Agenda 04/25/2017 Item # 2C04/25/2017
COLLIER COUNTY
Board of County Commissioners
Item Number: 2.C
Item Summary: April 4, 2017 - BCC/CRA Workshop
Meeting Date: 04/25/2017
Prepared by:
Title: Executive Secretary to County Manager – County Manager's Office
Name: MaryJo Brock
04/13/2017 2:32 PM
Submitted by:
Title: County Manager – County Manager's Office
Name: Leo E. Ochs
04/13/2017 2:32 PM
Approved By:
Review:
County Manager's Office MaryJo Brock County Manager Review Completed 04/13/2017 2:37 PM
Board of County Commissioners MaryJo Brock Meeting Pending 04/25/2017 9:00 AM
April 4, 2017
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MINUTES OF THE COLLIER COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS WORKSHOP MEETING
Naples, Florida, April 4, 2017
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 1:00 PM in a WORKSHOP
SESSION in Building “F” of the Government Complex, Naples, Florida with the
Following members present:
Chairman: Penny Taylor
Vice Chairman: Andy Solis
Donna Fiala
Burt L. Saunders
William L. McDaniel, Jr.
ALSO PRESENT: Leo Ochs, County Manager
Nick Casalanguida, Deputy County Manager
Jeff Klatzkow, County Attorney
Troy Miller, TV Operations Manager
Tim Durham, Executive Manager, Corporate Business Operations
Michelle Arnold, Director, Public Transit & Neighborhood Enhancement
April 4, 2017
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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 Taylor called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
2. Workshop Topics
CRA (Community Redevelopment Area) and MSTU’s (Municipal Service Taxing Unit)
2.1 Staff Presentations
Mr. Durham presented the PowerPoint” Collier County CRA Workshop” dated April 4, 2017 noting:
In 1969, the Legislature created the Community Redevelopment Agency concept as an avenue to address
“blighted or “slum” areas.
The CRA’s utilize Tax Incremental Funding (revenue that may only be spent in the area where it is
collected)
Collier County created their CRA’s in 2000.
During 2017, legislation was proposed in an attempt to create more transparency and accountability for
the CRA’s, with some even proposing phasing out the program by the year 2037. Recently it has been
determined the concept will remain viable and not phased out.
The CRA’s are managed by an Advisory Board and are under the direction of the County Manager.
The County is creating a new position for a CRA Director and filling it with a qualified individual whose
function will be to oversee the entities.
2.2 Immokalee CRA Advisory Board & MSTU
Staff: Christine Betancourt, Interim Operations Manager; James Sainvilus, Project Manager, Immokalee
CRA Advisory Board Members: Frank Nappo, Ski Olesky, Estil Null, Michael Facundo, and Andrea
Halman; MSTU Advisory Committee Members: Cherryle Thomas, William Deyo and Norma Garcia.
Ms. Arnold provided an update on the CRA/MSTU noting:
The CRA works in conjunction with the MSTU who addresses landscaping, streetscape and stormwater
improvements in the area.
Recent events include the designation of an area known as a “Promise Zone” and “Rural Area of
Opportunities” New Market sidewalk improvements, Lorenzo façade improvements, the Boys and Girls
Club, and input on LDC amendments, such as mobile home parks.
Ongoing endeavors include Main Street pedestrian safety and sidewalk improvements (i.e. 9th St., Eustis
Ave.), the St. Mathews Thrift Store, a new branch for the 5th Third Bank, the Culinary Institute Campus,
restructure façade improvement program, etc.
In 2017 the focus includes updating the Stormwater Master Plan and Economic Development Plan,
marketing efforts, refurbishing the “Welcome to Immokalee” sign and Lake Trafford Pier and erosion
control improvements.
Future priorities include the sidewalk improvements at the Lake Trafford Elementary School
area and identifying an alternative to the West of State Road 29 evacuation route.
A roundabout for State Road 28 is scheduled for FY18/19.
Ms. Thomas, MSTU Board Member noted the MSTU is focusing on lighting upgrades and area
beautification, improving communications with FDOT, awaiting CC Sheriff’s Office
recommendations from a report on security lighting in the area and addressing stormwater issues. The
FDOT sign redesign project is underway with a scheduled completion of FY19.
