MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA

 

 

January 31, 2006

 

 

 

The Board of County Commissioners of Brevard County, Florida, met in special session on January 31, 2006 at 1:05 p.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, and Susan Carlson, County Manager Peggy Busacca, and Assistant County Attorney Christine Lepore.  Absent was:  *Commissioner Jackie Colon.

 

Economic and Financial Programs Director Greg Lugar provided an overview to the Board and audience concerning the Community Redevelopment Agencies (CRAs), including the CRAs in Brevard County, the year the CRA was established and time certain of CRA to complete redevelopment projects, Brevard County’s payment to the CRA, Legislative requirements of the CRAs, and the Board’s requirements of the Cities’ CRAs.  He advised the Board requested staff to provide information on the actual number of CRAs in Brevard County; there are currently 12 CRAs; and staff has aerial maps that provide a frame of reference.  He stated such CRAs include Titusville, City of Cocoa U.S. 1 Corridor, Diamond Square, Cocoa Village, Rockledge Downtown, Merritt Island Redevelopment Agency, Palm Shores, Satellite Beach Downtown, Eau Gallie, Babcock Street, Melbourne Historic Downtown, and Palm Bay Bayfront.  He advised to establish a community redevelopment plan, Chapter 163.262 Florida Statutes, Paragraph (10) requires  time certain for competing all redevelopment projects financed by tax increment revenues; the Florida Statute states if an agency was created prior to July 1, 2002, such time certain shall occur no later than 30 years after the fiscal year in which the plan was approved, adopted, or amended pursuant to Chapter 163.361(1), Florida Statutes.

 

Mr. Lugar stated for all CRAs created after the Home Rule Charter was approved by the voters in November 1994, the Board adopted a Resolution limiting the time certain of the CRAs to 25 years; the three City CRAs created prior to Home Rule Charter, including Titusville, Cocoa Downtown, and Melbourne Historic Downtown, have a life of 30 years, unless they amend their respective Community Redevelopment Plan, then the time period starts over; and the Merritt Island Redevelopment Agency life was set by Board action for 25 years.  He stated Brevard County’s payments to the CRAs for FY 2005-2006 include $532,576 for Cocoa Village, which is a 56.84% increase; $111,6000 for City of Titusville, which is a 3.41% increase; $231,132 for Melbourne Historic Downtown, which is a 9.03% increase; $1,304,697 for MIRA, which is a 25.81% increase; $91,813 for Cocoa U.S. 1 Corridor, which is a 38.84% increase; $63,171 for Cocoa Diamond Square, which is a 41.25% increase; $146,583 for Melbourne Babcock Street, which is a 6.91% increase; $273,127 for City of Palm Bay, which is a 102.70% increase; $35,879 for Melbourne Olde Eau Gallie, which is a 14.65% increase; $318,238 for City of Rockledge, which is a 68.69% increase; $349,017 for City of Satellite Beach, which is a 34.82% increase; $41,215 for Town of Palm Shores, which is a 21.84% increase.

 

Chair Voltz stated $3.5 million went to CRAs out of the County’s General Fund budget; with Mr. Lugar responding that is correct.

OVERVIEW, RE:  CURRENT REDEVELOPMENT AREAS

 

Mr. Lugar advised of the CRA financial reporting and fund balance requirements; and stated Chapter 163.387 Florida Statutes, Paragraph (8) says the CRAs are required to submit an independent financial audit of their respective trust fund each fiscal year.  He noted Chapter 163.387 Florida Statutes, Paragraph (7) identifies the criteria for the disposition of any money remaining in the CRA trust fund on the last day of the fiscal year, and on the last day of the fiscal year of the Community Redevelopment Agency, any money which remains in the trust fund after the payment of expenses pursuant to Subsection (6) for such year shall be:  (a) returned to each taxing authority which paid the increment in the proportion that the amount of the payment of such taxing authority bears to the total amount paid into the trust fund by all taxing authorities within the redevelopment area for that year; (2) used to reduce the amount of any indebtedness to which increment revenues are pledged; (3) deposited into an escrow account for the purpose of later reducing any indebtedness to which increment revenues are pledged; and (4) appropriated to a specific redevelopment project pursuant to an approved community redevelopment plan which project will be completed within three years from the date of such appropriation.  He advised CRAs are not permitted to carry over tax increment revenue funds indefinitely; and agencies are required to expend funds for eligible expenses per the CRAs adopted Community Redevelopment Plans.

