MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA

 

 

May 2, 2006

 

 

 

The Board of County Commissioners of Brevard County, Florida, met in special workshop session on May 2, 2006, at 9:00 a.m. in the Government Center Florida Room, Building C, 2725 Judge Fran Jamieson Way, Viera, Florida.  Present were:  Chair Helen Voltz, Commissioners Truman Scarborough, Ron Pritchard, Susan Carlson, and Jackie Colon, County Manager Peggy Busacca, and County Attorney Scott Knox.

 

 

County Manager Peggy Busacca reported briefly on the information Fire Chief William Farmer had updated her with; the Division of Forestry believes the fire lines will hold and there should not be any further problems with homes and the current fires; however Fire Rescue, with support of the cities, is putting together a plan in case the fire lines do not hold because a wind shift is expected; and regardless of what happens, fire and smoke will be around until a good rain.  Chair Voltz stated she had not been updated on the fires and the residents of Brevard have been inquiring to her; and requested Ms. Busacca keep the Commissioners informed of the fire status.  Ms. Busacca replied she will do that.

 

 

Commissioner Pritchard stated during the budget discussions last year, he had informed the Board of the National Association of Counties (NACo) Programs prescription drug discount card to help the citizens with the purchase of their prescriptions; 20% in savings for all citizens in Brevard County could be realized; and requested Human Resources Director Frank Abbate give a full report to the Board at the budget workshop on May 18, 2006.

 

 

Commissioner Pritchard  stated the Homestead Portability Bill will not be heard this year and he is disappointed; the unattended consequence of Save Our Homes, which was intended to keep people in their homes and not be taxed out, is now taxing them into it; the Bill will be coming back next year; and encouraged everyone that supports it to bring it to the attention of the Legislators throughout the State.

 

 

Commissioner Pritchard expressed thanks to the firefighters for what they have done the past few days concerning the fires.

 

 

REPORT, RE:  HOMESTEAD PORTABILITY BILL (CONTINUED)                                             

 

Commissioner Carlson stated she had been in Tallahassee for the week and was educated on the process there; there were many interests to bringing some form of portability to the forefront, bring all these Bills that were out there, and have some sort of task force to look at them and respond with something that is a combination of all of the above; they increased the low income exemption another $25,000 with an option for Counties to deal with.  Commissioner Pritchard inquired if that one is phased in.  Commissioner Carlson replied she is not sure;  and she was educated about eminent domain, agricultural enclaves, and educational issues.  Chair Voltz stated she went to a seminar in Orlando on redevelopment agencies, and the property for discussion was not taken and was built around.

 

 

Commissioner Colon encouraged everyone to attend the Life Choices Event.

 

Commissioner Colon stated she  has been trying to communicate with the TiCo Airport Authority and schedule a workshop on July 13, 2006 in the evening so the folks will have an opportunity to attend. Chair Voltz requested it be scheduled later in the month due to her surgery. Commissioner Colon stated to schedule later in the month would be fine.

 

 

Chair Voltz stated she has a link on her website to find the cheapest gas prices at mycommissiondistrict3.com. 

 

 

Assistant County Manager Don Lusk introduced Parks and Recreation Liaison Marsha Cantrell, Brevard Cultural Alliance (BCA) Interim Chief Mark Ernst, Consultant to the Arts Mary Shaw, BCA Vice-Chair Linda Brant, and BCA Chair Craig Suman.

 

Mr. Suman stated Brevard Cultural Alliance is operating successfully; it is working with a series of round tables with the Arts; and their goal is to create a Cultural Alliance that the rest of the State is impressed with. 

 

Ms. Shaw discussed the process, what has happened to date, and what the recommendations are to go forward.  She stated the County engaged services to hold meetings that took place on February 22, 23, and 24, and 42 organizations took part in those meetings with only two of the organizations that receive County grants not taking part. 

 

Chair Voltz inquired which two organizations did not take part.  Ms. Shaw replied she does not have that answer.  Mr. Suman stated they would get the answer for her.  Chair Voltz stated if they are going to receive grants they should be involved.  Ms. Shaw stated 20 organizations represented were also involved who have not taken part in the Grants, which shows there are

still many un met needs and interest; the sessions lasted one and half to three hours depending on the size and experience level; and the comments are transcribed in the back of the books under Grant Sessions.  She stated the grant recommendations included too much paper; first time applicant funding cap; clarity of guidelines; Sample the Arts; panel meetings; reimbursement and reports; and new opportunities to consider.  Chair Voltz inquired what is the procedure for BCA with the recommendations.  Mr. Suman stated the entire BCA Board reviews the recommendations.

