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HomeMy WebLinkAboutcocc_cra_board_mtg_packet_20230117CITY OF CAPE CANAVERAL COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY (CRA) BOARD MEETING City Hall Council Chambers 100 Polk Avenue, Cape Canaveral, Florida 32920 January 17, 2023 4:00 p.m. AGENDA Please email public comments before noon to: cityclerk@cityofcapecanaveral.org For remote viewing/participation, please visit: www.cityofcapecanaveral.org/city meetings 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 Board 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 Board will not take any action under the "Public Participation" section of the agenda. The Board may schedule items not on the agenda as items and act upon them in the future. ITEMS FOR ACTION: 1. Approve Minutes for City of Cape Canaveral CRA Board Meeting of October 18, 2022. 2. Provide direction to Staff for Community Redevelopment Agency programs for future activation. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION: 3. Commissioner Zonka's Affordable Housing Letter. (Submitted by Vice -Chair Raymond) 4. Pickleball Courts at Cape Canaveral City Park. (Submitted by Vice -Chair Raymond) ADJOURNMENT: Pursuant to Section 286.0105, Florida Statutes, the public is advised that: If a person decides to appeal any decision made by the Community Redevelopment Agency Board 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 Agency 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 Agency Clerk's office [(321) 868-1220 Ext. 207 or Ext. 206] 48 hours in advance of the meeting. ITEM # 1 DRAFT CITY OF CAPE CANAVERAL COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY (CRA) SPECIAL BOARD MEETING City Hall Council Chambers, 100 Polk Avenue, Cape Canaveral FL 32920 October 18, 2022 4:00 p.m. MINUTES CALL TO ORDER: The Chair called the Meeting to Order at 4:02 p.m. Vice -Chair Kellum led the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL: Board Members Present: Chairperson Wes Morrison, Vice -Chair Mickie Kellum, Kim Davis, Angela Raymond and Don Willis. Others Present: CRA Registered Agent Todd Morley, CRA Director David Dickey, CRA Board Attorney Anthony Garganese, CRA Clerk/Recording Secretary Mia Goforth, Administrative/Financial Services Director John DeLeo, Capital Projects Director Jeff Ratliff, Public Works Services Director Jim Moore, Leisure Services/Community Affairs Director Molly Thomas, Deputy City Clerk Daniel LeFever, Executive Assistant to the City Manager Lisa Day, Brevard County Sheriff's Office Lieutenant Molyneaux. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION: None. OLD BUSINESS: 1. Discussion: Draft procedures for adding two additional Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Board Members: CRA Registered Agent Morley explained the Item. Discussion ensued and included how cities with larger populations have extra board members, opposition to additional CRA Board Members, difficulty in filling vacancies on other City advisory boards, support for business owners to serve on the CRA Board, concerns over conflict of interest and accountability, the pros and cons of adding members to the CRA Board, and the suggestion to task the Business and Economic Development Board with advising the CRA Board. A motion was made by Board Member Davis, seconded by Board Member Raymond, to keep the CRA Board as -is, with five Members. Discussion ensued and included opposition to allowing non- resident City business owners to serve, and desire to see if there is any interest in filling the five vacancies on the Business and Economic Development Board. The motion carried 5-0. A motion was made by Vice -Chair Kellum, seconded by Board Member Willis, to task the Business and Economic Development Board with recommendations on CRA Matters. CRA Registered Agent Morley discussed how the Business and Economic Development Board would be appropriate for the purpose of only making recommendations to the CRA Board, not policy decisions. CRA Board Attorney Garganese explained the options available to City Council, how the CRA Board may recommend to the City Council to task the Business and Economic Development Board, or Council could create a new advisory board, to consider CRA matters as needed. Discussion ensued regarding having the Business and Economic Development Board consider CRA matters versus CRA policies and expenditures, and tasking Staff to return with an ordinance to amend the Business and Economic Development Board's duties to include making recommendations on CRA Matters in the City Code. CRA Board reached consensus to recommend the City Council direct Staff to prepare a City Ordinance. CRA Board Attorney Garganese advised the Item can be taken up by the City Council to formally direct Staff to prepare an ordinance to task the Business and Economic Development Board with recommendations on CRA Matters. The motion carried 5-0. City of Cape Canaveral, Florida CRA October 18, 2022 Special Board Meeting Minutes • Page 2 of 2 NEW BUSINESS: 2. Approve Minutes for Cape Canaveral CRA Board Regular Meeting of September 21, 2022: A motion was made by Board Member Raymond, seconded by Board Member Willis, to approve the CRA Minutes. The motion carried 5-0. 