 

Mr. Lugar advised the Board’s requirements of City CRAs include 25 years as the time certain to complete redevelopment projects, and 20% limitation on administrative expenses of annual tax increment revenue.  He stated such requirements are established for the Merritt Island Redevelopment Agency, Cocoa U.S. 1 Corridor Redevelopment Agency, Cocoa Diamond Square Redevelopment Agency, Babcock Street Redevelopment Agency, City of Palm Bay Redevelopment Agency, Olde Eau Gallie Redevelopment Agency, City of Rockledge Redevelopment Agency, City of Satellite Beach Redevelopment Agency, and Town of Palm Shores Redevelopment Agency.

 

 

*Commissioner Colon’s presence was noted at this time.

 

 

Sandra Clinger, representing Save the Manatee Club, submitted a letter from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation (FWC) Commission to the Board; and read the letter as follows:  “And herein in the request from Citizens for Florida Waterways (CFW) is the following question:  ‘Can we add additional 25 m.p.h. channels or additional water sports areas to specific locations within Brevard County and still be consistent with our manatee protection goals?”  She advised FWC’s conclusion at the end is it does not believe it has the basis to recommend that the rule be reconsidered at this time; and it will be evaluating new information as it is gathered and remain open to additional information.  She stated she cannot endorse the revised resolution before the Board; Office of Natural Resources Management staff had very little time to review such resolution and make any changes; and requested the Board not take action on the resolution.

 

 

 

Discussion ensued concerning Ski Island and Cocoa Beach, restricted public access, no entry zones, high speed corridors, unsafe conditions on the water, manatee protection, additional research, release of dock permits, science and data issues, changes in rules and regulations, marina siting element, and risk analysis model.

 

Commissioner Pritchard advised the resolution is science driven and he will make a motion to adopt the resolution.

 

Motion by Commissioner Pritchard, to adopt Resolution supporting designation of moderate speed corridors in marked channels and two water sports areas in Brevard County.

 

 

Commissioner Carlson suggested Mr. Webster, Ms. Clinger, and Ms. Barker meet to discuss the resolution; stated they can hammer out something generic so they get what they want, but it does not imply any favoritism; and something can be crafted that would be a positive message to FWC saying the County would like it to do more analysis.  Commissioner Scarborough stated he agrees with such individuals meeting to tweak the language in the resolution.

 

 

OVERVIEW, RE:  CURRENT REDEVELOPMENT AREAS

 

Cindy Dittmer, representing the City of Melbourne, advised of the three Current Redevelopment Areas in the City; stated all three Areas have the City Council sitting as the CRA in all three Districts; there is an Advisory Committee made up of property owners and business owners in the area that advise the CRA on the issues; and the three Districts are staffed by the Economic and Redevelopment Coordinator.  She advised of the Downtown Melbourne District, Capital Improvement Projects, Babcock Street Redevelopment District, Eau Gallie District, and revitalizing the Districts.

 

Jim McKnight, Rockledge City Manager, advised the City of Rockledge is in its third full year of implement projects; its main focus is on the Barton Boulevard Corridor; projects have been completed on Florida Avenue; the City is doing an annual report, which will include what the City has done and where it is headed; and such report which will be sent to the County Manager’s Office.  He stated he was involved with CRAs in the early 1980’s after the City of Cocoa started its CRA; he commends such City on where it has come; it had a slow start, but has made good progress; and the things it has done in Cocoa Village are positive for Brevard County, City of Rockledge, and the City of Cocoa.

