September 13, 2022

  1. Minutes

Community Redevelopment Agency

Regular Meeting

September 13, 2022

The Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) of the City of Titusville, Florida met in regular session in the Council Chamber of City Hall, 555 South Washington Avenue, on Tuesday, September 13, 2022.

Call to Order/Determination of a Quorum

Chairperson Diesel called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. Present were Chairperson Daniel Diesel, Vice-Chairperson Robert Jordan and Members Joe Robinson, Jo Lynn Nelson, Jim Ball, Sarah Stoeckel, and Greg Aker. Executive Director Scott Larese, Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Attorney Richard Broome, and Sr. Administrative Assistant Emily Campbell were also present. Sr. Administrative Assistant Emily Campbell completed the minutes of the meeting.

Invocation/Pledge of Allegiance

Chairperson Diesel asked for a moment of silence and then led the entire assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. Sr. Administrative Assistant Emily Campbell read the procedure for public comment.

Approval of Minutes

Motion:

Member Nelson moved to approve the minutes of the Community Redevelopment Agency meeting on Tuesday, August 9, 2022, as submitted. Vice-Chair Jordan seconded the motion.

The motion carried unanimously.

Special Recognitions and Presentations – None.

Old Business – None.

New Business

FY 2023 CRA Budget - Executive Director Larese advised the request was for the Community Redevelopment Agency to approve the FY 2023 budget and Resolution No. 18-2022 to transmit the budget to the City Council for adoption on September 22, 2022 as part of the City’s adopted budget.

On March 8, 2022 the CRA discussed Strategic Objectives for Fiscal Year 2023. On April 12, 2022 the CRA provided direction and advisability to staff regarding the submittal of the proposed FY 2023 CRA Budget. Staff developed the proposed budget based on these preliminary discussions. Due to a reduction in the proposed millage rate to 6.9812, the total revenue for the year has been slightly reduced which has led to a $13,384 reduction in the amount allocated to the Space View Park capital improvement project.

An overview of the proposed budget included the following:

  • Total Fund - $ 1,046,182
  • Revenue Sources - $330,781 from the County and $715,301 from the City
  • Personnel (2 employees + temporary employee) - $159,177 (salaries and benefits)
  • Operating - $244,079
  • Capital Projects - $521,976

Individual operating and capital items include:

  • Community Policing & Audit - $35,000
  • CRA Grant Program - $50,000
  • Utility cost for US-1 lights and irrigation - $55,000
  • Maintenance of the US-1 right of way plantings/lights/irrigation/etc. - $102,000
  • Spaceview Park Pier - $286,616
  • Storm Water infrastructure - $91,000
  • Road Resurfacing - $38,000
  • Whiteway Replacement - $56,360

Member Ball asked if trail town amenities were dropped or included in the proposed budget. Redevelopment Planner Tim Ford stated that because of the decrease in the millage rate, the CRA needed the funds to balance the budget. There was a healthy amount in the trail town amenities, therefore; the CRA did not need to add any funds into that account. 

Member Ball asked for an explanation of the stormwater infrastructure improvements. Redevelopment Planner Tim Ford stated that the stormwater infrastructure improvemens were tree box filters that would be placed between Main Street and Stephen House Way and their purpose was to filter the stormwater.

Vice-Chair Jordan asked if there was a line item for affordable housing. Redevelopment Planner Tim Ford said there was not, but affordable housing would be discussed in the new proposed Redevelopment Plan so that future budgets could provide for affordable housing programs.

Member Nelson asked how much money was put aside for the Space View Park pier. Redevelopment Planner Tim Ford stated that there was $800,000 set aside for the Space View Park pier and it was in the final design stage.

Stan Johnston discussed the sewage spill that occurred in December 2020 at Sand Point Park. Mr. Johnston stated that he put signs up by the ponds in Sand Point Park, but they were removed.

Motion: Member Nelson moved to approve the FY 2023 budget and Resolution No. 18-2022 to transmit the budget to the City Council for adoption on September 22, 2022 as part of the City’s adopted budget, as recommended. Vice-Mayor Jordan seconded the motion. The roll call vote was as follows:

                                         Member Aker Yes

                                         Member Robinson Yes

                                         Member Nelson Yes

                                         Chairperson Diesel Yes

                                         Vice-Chair Jordan Yes

                                         Member Ball Yes

                                         Member Stoeckel Yes

The motion carried unanimously.


Review of the 2022 CRA Redevelopment Plan Amendment and Recommendation to Forward the CRA Redevelopment Plan Amendment to the Local Planning Agency (LPA) for conformity review to the Comprehensive Plan - Executive Director Larese advised that the request was for the CRA to review the proposed 2022 CRA Redevelopment Plan amendment and provide comments and input and forward the Redevelopment Plan Amendment to the LPA for conformity review to the Comprehensive Plan.