 

Commissioner Carlson stated she has served on the BCA Board for over seven years and has been a part of the whole process from the very beginning.  Ms. Shaw further explained the recommendations; having a set time at the beginning of the agenda for Sample the Arts; stated the table set up outside during the meetings did not gain as much traffic as intended; and the recommendation from the BCA is that the Sample no longer be a requirement but strongly encouraged and modified.  She stated the other issues included the timeline and having the panel meetings closer to the start of the fiscal year.  Commissioner Scarborough inquired what she meant by fiscal year.  Ms. Shaw replied October first.  Commissioner Scarborough inquired if different grants anticipate fiscal years.  Ms. Shaw replied there are a few that have different fiscal years. 

 

Fran Delisle, representing the Brevard Symphony, stated the Brevard Symphony’s fiscal year coincides with the State of Florida’s fiscal year July 1 through June 30 because the Symphony also receives State grants. 

 

Steve Janicki, representing the King Center, stated their fiscal year coordinates with the State of Florida and the Brevard Community College budget process. 

 

Commissioner Colon encouraged the BCA Board to continue the requirement of coming before the Board of County Commissioners once a year to expose their organization.

 

Ms. Shaw discussed reimbursements and reports; and stated the State of Florida does not give out grant money on a reimbursement basis; once awarded the grant, the money comes on a quarterly basis.  She discussed quarterly reporting forms simplified; and reimbursement process simplified to only copies of invoices to be reimbursed and relevant check numbers required.

 

Ms. Shaw further discussed new opportunities and recommendations including a multi-year funding in the future; mini-grant program needed with reduced requirements and more frequent application deadlines for special projects with short lead time and/or emerging groups; non-monetary cultural partnerships between cultural groups and County agencies and facilities; and developing a program modeled upon the existing County monitoring program.  Discussion ensued on the recommendations and the cost and effect of each one.

 

Chair Voltz stated her husband is a retired Bellsouth employee and he went into the schools and mentored kids.

 

 

Commissioner Pritchard expressed his appreciation for Ms. Shaw’s hard work.  He inquired if there is a lot of competition for the grants.  BCA staff Kathy Engerran stated it is a competitive grant process including, convening a panel, applications reviewed and scored, and funding driven by the final average score.  Commissioner Pritchard inquired how many applications are denied.  Ms. Engerran replied less than ten.  Commissioner Pritchard inquired if these are new activities and events.   Ms. Engerran stated three are new grantees and one additional group had not applied in a significant period of time.  Chair Voltz stated twenty have never been through the process that attended the workshop.  She inquired if there is x amount of dollars for each size group.  Ms. Engerran replied total operating budget determines the amount they can request.  Commissioner Carlson suggested Ms. Engerran explain the process percentage.  Ms. Engerran stated it is known while requesting a certain amount, available budget does not allow full funding to take place.  Chair Voltz stated if the funds were broken down the smaller companies could have an opportunity to receive something.  Ms. Engerran stated that is something to review for next year.  Commissioner Pritchard stated his assumption was small medium and large referred to $1,500, $3,500, and $5,000 as to the grant application and not the income; and inquired if that would work better.  Ms. Shaw stated she is hoping to achieve three things by this grant process; maintain the excellence of the organizations that have been here and are providing services to the community; help them stay at the level or become more; and reward the large organizations and show the County support for what they are doing in the community.  Commissioner Pritchard stated one of the concerns the Board expressed is that it has become a line item in the BCA’s budget and every year it is expected they get $1,500 or $3,000; that might stifle new applications that might have some viability; and the Board thought about phasing out the grants over 3 years or 5 years to be able to provide more funds within the existing $325,000 for some of the smaller organizations.  Ms. Shaw stated that was one of the thoughts behind having an emerging or mini-grant program.  Commissioner Pritchard inquired about the return on investments.  Ms. Shaw stated BCA keeps records of the impact of the arts dollar wise to the community and they could answer that.  Commissioner Scarborough stated he attended a regional meeting; the speaker was Richard Florida and he wrote a book about the creative individual; and his study showed the person that is a higher wage earner was a much more creative individual in many tasks.  Chair Voltz stated she went to Richmond, Virginia to find why they were getting so many company headquarters; she asked the City Manager there what is it that keeps people in Richmond and he stated their Cultural Arts Program.  Commissioner Pritchard stated results from his on line survey regarding the arts in the community.  Commissioner Carlson inquired if they require the long range plan.  Ms. Shaw stated that is for the community to decide; and if the Board requires it they will do it.  Ms. Engerran stated a summary is requested.  Commissioner Carlson stated that is appropriate.  Ms. Engerran stated it is asked in the budgetary forms and no longer asks for detailed listing.  Commissioner Carlson stated it would be good for the community to see a face with the dollars being provided, interview sessions on SCGTV is an opportunity, and generic tables for the BCA handouts.  Mr. Suman stated one of the issues that the arts have asked is more guidance in that process for the Sample of the Arts; the last couple of years there were a number of postponements and people on the agenda in some cases felt the BCA did not give them enough guidance and advice on missing a meeting because of hurricanes and agendas being postponed and moved forward; and BCA is working towards becoming a partner with the arts and giving them assistance.  Commissioner Carlson stated BCA should, as a cultural organization, be the umbrella for the arts group to help them make sure they meet the requirements.  Commissioner Carlson stated mentoring would be a great idea. Ms. Busacca stated the County provides administrative leave for mentoring for their employees.  Chair Voltz stated they should come back with a list of what someone would come and do for an organization. 

