Loading...
BCC Minutes 04/05/2016 W (w/CRA & CRA Advisory Boards) BCC WORKSHOP MEETING MINUTES April 5, 2016 MINUTES OF THE COLLIER COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WORKSHOP MEETING Naples, Florida, April 5, 2016 LET IT BE REMEMBERED the Board of County Commissioners in and for the County of Collier, having conducted business herein, met on this date at 9:00 AM in a WORKSHOP SESSION in Building "F" of the Government Complex, Naples, Florida with the following members present: Chairman: Donna Fiala Vice Chairman: Tim Nance Tom Henning Penny Taylor Georgia Hiller STAFF PRESENT: Leo Ochs, Jr., County Manager Nick Casalanguida, Deputy County Manager Mark Isackson, Corporate Financial & Management Services Director Bayshore/Gateway CRA Staff and Board Members: Jean Jourdan, Operations Manager Elly McKuen, Project Manager Maurice Gutierrez, CRA & MSTU Chair Karen Beatty, CRA Mike Sherman, CRA Immokalee CRA & Enterprise Zone Development Agency: Christie Betancourt, Operations Manager Frank Nappo, CRA Chair Andrea Halman, CRA/MSTU James, Wall, Career Source SW FL, CRA Page 1 COLLIER COUNTY Board of County Commissioners `1 1 I, ► .,1 2016 JOINT WORKSHOP BETWEEN THE COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY AND THE LOCAL CRA ADVISORY BOARDS (Bayshore/Gateway Triangle&Immokalee CRAs) Board of County Commission Chambers Collier County Government Center 3299 Tamiami Trail East,3rd Floor Naples FL 34112 April 5,2016 1:00 P.M. Commissioner Donna Fiala,District 1-BCC Chair Commissioner Tim Nance,District 5-BCC Vice-Chair:CRAB Chair Commissioner Georgia Hiller,District 2-Community&Economic Development Chair Commissioner Tom Henning District 3-PSCC Representative Commissioner Penny Taylor,District 4-TDC Chair;CRAB Vice-Chair 1. Pledge of Allegiance 2. Bayshore/Gateway Triangle CRA a. Overview and Roundtable Discussion b. CRA direction and guidance —BREAK- 3. Immokalee CRA a. Overview and Roundtable Discussion b. CRA direction and guidance 4. Public Comment 5. Adjourn Notice: All persons wishing to speak must turn in a speaker slip. Each speaker will receive no more than three(3)minutes. Collier County Ordinance No.2003-53 as amended by Ordinance 2004-05 and 2007-24,requires that all lobbyists shall,before engaging in any lobbying activities(including but not limited to,addressing the Board of County Commissioners),register with the Clerk to the Board at the Board Minutes and Records Department. Any persons in need of the verbatim record of the meeting may request a copy of the video recording from the Collier County Communications and Customer Relations Department or view online. 1. Pledge of Allegiance Chairman Fiala called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. 2. Bayshore/Gateway Triangle CRA Annual Report given by Jean Jourdan, Bayshore/Gateway Triangle CRA Operations Manager Ms. Jourdan presented the annual report summarizing the activity within the Bayshore/Gateway CRA, the Bayshore Beautification MSTU and Haldeman Creek MSTU. She also gave an update on the landscaping initiative on Thomasson Drive: Redesign in process with 60 ft. right-of-way vs. 100. Redesign eliminates median, but provides landscaping along the sidewalk with pedestrian lighting. She gave highlights on new construction, newer home inventory going up, and an increase of developer investments. She also stated that the CRA met with the City of Naples to discuss fire suppression system again. At this time, they will commit construction dollars, planning and development of the construction plan. The CRA has applied for another grant; the County would need to manage the grant, but the City of Naples would do everything else. Ms. Jourdan gave an update of the parking situation on Bayshore. Previously it was discussed to possibly use bank reserves to build a parking garage or to consider side street parking. Mr. Gutierrez inquired about releasing some funds from the current loan to purchase the vacant lot across from the Gulfshore Marine as an overflow parking area for restaurants. He is unsure if a parking garage would fit. One could possibly use the original Cultural Arts Center property creatively (green space). In the future, keep a portion of the property to build a parking garage. Could use the cultural center property as collateral to try to obtain the lot. Commissioner Hiller agreed with a parking garage vs. street parking due to road clutter, unattractiveness and it doesn't slow traffic. She hadn't observed a speeding issue and to ensure that it remains a non-issue, they should modify the Page 2 speed limit, ensure enforcement and instill a community education program that would address the issue and still accommodate a parking garage. Also, that the CRA work with Mr. Isackson on a comprehensive analysis to review proposed ideas. Commissioner Taylor said the cost of the narrowing road to slow traffic by providing street parking is minimal vs. cost of buying property or building a parking