Downtown Ocala Redevelopment Advisory Committee

110 SE Watula Avenue Ocala Ocala, FL 34471 Downtown Ocala Redevelopment www.ocalafl.gov Advisory Committee Minutes Tuesday, April 25, 2023 10:00 AM 5. Call To Order and Roll Call Present Kendall Drake, Summer Gill, Vice Chair Rhella Murdaugh, Chairman Ted Schatt, and TaMara York Excused Rachel Laxton, and Tom McDonald 2. Proof of Publication The public notice for the Downtown Ocala CRA Advisory Committee was posted on April 17, 2023. 3. Approval of August 23, 2022, December 6, 2022 and February 28, 2023 Minutes August 23, 2022, December 16, 2022 and February 28, 2023 minutes Attachments: Downtown Ocala CRA draft minutes - 12.6.22 Downtown Ocala CRA draft minutes - 8.23.22 Downtown Ocala CRA draft minutes - 2.28.23 RESULT: APPROVED MOVER: Summer Gill SECONDER: Kendall Drake AYE: Drake, Gill, Chairman Schatt, and York EXCUSED: Laxton, and McDonald 4. Election of Officers RESULT: TABLED 5. Downtown Ocala CRA Grant Program 5. CRA New Construction Grant Summary Attachments: CRA New Construction Grant Summary Apr 2023 rev Mr. Ellis provided a brief overview of the new construction grants program. The goal is to fund three large construction projects annually with maximum grant of $100.00 per project, and allocate $300,000 per year in grant funds in the CRA budget. The Committee will evaluate/approve applications; and applicants will be required to submit annual reports. He confirmed the renovation expense minimum of $1 million. Mr. Gianikas said the City has several grant programs for small renovation projects and confirmed Chapter 163 Developers Agreements are not required for every construction project. Page 1 of 3 Downtown Ocala Redevelopment Advisory Committee Minutes April 25, 2023 Mr. Ellis explained the multiple incentives clause in the agreement. He clarified the difference between the 5-year and 15-year grant restriction application. Mr. Schatt expressed concern regarding the two provisions in the agreement. The provision could affect the City providing incentives to retrofit properties for another use. The grant should not run with the property, because of ownership changes. Mr. Ellis stated the City will address the Committee's concerns in the draft template. He clarified the City’s reporting requirements. Mr. Hale clarified the 50-year life expectancy of a large scale project funded by the grant. The City established a 15-year cap, to protect the City’s investment and to allow funding for multiple properties. Ms. Murdaugh arrived at 10:17 am. Mr. Schatt expressed concern about the program return on investment risks. He suggested adding a provision stating the limitation on grants could be waived by the City Manager. Mr. Hale explained how the new grant program created a catalytic opportunity. He confirmed changes will be considered by City Council on May 16 or June 20, 2023. Mr. Schatt stated grant amendments should be considered by the Committee. Mr. Hale clarified the grant amendment process and added the City is requesting a recommendation from the Committee. Mr. Schatt recommended adding language stating grant awarded properties will not be eligible for any other CRA grants for fifteen (15) years; unless waived by the City Manager or his designee. He encouraged the City to utilize the Form Based Code when evaluating applications. Mr. Hale spoke on the importance of creating criteria for waiving the rule, to avoid future litigation challenges. Motion to approve new construction grant with general requirements that properties awarded a grant will not be eligible for any other CRA grants for fifteen (15) years, unless an exception is granted by the city manager or his designee. RESULT: APPROVED MOVER: Ted Schatt SECONDER: Rhella Murdaugh AYE: Drake, Gill, Vice Chair Murdaugh, Chairman Schatt, and York EXCUSED: Laxton, and McDonald Page 2 of 3 Downtown Ocala Redevelopment Advisory Committee Minutes April 25, 2023 6. Downtown Ocala CRA Projects & Budget Update Mr. Hale reported the District Bar’s estimated completion for sidewalk improvements on SW Broadway Street is mid-May. The completion of the left turn-lane from E. Silver Springs Boulevard to Northeast 1st Avenue is pending a signal installation. The City is evaluating the functionality of the Osceola Trak button at E. Silver Springs Boulevard. 4. Election of Officers The Committee briefly discuss the positions and agreed to reelect Mr. Schatt as Chairman and Ms. Murdaugh as Vice Chairman. Motion for Ted Schatt to serve as Chairman and Vice Chair Rhella Murdaugh to serve as Vice Chairman. There being no further discussion the motion carried by roll call vote. RESULT: APPROVED MOVER: Rhella Murdaugh SECONDER: Ted Schatt AYE: Drake, Gill, Vice Chair Murdaugh, Chairman Schatt, and York EXCUSED: Laxton, and McDonald 7. Other Business Mr. Ellis provided a brief overview of the Brownfields program. The City was awarded an EPA grant totaling $500,000. The funds will be used to complete Phase I & II assessment. The application is on the City's website. . 8. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 11 am. Page 3 of 3