MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA

 

 

April 12, 2007

 

 

 

The Board of County Commissioners of Brevard County, Florida, met in special session on April 12, 2007 at 1:09 p.m. in the Brevard County Government Center, Florida Room, Building C, 2725 Judge Fran Jamieson Way, Viera, Florida.  Present were:  Chairperson Jackie Colon, Commissioners Truman Scarborough, Chuck Nelson, Helen Voltz, and Mary Bolin, County Manager Peggy Busacca, and County Attorney Scott Knox.

 

 

 

 

Motion by Commissioner Bolin, seconded by Commissioner Scarborough, to authorize scheduling an executive session on April 24, 2007 at 11:30 a.m. or as soon thereafter as possible, for the purpose of discussing International Construction & Engineering, Inc. v. Brevard County.  Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

 

 

County Manager Peggy Busacca provided information to the Board from Property Appraiser Jim Ford relating to property values and the reductions in values that he is anticipating, and the Florida Senate Property Tax Reform Bill that has just been released.  She stated staff has not had any time to evaluate these; and Assistant County Manager Stockton Whitten is reviewing it at this time; and perhaps by the end of the workshop staff will be able to give the Board some kind of brief comments.

 

 

The Board held a moment of silence for the lives lost during an explosion in Melbourne.  Chairperson Colon stated the prayers go out to the families of those affected by this terrible tragedy that happened yesterday; and stated the outpour of support from the community has been tremendous.  She expressed appreciation to Commissioner Bolin who was at the scene all day; and individuals have been working very diligently, including Councilman John Thomas, the State Marshall, Fire Marshall of Melbourne, and the Police Department.  She stated this is the time when the community needs to pull together.

 

Commissioner Bolin stated it was quite encouraging to see all of the First Responders there doing their jobs excellently, including The Red Cross, Housing and Human Services staff, the hotel that stepped up and took care of things also; and expressed appreciation to various individuals and businesses for their donations and contributions.

 

 

 

 

Commissioner Voltz requested a workshop be held on May 17, 2007 in the evening to discuss the Valkaria Airport Master Plan.

 

Chairperson Colon stated staff can review the Commissioners’ schedules.

 

The Board authorized scheduling a workshop concerning the Valkaria Airport Master Plan on May 17, 2007 at 5:30 p.m., if such time is appropriate with the Commissioners’ schedules. 

 

 

Motion by Commissioner Scarborough, seconded by Commissioner Voltz, to authorize the Chairperson and any Commissioner who is interested, to attend the National Association of Elected Officials Conference in Orlando at the end of June, 2007.  Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

 

 

The Board extended Happy Birthday wishes to County Attorney Scott Knox.

 

 

            City of Satellite Beach

Laura Canady, Community Development Director of the City of Satellite Beach, presented the City’s Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Annual Report for FY 2006-2007; stated the Satellite Beach CRA is looking forward to another banner year during 2007 and beyond, with significant redevelopment activities occurring along the vital A1A and South Patrick Drive Business Corridors; and this is the year when plans will be transformed into the reality of redevelopment.  She advised in 2006 and 2007, the CRA achieved and continues to meet significant redevelopment milestones; and realizing the results of the City’s extensive planning, 2007 showcases major projects that had been conceptualized since its inception in 2002.  She stated the total public redevelopment investment and private redevelopment reinvestment is $50,800,000; this year the City engaged in substantial property acquisition and financing; in May 2006, the CRA purchased the prime commercial site within the City, A1A and South Patrick Drive, formerly known as the Peg Legs Restaurant and the adjacent apartment building behind there; the Peg Legs Restaurant had been vacant for a number of years; and it was obviously one of the City’s most blighted properties.  Ms. Canady advised the City purchased the property for $1.525 million; the primary purpose for the City doing this was to remove the possibility that a gas station or undesirable use would be located there so it could devise a project that would be suitable to the adjacent neighborhood residential area; in February, 2007 the CRA formed a Citizen’s Ad Hoc Committee to investigate potential uses for the site; and the other activity the City  had  this year was substantial financing.  She stated in May, 2006 the City took down a line

 