 

Commissioner Colon stated it should be required to show the community; in regards to the volunteer recruitment she does not support it; she would like to see the return investment data; and she encourages the mini-grant programs.  She commented on the fiscal year and when that starts for each one and how it affects each one. 

 

Ms. Brant stated a press release was distributed that contains economic impact information; there is a new initiative that just began through Americans for the Arts and myregion.org; counties in Florida have the option to be involved in an economic impact study that is nationwide; and next year there will be information that compares areas in terms of economic impact of the arts. 

 

Commissioner Pritchard stated a total of $1.2 billion was spent during 2001 by not-for-profit organizations, universities, and colleges; when multiplier effects are included, the Florida arts and cultural industry created $2.9 billion of gross state product; and he expected more. Ms. Brant stated the new survey will show what information they use to make these judgments.  Commissioner Pritchard stated the press release states how much is spent but it does not state how much was received.  Commissioner Carlson inquired if the study being done is going to compare other states to Florida based on budget.  Ms. Shaw stated during 2001 an estimated seven million out-of-state cultural tourists visited Florida’s cultural facilities or attended cultural events as a primary activity they enjoyed, which show it is strong and a great contributor to the community.  Chair Voltz stated she would like to see the possibility of doing the grants for small, medium, and large with a certain amount set aside for each one and the mini-grants.  Ms. Shaw stated the procedure in the State with the quarterly-assistance grants, if there is money left in the budget, is it goes back to the grantees in a system they devised.  Chair Voltz stated the procedure for reimbursement funds need to be discussed.  Commissioner Pritchard inquired to how the reimbursements would work.  Mr. Lusk explained there is an Agreement with BCA for the dollars and they would go out and do work with some of the agencies; an example is BCC gives the King Center the dollars then they would apply to the County; and would reimburse it to BCA who would reimburse to the King Center.  Commissioner Pritchard inquired if the operation of the activity is critical based on $1,500 or $3,000 then how can they do it to reimburse.  Mr. Lusk responded small not-for-profit have difficulty with the up-front dollars it takes to do this and that is why it is important to look at a mini-grant program to help the smaller agencies.  Commissioner Carlson stated further discussion is needed. 

 

 

 

Brevard Community College grant writer Kay Pruitt expressed her gratitude for all the hard work and stated she likes the direction it is going.

 

 

Alyce Christ with Space Coast Pops, Inc. expressed her thanks to the Board and stated they would appear before the Board at the next meeting.

 

PUBLIC COMMENT – STEVE JANICKI, RE:  KING CENTER     

 

King Center Executive Director Steve Janicki expressed his thanks for the additional funds with the grants program; and stated it is important to have the County Commission is stamp of approval of the programs to attract people from out of town; 80% of the support for the Kings Center is from Brevard County patrons, the remaining support is corporate support; the State and the National Endowment for the Arts support the King Center more than the local cities.  He stated the King Center is a Kennedy Center partner in the arts leader which trains teachers for workshops with the classes.  He expressed his thanks to Mary Shaw, Parks and Recreation Department, and Commissioner Carlson for suggesting Margo Knight from the United Arts group out of Orlando. He stated Harris Corporation is a major supporter of the King Center.

