making the qualifying improvements. Rather,because the ongoing special assessment will run with the land until paid in full, the special assessment and qualifying improvements will undoubtedly become a factor in future transactions involving the subject property including sale and lease transactions, mortgages, refmances, etc. At this time, it is uncertain as to what short or long term impact (positive or negative) the PACE Program will have on the local residential mortgage and real estate industry within the City of Cape Canaveral. Local implementation of the PACE program will require action by the City Council to include adoption of a resolution and a membership agreement to join a specific PACE partnership/district. Because there appear to be distinct choices given the number of partnerships/districts formed and operating in Florida, City staff is evaluating each available partnership/district, and their respective third party administrator, to determine which partnership/district is best suited for Cape Canaveral. It may even be conceivable or advisable City Council Meeting Date: 3/21/2017 PACE Program Membership Discussion Page 5 of 5 to join multiple partnerships/districts over time so that residents have choices. In addition, the City Attorney has been evaluating a variety of legal instruments related to several PACE Programs for legal form and sufficiency. It is recommended that the Council authorize Staff to continue with conducting due diligence regarding the adoption of a PACE program within the City of Cape Canaveral, and to present a final recommendation at a subsequent City Council meeting. Submitting Department Director: David Dickey [initials] Date: 3-14-17 Attachments: 1. HUD PACE Guidelines, dated July 19, 2016 2. Two Short Sample Articles(ALTA and Housingwire) Financial Impact: TBD Reviewed by Administrative/Financial Services Director: John DeLeo [initials] Date: 3/14/17 The City Manager recommends that City Council take the following action: Authorize Staff to continue with conducting due diligence regarding the adoption of a PACE program within the City of Cape Canaveral, and to present a final recommendation at a subsequent City Council meeting. Approved by City Manager: David L. Greene [initials] Date: 3/14/17 Attachment 1 [seal] U.S.DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT WASHINGTON, DC 20410-8000 ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR HOUSING- FEDERAL HOUSING COMbIISSIONER July 19, 2016 Mortgagee Letter 2016-11 To All FHA Approved Mortgagees All Direct Endorsement Underwriters All FHA Roster Appraisers All FHA Roster Inspectors All FHA Approved 203(k)Consultants All HUD Approved Housing Counselors All HUD Approved Nonprofit Organizations All Governmental Entity Participants All Real Estate Brokers All Closing Agents Subject Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) Purpose This transmits updates to the following sections of HUD Handbook 4000.1, Single Family Policy Handbook • Section II.A.1.a.i(E)(1)(a)(iii), Sales Contract and Supporting Documentation • Section II.A.1.a.iii(B)(6)(e), Additional Requirements When Ordering an Appraisal • Section II.A.1.b.iv(A)(6), Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) • Section II.A.4.a.iii(A)(1), Automated Underwriting System Data Entry Requirements • Section II.A.4.d.iii(G)(2),Interested Party Contributions (TOTAL) • Section II.A.5.c.iii(G)(2),Interested Party Contributions (Manual) • Section II.A.5.d.vii(B), Calculating Total Mortgage Payment • Section II.A.6.a.viii(A),Monthly Escrow Obligation • Section IID.12.d.iv, Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) www.hud.gov espanol.hud.gov Mortgagee Letter 2016-11, Continued Effective Date These Handbook sections are effective for all case numbers assigned on or after 60 days from publication of this Mortgagee Letter; however, Mortgagees may begin using the policy immediately. 4000.1 FHA The attached updates to HUD's Single Family Housing Policy Handbook Single Family 4000.1 will be incorporated in a future publication of the Handbook. Housing Policy Handbook Background FHA supports the goals of clean energy, energy efficiency, and resilience. Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) programs may provide an alternative means of financing energy and other PACE-allowed improvements to residential properties using financing provided by private enterprises in conjunction with state and local governments. The terms and conditions of the PACE obligation may vary by state, local government, and PACE program. PACE programs also determine the scope of allowable improvements made under their respective PACE programs. Generally, the repayment of the PACE obligation is collected in the same manner as a special assessment is collected by the local government, rather than paid directly by the Borrower to the party providing the PACE financing. Generally, the PACE obligation is also secured in the same manner as a special assessment against the property. In the event of the sale, including a foreclosure sale, of the property with outstanding PACE financing, the obligation will continue with the property causing the new homeowner to be responsible for the payments on the outstanding PACE amount. In cases of foreclosure, priority collection of delinquent payments for the PACE assessment may be waived or relinquished. The Department of Energy is updating its Best Practices Guidelines for Residential PACE Financing,which may be used by states and counties to align with their consumer protection goals. FHA regulations at 24 CFR§203.32(a)require, in part,that with certain exceptions, at the time the mortgage is offered for insurance, the property must be free and clear of any liens other than the FHA-insured mortgage. In addition, FHA regulations at 24 CFR§203.41(c)(2)require that any restrictions on conveyance automatically terminate if title to the mortgaged property is transferred by foreclosure or deed-in-lieu of foreclosure, or if the FHA-insured mortgage is assigned to the Secretary. Continued on next page 2 Mortgagee Letter 2016-11,Continued Attached to this ML are additions and revisions to the Handbook 