SPECIAL COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY

Docusign Envelope ID: D0879A6E-C8D6-8D48-829F-98BEB0666361 HISTORIC TOWN OF EATONVILLE, FLORIDA COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES Thursday, April 30, 2026, at 6:30 PM Town Hall (Council Chambers) – 307 E. Kennedy Blvd SPECIAL NOTICE: These meeting minutes are presented in an abbreviated format intended as a public record discussion of stated meeting according to the Florida’s Government-in-the-Sunshine law. Meetings are opened to the public, noticed within reasonable advance notice, and transcribed into minutes for public record. **Audio Recording are available through the Town’s website on the Board Agenda Page. CALL TO ORDER – Chair Ruthi Critton called the meeting to order at 6:32 p.m. ROLL CALL – Quorum was established through roll call by Ms. Bellenger. PRESENT: (6) Chair Ruthi Critton, Vice Chair Angela Thomas, Director Donovan Williams, Director LaDwyana Jordan, Director Angela Johnson, Director Tarus Mack (arrived after roll call) Absent: Director Wanda Randolph STAFF: (7) Marissa Bellenger, Records Coordinator; Greg Jackson, Attorney; Michael Johnson, CRA Executive Director; Marlin Daniels, CAO; Shakeila Jones, CRA; Chenea Henson, CRA; Sgt. Fletcher Boone, EPD INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Chair Critton led the invocation through a Moment of Silence followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. After the pledge, Chair Critton stated that residents requested to move Citizen Participation after Presentations. PRESENTATIONS: Executive Director Michael Johnson presented to the board the current projects of the Community Redevelopment Agency. Orange County CDBG Grant (Eatonville Works) – Mr. Johnson presented grant information, project rendering, inspections, the procurement process, and timeline, including what is already completed, for the Eatonville Works project. The “Circuit” Performing Arts and Cultural Entertainment Event Center – Mr. Johnson presented the executive summary of the project then proceeded to explain why Club Eaton matters and its history within the Chitlin’ Circuit. He continued by presenting the project vision, feasibility study, and the phases of implementation (planning, stabilization, activation). He stated that the project is currently in phase 1 of 3. The capital budget snapshot has a total phased range of $4-6.6 million. Mr. Johnson continued with the operating sustainability, the “ask” for the CRA Board, the community and cultural memory of Club Eaton, renderings of the building, and conclusion. Eatonville Senior and Wellness Recreation Center – Mr. Johnson presented the executive summary, concept rendering, facility layout, and renovation cost breakdown. Eatonville Municipal Parking – Mr. Johnson presented the project overview, proposed site plan, site configuration, the project needs, storm water system, electric vehicle charging and electrical infrastructure, projected total cost, soft costs and contingency, unit cost metrics, potential funding and revenue assumptions, 10-year revenue projection, breakeven analysis, and conclusion. 1 of 6 04302026CRAMeetingMinutes Docusign Envelope ID: D0879A6E-C8D6-8D48-829F-98BEB0666361 Single Family Housing Project – Mr. Johnson presented the executive summary, project overview, site and location, financing summary, development scope, design and architecture, budget overview, project timeline, loan details, development impact, contractor agreement, licensing and compliance, insurance coverage, approved CRA resolutions pertaining to the project, and closing remarks. CITIZEN PARTICIPATION (2): Joyce Irby – Ms. Irby began by addressing previous comments made by Anthony Grant. She continued by stating that citizens come up here to be heard. Before Mayor Critton was sworn in, this Board undermined her. Ms. Irby commented on the lawsuit to keep Mr. Johnson in his job. It is us suing ourselves. How much is the costing? The Mayor is being bullied so she cannot see what is in the CRA’s bank account. Can we get a real builder to do the construction? Ms. Irby ended her comments by stating that money has been skimmed off grants in the past. Anthony Grant – The endowment is a great idea. My concern is with the municipal parking project. How do we get to the people who are paying for parking? If the project manager is a general contractor, that is a conflict. I want the Town to do things properly and fairly. I would like to see the list of homes the manager has built. Also, homes should have a historic flair, as well as other projects. CONSENT AGENDA: Chair Critton MOTIONS to APPROVE the Consent Agenda (Approval of Resolution CRA-R-2026-10 Certificate of Appointments and Approval of Resolution CRA-R-2026-11 Check Signing Authorization and Signature Requirement); moved by Director Williams, second by Director Johnson. AYE: ALL, MOTION PASSES. BOARD DISCUSSION: 1. Project Discussion – Director Williams began discussion with questions about projects. Chair Critton suggested asking questions project by project. The Board began with questions on the Eatonville Works project. Vice Chair Thomas – Have you thought about keeping the building historic? Mr. Johnson and Chair Critton respond about trying to keep the historic structure of the building. Mr. Johnson stated that the layout could not be changed. Vice Chair Thomas asked if the CRA was duplicating the neighborhood center. Mr. Johnson – This project was submitted in 2023 and we cannot change the grant requirements. Vice Chair Thomas inquired about leaks in the building. Mr. Johnson stated that building issues will be addressed during construction. Vice Chair Thomas asked about the budgets for the projects. Mr. Johnson stated that he can provide the budget information tomorrow. Director Angela Johnson asked clarifying questions on grants and the general contractor on record. She asked if CRA funds have been given to Rhodes + Brito. Mr. Johnson confirmed that funds were given 2025-2026 and their services are complete. The contract with Rhodes + Brito was approximately $525,000. Director Angela Johnson asked about job opportunities for community members. Mr. Johnson – There was no opportunity for job growth with this project. Director Johnson asked if there was a general contractor for the project. Mr. Johnson stated there was not and Orange County had to approve the Request for Proposals first. Director Johnson – Who would have oversight on grant reporting to the county? Mr. Johnson – My staff and I. Director Johnson – Will the CRA be reimbursed? Mr. Johnson – No. Everything goes through the county. Director Johnson – Do you have an estimated timeline of completion. If not, could something be created? Mr. Johnson – Once we get through the contract requirements, the county/contractor will provide a timeline. Director Jordan stated that she would also like to see a timeline to ensure that there are safeguards in place. Chair Critton – Not much has gone wrong with this project, so I believe that we are in line. Mr. Johnson clarified that the drawings for the project are ready and will be going out for bid. Director Johnson 2 of 6 04302026CRAMeetingMinutes Docusign Envelope ID: D0879A6E-C8D6-8D48-829F-98BEB0666361 asked if the drawings were provided to the Board. Mr. Johnson confirmed and stated that he would e-mail them to Director Johnson. The Board continued discussion with questions on the Club Eaton project. Chair Critton – After some training, I am able to give more insight on this project. The Chitlin’ Circuit included historical venues such as the Apollo Theater and Howard Theater. It is cool that we have our own venue. My question is: was the escrow requirement the responsibility of the previous owner or CRA? Attorney Jackson – That was the responsibility of the previous owner. Mr. Johnson stated that he would have to look at the budget before providing clarification. Director Thomas asked if the CRA was liable. Mr. Johnson – If we are going to use the grant, we are liable for it. Chair Critton – Is the United Arts grant going to the board of county commissioners? Mr. Johnson – Yes, on June 17th. Chair Critton – Can you give us a timeline for completion? Mr. Johnson – This grant was awarded in 2022. Since then, there have been four extensions. When I came on board, we were two reporting cycles behind. They have been working closely with us to move the project along. Unfortunately, the federal government is shutting the program that money is coming from. The shell will need to be completed by the end of the summer. We are working with planning and permitting to fast track things. Thomas asked for clarification as to what will happen if we are not complete by August. Mr. Johnson – The funds will go back to the federal government. We would have to find a different set of funds. Vice Chair Thomas – When do you plan on submitting the grant application? Mr. Johnson – It is due in June, and I will be coming to the Board with it (state historic resources grant). Director Johnson – Will the project go out for bid? Mr. Johnson – The project will not go out for bid. Malcolm Jones and his team are designing and building it. Director Johnson – What is the role of the board in this? Mr. Johnson – We are the secondary source of funding. Director Johnson – The funds and payments to Malcolm will not be paid by CRA funds? Mr. Johnson – Out of the $250k provided by the state, $212K went to Malcolm Jones. Director Johnson – The small number of checks being cut to vendors was concerning to me. How do you ensure these are managed and tracked properly? Mr. Johnson – There is a capital improvement process that has been put in place by our auditor. Director Johnson – Where is the source of the $250k match from the CRA? Mr. Johnson – Our general capital outlay. Vice Chair Thomas – I would like to meet with Ms. Bradshaw next week. Director Johnson – There is $610k in the capital outlays in the budget right now. It would be helpful if Ms. Bradshaw can provide the detail that $250k will be taken from the $610k. Mr. Johnson – We can put that together and present it to the board. Director Johnson asked about budget timeline. The Board had a discussion about sun setting—the possibility and what that would mean for the CRA and Town. Vice Chair Thomas – Do we have any partnerships? Mr. Johnson – United Arts will be coming in as a resource. There are multiple opportunities to get into and we are jumping into them. Critton: There was a comment about the aesthetics of Club Eaton. Mr. Jones gathered community research about Club Eaton. There will be aesthetics of the original building. Vice Chair Thomas requested the audio from the Historic Preservation Board meeting and the presentation from Mr. Jones be sent to the Board. The Board continued discussion with questions on the Eatonville Senior & Wellness Center. Mr. Johnson – This initiative was from Chair Gardner and we have worked to get it done. We do have a partner on this project. It’s important that we manage those funds and pay off the debt. He also expanded on the wellness aspect of the center. Vice Chair Thomas – If WPHF (Winter Park Health Foundation) is offering assistance, what is the purpose of the loan? Johnson: We closed and own the property. They put up half. Director Johnson – How much did we pay Rhoda and Brito? Mr. Johnson – I will need to ask Paula and get that to you. We are only renovating the interior; the outside will just be dressed up. Director Johnson – I know that we have a long relationship with Rhodes and Brito. Do you believe we should start releasing other RFPs to ensure we are getting our money’s worth? Mr. Johnson – We are making some internal services that is going to help us open up. Director Johnson – Are the dollar amounts for each interior renovation forthcoming? Will we be issuing an RFP for general contractor? Mr. Johnson – RFP for GC will be issued. Director Johnson – A cost and a budget is forthcoming? Mr. Johnson confirmed. The financing for the renovation has not been determined yet. Director Johnson – It is important that we are up to date with finances and outflow. Thomas: was there an 3 of 6 04302026CRAMeetingMinutes Docusign Envelope ID: D0879A6E-C8D6-8D48-829F-98BEB0666361 inspection on the property? Mr. Johnson – There was an appraisal done. I am sure we did, but I would have to look at the file. Vice Chair Thomas – Let me see the inspection and appraisal. The Board continued discussion with questions on the Eatonville Municipal Parking. The Board discussed the authority that was given to pursue the project via resolutions. The Board discussed operating and forecasting costs. Director Johnson – I am interested to know how you came up with the revenue forecasting. This project to me is low priority. MEETING RECESSED AT 8:34 p.m. and RECONVIENED AT 8:39 p.m. The Board continued discussion with questions on the Single-Family Housing Project. Vice Chair Thomas – $1.7m is for the building of these homes? Mr. Johnson – Yes. Johnson described bidding process. The Board discussed the housing plan. Attorney Jackson – I also did a presentation on community land trust which led to a conversation on affordable housing. Chair Critton – There has been extensive conversations on housing and how the CRA can get involved in that. Vice Chair Thomas – Are the CRAs building it or do they have partnerships? Chair Critton – I’m not sure. Mr. Johnson – There are some CRAs that focus on housing only. The Board discussed the loan, interests, and repayments. Chair Critton – Are we confident that we can put two houses on Tony Street? Mr. Johnson – Yes. Director Johnson – How did we land on the contractor’s total? (25- 35k) Mr. Johnson – $25k was the negotiated contracted amount. Director Johnson asked for clarity on the general contractor. Mr. Johnson – The contract is $25k per home, not the entirety of the project. Attorney Jackson – It states per project in the contract. The Board that’s not what Mr. Johnson said, he misspoke. Director Johnson – Help me understand: is there a difference between a project manager and general contractor? Mr. Johnson – He is both. Director Johnson – Did the Board give approval to do so? Chair Critton – The Board was not able to select a general contractor from the pool given to us. Director Johnson asked for clarity from Attorney Jackson about the procurement policy given the scenario. Who is negotiating and hiring the subs? Mr. Johnson – The contractor is. Director Johnson – Would he need to follow the town’s procurement policy? Mr. Johnson – No because he is an independent contractor. Director Johnson referenced a private conversation with the contractor months ago and stated that she is concerned that there is a conflict of interest. Mr. Johnson – We did it this way to manage costs. The Board continued to discuss the contractor and his projects. Mr. Johnson stated that he did paint work in the Town and after a personal conversation he learned that he was a general contractor (roofing, etc.). Mr. Johnson confirmed that he hired him because he knew him (he did work for the Town previously). Chair Critton – To minimize this contractors experience is unfair. Director Williams – A home has to be inspected. He is putting his license on the line each inspection. Director Johnson – My discussion was not based on experience; it was the dual role he has. Attorney Jackson – The Town and Board does not have the requirement that a GC cannot hire his own sub. He is contracted as a project manager that needs a certain licensure or qualification (certified contractor/building). If the Board revisits this contract, it has to be under the purview of the contract. If you want to terminate the contract, it is included in the contract, but in order to break it there needs to be for cause. Without cause, the board will have breached the contract. The Board discussed the terms of the contract and the possibility of hiring a different general contractor. Attorney Jackson – The general contractor should come in and introduce himself and the process. The Board has the right to know who the sub hires are. Director Johnson requested the draw schedule for the contractor. Chair Critton – Did the contract come back to the Board? Attorney Jackson – No, it went through HR. If you all want to go another