3. Discussion regarding the update of the 2012 Community Redevelopment Plan (Submitted by Vice -Chair Kellum): Vice -Chair Kellum explained the Item. Discussion ensued and included, the need to address affordable housing, FY 2020-21 CRA Operating Funds handout distributed by Vice -Chair Kellum (attached), desire to reach consensus to revise and update the 2012 Community Redevelopment Plan, desire for more time to review the Plan prior to updating it, negative impacts to City residents in need of affordable housing, and State lawmakers raiding the Sadowski Fund each year. CRA Registered Agent Morley discussed his letter dated October 4, 2022 sent in response to Brevard County Commission Chairperson Kristine Zonka regarding affordable housing and the Space Coast Public Management Association handout "How CRAs can reduce blight by addressing the Affordable Housing Crisis" (attached). Discussion ensued and included the contents of the handout, the need to look at what the City considers to be workforce housing, and how the Business and Economic Development Board could work on the Plan recommendations should they be given the task. Financial Services Director DeLeo discussed impacts to the City Budget and CRA funds regarding water and sewer hook-ups for Oak Lane, the Presidential Streets Project, and previous loans and projects under debt service. Discussion continued regarding calling a CRA Board Meeting before the next regular meeting scheduled in March, expanding the CRA Plan to include programs that fall under Business and Development Assistance, and desire for an advertisement/mailer project to get underway to create awareness of City CRA Programs. CRA Director Dickey suggested directing the potential new Business and Economic Development Board to review the 2018 CRA Financial Incentives Guide to recommend which of the CRA Strategies, Programs and Projects should be funded, and explained how the CRA Board has only taken action on implementing the CRA Small Business Sign Program thus far. Discussion ensued regarding how to divide up the funding available for the CRA Small Business Sign Program, bring back an Item to the CRA Board for review/recommendation of possible expansion/activation of the 2018 CRA Financial Incentives Guide, and suggestion to pay close attention to the grant/program dollar amounts. The CRA Board reached consensus: 1. To schedule a CRA Board Meeting at 4:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 17, 2023, 2. For Staff and the CRA Board to work independently, reviewing the 2018 Incentive Guide and bring to the January CRA Board meeting a summary of desired additional grant program categories for future activation, and 3. When the additional grant programs are ready for activation, Staff will prepare an advertisement/mailer to businesses. REPORTS: None. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business, Chairperson Morrison adjourned the meeting at 5:23 p.m. Wes Morrison, Chairperson Mia Goforth, CRA Clerk/Recording Secretary CITY OF CAPE CANAVERAL COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY (CRA) BOARD JANUARY 17, 2023 MEETING • ITEM # 2 Subject: Provide direction to Staff for Community Redevelopment Agency programs for future activation. Department: Community and Economic Development Summary: At the October 18, 2022 Regular Meeting of the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Board (Board), consensus was reached for Staff and the Board to work independently, reviewing the 2018 CRA Incentive Guide (attached) and bring to the January CRA Board Meeting a summary of desired additional grant programs for future activation. In furtherance of this direction, CRA Staff met and identified the following bulleted grant programs that are proposed for future activation: Commercial Matching Facade and Property Improvement Grants • Awnings/Canopies • Facades • Walls and Fencing • Reconstruction of Storefronts • Exterior Lighting • Landscaping and Low -Impact Development (LID) Multi -Family Residential or Residential Neighborhood Matching Facade and Property Improvement Grants • Exterior enhancements, improvements and renovations including landscaping and lighting • Paint Voucher Grant • Roof and Soffit Repairs Board Members were given until January 6, 2023 to provide feedback to Staff. Only one Board Member (Kellum) responded and she indicated support for the programs listed under Commercial Improvement Grants/Matching Facade and Property Improvement Grant — 1.1 thru 1.7. This includes: • Signs • Awnings/Canopies • Facades • Walls and Fencing • Reconstruction of Storefronts • Lighting • Landscaping and Low -Impact Development (LID) Funding for the selected programs is