4000.1. The following is a summary of Title II Forward Mortgage policy changes,which is provided for informational purposes only. Outstanding PACE Obligations Properties which will remain encumbered with a PACE obligation may be eligible for FHA-insured mortgage financing,provided that the mortgagee determines that the following requirements have been met: • under the laws of the state where the property is located,the PACE obligation is collected and secured by the creditor in the same manner as a special assessment against the property; • the property may only become subject to an enforceable claim (i.e., a lien) that is superior to the FHA-insured mortgage for delinquent regularly scheduled PACE special assessment payments. The property shall not be subject to an enforceable claim (i.e., lien) superior to the FHA-insured mortgage for the full outstanding PACE obligation at any time (i.e., through acceleration of the full obligation.) However, a notice of lien for the full PACE obligation may be recorded in the land records; • there are no terms or conditions that limit the transfer of the property to a new homeowner. Legal restrictions on conveyance arising from a PACE obligation that could require the consent of a third party before the owner can convey the real property are prohibited, unless such provisions may be terminated at the option of, and with no cost to, the homeowner; • the existence of a PACE obligation on a property is readily apparent to mortgagees, appraisers, borrowers and other parties to an FHA- insured mortgage transaction in the public records and must show the obligation amount, the expiration date and cause of the expiration of the assessment, and in no case may default accelerate the expiration date; and • in the event of the sale, including a foreclosure sale, of the property with outstanding PACE financing, the obligation will continue with the property causing the new homeowner to be responsible for the payments on the outstanding PACE amount. Disclosure of PACE Obligation, Terms and Conditions upon Sale For properties with existing PACE obligations, the property sales contract must indicate whether the obligation will remain with the property or be satisfied by the seller at,or prior to closing. Where the obligation will Continued on next page 3 Mortgagee Letter 2016-11, Continued (continued) remain, all terms and conditions of the PACE obligation must be fully disclosed to the borrower and made part of the sales contract between the seller and the borrower. Appraisal Requirements Where energy and other PACE-allowed improvements have been made to the property through a PACE program, and the PACE obligation will remain outstanding, the appraiser must analyze and report the impact on the value of the property, whether positive or negative, of the PACE-related improvements and any additional obligation (i.e.,the PACE special assessment). Home Equity These policies are not applicable to Home Equity Conversion Mortgages Conversion (HECM) or Title I Loans. Properties with PACE obligations are not eligible Mortgages for an FHA.-insured HECM or Title I Loan. And Title I Loans Information The information collection requirements contained in this document have Collection been approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501-3520) and assigned OMB control number 2502-0059 and OMB Control number 2502-0538. In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act,HUD may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless the collection displays a currently valid OMB control number. Questions Please address any questions about the topics addressed in this Mortgagee Letter to the FHA Resource Center at (800) 225-5342. Persons with hearing or speech impairments may reach this number via TTY by calling the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. For additional information on this Mortgagee Letter, please visit www.hud.gov/answers. Signature Edward L. Golding Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Housing Attachments [hyperlinks]1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10 (Download [hyperlink] zip file) 4 3/11/2017 ALTA-ALTA Urges FHA,VA to Suspend Proposed PACE Loan Rules Attachment 2 TitleNews Online Archive [logo] AMERICAN LAND TITLE ASSOCIATION ALTA Urges FHA, VA to Suspend Proposed PACE Loan Rules August 18, 2016 ALTA joined several other trade associations including the Mortgage Bankers Association and National Association of Realtors sharing concern over proposed federal rules for Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) loans. In July, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development outlined circumstances under which the Federal Housing Administration and Department of Veterans Affairs could insure or guaranty mortgages on properties that include PACE assessments. The guidance allows the FHA and VA to approve purchase and refinance mortgage applications in states that treat PACE obligations as special assessments similar to property taxes. Among the requirements in the new guidance is the stipulation that the outstanding PACE loan obligation does not take first lien position ahead of the FHA-insured or VA-guaranteed mortgage. In an Aug. 16 letter, however, the 11 trade associations said the guidance provides that delinquent PACE loan amounts will retain a first lien position. "Allowing any PACE loan amount to hold a senior priority undermines the lender's (and the government's) collateral position and disrupts the very nature of secured lending,"the letter says. The trade groups also believe the guidance raises several consumer protection issues. "Although outstanding PACE loan obligations technically'run with property,' real estate professionals report that many subsequent purchasers of these homes reject the presence of a PACE payment obligation and insist that the seller extinguish the PACE financing before consummating the purchase," the letter says. "This leaves the original borrowers with a closing table surprise and far less in sale proceeds than they anticipated." Because of these reasons,ALTA urged the FHA and VA to suspend the applicability of the proposed