 

Brevard Symphony Executive Director Fran Delisle stated in regards to reimbursements she has to submit the paperwork; the grant states what the money is for; and then there is a final report advising what the money was used for.  She stated with the State of Florida the reimbursement part does not have to be done; the books are open at anytime for anyone to look at; and everything done is Public Record.  She expressed her thanks for the additional funds that were put in the budget.  Commissioner Colon inquired is it based on historical ability to provide programming or is there any basis.  Ms. Delisle responded she has done a State grant for thirteen years and have never done a reimbursement or quarterly report; and a presentation is done in Tallahassee to defend the grant.  Ms. Shaw stated on the pay out system there is a minimum amount with the State which can be received all at once.

 

 

 

Dane Pollei, representing Brevard Museum of Art and Science, the most successful cultural organization in the County is the Brevard Zoo; one of the reasons is the funding they get from the County every year stabilizes them; and he believes that is critical to having solid organizations and having viable arts organizations that will be there, not only for today, but for many years to come.

 

 

Ella Austin, representing Brevard Caribbean American Sports and Culture Association, stated they are a member of the BCA, but did not receive any notices in regard to the federal admittance; was this in regards to being a small group.  She stated the King Center refused the $800 and the Association would have been happy to get it; and inquired what procedure needs to be done to get a grant.  She stated they are a 501C3 and have been in existence for over two years; and they need help with information with the grants.  Chair Voltz inquired the Brevard Caribbean American Sports and Culture Association was not notified.  Ms. Shaw responded there is a large email list, there could be a mistake, and she will check into it.  Chair Voltz advised Ms. Austin to contact the BCA.

 

 

Manuel Verceles, representing the Filipino American Charitable and Educational Foundation (SFACEF), stated his concern is they just received their 501C3 last December; four events undertaken have practically come up negative; currently SFACEF has a $350,000 budget that is expendable money, but if five million dollars was there the $375,000 could be spent on capitable expenditures; and that is where the return on investment will come in and people will come for the solid foundation of cultural arts in the County.  He stated Brevard County is getting two dollars per capita grants; with 500,000 people in the County that is only sixteen cents per capita; and with SFACEF’s budget, if a huge event is held it is beyond their means.

 

 

Commissioner Colon stated Ella Austin works very closely with the Caribbean and Filipino community; she attended an event at a school where there were Filipino dancers who were six to ten years old and it was beautiful; and encouraged the BCA to bring out and expose some of the wonderful organizations all over.  Chair Voltz inquired if the TDC gives BCA any money.  Commissioner Carlson stated it is approximately $220,000. 

 

 

Keith Winster stated he recommended mini-grants and has been on many organizations that give out money.  He explained the distinctions between mini-grants which are typically a really low threshold grant; $1,500 is usually the max; there are minimal reporting requirements and small groups that do not have the resources or paid staff; and a risk can be taken with them because a huge amount of resources are not going to have to be put in.  He stated the traditional grants are for major new initiatives; there are very few operating grants; and what that forces groups to do is to constantly event new things because that is what gets the grants.  He encouraged the Board to look at these distinctions and sustain groups that are doing good work.  He stated he wants to clarify a statement from earlier in the meeting that the Brevard Zoo does not receive operating funds. 

 

Chair Voltz inquired about the distinctions.  Commissioner Carlson stated the operating support is the most valuable to offer because it is not available through foundations and the other specific project is new things.  Commissioner Colon stated when reimbursements are requested it concerns her because if a grant; is $20,000 the organization is accountable for, if there is $2,000 left it will make them feel forced to spend it in fear the Board will not feel it will be needed next time.  Ms. Shaw stated other counties do not require receipts, but over a certain amount of money given out they do require audits.  Chair Voltz inquired if someone requested $20,000 for certain things then they know what they need it for, so hopefully there will not be any funds left over at the end of year.

 

 

 

Motion by Commissioner Carlson, seconded by Commissioner Colon, to take the following actions regarding Brevard Community Cultural Grants: require only one signature of “Authorized Official” in grant documents; extend courtesy review timeframe for minor errors or omissions; reduce the requested number of application copies from 15 to 9; eliminate Charitable Contributions Certification and Long Range Plan; include only one copy of Florida Certificate of Incorporation, IRS 501(c) (3), and By-Laws in original application; include IRS 990 requirement in original application only; valuing forms for in-kind detail are to be available upon request and not included in application;  Board of Directors list only requested as part of grant application; modify narrative questions and scoring valuations, and revise and streamline placement; eliminate $1,500 cap on funding for first-time applicants; the program may fund private non-profit arts and cultural organizations through General Program Support or Specific Projects, and private non-profit non-arts, and non-cultural organizations for specific projects of an artistic nature; review budget forms for clarity; eliminate required presentation and mandatory attendance; implement a panel orientation process; solicit panel nominations from cultural organizations and all interested parties; require only copies of invoices to be reimbursed and relevant check numbers; simplify quarterly reporting forms; and explore opportunities for new partnerships.  Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

