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CITY OF FORT PIERCE CRA ADVISORY COMMITTEE |
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CRA Advisory Committee Minutes
OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE FORT PIERCE CITY CRA ADVISORY COMMITTEE HELD ON WEDNESDAY, August 19, IN FORT PIERCE COMMISSION CHAMBERS, 100 NORTH US HIGHWAY 1, FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA.
1.
CALL TO ORDER
2.
ROLL CALL
- Present:
- Chair Charlie Frank Matthews; Al Johnson; Michael Brown, Jr.; Kristina Gibbons; Sabrina Taylor; Ellen Mancini; Carolyn Mann-Lurry
- Absent:
- Hoyt Murphy, Jr.; Plythe Freedman
- Staff Present:
-
- Sara Delgado, Administrative Assistant
- Shyanne Harnage, Communication/Economic Development Manager
3.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
a.
Approval of Minutes from the May 20, 2020 Meeting
Motion was made by Michael Brown, Jr., and seconded by Kristina Gibbons
- AYE:
- Al Johnson, Carolyn Mann-Lurry, Ellen Mancini, Kristina Gibbons, Michael Brown, Jr., Sabrina Taylor, Chair Charlie Frank Matthews
- Other:
- Hoyt Murphy, Jr. (ABSENT), Plythe Freedman (ABSENT)
Passed
b.
Approval of Minutes from the June 17, 2020 Meeting
Motion was made by Al Johnson, and seconded by Sabrina Taylor
- AYE:
- Al Johnson, Carolyn Mann-Lurry, Ellen Mancini, Kristina Gibbons, Michael Brown, Jr., Sabrina Taylor, Chair Charlie Frank Matthews
- Other:
- Hoyt Murphy, Jr. (ABSENT), Plythe Freedman (ABSENT)
Passed
4.
CHAIRMAN VIEWPOINTS
Chairman Matthews gave his viewpoints on a few things. First, he wants everyone to continue staying safe during what is going on nationally and globally in regard to the virus. Second, he wanted to remind everyone about the Sunshine Law and not to communicate outside the meetings. Third, Chairman Matthews welcomes all ideas and thoughts from the boards members and encourages them to forward those ideas to staff. Lastly, he went over how the Committee is organized and how it is run.
5.
NEW BUSINESS
a.
Introduction of new Committee Members
Chairman Matthews requested from the new board members a brief introduction. Each new member spoke about their professional backgrounds and gave short biography. The current members as well introduced themselves.
b.
Adopted FPRA Plan and Mission for the CRA Advisory Committee
Shyanne Harnage briefly spoke on the newly adopted FPRA Plan and the mission for the CRA Advisory Committee. A page of the brand new FPRA plan was provided to the members and she pointed out four major goals of the CRA Advisory Committee:
- Restore our Neighborhoods
- Foster Arts & Culture
- Reset the Economic Base
- Connect all of our assets and communities together
- Restore our Neighborhoods
- Foster Arts & Culture
- Reset the Economic Base
- Connect all of our assets and communities together
c.
Chairman Matthews added Agenda Item
Chairman Matthews added item c during the meeting. Two guests were invited to speak, Vincent Marcellino and his partner Joseph Basso, investors in Fort Pierce area. They own various properties in Fort Pierce. They are looking for assistance from the Committee for commercial ideas to bring to the city and see what the public would like to bring to the city. Chairman Matthews request the board members to jot some ideas as to what could be built on 13th and Ave D and 25th St.
6.
OLD BUSINESS
a.
Lincoln Theatre Grant Update by Pamela Carithers
Pamela Carithers from Lincoln Park Main Street gave an update on the Lincoln Theatre. Since the last meeting in June a few things have happened, a grant was submitted to the Historical Resource at the State for the first phase to redevelop the Lincoln Theatre and are waiting for that decision. The City agreed to give $35,000 towards the endeavor. They are meeting with design firms as well to get the first phase of the redevelopment going. Al Johnson & Associates were chosen to be a Fiscal Agent and their purpose is to track and monitor the expenditures and ensure accuracy.
b.
Consideration for the future utilization of parklets in Downtown Fort Pierce
Shyanne Harnage provided an update on the Parklets Program, explaining the purpose of the program. The program started with over 50 spaces being utilized, it was working really well. The parklets were removed during Hurricane Isaias, now once time to put them back they were able to evaluate if the spaces were being utilized. There are now a total of 11 total businesses using the parklets which is 12 spaces. Businesses have given their feedback, and they are split on the topic, but overall it is a successful program. Shyanne spoke on the scooters being back as well as the tram service which runs Friday evenings and Saturday afternoons. Shyanne showed the members how to get the new FPRA plan via through the Fort Pierce website.
c.
Project Updates
Shyanne Harnage briefly updated everyone on current projects.
- Former King Power Plant has finally entered negotiations and negotiated an agreement with Audubon — they are planning King's Landing, an $85 million project. Everything is moving forward.
- There is a lease agreement with Lindsay School of the Arts to renovate and occupy the Old St. Anastasia School, in the Peacocks Arts District to turn it into a cultural hub. Everything is moving forward, and they're trying to secure some grants as well.
- Means Court School, the School Board has transferred ownership to the FPRA. Staff has presented a vision for the former school and are looking for community input.
- Retail and Business Recruitment Consultant, The City of Fort Pierce and the FPRA hired Collier's International to help with retail recruitment especially in the FPRA area. They will help recruit new businesses and retain the ones we have.
- Fisherman's Wharf, there is an active RFQ. The deadline was extended to September 16.
- The Sunrise Center above the parking garage will be occupied by the Building Department on the 3rd Floor. Guardian Ad Litem will take over on the 2nd Floor.
- Former King Power Plant has finally entered negotiations and negotiated an agreement with Audubon — they are planning King's Landing, an $85 million project. Everything is moving forward.
- There is a lease agreement with Lindsay School of the Arts to renovate and occupy the Old St. Anastasia School, in the Peacocks Arts District to turn it into a cultural hub. Everything is moving forward, and they're trying to secure some grants as well.
- Means Court School, the School Board has transferred ownership to the FPRA. Staff has presented a vision for the former school and are looking for community input.
- Retail and Business Recruitment Consultant, The City of Fort Pierce and the FPRA hired Collier's International to help with retail recruitment especially in the FPRA area. They will help recruit new businesses and retain the ones we have.
- Fisherman's Wharf, there is an active RFQ. The deadline was extended to September 16.
- The Sunrise Center above the parking garage will be occupied by the Building Department on the 3rd Floor. Guardian Ad Litem will take over on the 2nd Floor.
7.
PUBLIC COMMENT
8.
STAFF AND COMMITTEE MEMBER COMMENTS
9.
ADJOURNMENT