garage. Past four (4)year crime report shows increased traffic accidents. Reiterated that parking drives development. She recommended that the CRA do a complete analysis to be able to determine if it warrants street parking. She reminded everyone of the height amendment in Naples and that anything over 42 feet and any exception would have to be voted on by the people and would prove to be challenging to get approved. Current Loan Status and Triangle Project: Mr. Isackson stated that the loan requirements are set in stone with Fifth Third. They can renegotiate a 12-18-month timeline and will review other options to restructure. Mr. Casalanguida recommended that the CRA, Advisory Board and staff work together to find source of funds with some repayment plan from an internal loan source as an alternative to modifying the current banking arrangements on the loan. Mr. Ochs agreed that modification of the loan is not the best alternative. If there is interest in pursuing this acquisition he will work with the Board for options. Mr. Casalanguida presented a status update of the Triangle Project, which will be presented to the Board mid-April following final negotiations. Currently the timeline to get the money is 12 months if pursued aggressively, but if not it will be 16-18 months. Ms. Jourdan stated that with the closing of the Triangle Property they wouldn't get the money for 24-28 months. She recommended refinancing to avoid being stuck with a loan and a balloon payment due. Commissioner Hiller suggested moving forward with Ms. Jourdan's recommendation. Page 3 Mr. Guttierez shared concern that the CRA needs assurance that the Triangle will not get extended into the City of Naples. He said it would be a blow to their TIF funds. Mr. Casalanguida is working with the City Attorney to make that a part of the purchase agreement and will bring options to the Board mid-April. Break Reconvened 3. Immokalee CRA Presentation given by Christie Betancourt Ms. Betancourt presented an overview and a goal of how to get people into Immokalee. This will be a coordinated effort with the Collier County Development team. New Additions Include: Taco Bell and Family Dollar (SR 29 Commercial District). The Boys and Girls Club of America broke ground with construction of a new facility. The Immokalee Government Satellite office (makes it more convenient to get housing permits). She also reviewed (color coded) Task List Operational Plan for 2015. In Addition: The Seminole Tribe of Florida opened the Seminole Casino Hotel, expanded the Event Center and enlarged the Gaming Area. [225+jobs have been added since the addition of Hotel, Lucky MI Noodle House and the remodeled Paradise Room]; 1,510,000 visitors visited the Casino in 2015. Commissioner Nance commented on the state of the CRA Advisory Board: The CRA is in state of flux and needs to refocus. Their mission is too broad. There needs to be a better relationship between Collier County and CRA Advisory Board to ensure that the Board effectively brings more topics of interest, needs, and priorities of the community. Several major departments on budgetary diets have caused Immokalee to be stressed economically and because of this crisis, there is tremendous interest in the Heartland Expressway and improvements of SR 29. He also referenced other interested parties: OF Institute of Food& Agricultural Sciences, FSU Medical School, FDOT, and the Immokalee Economic Accelerator. The Board action should be taken by County Commissioners to fund a growth management plan and restudy in Immokalee with a commitment of$300k. He stressed the need to take this information into Page 4 account when bringing recommendations forward to reduce a duplication of effort by other agencies available to assist. Commissioner Nance recommended that the County fund a growth management plan & restudy. There is a need for a full-time Manager in Immokalee. Commissioner Henning stated that the focus should be on the Land Development Code completion. There is a need to have staff that has knowledge of the Land Development Regulations and how to create Economic Development. Mr. Nappo stated that the Board has a good relationship with the Chamber and the Civic Association. He introduced Pam Brown (Chair of the Civic Association) and Danny Gonzalez (Chair of Chamber of Commerce) and noted that there are 15-16 in the audience, all on same page. He stated that he has high comfort level with a number of initiatives. He complimented Ms. Betancourt on her work following the loss of a leader. He also stated that the Board understands the concept of`creating wealth'. He also mentioned several positive changes. That Immokalee will be hosting its first large convention on August 2 & 3, FAVRPM, a statewide organization that trains people to be volunteers. The Casino gave the group a great plan and will be tying in different tourism events. He also shared an update of 1-1 leadership non-profit initiative, helping develop