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
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COLLIER COUNTY
Board of County Commissioners
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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.
*****
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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
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