PACE guidelines and issue the proposal for notice and comment. Contact ALTA at 202-296-3671 or communications@alta.org. https://www.alta.org/news/news.cfm?20160818-ALTA-Urges-FHA-VA-to-Suspend-Proposed-PACE-Loan-Rules 1/1 3/11/2017 Housing industry's biggest trade groups push FHA to reconsider PACE rules | 2016-08-17 | HousingWire [logo] HW HOUSINGWIRE Housing industry's biggest trade groups push FHA to reconsider PACE rules Concerned about energy improvement loans being given super priority status Ben Lane August 17, 2016 Last month, the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Federal Housing Administration announced that the FHA will soon begin insuring mortgages that also carry liens created by energy retrofit programs, as long as the energy lien remains subordinate to the mortgage. But the housing industry's biggest trade groups are concerned with the details of the FHA's new rules surrounding loans created by the Property Assessed Clean Energy program, also called PACE loans. Through the PACE program, homeowners can obtain financing to make improvements to their homes to increase the home's energy efficiency. And the FHA's new PACE rules state the FHA will now approve purchase and refinance mortgage applications in states that treat PACE obligations as special assessments similar to property taxes. But that arrangement has the Mortgage Bankers Association, the National Association of Realtors, the Appraisal Institute, and several other large trade groups worry about the potential for PACE loans to be given super priority loan status, despite the FHA's rules being designed to avoid that specific issue. "The guidance issued for the FHA and by the VA on July 19. 2016 now allows for the approval of mortgages for the purchase or refinance of properties with PACE obligations,provided they meet certain requirements,"the trade groups write in a letter addressed to HUD and the Department of Veterans Affairs. "Among the requirements in the new guidance is the stipulation that the outstanding PACE loan obligation does not take first lien position ahead of the FHA-insured or VA-guaranteed mortgage,"the groups continue. "However, the guidance does provide that delinquent PACE loan amounts will retain a first lien position,"the groups state. "Allowing any PACE loan amount to hold a senior priority undermines the lender's (and the government's) collateral position and disrupts the very nature of secured lending." The groups, which also include the American Bankers Association,the American Land Title Association, the Credit Union National Association, the Housing Policy Council of the Financial Services Roundtable, the Independent Community Bankers of America, the National Association of Federal Credit Unions, the Real Estate Services Providers Council, and the Realty Alliance, state that the language of the new rule isn't strong enough. "Rather than requiring definitive subordination of the PACE loan to the FHA or VA mortgage, the new guidance simply declares that a PACE loan structured as a tax assessment is not a super lien,"the groups state. "But this declaration is a form over substance evasion that fails to protect the FHA Mutual Mortgage Insurance Fund and the VA loan guaranty program." http://www.housingwire.com/articles/print/37813-housing-industrys-biggest-trade-groups-push-fha-to-reconsider-pace-rules 1/3 3/11/2017 Housing industry's biggest trade groups push FHA to reconsider PACE rules | 2016-08-17 | HousingWire Additionally, the groups state the FHA's new rules put consumers at more risk than they need to be. "Furthermore,the July 19th guidance raises a host of serious consumer protection concerns,"the groups state. "PACE loans are not typically accompanied by federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau disclosures and protections associated with home mortgages, including the new Know Before You Owe disclosures,right of rescission protections, or the Ability to Repay standards." This,according to the groups, is because PACE loans have been"conveniently classified"as a tax assessment instead of as a loan. "However, a PACE loan is still a financial obligation that can negatively affect one's mortgage repayment ability,"the groups state. "Borrowers may not fully understand the consequences of assuming an increased financial obligation on their tax bill. These borrowers also may not be able to effectively compare the cost of a PACE loan to that of more conventional financing—which typically is available at a significantly lower interest rate,with CFPB disclosures,"the groups continue. "Consequently,the existing PACE dynamics heighten the risk of borrower delinquency,which could lead both FHA and VA to incur higher defaults and loss severities than if PACE loans were required to be properly underwritten and subordinate to the first mortgage in the event of foreclosure." The groups also state that they are concerned with the fact that the PACE loan"run with property,"meaning the loan stays with the property even after it's sold because it can impact the potential sale of the property. "Real estate professionals report that many subsequent purchasers of these homes reject the presence of a PACE payment obligation and insist that the seller extinguish the PACE financing before consummating the purchase," the groups state. "This leaves the original borrowers with a closing table surprise and far less in sale proceeds than they anticipated.The presence of the PACE obligation may also negatively impact home values, especially in foreclosure situations." The groups go on to urge the FHA and the VA to reconsider the current rules and consider industry feedback before moving forward. "We urge you to suspend the applicability of the proposed FHA and VA PACE guidelines and issue the proposal for notice and comment so that lenders,borrowers,home improvement providers,and others may be given the opportunity to comment and assist the Departments in establishing policies that better protect consumers, lenders, and taxpayers,"the groups conclude. http://www.housingwire.com/articles/print/37813-housing-industrys-biggest-trade-groups-push-fha-to-reconsider-pace-rules 2/3