leadership skills for the young. Commissioner Hiller made suggestions to keep young people vested in the community. She gave an update of her lobbying efforts in Washington and Tallahassee. She mentioned various grants that could be applied for that could be used in Immokalee for sidewalks, street lighting, stormwater improvements, etc. Mr. Deyo invited Commissioner Hiller to Immokalee to explain the grants and suggested that she join the MPO meeting on Friday. Mr. Sainvilus stated that he has received (3) applications for the Tiger Grants, asking for letters of support. Commissioner Nance commented on his support of the Accelerator. Vanessa Bielema from the Collier County Extension Office mentioned that the Page 5 VP of the IFIS suggested the SW Florida Research and Education Center might be a home for food systems/safety and it could possibly come to Immokalee to support programs like the Accelerator. Commissioner Nance shared that they should work together with representatives on the Citizens Advisory Committee of the MPO on their goals for the growth management plan update, in order to assist in the economic development in Immokalee. Mr. Nappo disagreed that the plan is too broad. He stated they have much to accomplish but is willing to re-develop the priority list to be most realistic. Fire Chief Anderson presented the following topics affecting Immokalee: • Need for assistance with opening Urgent Care or Emergency Room for Immokalee. This could be used for simple procedures only, no patient beds. Commissioner Hiller suggested working with NCH or Physicians Regional. Commissioner Nance recommended talking with Mr. Blake Gable who has been in discussions with people that have wanted to put in a competing facility at Ava Maria. If able to get an urgent care in Ave Maria, this would alleviate ambulances out of Immokalee and the lack of paramedics. • Land Development Code roadblock to development and businesses coming to Immokalee. Construction costs for Family Dollar & Taco Bell increased several thousand dollars because of too restrictive specifications. Mr. Nappo reiterated they are working to complete LDC. • Requesting assistance with growth and expansion of Immokalee Airport. Build more hangar space. Will review hangar demand in Naples, see what's available from FAA and IOT. Runway re-pavement improved the quality but need extensions to land larger planes. • Gaming Compact Revenue from the Seminole Casino of Immokalee— initial intent to provide a revenue source to offset impact on local government caused by casino. Government entities affected by that casino gets percentage of gaming compact revenue identified in Florida Statute. The City that it is located in gets 50%. Immokalee is the only casino that Page 6 gets 0 %. County gets 100%. Fire Chief advised looking for county support in providing a specified % of those funds to the Immokalee MSTU and the Fire District. Current contract with Casino is $125k. Commissioner Henning advised to look at how much revenue is collected in Immokalee and the amount allocated. Mr. Nappo stated that Immokalee needs a new firehouse as it is currently in very poor condition. Commissioner Nance said Mr. Ochs came to Board of County Commissioners to ask to use that money for economic development. Immokalee has been the recipient of that money along with additional dollars for economic development incentive programs, the economic development office, the Accelerator, together with University of Florida, etc. Compound benefit received from Seminole compact money focused on economic development will be much greater to Immokalee than if it would had been dedicated for operational things. Final Comments: Chairman Fiala suggested attending a CRA conference to learn more from other CRAs. Mr. Ochs said he would review additional ideas on relationship building with the CRA and vice-versa to further improve productivity and efficiency. Ms. Pam Brown is a recent addition to the Citizens Advisory Committee of the MPO. As a lifelong citizen of Immokalee, she thanked the Commissioners to help keep business in Immokalee. With regard to the LDC Amendments, she suggested to have very affordable housing in Immokalee as it is the second poorest community in Florida. She suggested looking at impact fees and for the cost of fees to build. Thanked Commissioner Hiller for grants and lobbying efforts. Said on SR 82 and SR 29, if they don't have a four-lane road coming into Immokalee, they will not grow. Would like to accelerate that in the near future and asked for closed circuit TV setup to attend future meetings virtually. ***** Page 7 There being no further business for the good of the County the meeting was adjourned by the order of the chair at 3:44 p.m. COLLIER COUNTY BOARD OF CO TY COMMISSIONERS I ' LL C .irman, Donna Fiala ATTEST: DWIGHT E. BROCK, CLERK pttestO Chaff►'* signature only. These minutes approvedb the Board/Committee onA �. Z(o 2..CCZ( as presented i or as amended Page 8