 

of credit for $10 million, which was used to refinance an oceanfront parcel the City had bought the year before, one acre at Sunrise Avenue and A1A, as well as to purchase the former Peg Legs property, and to engage in the City’s projects; chief among these projects is the rebuild of Pelican Beach Park, which is a jointly-owned County and City of Satellite Beach partnership project; the Park had not had a major renovation since it was built in the 70’s; and the City’s partnership is investing $1.6 million toward the reconstruction of the Park.  She advised in October, 2006 the City had the groundbreaking and construction activities begin; some of the major features of the new park will be a new restroom facility, new dune crossover, a new covered ocean viewing deck, additional playground equipment, and new pavilions for rental, as well as some smaller family pavilions that will be available to the general public; the improvements at Pelican Beach Park not only help define the community as a destination for a likeable place to go, but it also serves the beach going needs of all the residents in Brevard County; and another public improvement is Hightower Beach Park, which is located at the north end of the City.  Ms. Canady stated it is a 17-acre park; it is a join partnership between the State of Florida, Brevard County, and the City of Satellite Beach; the redevelopment of the Park is in partnership with the Community Redevelopment Agency and the Montecito developer; at this point, the City is about to go to final design on the project and permitting; and it expects that construction will begin late in 2007 to early 2008.  She noted improvements to the Park include the addition of a brand new restroom facility and a raised nature viewing/ocean viewing boardwalk; another of the public improvements the City is funding this year is enhanced beach accesses; it will be enhancing 17 public beach accesses; and the amenities at those facilities will be enhanced parking, enhanced signage, dune crossovers, landscaping, and ocean viewing areas.  She noted the private redevelopment activities continued in 2006 and continue for 2007; some of the highlights of such activities along the Highway A1A Corridor include Las Brisas Business Center, Phoenix Restaurant, Atlantic Plaza/Publix, and 108 condominiums (former Ramada Hotel Site); the private redevelopment momentum that has been experienced on A1A has spilled over onto the South Patrick Drive Corridor, which is very encouraging; and many of the redevelopment projects along South Patrick Drive have received façade grants, new renovations, and there have been three significant property sales.  Ms. Canady stated among the highlights of the South Patrick Drive Corridor private redevelopment is the Heritage Office Center, a new gas station and convenience store, and Beachside Gardens; redevelopment along South Patrick Drive is expected to continue to gain momentum through the FDOT 2009 improvement projects; one of the continuing programs the Community Redevelopment Agency funds is the Façade Grant Program; and for 2006-2007 the project is funded at $300,000.  She noted in 2005 the Agency initiated the Program and the budget was $100,000; three properties have received $45,000 with another $30,000 committed; and this year the City expects many more funds to be exerted for the purpose of rehabilitating the business district.  She stated 2006-2007 brings much more involvement with the business community; some of the programs the City implements includes Business Owner Coffees, Business of the Quarter Awards, Chamber Beaches Business Council; Façade, Landscape, and Signage Grants; Business Owner Forum, and Business Promotion and Networking Events; the City’s revenues for 2005-2006 were $961,000; and in 2006-2007 the revenues are $1.575 million, with the County’s contribution to the partnership at $655,000 and the City’s contribution at $1 million.  Ms. Canady stated from this revenue, the returns to the partnership are conservatively estimated at $50.8 million; and it is substantial, significant, and priceless redevelopment.

 

 

 

Doug Dombroski, Economic and Redevelopment Coordinator for the City of Melbourne, stated the City has three Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) areas, including Downtown Melbourne, Babcock Street, and Olde Eau Gallie Riverfront.

 

                        Downtown Redevelopment Agency

 