within the FY 2022/23 Community Redevelopment Area budget in an amount of $50,000. Upon approval, Staff will conduct a mail -out to businesses within the City informing them of available funding and how to apply. Submitted by: David Dickey City of Cape Canaveral CRA Board Meeting • January 17, 2023 Agenda Item # 2 Page 2 of 2 Attachment: CRA Financial Incentive Guide (pages 1-6) Financial Impact: Staff time/effort to prepare this Agenda Item. Reviewed by Administrative/Financial Services Director: John DeLeo The CRA Registered Agent recommends that the CRA Board take the following action: Provide direction to Staff for Community Redevelopment Agency programs for future activation. Approved by CRA Registered Agent: Todd Morley CITY OF CAPE CANAVERAL COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY (CRA) FINANCIAL INCENTIVES GUIDE 100 Polk Avenue Cape Canaveral, FL 32920 321-868-1220 City of Cape Canaveral - Community Redevelopment Agency Financial Incentives Guide June 2018 Page 1 CITY OF CAPE CANAVERAL COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY (CRA) FINANCIAL INCENTIVES GUIDE INTRODUCTION The City of Cape Canaveral Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) provides for private property enhancement/improvement for commercial, multi -family, and residential properties. To qualify, the property is required to be located within the adopted CRA District (See Figure 1- CRA Boundary on page 5). This Guide is intended to provide comprehensive information about the City of Cape Canaveral's CRA financial incentives programs. The main body of the Guide provides an overview of all the various programs, definitions, and general guidelines. Each of the grant programs is addressed in its own separate appendix, which provides detailed information about the specific program, including: guidelines, eligibility rules, application procedures, application evaluation and award procedures, and an evaluation form. The Guide represents an all-inclusive set of information that defines the CRA Financial Incentives and how the incentives are to be managed. As such, the Guide is intended for use by CRA staff and other associated City officials who are responsible for overall management of the CRA Incentives. Meanwhile, each appendix is inclusive enough so that it can "stand alone." Thus, a potential applicant can be furnished an appendix that relates to the incentives program that matches the potential applicant's needs — providing all the pertinent information in less than ten (10) pages. CRA GRANT PROGRAMS FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE The CRA has several grant programs for eligible properties within the CRA boundary, including the items listed below. 1. IMPROVEMENT AND BEAUTIFICATION PROGRAMS — The appearance of buildings and properties is important to creating an attractive business environment, increasing marketability, and maintaining property values. The CRA provides incentives for private property enhancements and improvements for both residential and commercial properties through a matching grants program. Currently the CRA offers the following: A. Commercial Improvement Grants 1. Matching Facade and Property Improvement Grant — 50% reimbursement of a project with a maximum reimbursement up to $10,000. Only one (1) grant award for one (1) category per structure/business will be awarded for a period of 5 years. Building must be structurally sound, current on property taxes, and meet (or by this project will meet) minimum building, sanitary, and fire safety codes. See Appendix A for more detailed information. 1.1. Sign(s) — includes removal of old sign(s) and the design, production, and installation of new signs; or renovation of existing signs, including sign lighting, in compliance with current City codes. 1.2. Awnings/ Canopies — includes the removal of the old awnings/canopies and the design, production, and installation of new awnings and canopies. 1.3. Facades — includes work performed on the exterior storefront of a building such as cleaning masonry (high pressure water or steam - sandblasting is prohibited on City of Cape Canaveral - Community Redevelopment Agency Financial Incentives Guide June 2018 Page 2 masonry structures), painting, re -pointing of mortar joints, woodwork, window and/or door replacement, rebuilding historic storefronts, exposing boarded windows, or other repairs. [The work in this category is eligible only if part of significant exterior structural enhancements as defined by the CRA, including the removal and disposal of old facade coverings (e.g. vinyl and aluminum cladding, window boards) as well as removal of old wood, aluminum, or stucco cladding, including the materials and services to remove the cladding.] 1.4. Walls and Fencing — includes work that removes and replaces or adds appropriate fencing, including work which hides incompatible uses or negative site elements (e.g. storage yards, outdoor fabrication, work area, or dumpsters). 