 

Rochelle Lawandales, representing the City of Rockledge, stated the number shows that what the County is doing is working; $3.5 million out of the County’s General Fund is a blip on the radar screen that goes barely unnoticed in the enormous budget that the County has; and she feels certain that the minor amount of money and what it is generating for the sales taxes, impact fees, and property values increasing around redevelopment areas is at least tri-fold of what that is.  She stated the partnership between cities and counties is like a public/private partnership; individually  they  cannot  do  what  they  can  do  together; Barnes  Boulevard is an

 

 

OVERVIEW, RE:  CURRENT REDEVELOPMENT AREAS

 

excellent example; and the impact fees that have been generated from the growth based on marketing and activities through redevelopment there are now enabling the widening of that road to occur, properties to be acquired, or access for stormwater.  She advised there is an example of that kind of effort between the County and cities in each one of these Districts.

 

Laura Canady, representing  City of Satellite Beach, stated the Satellite Beach CRA is looking forward to the vital redevelopment of its A1A and South Patrick corridors; the CRA has made significant  accomplishment; and  advised  of  the  planning activities to date.  She explained the

market and economic study to assist the business community and property owners in productive land uses within the City, additional funding for rehabilitation of blighted structures within the District, and successful partnerships with Brevard County.

 

Courtney Harris, representing City of Titusville, stated the City has one of the oldest CRAs; it was established in 1982; it has one of the smallest trust funds; and the CRA is downtown Titusville.  She noted 40% of the 400 acres of the CRA is publicly-owned; the City is expecting its trust fund to triple in the next couple of years; it has a lot of major projects it is completing; and it has done a major landscaping project throughout downtown Titusville, especially in its Commons area, which was approximately $175,000.  She explained the stormwater park facility, Julia Street parking lot renovations, Pritchard House restoration, U.S. 1 Corridor Streetscape, Marina Park, Sandpoint Park, Harbor Pointe, Nelson’s Marina, Riverpark, and Harris Development along Hopkins Avenue. 

 

Tim Ford, representing City of Palm Bay, explained the Bayfront CRA; stated the District was created in June 1999; the District includes all of U.S. 1 frontage within the City; and advised of the Lagoon House, channel markings in Turkey Creek, Castaway Pier, Turkey Creek landscaping, Peppertree Restaurant; partnerships with the Police Department, Parks Department, and Planning Department; landscaping on U.S. 1, Castaways Beach, industrial businesses, Bayfront Boardwalk, Scenic Highway Study, and the Small Business Incubator Project.

 

Discussion ensued concerning level of indebtedness, bonding issues, leveraging of dollars, economic development, visioning process, Indian River Lagoon, condominium developments, creation of jobs, quality of life in Brevard County, self sufficiency issues, completed projects, General Fund budget, strategic planning, rezoning issues, and partnership with municipalities.

 

Sandra Natowich, representing Merritt Island Redevelopment Agency (MIRA), stated the Agency has been successful in what it has been able to do since 1988; and provided information to the Board on MIRA.  She advised urban sprawl and the need for better infrastructure in older communities, plus the desires of citizens who want to be closer to where they work and live has often been the driving force behind many redevelopment agencies; as in the case of MIRA, whole communities have been saved; tax dollars are returned to citizens by upgrading the infrastructure and making areas safe and more accessible, thereby providing improved service to the public as well; and incentives are given in the form of grants to upgrade businesses.  She advised MIRA has been instrumental in removing slum and blight, improving roadways, getting rid of septic tanks throughout its area, and encouraging the public to partner with the Agency in continuing these improvements.  Ms. Natowich explained the S.R. 520 Widening Project, North Tropical Trail, Merritt Park Place, and South Tropical Trail. 

