Community Redevelopment Agency
Regular Meeting
Monday, November 12, 2013@ 6:30p.m.
Council Chamber, City Hall
CRA Minutes for November 12, 2013Page 1 of 5
- CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Farley called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
Boardmembers Present: ChairJim Farley, Boardmember Paula Wheeler; Boardmember Ken Brown; Boardmember Robert Holmes
Boardmembers Absent: Vice Chair Mike Gudis
Staff Present: Andy Houston, CRA Administrator; Michael Brannigan, City Attorney; Carol Harrington, City Clerk; Michelle Russell, Finance Director; Jackie Gorman, Planning Director; Dave Burnell, Public Works Director
- ADOPTION OF AGENDA
Motion to approve the Agenda was made by Boardmember Wheeler; seconded by Boardmember Holmes. Motion carried 4/0.
- PRESENTATIONS
- UNFINISHED BUSINESS
- APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA
A.Approve Minutes of CRA Meeting held October 28, 2013
Motion to approve the Consent Agenda was made by Boardmember Holmes; seconded by Boardmember Brown. Motion carried 4/0.
- PUBLIC INPUT
7.PUBLIC HEARINGS
A.Consideration of Modifying the Community Redevelopment Plan to Provide for an Extended Term
City Manager Houston explained the background on this item and actions that need to take place if Council approves this.
Background: [Agenda SheetRequested Motion: None Required. (see staff recommendation below)
Summary: The current term of the Community Redevelopment Plan adopted in 1988 is set to expire in 2018. The Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Board has discussed the possibility of extending that term for another thirty (30) years, which would be considered a modification of the 1988 Community Redevelopment Plan. The process to modify a community redevelopment plan is established by Florida Statute 163.361. One of the provisions within F.S. 163.361 is that the governing body (i.e. the Board) of the CRA must conduct a public hearing on any proposed modification of a community redevelopment plan, following public notice thereof by publication in a newspaper having general circulation in the area of operation of the agency.
The CRA Board directed the CRA Administrator on October 28th to schedule a public hearing for November 12th on the proposed modification of the community redevelopment plan, and to publish the required notice. That notice was subsequently published in the Citrus Chronicle on November 1st, satisfying the statutory requirement for 10-day notice.
On October 28th, the CRA Board further directed the CRA Administrator to provide official notice to the Citrus County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) and the City of Crystal River City Council of the Board’s intent to modify the Community Redevelopment Plan by extending the term of that Plan by 30 years. This notice is required inasmuch as these two entities are the taxing agencies that provide funding for the current Community Redevelopment Plan. Copies of those notices are attached for the Board’s review.
If ultimately adopted, the extended term would be effective as of the adoption of the applicable ordinance by the City of Crystal River City Council. At this point, it appears likely that that action would take place in early 2014. Should that occur, the term of the modified Community Redevelopment Plan would run through 2043, for a net extension of twenty-five (25) years.
The BOCC has thirty (30) days in which to advise the City and the CRA of any concerns with the proposed modification of the Community Redevelopment Plan. In the event that the BOCC takes that action, there is a process established within F.S. 163.361 for the BOCC and City Council to meet and discuss those concerns. If the BOCC does not raise concerns by November 28th, City Council could proceed with adopting an ordinance that modified the Community Redevelopment Plan by extending the term of that plan.
The proposed term extension of the Community Redevelopment Plan would allow the CRA to pursue the improvements identified within the study conducted of the Waterfront District (a part of the overall Community Redevelopment Area) through the development of a long-term funding plan. The term extension would also allow for attention to be given to other areas within the Community Redevelopment Area as determined by the CRA Board through the adoption of an updated Community Redevelopment Plan.
Staff Recommendation: Staff recommends that the CRA Board conduct the required Public Hearing on November 12th to gather input from the public on the proposed modification to the Community Redevelopment Plan. If the Board determines to move forward with the proposed modification after hearing the public input, it is recommended that the Board direct the Administrator to have an item prepared for the December 9th meeting to recommend to the City Council that action be initiated to adopt the required ordinance to implement the term extension. That time frame would obviously be subject to change in the event that the BOCC puts the City Council and the CRA Board on notice of concerns with the proposed modification, but that would be known prior to the December 9th meeting.
Funding Information: At this point, the CRA District generates approximately $417,000 a year in tax-increment revenue. Based on an assumption of 3% annual growth over the 30-year period, the total revenue projected over the proposed 30-year term extension would equal approximately $20,500,000 (not adjusted to current value).
End of Agenda Sheet]
Mr. Houston reported that he has been asked by the Board of County Commissioners to appear at their meeting scheduled for next week. They would like to hear in general terms what our plans would be for the extension. He would also like to talk a little about what we have accomplished. He did not get the indication that there was any concern with the Board regarding the proposed extension. They simply want to have a public discussion about what they see as the good things that have happened and why they feel going forward is a good idea.
Public Hearing:
- Dee Atkins, 3851 N. Nokomis Pt., CrystalRiver
Ms. Atkins wanted to confirm if this was just extending time or did it include extending district area. Mr. Houston replied that it was strictly extending time. Ms. Atkins stated that she thinks this is great. We have a lot to do and we are finally moving forward and now we are running out of time. She thinks this is wonderful.
Council Discussion:
Boardmember Wheeler stated that she agrees with Ms. Atkins. The only reservation she has about this is that Council is always looking at the 3.8 millage, this money would help in the General Fund. We will never get a 60/40 split from the County to help our ad valorem so this is really a no-brainer. There are so many things we want to do and if the Riverwalk happens, it will take up a significant amount of money. This would give us a great opportunity to develop a long-range plan for other great ideas. We could probably even borrow money against future TIF funding. We can have an amazing plan with close to $20M. She stated this is probably the best thing this CRA Board could do.