1.5. Reconstruction of storefronts — includes such work as raising parapet walls, installing new doors and windows and/or reconfiguring entryways. 1.6. Lighting — includes installation of new exterior lighting as may be permitted by current City codes. 1.7. Landscaping and Low Impact Development (LID) — includes work that removes and replaces or adds appropriate landscaping through a variety of practices that increase the visual aesthetics of the neighborhood, mimics or preserve natural drainage processes to manage stormwater, and hides incompatible uses or negative site elements (e.g. harmful runoff, erosion, or minimal and deteriorating landscaping). See LID Fact Sheet for more information. B. Multi -Family Residential or Residential Neighborhood Improvement Grants 1. Matching Facade and Property Improvement Grant — 50% reimbursement of project costs with a maximum reimbursement up to $5,000. Only one (1) grant award for one (1) category per structure/project for a period of five (5) years. Building must be current on property taxes and meet (or by this project will meet) minimum building, sanitary, and fire safety codes. See Appendix B for more detailed information. 1.1. Exterior enhancements, improvements and renovations including landscaping and lighting. 2. Matching Revitalization Grant — 50% reimbursement of project costs with a maximum reimbursement up to $5,000. See Appendix C for more detailed information. Limited to quadraplexes and above. 2.1. Exterior and/or Interior improvements necessary to bring the residential structure up to building, safety, and fire safety code. (This grant is not intended for general property maintenance, including yard maintenance or similar.) 3. Paint Voucher Grant — 100% reimbursement of project costs with a maximum reimbursement up to $5,000. See Appendix D for more detailed information. • Limited to owner -occupied single residences or duplexes. • Up to 10% of the grant award may be used for repairs or prep work. • Work to be completed by the property owner/others will require a written estimate for cost of paint, type of paint, and color. • Within the C-1, C-2, and M-1 zoning districts, any exterior building or roof color used shall be well designed and integrated with the architectural style of the building and surrounding landscaping to create a subtle and harmonious effect and promote aesthetic uniformity within the district. Bright or brilliant colors shall not be permitted except for use as an accent color within the C-1, C-2, or M-1 zoning districts. 2. REHABILITATION, REDEVELOPMENT, AND REPURPOSING OF EXISTING BUILDINGS— The CRA supports rehabilitation and repurposing of existing structures through City of Cape Canaveral - Community Redevelopment Agency Financial Incentives Guide June 2018 Page 3 grants by offering limited financial/technical assistance. The goal is to stimulate reinvestment in the CRA District, to preserve/renew the traditional retail business district. Rehabilitation is the process of returning a property to a state of utility, through repair/alteration, which makes possible an efficient, contemporary use while preserving those portions which are significant to its historic, architectural, and cultural values. A. Large Grant Program - 50% reimbursement of project costs with a maximum reimbursement up to $25,000 for repurposing of existing building(s) including commercial projects that are mixed -use, entertainment, industrial, office, technology -based businesses, or a jobs -producing entity, as determined/approved by the CRA. See Appendix E for more detailed information. B. Rehabilitation Matching Revitalization Grant 50% reimbursement of project costs with a maximum reimbursement up to $10,000 for revitalization/preservation of existing commercial buildings for exterior and code -related interior improvements including (see Appendix F for more detailed information): 1. Electrical work, except as related to Facade Grants. 2. Roof, soffit, and chimney repairs. C. Commercial Life Safety Compliance Grant — 50% reimbursement of project costs with a maximum reimbursement up to $5,000. See Appendix G for more detailed information. 1. Sprinkler systems — as required by the Florida Fire Prevention Code. 2. Fire alarm systems — as required by the Florida Fire Prevention Code. D. Site Preparation — 50% reimbursement of project costs with a maximum reimbursement up to $10,000 to assist with demolition/removal of obsolete structures, thereby beautifying the property and increasing its marketability. See Appendix H for more detailed information. DEFINITIONS 1. Community Redevelopment Area — the area identified and adopted consistent with the City of Cape Canaveral Community Redevelopment Plan — See Figure 1 - CRA Boundary. 2. Low Impact Development - refers to practices that use or mimic natural processes that result in the infiltration, evapotranspiration or use of stormwater in order to protect water quality and associated aquatic habitat. 