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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 CRA ADVISORY COMMITTEE HELD ON WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 20,2021, IN FORT PIERCE 2ND FLOOR CONFERENCE ROOM, 100 NORTH US HIGHWAY 1, FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA.
1.
CALL TO ORDER
Chairwoman Sabrina Taylor called the meeting to order at 2:02PM.
2.
ROLL CALL
- Present:
- Sabrina Taylor, Chair; Hoyt Murphy, Jr.; Charlie Frank Matthews; Carolyn Mann-Lurry; Phil Thompson
- Absent:
- Al Johnson; Plythe Freedman; Michael Brown, Jr.; Kristina Gibbons
- Staff Present:
-
- Sara Delgado, Administrative Assistant
- Shyanne Harnage, Economic Development Manager
- Miriam Garcia, Redevelopment Specialist
3.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
a.
Approval of the Minutes from the September 15, 2021 Meeting
Motion was made by Hoyt Murphy, Jr., and seconded by Charlie Frank Matthews to approve the minutes from the September 15, 2021 meeting.
- AYE:
- Carolyn Mann-Lurry, Chair Sabrina Taylor, Hoyt Murphy, Jr., Phil Thompson, Charlie Frank Matthews
- Other:
- Al Johnson (ABSENT), Kristina Gibbons (ABSENT), Michael Brown, Jr. (ABSENT), Plythe Freedman (ABSENT)
Passed
4.
CHAIRMAN VIEWPOINTS
Sabrina Taylor, Chairwoman, would like to encourage the Community Redevelopment Agency Advisory Committee (CRAAC) to actively participate. She explained that all their voices are very valuable. She also encouraged members to drive through the CRA District to see development that is occurring. She also discussed the beautification of the CRA. She would like to collaborate with the Keep Fort Pierce Beautiful Committee to make some suggestions on how to address the blight. Chairwoman also discussed member term expirations. She would like to encourage recruiting new talent with new ideas to the committee.
5.
OLD BUSINESS
a.
Second Reading of the CRA Advisory Committee By-Laws
Chairwoman Taylor reviewed the CRAAC By-Laws. The most notable changes were the meetings will be scheduled the 1st Wednesday of each month beginning January 2022.
Motion was made by Charlie Frank Matthews, and seconded by Carolyn Mann-Lurry motioned to approve the second reading of the CRA Advisory Committee By-Laws with all necessary corrections.
- AYE:
- Carolyn Mann-Lurry, Charlie Frank Matthews, Hoyt Murphy, Jr., Phil Thompson, Chair Sabrina Taylor
- Other:
- Al Johnson (ABSENT), Kristina Gibbons (ABSENT), Michael Brown, Jr. (ABSENT), Plythe Freedman (ABSENT)
Passed
6.
NEW BUSINESS
a.
Surplus Property Update
Shyanne Harnage, Economic Development Manager, gave an overview of the Surplus Property and explained that the Fort Pierce Redevelopment Agency (FPRA) has about 15 properties that are available to go through the competitive bid process. The process will be amended, and it will be completed online. Proposers will not be able to submit their bid without submitting all required documentation. The timeframe will also be required up front.
b.
Beautification Efforts in the CRA
Ms. Harnage explained that this item is back on the agenda because FPRA Board member Curtis Johnson brought it up at the last FPRA meeting. He provided some aesthetically unpleasing photos of curves and litter in the CRA. He brought it to staff and board’s attention. The primary corridors for beautification discussed are Orange Ave, Avenue D, 25th Street, and 13th Street.
The committee discussion included commercial properties. If a property owner has a commercial property, they should be responsible for maintaining their properties.
Ms. Harnage introduced the Commercial Façade Grant to help enhance the visual aesthetics of the commercially zoned properties of FPRA District. She explained that the funding will not be disbursed on a first come first serve basis. The businesses that receive funding will be for properties that will make the greatest impact in the FPRA district. The proposals will be evaluated, then they will be presented to this committee and then the recommendations will be presented to the FPRA Board.
The committee discussion included commercial properties. If a property owner has a commercial property, they should be responsible for maintaining their properties.
Ms. Harnage introduced the Commercial Façade Grant to help enhance the visual aesthetics of the commercially zoned properties of FPRA District. She explained that the funding will not be disbursed on a first come first serve basis. The businesses that receive funding will be for properties that will make the greatest impact in the FPRA district. The proposals will be evaluated, then they will be presented to this committee and then the recommendations will be presented to the FPRA Board.
7.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Brenda Brunson
8.
STAFF AND COMMITTEE MEMBER COMMENTS
Charlie Frank Matthews inquired about abandoned properties and asked if the committee could be provided an update of new businesses at least twice a year.
Phil Thompson mentioned that the CRA should partner with financial organization for non-traditional financing in underserved areas. Hoyt Murphy mentioned that Mike Brown Jr. could possibly shed some light.
Ms. Harnage explained that the Florida Small Business Development Center (SDBC) recently hosted Access to Capital Regional Summit and there were several financial institutions that were interested in entering the Florida market to redevelop the area.
Pat Murphy inquired about a Publix at Jenkins. He also mentioned that the St Lucie County purchased a property to house veterans and homeless.
Phil Thompson mentioned that the CRA should partner with financial organization for non-traditional financing in underserved areas. Hoyt Murphy mentioned that Mike Brown Jr. could possibly shed some light.
Ms. Harnage explained that the Florida Small Business Development Center (SDBC) recently hosted Access to Capital Regional Summit and there were several financial institutions that were interested in entering the Florida market to redevelop the area.
Pat Murphy inquired about a Publix at Jenkins. He also mentioned that the St Lucie County purchased a property to house veterans and homeless.
9.
ADJOURNMENT
Chairwoman Taylor adjourned the meeting at 3:04PM.