 

OVERVIEW, RE:  CURRENT REDEVELOPMENT AREAS

 

Ralph Kennedy advised he has been involved in a couple of redevelopment projects on Merritt Island; the County does not have the dollars to do all of the redevelopment that needs to happen, particularly in places like Merritt Island; the people have to come to the Board for special zoning changes, mixed use, etc.; and without MIRA, Merritt Island would not be where it is today.  He showed photographs to the Board of a 40-year old building east of the intersection of S.R. 520 and S.R. 3, Courtenay Parkway; advised between purchase and improvements the investment  is  over  $1 million; Commissioner Pritchard asked him previously why Merritt Island

does not see more of this; and part of the problem is that Brevard County’s regulations stand in the way of redeveloping these older buildings.  He stated there are quite a few buildings between Merritt Square Mall and Courtenay Parkway, and the areas west of that; property values have increased; and it would be a plus if Brevard County would go back and review its rules and regulations.

 

Commissioner Pritchard advised there are thresholds that create limitations; it makes it difficult to approach every project; one is the Change of Use Ordinance the County has; and in Merritt Park Place the Board waived a lot of the requirements, but there are other areas that are running into the same problem.

 

Discussion continued concerning landscaping issues, slum and blight study, stormwater issues, water quality degradation, requirements based on federal regulations, maximum daily loads, pervious versus impervious issues, and smart growth principles.

 

Motion by Commissioner Scarborough, seconded by Commissioner Pritchard, to direct the County Manager to return to the Board with information on how other Counties are being more friendly to the revitalization of properties.

 

 

Chair Voltz stated she is not sure the Board is going to vote on another report.  Commissioner Scarborough advised he is not asking for a report; and if the Board does not want the County Manager to do it then his office will get a report back to the Board.  Chair Voltz stated Commissioner Scarborough’s office can take care of it.

 

John Titkanid, representing City of Cocoa, stated the City has three CRAs; and commented on reinvestment in the urban core, discouraging sprawl, promotion of redevelopment within urban infill areas, property valuation, partnership with Whitley Bay Marina, Riverside Square, Village Square, Cocoa Village, the U.S. 1 corridor, Diamond Square, parking patterns, Cocoa Enterprise Center, Magnolia Pointe Development, Paragon Plastics, residential services, social services, and “Building a Brighter Future.”

 

Doug Robertson, representing Town of Palm Shores, stated the Town has projects in the works; it will be involved in median landscaping for U.S. 1, an entry signage placement over the next six months, and a façade improvement program; the Town has also been in the demolition business; and in the next couple of years the County will see some changes, and people will know they are in the Town of Palm Shores when they get there. 

 

Mayor McCormick, representing the Town of Palm Shores, advised the Town is happy to be part of the CRAs’; and next year the Town will have a slide presentation.

 

 

OVERVIEW, RE:  CURRENT REDEVELOPMENT AREAS

Chair Voltz inquired if there is any further Board discussion and what is the Board looking at for this.

 

Commissioner Pritchard responded the Board was looking for an overview of where the Redevelopment Agencies are, where they may be going, and what the plan is; it has a good look at; and he is satisfied with what was said.

 

 

Motion by Commissioner Pritchard, seconded by Commissioner Scarborough, to adopt Resolution supporting designation of moderate speed corridors in marked channels and two water sports areas in Brevard County.  Motion carried and ordered unanimously. 

                          

 

 

Motion by Commissioner Scarborough, seconded by Commissioner Pritchard, to approve starting the Zoning meeting on February 2, 2006 at 5:30 p.m. and ending it at 11:00 p.m.  Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

 

 

 

 

Upon motion and vote, the meeting adjourned at 3:40 p.m.

 

 

 

 

 

ATTEST:

                                                                     __________________________________

                                                                     HELEN VOLTZ, CHAIR

                                                                     BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

                                                                     BREVARD COUNTY, FLLORIDA

 

_____________________

SCOTT ELLIS, CLERK

 

 

 

               (S E A L)