3. Person — any individual, firm, partnership, corporation, company, association, joint stock association, or body politic. Includes any trustee, receiver, assignee, or other person acting in a similar representative capacity, as owner, applicant or authorized agent on behalf of a property or application. 4. Repurpose — the reuse, reclassification or conversion of a property, site, building, structure or similar for a use different than its current use/status. 5. Rehabilitation — renovations, alterations, repair, (re)construction, or similar allowing the use of a property and/or building/structure consistent with applicable local/state codes, including but not limited to building, fire, and sanitary codes. 6. Residential Infill Project — residential development project that includes attached residential structure(s), or multi -family residential structure(s) as defined and permitted by the City of Cape Canaveral City Code of Ordinances. The introduction or re -introduction of a residential project within the CRA district on existing lot(s) of record. 7. Residential Neighborhood — a residential area of similar dwellings built by property developers and usually under a single management; Neighborhoods are often identified by a place name and have boundaries composed of major streets, barriers, or abrupt changes in land use. City of Cape Canaveral - Community Redevelopment Agency Financial Incentives Guide June 2018 Page 4 CITY OF CAPE CANAVERAL FINDING OF NECESSITY FIGURE 1: CRA BOUNDARY City of Cape Canaveral - Community Redevelopment Agency Financial Incentives Guide June 2018 Page 5 GENERAL CRA INCENTIVES PROGRAMS REQUIREMENTS 1. Funds will be allocated on a first -come first -served basis. Only one grant award per structure, based on the order of requests and available funds. 2. Tenants may qualify upon receipt of written consent from the property owner. 3. Matching grant funds require an up -front matching dollar -for -dollar expenditure by the owner/tenant. Paint Voucher grants do not require owner/tenant matching. 4. No work for which a grant is sought shall begin until authorized. 5. To qualify for grant funds, an application must be submitted to the CRA with all applicable permits (not part of grant request) and/or estimates for work (verified by an outside source). 6. Any unapproved changes may void the grant approval and CRA may withhold payment. 7. Amounts noted in the Programs are the maximum funds permitted; no guarantee or expectation of maximum funding is implied. CRA may approve at its sole discretion partial funding for any Project. 8. By accepting funds from the CRA, the applicant agrees to an audit of the Project at any time. 9. The CRA may attach and/or impose any conditions of approval as deemed prudent and necessary in fulfillment of the requested grant program and issuance of funds. All Project applications must meet, or by this Project will meet, City codes, land use/zoning, sanitary, building and fire codes. 10. Only completed applications, including all supporting documentation, will be accepted. 11. Applicants for CRA Programs and Grants must be current on property taxes, both City and County. 12. Professional consulting services provided by General Contractors, Engineers, Architects, and Design Consultants must be licensed in the State of Florida, as applicable. 13. The building must be structurally sound. City of Cape Canaveral - Community Redevelopment Agency Financial Incentives Guide June 2018 Page 6 CITY OF CAPE CANAVERAL COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY (CRA) BOARD JANUARY 17, 2023 MEETING • ITEM # 3 Subject: Commissioner Zonka's Affordable Housing Letter. Department: CRA Board Summary: After reconsidering Commissioner Zonka's letter, I agree we should attempt to address this complex problem in our city as we see a definite increase in our homeless population due to higher rents. We could purchase property for accessible housing, but we would need to purchase property such as the old Union Hall, to build new housing, or renovate existing properties, such as Poinsettia Lodge. It is possible to offer incentives to qualified developers and/or prequalified low income residents. Special funding is available for first-time home buyers and low income seniors. Submitting Board Member: Vice -Chair Raymond Attachments: None. CITY OF CAPE CANAVERAL COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY (CRA) BOARD JANUARY 17, 2023 MEETING • ITEM # 4 Subject: Pickleball Courts at Cape Canaveral City Park. Department: CRA Board Summary: Pickleball is the fastest growing sport now. The tennis courts are often crowded at the Nancy Hanson Center. We need more courts and there is plenty of room to build them at our City Park. Residents and nonresidents are asking for them and they could be monitored at the Community Center. There is also plenty of parking available. Submitting Board Member: Vice -Chair Raymond Attachments: None.