April 4, 2017
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Danny Gonzales, Immokalee Chamber of Commerce noted they coordinate with the organizations
to provide input on the economic development plan and coordinate with the CRA/MSTU on projects.
Mobile Home Park LDC amendment
Discussion occurred on improvements to mobile home parks following the amendment to the Land
Development Code, which is designed to facilitate upgrades. Those present noted there has been no
movement in the improvements and the issue is not only aesthetic, but also a direct threat to life and safety
given the conditions of some of the homes.
Some BCC Members noted, it might be necessary to institute a timeline for the improvements,
followed by a sunset date for the work to be completed.
Commissioner McDaniel reported the amendment was recently adopted and it may take time for the
owners to act. He will research the issue and provide a report back to the Board.
2.3 Bayshore/Gateway Triangle CRA Advisory Board & MSTU
Staff: Shirley Garcia, Operations Coordinator; Bayshore/Gateway Triangle CRA Advisory Board
Members: Peter Dvorak, Ron Kezeske, Karen Beatty, Larry Ingram and Chuck Gunther. MSTU Member:
Maurice Gutierrez. Haldeman Creek MSTU Advisory Committee Member: Roy Wilson.
Ms. Arnold provided an update on the CRA noting:
The CRA includes a Beautification MSTU responsible for the streetscape, lighting and landscape
improvements and the Haldeman Creek MSTU which oversees dredging and general maintenance of the
creek.
A major ongoing project is the redevelopment of 5.27 acres east of the Apex of Davis Blvd. and US41
where a $250,000,000 project is proposed to house retail, hotel, restaurants, a cinema, etc.
New projects on the horizon include a microbrewery, food truck park, the Garden School, marina
redevelopment, etc.
The BGT/CRA loan was restructured to eliminate a 2018 balloon payment and allow more favorable
credit terms reducing the annual debt service due the financier.
In 2017 priorities will include updating the redevelopment plan (in process of selecting a consultant), a
parking analysis for Bayshore Dr., replacing street banners, marketing incentives, issuing a Request for
Proposal on the 17 acres of land for sale which should be a major development catalyst for the area.
They continue to promote development of the pathway to Sugden Park, which may be linked to
development of the 17-acre parcel.
Other activities include studying any vacant lots that may be available for off street parking without
substantially altering the character of the area.
Discussion occurred on:
Any assistance the BCC could provide with Members noting that infrastructure improvements are the key
to stimulating redevelopment in the area - The BCC noted it would be beneficial to add the area to the
East Trail Corridor study.
Concerned properties will be sold to corporate franchises altering the character of the area -
The BCC recommended the CRA/MSTU take a proactive approach with existing owners to
determine avenues available to ensure the area maintains its’ character following the sale of
land.
Haldeman Creek MSTU
April 4, 2017
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Mr. Wilson reported:
The area is a combination of natural and man-made environment.
The main function of the MSTU is to oversee dredging of the area and provide general
maintenance activities.
In 2006, the area was dredged at a cost of $2.6M and in 2007, the MSTU was formed and is
currently comprised of 550 taxing units with annual revenue of $55,000 - $60,000.
Two main issues are the short-term focus of the unit, maintanenance of the docks, and vegetation
encroachment. A draft ordinance was previously prepared to address the issues and the effort needs to be
reinstituted.
There are funds of $350,000 currently available for dredging and a survey of the area is underway to
determine future dredge requirements and the cost associated with the activity.
CRA Oversight
Discussion occurred whether an investigation should occur on the feasibility of transferring responsibility
for oversight of the entities from the County Manager back to the BCC, as it was historically.
The BCC determined no study was necessary at this time and the management structure should remain in
place, especially given the County will be hiring an individual to oversee the CRA’s.
3. Public Comment
None
*****
There being no further business for the good of the County, the meeting was adjourned by order of
the chair at 11:25 A.M.
April 4, 2017
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COLLIER COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS
_______________________________________
Chairman, Penny Taylor
ATTEST:
Dwight E. Brock, Clerk
____________________
These minutes approved by the Board/Committee on _________________ as presented________ or as
amended ___________.