Mr. Dombroski stated the City’s Major Plan Amendment and Expansion was approved in May 2006, which was the Phase III Streetscape Project; it is a $1.8 million investment on New Haven Avenue; and the project included lighting, curbs, sidewalks, pavers, trees, and landscape.  He noted the Façade Improvement Program is a pilot program the City Council approved in 2006 for $50,000; the Front Street Park Improvement Project is a combination of CRA funding, FRDAP, and General Fund dollars; it represents almost a $270,000 investment; and such Project will include a gazebo, pavilion, lighting, benches, entrance sign, and parking.  He stated the Strawbridge Medians Project will provide connectivity to New Haven retail core, traffic calming, and pedestrian safety; preliminary engineering is completed; and the target for construction is 2008.  Mr. Dombroski advised of further projects, including the New Haven Avenue and US-192 Gateway/Entrance Feature; stated the design was completed in 2006; the targeted construction completion is in the summer of 2007 at $250,000; and there are community partnerships for design and donation of an easement.  He stated the Downtown Public Parking Garage Project is approximately $3.95 million in CRA funding over a 14-year period for public parking; the Community Policing Program includes the City Council’s action for a redevelopment plan amendment to include a full time officer focused on Downtown crime and prevention issues; and it is approximately $70,000 in CRA funding annually. 

Mr. Dombroski stated the Babcock Street CRA is revising the Redevelopment Plan; the new plan will replace the current Plan conceived 10 years ago; and it will define new capital improvement projects for the Babcock District.  He noted concerning the Babcock Phase II Realignment Project, engineering is to be completed in 2007 and the targeted completion date is the end of 2008; the transportation improvement includes widening Babcock Street between Laurie Street and U.S. 1 to four lanes; and improvements are estimated to be over $.5 million.  He stated the Phase III Medians Project would be a continuation of the median installations on Babcock Street, from the FEC Railroad to Alma Drive; the Project would include  lighting, sidewalks, and crosswalks; and preliminary engineering would be in 2007-2008.  He noted the City is also developing an agreement with SCAT for the installation and maintenance of bus shelters in the Babcock Street corridor.

Mr. Dombroski stated the City’s newest CRA is the Olde Eau Gallie Riverfront; and the installation of stamped asphalt crosswalks and logo were completed in January 2006 at the Pineapple Avenue and Highland Avenue intersections of Eau Gallie Boulevard.

 

 

 

 

Mr. Dombroski stated concerning the Eau Gallie Square Project, CRA, FCT, and FDOT funding sources are being utilized, representing $240,000 in investment; the community gathering center project in the heart of Downtown Eau Gallie includes an outdoor theater/pavilion, pavered walkways, native landscape, irrigation, parking, and signage; and currently the project is approximately 70% complete, with a projected completion date of June 2007.  He advised the Eau Gallie Pier is being rebuilt; it is a combination of FIND, FEMA, CRA, and General Fund dollars, which represents approximately $700,000 of project investment; the engineering was completed and permits secured in 2006; anticipated completion of construction is by July 2007; and the extended Pier length includes five boat slips and covered pavilions.  Mr. Dombroski stated the Pineapple Park Improvement Project includes CRA funding of a Pineapple Park Master Plan to be completed in 2007-2008; and improvements would include lighting, public restrooms, walkways, children recreation areas, a pavilion, benches, and tables.

 

Jim McKnight, City Manager for the City of Rockledge, stated Rochelle Lawandales is the City’s CRA Director; expressed appreciation to the County for being a partner in the CRA development in the City of Rockledge; advised that the City is into its third year of moving forward with projects; and there needs to be more infill redevelopment within Brevard County and less sprawl.

 

Rochelle Lawandales, Consulting Director for City of Rockledge, provided the Board with a copy of the City’s 2006 Annual Report; stated the City’s Community Redevelopment Area is broken into four Districts, including Florida Avenue, Barton Boulevard, U.S. 1, and Barnes Boulevard; and advised she will explain the incentives and Façade Grants, marketing/special events, and the 2006 Financial Report.  She stated the City is approximately 25,000 people and growing; over 1,500 residential units were permitted in 2006; and over 300,000 square feet of commercial were either built or filled.  She noted City-wide successes in FY 2006 included permitting Barton Boulevard Streetscape Project valued at $7.5 million, improvements to Florida Avenue and Taylor Park were completed and valued at $130,000, finalizing enhancement project to accompany the FDOT widening project valued at $1.5 million, widening Barnes Boulevard to four lanes, with Phase 1 beginning in 2007 valued at $19 million with over $1.5 million from Rockledge impact fees, and continuing to market for new businesses and development.  Ms. Lawandales stated the Florida Avenue Project included a new sidewalk, new trees, and new fence; the Barton Boulevard Project included a “Back to Barton” Campaign, three car shows; three Façade Grants, including Malibu’s Restaurant, Rockledge Rehabilitation Center, and Belleza Day Spa; one $7.5 million Streetscape; and the Groundbreaking Ceremony was held on February 3, 2007.  She noted the U.S. 1 Project in 2008 will add over $1 million to the U.S. 1 Widening Project; and the funds will install pedestrian/bikeways, wayside stations, educational kiosks, and other amenities to aid in encouraging and providing safe alternative transportation and recreational opportunities.  She advised the Barnes Boulevard Project is still driving the CRA economic engine; without the development on Barnes Boulevard fewer dollars would be available to do the great works elsewhere; and the City and County have worked together to obtain rights-of-way and stormwater pond sites, enabling the four-laning project to begin construction around early 2008.