 

 

Motion by Commissioner Carlson, seconded by Commissioner Pritchard, to direct staff to return with information regarding the following: multi-year funding; mini-grants; review of the State Reimbursement process to see if it is implemental; establish guidelines for making Sample of the Arts more favorable; operating support versus new programs; establish guidelines and duties modeled after the County’s mentoring program; Economic Development Commission contribution to the greater cultural element in Brevard County; identify separate funds for small, medium, and large programs; and return on investment.  Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

 

Assistant County Manager Don Lusk stated he wants to make sure he understood the Sample of the Arts because that is the confusion that is going on and basically information is being brought back to the Board regarding Sample of the Arts; and it would not be a requirement for this year’s grant process if that is what BCA wants to do.  Commissioner Carlson agreed.

 

 

The meeting recessed at 11:12 a.m. and reconvened at 11:30 a.m. 

 

 

 

Chair Voltz stated the zoning meeting starts at 5:00 Thursday night; and such meetings will start at 5:00 from now on.  Ms. Busacca stated that is correct.

 

County Attorney Scott Knox requested an executive session on May 9, 2006 regarding the Parks validation matter.

 

Motion by Commissioner Pritchard, seconded by Commissioner Carlson, to approve scheduling an Executive Session for May 9, 2006 at 11:30 a.m. to discuss Brevard County v. State of Florida, regarding bond validation.  Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

 

 

Commissioner Colon invited everyone to attend the Life Choices Program at Calvary Chapel at 7:00 p.m., which will be presented by the folks related to the Columbine tragedy.  Chair Voltz stated she attended Life Choices last year and she thought it was an excellent program that was provided to let the young people in the community know they are worth something. 

 

 

Commissioner Pritchard stated his latest update on House Bill 1363 relating to affordable housing is April 20, 2006.  He inquired if there is anything more recent available.  Commissioner Carlson inquired if the Board has received the update from Leigh Holt on affordable housing issues.  She stated as of April 28, 2006 in the House side it was temporarily postponed on the third reading; that was disposition of county property municipal property; and State lands for said housing; and it provides legislative findings and intent regarding changes in land use affecting mobile home parks, revises limitation regarding small scale comprehensive plan amendments and involves construction of affordable housing units; and its effective date if it passed was July 1, 2006.  She stated Senate Bill 132, which is basically the same, was placed on the special order calendar for today; and inquired if any implications were analyzed.  

 

Housing and Human Services Director Gay Williams responded they will get feedback from Florida Association of Counties and look at how it might impact County.  Commissioner Pritchard inquired about the Bill being postponed.  Commissioner Carlson stated usually when it is postponed on third reading it will come back into a special order calendar later in the week on the House side to discuss. County Manager Peggy Busacca stated she would contact Ms. Holt to see if she has heard anything more recent.  Commissioner Pritchard requested Ms. Busacca ask Ms. Holt about Senate Bill 132. 

 

 

Jeff Crib, representing Residential Finance America, stated at the last meeting the Board had questions that he did not have answers for, so he printed a hand out for the Board to review.  He agreed with Commissioner Pritchard regarding the State passing on the Homestead Portability is a mistake.  He stated Commissioner Scarborough had questions regarding the difference in a one percent payment; and advised of three different scenarios: $150,000 home purchase at one percent is about $100 a month, on $200,000 it is about $126 a month, and at $250,000 it is $158 a month. He stated it allows the buyer to qualify at a smaller rate; the program allows a person to qualify at an interest rate at 5.1 instead of 6.6 which is current national average; the ratio is 24% less at 5.1 versus the 6.6; and a family with an income of $50,000 qualifies for the house at 5.1, and at 6.6 they need over $60,000.  Commissioner Carlson inquired if the buyer program is something most institutions provide.  Mr. Cribb replied it is Fannie Mae.  Discussion ensued on qualifications for the Community HomeBuyer Program. Commissioner Scarborough inquired who pays for the buy down.  Mr. Cribb replied it can be paid down by anyone.  Chair Voltz inquired what is the buy down.  Mr. Cribb replied the total subsidy; and the buy down is the difference in the payment each year.  Commissioner Pritchard stated his version of buy down is he pays extra to reduce the interest.  Mr. Cribb stated the buyer does not; it is a four-year buy down and the total decreases 1.5%; and each year it increases 5%.