Boardmember Holmes agrees that the tax inclement financing is the best thing for us to get projects accomplished. He would like to have focus on the projects and move forward with the best of our ability. He would like to let the County help with their staff as they can and he would also like to include SWFWMD. He would like to make all the parties involved to feel invested in Crystal River so that when there is an end product, everyone will feel proud of the accomplishment.
Boardmember Brown agreed with everything that had been said. Historically, forredevelopment areas throughout the State of Florida the local governments have always been helped from the CRA. It is important to have a CRA. It helps through the additional funding and resources that a CRA allows. He wishes that more folks would come to these meetings. He would encourage more people to come to these meetings and provide more public support and input.
Chairman Farley agreed with everything that had been said. He added that the CRA, geographically, is the heart and core of the City. It is what we are. We need more time and more money to make it what it should be. He would like to see world class. He believes we can do that with this additional time and money.
Consensus was given to direct Mr. Houston to prepare a recommendation for the Board to transmit to City Council and to direct Mr. Houston to start preparation of the required ordinance.
8.CRA ATTORNEY
9.CRA ADMINISTRATOR
A.Consideration of Authorizing the CRA Administrator to finalize the acquisition of the Petrella Property for the Previously authorized price of $251,800.00, and authorizing the CRA Administrator to Expend up to $2,000 for Related Closing Costs
City Manager Houston provided background information and status of where we are at this time.
Background: [Agenda Sheet Requested Motion: Authorizing the CRA Administrator to finalize the acquisition of the Petrella property for the previously-authorized price of $251,700.00, and authorizing the CRA Administrator to expend up to $2,000 for related closing costs.
Summary: The CRA Board took action on August 26, 2013, to authorize the CRA Administrator, in his capacity as the City Manager, to accept the “Offer to Sell” extended by Jennifer Petrella, on behalf of Wander Real Estate, to acquire the western portion of a vacant parcel located on the southwest corner of the intersection of Highway 19 and Citrus Avenue, at the offered price of $251,700. Since that time, work has been ongoing to get the required documentation finalized for the actual closing of the sale of the property. At this point, a formal date for the closing has not been set pending completion of the title search, but it is believed that the closing can be executed within the next 30 days.
At the time the Board approved the acquisition price, there was no provision made for any closing costs that might be the responsibility of the buyer. While those costs have not been finalized, they are not expected to exceed $2,000. Staff is therefore requesting authorization to expend up to $2,000 from previously-appropriated funding for the CRA’s share of the applicable closing costs.
Staff Recommendation: Staff recommends approval.
Funding Information:
Project Cost: $ 2,000.00
Funding Source: 601-61552-31000 (CRA – Professional Services)
Amount Available: $ 2,422.00End of Agenda Sheet]
Motion to approve Authorizing the CRA Administrator to finalize the acquisition of the Petrella Property for the previously authorized price of $251,800.00, and authorizing the CRA Administrator to spend up to $2,000 for Related Closing Costs was made by Boardmember Brown; seconded by Boardmember Wheeler.
Council Discussion:
No discussion was held.
Motion carried 4/0.
10.COMMUNICATIONS
Boardmember Brown stated that he has been approached by the public regarding the Petrella property. They would like to know what we are going to do with the property in the interim. He has heard everything from just keeping it mowed to having a Farmers’ Market on the weekends. Mostly, they don’t want it to set idle until the time we sell it for development.
Boardmember Holmes asked about the utilities. He asked if everything has been abated that we were responsible for. Mr. Houston stated that everything is either designed or completed. Mr. Holmes asked about mutual ideas regarding tying this in with the Trailhead. Mr. Houston stated we have not formalized anything at this time, but the intent is to use it as an active wetland property.
Chairman Farley asked about contamination of the property from a service station. Mr. Houston replied that the State has taken on the responsibility of cleaning that up. That is actually on the portion of the property that the County would be acquiring.
Boardmember Wheeler stated she would like to see the tree taken down at least. She would also like to know how much it would cost to limit the amount of sand that is coming off the parking area. Mr. Houston stated that he has already made note of both of those items. He would like to come back with a temporary site plan recommendation for this Board to review. The health of the tree does not warrant it being left there. Staff has discussed doing something with the right-of-way alley and doing something about the dirt/sand coming onto Citrus Ave. His recommendation is going to include some public parking on the south side of that right-of-way. This will provide some benefit to the businesses. North of this, will be where the Board wants to consider for additional activity. He also believes that a sign should be placed there that states this property is available for redevelopment.
Boardmember Holmes would like to look at different styles of stormwater treatment. He mentioned a couple of newer systems and would like to look at all the options. This can be a starting point for other areas of the city that need stormwater treatment.
Mr. Burnell came forward and reported that the bid documents are ready to go out for relocating the sewer line. We have also requested an easement from the County’s portion to run the sewer line along the sidewalk so that we can reconnect. If everyone is comfortable with that, we will continue to move forward.
11.BOARD MEMBERS COMMENTS
- Jim Farley, Chair
- Mike Gudis, Vice Chair
- Paula Wheeler
- Ken Brown
- Robert Holmes
12.PUBLIC INPUT
There was no public input.
13.ADJOURNMENT
Chairman Farley adjourned the meeting at 6:52 p.m.
COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
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ATTEST:JIM FARLEY, CHAIR
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CAROL HARRINGTON, CMC
CITY CLERK
CRA Minutes for November 12, 2013Page 1 of 5