The proposed 2022 CRA Redevelopment Plan Amendment was comprised of the following chapters:

  • Introduction
  • Executive Summary
  • CRA Vision and Redevelopment Strategies
  • Conceptual Master Plan/Capital Projects
  • Opportunity Sites
  • Goals, Objectives and Policies
  • Public Input Summary
  • TIF Projections
  • Proposed Long Term Implementation Schedule
  • Appendix
  • Existing Conditions
  • Neighborhood Impact Statement
  • Legal Description
  • Capital Project Opinions of Probable Costs

Proposed redevelopment strategies in the Plan Update include:

  • Supporting Planned and Programmed Development in the CRA
  • Reinforce CRA Branding and Marketing
  • Establish the Titusville Performing Arts District
  • Reinforce History
  • Enhance Existing Destinations and Develop New Destinations
  • Reinforce Connections to and through the CRA
  • Develop Additional Housing

John Jones, a representative of S&ME Consulting firm presented a report to the Community Redevelopment Agency. The presentation highlighted as follows:

  • Community Redevelopment Plan Update
  • Community Redevelopment Agency Plan Draft Review
  • Agenda
  • Plan Update Purpose
  • Why update the plan?
  • Summary of Public Engagement
  • On-Line Engagement
  • Big Question
  • Proposed Redevelopment Strategies
  • 1. Support planned and programmed development in the CRA
  • 2. CRA Branding and Marketing
  • 3. Reinforce Connections (physical)
  • 4. Housing
  •  Proposed Goals, Objectives and Policies
  •  Implements Strategies and Addresses Day-to-Day Operations of the CRA
  •  Conceptual Master Plan
  •  Proposed Capital Projects
  •  Streetscapes
  •  Public Spaces/Open Spaces
  •  Public Safety
  •  Next Steps

Member Ball stated that goal 7.2 - Improve pedestrian and bicyclist safety within the CRA was a high priority for him. Member Ball also discussed goal 2.1 - Promote, encourage, and incentivize residential development and occupancy within the CRA. Member Ball stated that workforce housing was much needed in the plans. Member Ball recommended a modification to goal 3.1 and 3.2, his concern was with the phrase “preserve, restore and promote Titusville’s historic assets and resources” because it could be interpreted wrong; He recommended that it was changed to “preserve, adapt and promote Titusville’s historic assets.”

Member Stoeckel asked about parking in the CRA district. S&ME Consulting representative John Jones stated that parking was traditionally addressed by the City’s Land Development Regulations via the development review and approval process and that parking was a general City function and not a focus of the CRA. If the City wanted more parking in Downtown Titusville, the City could increase the parking space requirement.

The Community Redevelopment Agency discussed the policies that accompany being listed as a historic designation in Titusville.

Vice-Mayor Jordan stated that the biggest mistake that was made in Downtown Titusville was removing the parking spaces that were along the streets because it became a speedway through Downtown Titusville on US Highway 1. Vice-Mayor Jordan stated that there was already enough parking in Downtown Titusville.

Member Aker recommended contacting the Department of Transportation to discuss the addition of a traffic light to Julia Street.

Stan Johnston discussed the festivals, fishing tournaments, and water skiing that used to occur in the Indian River Lagoon. Mr. Johnston stated that the CRA should focus on the health of the Indian River Lagoon and the activities at the Indian River Lagoon, etc.

The Community Redevelopment Agency recommended to forward the CRA Redevelopment Plan Amendment, as presented to the Local Planning Agency (LPA) for Conformity review to the Comprehensive Plan.

Brevard County Commission Letter regarding the CRA Plan and Affordable Housing - Executive Director Larese advised the request was to receive direction from the CRA regarding a response to the letter received from the Brevard County Commission about Affordable Housing in the CRA Plan.

The Brevard County Commission urged the Titusville CRA to consider the affordable housing crisis and to make Redevelopment Plan changes to address affordable housing in the CRA and to provide for investment in affordable housing. The letter further went onto state that if the CRA did not intend to address the development of affordable housing in the Titusville CRA Plan, that the CRA forwarded its reasoning to the Brevard County Manager.

The initial review of the Titusville CRA 2022 Redevelopment Plan Update provided for a Housing Redevelopment Strategy to "Develop Additional Housing" and also provided for a Housing section in the Plan's Goals, Objectives and Policies (GOPs) Chapter where there were numerous GOPs regarding the need to increase housing and affordable housing in a mix of housing types with in-fill development, and with regulatory and financial incentives. A draft response letter noting these changes in the proposed Redevelopment Plan Update was attached for the CRA’s review and direction.

Stan Johnston stated that he was shocked years ago when people were able to get loans for houses without any verification of their income. Mr. Johnston stated that the government created unaffordable housing and the oxycodone crisis. Mr. Johnston stated that the government caused a lot of problems.

Motion: Member Nelson moved to approve the signature of Mayor Diesel on the letter to the Brevard County Commission regarding the CRA Plan and Affordable Housing, as recommended. Vice-Mayor Jordan seconded the motion.

The motion carried unanimously.