 

Evelyn Morrison, representing Commission on the Status of Women for Brevard, stated female senior citizens are having serious housing issues; there is a landlord tenant law in the State of Florida and she does not feel a lot of people are aware of this; and she was glad to see on the agenda the Fair Housing Ordinance.  She stated as a realtor she works in property management and sees a number of discriminatory practices, especially with the Section Eight recipients, in finding affordable housing.  She stated there is no due process; there is an association but it is a touchy situation when dealing with discrimination and housing; if a person has a complaint there is no way to process it; and seeking the one attorney in the area is there only way.  She stated as a Planning and Zoning member, guidelines have to be followed. 

 

 

Kristine Bakke, representing Leadership Brevard, stated Leadership Brevard, Brevard Tomorrow, and the Brevard Workforce Development Board, entered into a collaboration to address this community issue in September of this year; Leadership Brevard has initiated an in-depth dialogue on Workforce Housing, touching on a variety of issues beginning with the Smart Growth principles that Brevard Tomorrow developed two years ago, and talking then about employer assistance housing trust funds, and leveraging of private and public funding to positively impact all types of Workforce Housing.  She stated they have four major goals, such as to look and educate as a group current trends and initiatives in Workforce Housing needs, recognize the appropriate community and governmental entities, to implement that would be agreed upon, and to build a consensus in the community, and have the best, utilizing existing local resources to positively impact the future in Brevard Workforce Housing needs.  She stated there are approximately 40 members on the Brevard Housing Taskforce; and the members use a frame work about how the ability to attract and retain a quality workforce meets the economic demands of businesses as a critical issue for Brevard.  She stated Brevard Tomorrow undertook a survey of over a thousand young professionals and realized under that survey at that time their number one life factor was if living in Brevard County was affordable; almost 34% of those surveyed were not sure how long they would remain in Brevard; they wanted to see continued protection of public green spaces, building of eco-friendly biking and hiking trails, and lakes and beaches accessible to the public.  She summarized Workforce Housing is in the context of assuring the quality of life continues at the rate it is and build upon it; 335 of those surveyed stated they were not sure if they would stay in Brevard; if they left today, Brevard County would lose over $12,411,000 in taxable income and suffer over $86 million per year in lost economic impact; and those numbers are based on the median salaries recorded in the electronic survey and economic impact ratio of seven to one.  She stated Leadership Brevard conducted in February 2006, with the help of four local Chambers of Commerce, a survey of area businesses to determine their Workforce Housing issues; 51% of those 181 respondents indicated the current and future cost of housing will have a negative impact on their availability to hire and retain a qualified workforce; 30% stated they have had employees not accept offers or leave the area based on housing issues; and two businesses reported between 26 and 50 prospective or current employees either rejected offers of employment or moved during the last year due to the cost of housing.  Executive Director of the Brevard Workforce Development Board Lisa Rice presented information regarding the living wage continuum the Brevard Workforce Development Board created over six years ago; and stated it looks at what it takes for area employees to be able to make a living wage and not be on any kind of a subsidy, taking into account the housing and health care cost, transportation issues that have changed in the last five years.  She stated a two-parent family with two children needs to make $56,000 annually to afford and be off all the subsidies; percent of median pricing of homes has increased 158% in five years, yet local wages have only increased 14% in that time; and the workforce will not be able to continue to live in Brevard if nothing is done to balance this effect.  She stated in the last year 35,000 people have been added to the workforce in Brevard; in December 2005, the Brevard Realtors Association had listed 58 houses between $75,000 to $150,000; in February 2006 there were 211 houses; and in March, there were 146 houses available. She advised by the year 2010 there will be over 600,000 people in Brevard; less land will be available for development; and a small amount of rental space will be available.  Commissioner Scarborough inquired where the information was obtained.  Ms. Rice replied the County and the School Board; the information obtained suggests with the growing population the traffic will be increasing, businesses if they cannot recruit and retain the workforce here, will look to move out, and there will be a growing disparity between the poorest and wealthiest in the community.

 

Ms. Rice stated affordable simply means individuals spending 30% of their income on housing; with housing costs rising, more people are finding it difficult to make ends meet; affordable housing means smaller mixed income developments that are distributed throughout a community; and studies have shown if the Workforce Housing is well designed and well managed it will not have a significant negative effect on neighboring property values.  Commissioner Pritchard inquired how Ms. Rice qualified significant.  Ms. Rice replied it came from the Florida Housing Financing Coalition. 