 

 

Ms. Lawandales stated Tradewinds is a new development; the RCRA incentives include two parcels that were zoned to the Redevelopment Mixed Use (RMU) Zoning District; Baldwin Place, a 40-unit apartment complex with 4,000 square feet of office space on the ground floor, was granted $50,000 of TIF rebates upon completion of the project; and expedited Permitting/Development Review Committee-Fast Tracking in RCRA beneficiaries were the old Wal-Mart building, Arbor Place, CVS, Starbucks, Baughn Office Building; and Zacheroff, Miller Office Building.  She advised the Façade Grants included $59,710.73 from the private sector and $23,338.07 from RCRA; at 2.5 private dollars for every one dollar the RCRA spends, that is not a bad leverage; all totaled, the Façade Grants have leveraged over $106,000 in private investment in the City’s Redevelopment Districts, primarily on Barton Boulevard; and advised  that Badcock Furniture, Planet Fitness, and Dollar Tree have filled the almost 70,000 square feet of vacant space.  She stated Façade Grant improvements for Brevard Prosthetics included painting, replacement of soffits, wooden fence, landscaping, and upgrade to signage; and Rockledge Health and Rehabilitation Façade Grant improvements included new landscape, a beautiful fountain, and pavers.  Ms. Lawandales advised of marketing and promotions; stated welcoming new businesses to Rockledge is an ongoing tradition; the City’s marketing efforts continued in 2006; over 25 marketing packets were mailed to interested parties, and 35 phone call inquiries were received; and numerous emails were transmitted.  She stated the City is helping its locals; it has continued its close relationship with the Economic Development Commission of the Space Coast, which provides the City with information for site selection and demographics, and brings the City many industrial users; and the City is grateful for the EDC’s partnership.  She noted over 500 Rockledge residents and others flock to Taylor Park in the Fall for music and art; and advised of the International Council of Shopping Centers to promote the City and Redevelopment District.  Ms. Lawandales provided the City of Rockledge’s CRA Financial Review for 2006.

 

Tim Ford, City of Palm Bay Bayfront Community Redevelopment Agency Administrator, stated the public improvements include the major redevelopment project, which is Liberia Avenue Linear Park with Driskell Heights neighborhood improvements; and it includes drainage improvements, road improvements, traffic calming, crime prevention through design, park improvements, and neighborhood input in the design.  He advised of the City’s proposed park and design improvements; stated the Victoria Park Improvement Project is undergoing at this time; it was a derelict mobile home park and was acquired by the City; it became a Basin 1 drainage improvement; and it will be a neighborhood park.  He showed the Victoria Drainage and Park Plan; stated the Victoria Park playground and drainage improvements are under construction; the City was one of the first communities in the County to get rid of the derelict vessels through funding with the help of FIND, the Redevelopment Agency, and the City; and the City’s CRA put up gateway signs and provided tract maintenance.  Mr. Ford advised the City’s CRA has façade, beautification, and business recruitment grants, which includes $5,000 matching façade grants, $5,000 matching beautification grants for businesses, $2,000 matching landscape grant, $2,000 matching signage grant, $2,000 matching parking improvements, $2,000 matching demolition grant, $3,000 residential neighborhood entryway grant, a Business Recruitment  Incentive  Program,  and Targeted Business Incentive Program.  He stated façade,

 

 