Commercial Beautification Grant for Property Located at 5 Main Street – Executive Director Larese advised that the request was to approve the award of a Commercial Beautification Grant in the amount of $40,000 to Mars Moonshot, LLC for property located at 5 Main Street.

The owner, Mars Moonshot, LLC, applied to reroof the building. Roof repairs were listed as an eligible expense in the Commercial Beautification Façade Improvement Program. The applicant indicated that the long-term vision for the building may include using the roof for launch viewing and entertainment. The total cost of the low bid to re-roof the building was $82,345. The total amount of the reimbursement grant was 50% of the total, which came out to the $40,000 maximum cap. Funds were available in the CRA Building Grants FY2022 budget to cover the grant amount.

Motion: Vice-Mayor Jordan moved to approve the award of a Commercial Beautification Grant in the amount of $40,000 to Mars Moonshot, LLC for property located at 5 Main Street, as recommended. Member Ball seconded the motion. The roll call vote was as follows:

                                          Member Robinson Yes

                                          Member Nelson Yes

                                          Chairperson Diesel Yes

                                          Vice-Chair Jordan Yes

                                          Member Ball Yes

                                          Member Stoeckel Yes

                                          Member Aker Yes

The motion carried unanimously.

Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the Titusville Area Chamber of Commerce to continue to operate a Fall 2022 Farmers Market Token Program; to set a location to hold the markets; and approve the associated Budget Amendment - Executive Director Larese advised that the request was to recommend City Council approval of a MOU for the Titusville Area Chamber of Commerce to continue to operate a Fall 2022 Farmers Market Token Program to be funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA); City Council to recommend the location for the Fall 2022 Farmers Market events; and for City Council to approve the associated Budget Amendment attached.

Staff recommended to continue the Program with a new MOU between the Titusville Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Titusville for the Chamber to operate the ARPA Farmers Market - Titusville Token Program. Up to seven (7) events are proposed between September 23, 2022 and December 31, 2022. The events would continue to be held on the second and fourth Fridays of the month.

Due to the popularity of the program and the number of people who attended the Farmers Markets, there were complaints about the traffic congestion on S. Washington Avenue and the lack of available parking spaces in the downtown for downtown businesses. An alternative location for the Farmers Markets was Sandpoint Park. Changing the location of the Farmers Market to Sand Point Park would have added infrastructure/operational costs as opposed to holding the events at the current downtown location.

Vice-Chair Jordan asked how much it would cost to move the Farmers Market to Sand Point Park. Titusville Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Erin Akins stated that to keep the Farmers Market in Downtown Titusville, the projects were no more than $17,000 in staffing and no more than $8,000 in infrastructure total. Ms. Akins advised that moving the Farmers Market to Sand Point Park would be about $25,000 in staffing and $16,000 in infrastructure.

Titusville Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Erin Akins stated that this program was put into place prior to her being the president. Ms. Akins stated that the residents were very grateful for the Farmers Market and told the CRA they were all welcome to help work it. Ms. Akins stated that everything they do was technology based so at Sand Point Park they would have problems because there was no access to Wi-Fi.

The Community Redevelopment Agency discussed possible changes including the time of the Farmers Market as well as the days. Executive Director Larese stated that the merchants preferred Friday because most had weekend events they had to attend.

Motion: Member Nelson moved to recommend to City Council approval of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the Titusville Area Chamber of Commerce to continue to operate a Fall 2022 Farmers Market Token Program and recommended that the Farmers Market location continue in Downtown Titusville and that staff look into holding the Farmers Market on Thursdays instead of Friday; and approve the associated budget amendment. Vice-Chair Jordan seconded the motion. The roll call vote was as follows:

                                          Member Nelson Yes

                                          Chairperson Diesel Yes

                                          Vice-Chair Jordan Yes

                                          Member Ball Yes

                                          Member Stoeckel Yes

                                          Member Aker Yes

                                          Member Robinson Yes

The motion carried unanimously.

Petitions and Request from the Public Present

Stan Johnston stated that West Virginia Day was being held at Fox Lake Park on Sunday, September 25, 2022 starting at 12:30 p.m. Mr. Johnston stated there would be free hot dogs and other events. Mr. Johnston discussed the sewages spill that occurred in December 2020.

Executive Directors Report

Executive Director Larese submitted his written report and advised that all items were informational only.

Member Ball asked if the CRA would authorize and fund the conference fee of $395 for the Florida Redevelopment Association Conference in Daytona Beach from October 12th through October 14th.

Stan Johnston stated that he did not have any objections to Member Ball attending the Florida Redevelopment Association Conference.

Motion: Vice-Chair Jordan moved to recommend that the CRA pay $395.00 for the registration fee for Member Ball to attend the Florida Redevelopment Association Conference in Daytona Beach from October 12th through October 14th. Member Nelson seconded the motion.

The motion carried unanimously.

With no further business to discuss, the meeting adjourned at 7:02 p.m.