 

Ms. Rice stated communities that thrive are ones with a balanced range of homes and rental properties that take care of the needs of the community; and the unemployment rate is at 2.8% which represents approximately 7,000 people who are eligible for work.  Commissioner Pritchard inquired if Ms. Rice qualified expensive.  Ms. Rice replied no, there was not a qualifier for expensive. Ms. Rice presented eight recommendations from the Task Force, including the Sadowsky Act. Commissioner Carlson stated from the perception of the Affordable Housing Trust Fund that is out there, the $160 million dollars is not even half that is being allocated towards affordable housing and inquired where the dollars are being sent. Ms. Rice responded it has went to General Revenue.  She further presented the recommendations, including employer assistance programs, mixed-use, density bonus, 3% solution, and streamlining of the permit and review process.  Chair Voltz stated the Board is planning a workshop with the HBCA to look at the streamlining and permit processes.  Ms. Rice continued to present the final two recommendations, inclusionary zoning, and federal and state subsidies that can be applied and help inclusionary housing units be cost feasible; stated the developer can limit some of the amenities that go into the affordable housing units; it is extremely controversial; however the group is anxious to discuss the specifics with staff.  She discussed infill construction, making it more viable for those who are looking at building affordable housing.  She stated their call to action is that the Board would use the willing volunteers, establish the timeframe for the next steps; and use the toolbox approach.  She stated there are more solutions that are listed in the binder to consider.                                                                                                                                        

 

Chenita Joiner, Housing and Human Services Department, highlighted the different available opportunities the presenters have presented; discussed staff recommendations, and the direction the Board would like to see proceeded.  She discussed the availability and use of existing structures and how they provide infrastructure which can lead to cost benefits for developers; and use of the structures in the sense they will help eliminate some of the blinded structures. She stated if vacant land is used and existing structures, direct land grants can be used as incentives for developers; and Community Land Trust is a private non-profit community organization that safeguards land in order to provide affordable housing opportunities  keeps the property affordable, and guarantees good upkeep and repair of the property.  Commissioner Carlson inquired how the Community Land Trust is different from the Housing Authority.  Ms. Joiner responded it is a non-profit organization that owns the land and guarantees on a long term basis it will remain affordable and has some control over the land being kept and maintained. Commissioner Carlson stated it would be interesting to see the differences. Ms. Joiner stated staff will provide some information on the differences.

 

Ms. joiner discussed supportive zoning policies, supportive land development regulations for affordable housing and the advantages, inclusionary zoning, promoting mixed income communities, density bonuses, reduced setbacks, and modifications for street designs, and housing and commercial zones.  She stated the presenter before her discussed private and public partnerships; and it would help communities develop affordable housing and adopt a fair housing ordinance.  She stated staff’s recommendation is that the Board support the establishment of a team, with the Housing and Human Services Department acting as the lead, and at a minimum, include the following departments and external organizations that are listed.  She further stated the duties of the team will be to review current policies and identify solutions that would support affordable housing production to include the possibility of looking into a fair housing ordinance.  Chair Voltz inquired where the cities are involved.  Ms. Joiner replied each and every organization should not be listed, but as the process is proceeded, the need for other internal and external organizations could be brought to the table.  Chair Voltz stated the larger cities need to be included.  Commissioner Carlson stated it becomes another incentive to come and stay in Brevard County.  Commissioner Pritchard stated to look at the County as a region within itself and having delegates from the Cities is going to be crucial to having this work, otherwise there will be different definitions.

 

Ms. Joiner stated staff would like to come back to the Board no later than December 31, 2006 with recommendations and solutions.  Commissioner Colon inquired why wait so long; and suggested moving quicker, due to the rezoning going on so fast.  Ms. Williams stated it would require a lot of staff time from each of the departments, and the cities will be included, so they would also have to look at it.  Commissioner Colon inquired about the process of gathering information and bringing choices to elected officials.  Ms. Joiner stated in discussing this topic with other jurisdictions and areas, it appears they started their process, and it has taken some time because of all the people they have had to bring to the table and the evaluations needed.  Ms. Williams suggested an interim report.  Commissioner Colon stated that would be a good idea.  Commissioner Carlson stated there are key issues that need to be looked at.  Commissioner Scarborough stated growth management is an important issue and the Board needs to be sensitive to all the options.  Commissioner Pritchard stated he needs to get straight what the Workforce Housing Taskforce is going to do; and inquired if it is going to work with staff and review the Board processes, and will the cities will do the same and then recommend how the Board can do better.  Ms. Williams stated some of the opportunities that exist in our communities, everything may not work; there are different communities doing different things to address this particular problem; and the Taskforce was looking at what would fit or what recommendations could be made to the Board with the pros and cons, so the Board would know all the information and then make a decision based on what impact it might have, what to expect, and then make a decision.   Commissioner Pritchard stated he received a couple letters from realtors and developers experiencing delays up to four months, and having to keep construction crews idle; and the work is here but the permitting process has kept developers from getting the work done.  Chair Voltz stated that is something the Board is going to look at with the workshop with the HBCA.  Commissioner Pritchard stated his ideas that should be included in the toolbox, such as interest rates, buydowns, density, permitting fast track, permitting and impact fees, the need to review and develop reasonable codes, employer assistance, realtor fees, title company fees, documentary stamps, tax reductions, property tax and sales tax for the materials, wetland mitigation, three percent cap on rentals, blighted and disturbed properties, and the State having a very lengthy process to review septic tanks.