way and get out of the contract, I am going to defend this Board. Director Williams asked if there was a minority business preference. Chair Critton – No, but the Town and CRA have been intentional about hiring within the Town. Director Johnson asked for clarity on procurement process and alignment with chapter 163. Attorney Jackson stated that he would have to research. Mr. Johnson – We can find a separate contractor for the two homes on Tony street, but do not stop the progress. He suggested that the Board make a motion. The Board discussed the obligations of the contractor under the current agreement. Chair Critton – I don’t want to turn up the heat. Are we set to do any invoices before our regular meeting in May? 4 of 6 04302026CRAMeetingMinutes Docusign Envelope ID: D0879A6E-C8D6-8D48-829F-98BEB0666361 Mr. Johnson – The invoice would come after permits are issued. Chair Critton – Is it possible between now and the regular meeting in May, can we pause the conversation until the next CRA meeting? Mr. Johnson – Or can we motion for the contractor to limit his work on four properties not six? To be clear, I don’t think he should be the general contractor so I will not be putting the motion. Director Williams MOTIONS for the APPROVAL of Next Tier Homes to move forward with the construction of four (4) homes and consider an amendment for the remaining two (2) homes to be bid out; moved by Director Williams, second by Director Mack. AYE: Director Johnson, Director Mack, Chair Critton. NAY: Director Jordan, Director Johnson, Vice Chair Thomas. MOTION FAILS, 3/3. 2. Legal Discussion – Attorney Jackson updated the Board on a few issues. Attorney Jackson – In regard to the TOECRA v. Town lawsuit, based on the complaint that was filed, everything requested is already being done. The issue that brought the lawsuit has been resolved. My recommendation is to forego the lawsuit and drop the lawsuit. Chair Critton commented on revising by laws and policies. Director Mack – I concur with Attorney Jackson. The Board asked for clarity on Jackson’s recommendation and discussed dropping the lawsuit. Director Jordan MOTIONS to drop the lawsuit as it pertains to TOECRA between the TOE; moved Thomas, second by Mack. AYE: ALL, MOTION PASSES. Attorney Jackson continued with the Legal Discussion. Attorney Jackson – I spoke with one attorney, we had a meaningful conversation, and I sent him the relating documents. He looked at it and he did not see any participation the CRA should take (in regard to the Hungerford property). I reached out to other colleagues, which I did not get back in touch with. My Morehouse/University of Florida peer said you will probably not find an attorney who will look at this on the behalf of the CRA. The CRA could join the SPLC lawsuit. I was also asked to look at allegations of harassment. I have engaged with two law firms. They told me that they felt the position of the agency is correct that Johnson was wrongly terminated. They would do an investigation but the cost of the investigation is $1,055 per hour. Director Johnson – I wanted to ensure the agency was being protected and that if Mr. Johnson was being harassed that we identify and remove him from the environment. Attorney Jackson – I recommend that an HR consultant look at things. Chair Critton asked if he was not brought back with the requirements set by Board. Mr. Johnson – I wasn’t paid for 24 hours. Chair Critton – I will work with administration. Mr. Johnson – There’s no need for the investigation into harassment to continue. BOARD DECISIONS: Critton MOTIONS to APPROVE Resolution CRA-R-2026-12 All Projects Continuation and Unfreezing Spending for said Projects; moved by Mack, second by Williams. Comments: Chair Critton – By passing this resolution, we are all go. Chair Critton resumes the question. MOTION PASSES, 5/2. AYE: Chair Critton, Director Randolph, Director Jordan, Director Mack, Director Williams. NAY: Vice Chair Thomas, Director Johnson. STAFF REPORTS: Marissa Bellenger – Records Coordinator (Clerk Office) – No report. Executive Director – Michael Johnson – No report. Attorney Greg Jackson – No report. 5 of 6 04302026CRAMeetingMinutes Docusign Envelope ID: D0879A6E-C8D6-8D48-829F-98BEB0666361 BOARD REPORTS: Vice Chair Angela Thomas – No report. Director Donovan Williams – I appreciate you all tonight. We got some things accomplished that needed to be addressed. Let’s keep the ball moving forward. Director Angela Johnson – Asked for clarification on single family home properties. Chair Critton – the failure of the motion allows the project to continue. Director Tarus Mack – No report. Director LaDwyana Jordan – No report. Director Wanda Randolph – No report. Chair Ruthi Critton – There have been some very productive conversations from this agency this past week. I’m hopeful about the direction we are going in. The pledge of civility is important to me because we deserve to have conversations on order. I have an expectation of professionalism. The CRA staff does an amazing job producing documents and visuals. ADJOURNMENT Chair Critton MOTIONS for Adjournment of Meeting (MOVED by Director Mack, SECOND by Vice Chair Thomas; AYE: ALL, MOTION PASSES.) Meeting Adjourned at 10:53 P.M. Respectfully Submitted by: Marissa Bellenger ATTEST APPROVED _______________________________ Veronica L King, Town Clerk ______________________________ Ruthi Critton, Director 6 of 6 04302026CRAMeetingMinutes