 

Commissioner Carlson inquired how it is possible, according to page four under the Community Land Trust, keeping housing permanently affordable.  Ms. Joiner replied the Land Trust always owns the land and passes from one low income to another.  Commissioner Carlson stated commercial areas that are currently commercial, could be re-established as a mixed use scenario where affordable elements could be brought in.  Commissioner Colon stated the Board is trying to create incentives in the community.  Ms. Joiner stated there are examples of communities where they brought developers, government staff, and non-profits to the table; and they developed an Affordable Housing Development.  Commissioner Colon inquired if the Board should find out if there are folks in the community who are interested.  Ms. Williams stated there are developers in the community that are willing to provide the affordable housing; and the municipalities understand they have a role to play.  Assistant County Manager Don Lusk further noted if there is something that was thrown on the table or discussed that the Board is not interested in pursuing, it would be good to know so time would not be wasted on those items.  Commissioner Pritchard inquired if the Board has a copy of the Sarasota Ordinance.  Commissioner Carlson stated a motion is needed to allow the Taskforce to form and bring back interim reports.  Commissioner Scarborough stated he would like to see structure and membership of a task force to help in the creation of a fair housing ordinance.  Chair Voltz requested staff report to the Board on the structure and membership of a task force at the May 9, 2006 meeting. 

 

Geo Ropert, representing Brevard Workforce Housing Taskforce, stated he agrees with the Board regarding to moving the process quicker, but realizes the constraints on staff.  He stated the service workers are needed in the community and the issues follow back to the Brevard Tomorrow Strategic Plan in the area of civic infrastructure.  He commended the Board, Housing and Human Services, and the Workforce Taskforce on all the work.

 

Steve Dwarkin, new urban group developer, stated he took part in the Sarasota County Affordable Housing Group and the Board of County Commissioners there initiated a comprehensive plan amendment to modify the housing element and the land use element, and then directed staff to develop a Affordable Housing Ordinance to piggyback on the comprehensive plan amendment.  He stated the Affordable House Ordinance and the comprehensive plan amendment were to be completed, drafted, and agreed upon, within six months from the time the County Commission initiated the Comprehensive Plan Amendment to the time the final Affordable Housing Ordinance was adopted.  He stated the idea of waiting for the State Legislature to act to make any substance of difference is maybe optimistic but also misguided because there was discussion of that in Sarasota; and there was an agreement of those Commissioners that there was no time to wait.  He stated all of the incentives discussed here will be included in the ordinance; the conclusion by those Commissioners, staff, all the community groups, and all the participants was that mandatory inclusionary zoning was not going to work, and it was going to encourage annexation to local municipalities and scare developers and employees away. 

 

Chair Voltz stated there is more than just a Fair Housing Ordinance, such as how the County can help reduce the cost of some of the units by things the County does.  Commissioner Colon stated she would like for Mr. Dwarkin to meet with her and her staff to discuss in depth the ordinance.  She inquired what an affordable price range is.  Mr. Dwarkin replied $150,000 to about $225,000.   He stated staff headed up the group of developers, environmentalists, attorneys, and everyone else involved, and drafted the ordinance and reported back to Commission every four or five weeks.  Commissioner Carlson requested Mr. Dwarkin summarize the process and lessons learned and get it to Gay Williams. 

 

Ms. Rice stated there is a group of volunteers that would like to help and move forward with this.

 

 

 

 

Upon motion and vote, the meeting adjourned at 1:01 p.m.

 

 

 

ATTEST:

 

                                                                                   __________________________

                                                                                    HELEN VOLTZ, CHAIR

                                                                                    BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

                                                                                    BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA

 

_________________________

SCOTT ELLIS, CLERK  

 

             (S E A L)