 

landscape, and sign grant examples include the Peppertree Sandwich Shop, and the Palm Bay Chamber Sign Grant; and the $6 million bond for public improvements included Bayfront Walkway, Castaway Cove Beach Park enhancements, Robert J. Conlan Boulevard landscaping and street lighting design, U.S. 1 sidewalk, landscaping, and street lighting design, and property acquisition.  He advised the CRA has targeted various properties in the District, including a vacant gas station at Main Street and Palm Bay Road, an auto repair shop in front of the Lagoon House, and the north and south scenic bluffs.  Mr. Ford stated the Robert J. Conlan Boulevard streetscaping includes an eight-foot pedestrian way, landscaping, and decorative street light design; the U.S. 1 streetscaping involves a sidewalk along the east side of U.S. 1 from R.J. Conlan Boulevard to Gran Avenue, landscaping, street furniture, and decorative street lighting design; and private development includes Maudlin International Trucks, Pence Septic and Land Materials, Riverview Office Building, Barrington Bluffs Condos, The Cape at Palm Bay Office – Residential Condominiums, Eztopeliz Mixed Use Commercial – Residential Development, and Habitat for Humanity House Wall Raising in Driskell Heights.

Susan McGrady, Community Redevelopment Agency Program Manager for the City of Cocoa, stated the City enjoys a true partnership with Brevard County in its funding and revenue sources; regarding the Cocoa Redevelopment Agency (Cocoa Village), Brevard County’s funding amount was $719,960, the City’s funding was $724,142, and the FY 2007 TIF revenues were $1,444,102; Diamond Square Redevelopment Agency included $115,050 in Brevard County funding, $115,720 in City funding, and $230,770 in FY 2007 TIF revenues; and the U.S. 1 Corridor Redevelopment Agency was $173,526 in Brevard County funding, $174,534 in City funding, and $348,060 in FY 2007 TIF revenues.  She stated concerning Cocoa’s redevelopment areas, despite successes, all areas continue to exhibit disproportionately higher shares of poverty and unemployment; all areas maintain a significantly higher percentage and proportion of disadvantaged and minority populations; all of Diamond Square, U.S. 1 and a part of Cocoa RDA are located within Florida Enterprise Zone 0501; all areas are located within a designated Florida Brownfield Area; and property valuation increase is still much less than the rate occurring Countywide.  Ms. McGrady showed pictures of Cocoa Riverfront Park and the Emory L. Bennett Memorial Statute, which was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor; stated the Heart of Cocoa streetscape was $1.2 million; it has eight residential streets; and one commercial and residential street.  She stated the Delannoy and Maryland streetscape – Cocoa Village was a $450,000 project; in addition to improved aesthetics of corridor, utility and power lines are being placed underground for safety; the U.S. 1 Widening Project includes the Cocoa Redevelopment Agency partnership with Florida Department of Transportation; and it is approximately $1 million.  She stated the Cocoa Redevelopment Agency has procured the ground lease on the old post office site located on Orange Street in downtown Cocoa; the RDA is in the process of acquiring the property from the City; an RFQ will be done to solicit mixed-use developers for a public-private partnership; and Phase I and II Environmental Site Assessments were conducted through the City’s EPA Brownfield Grant.  She noted there is asbestos contamination in the building; demolition is scheduled for April 2007; in order to redevelop the post office site, the RDA has contracted with the USPS to relocate its small retail post office across the street to a site called Orange Street Tower; and the RDA anticipates having its Certificate of Occupancy in June 2007. 

 

 

Ms. McGrady stated the Cocoa RDA is also working on a parking facility assessment; the parking feasibility study is to be completed by September 30, 2007 by Rich and Associates, Inc.; the study will include supply and demand, parking patterns, size and number of spaces, location, options and cost estimates, and to develop pro forma.  She noted the RDA will also be working this year on a Waterfront Master Plan; it will extend and enlarge the T-dock to allow for larger vessels to dock; and potential commercial activity includes the Indian River Queen paddlewheel boat.  She stated the RDA also wants to develop a public mooring field; and continue riverfront boardwalk connecting Cocoa Village to the Cocoa Branch of the Brevard County Library.  She advised the Diamond Square RDA includes the Magnolia Pointe development; there is public housing; it was constructed in 1953; and there are 86 family units and 25 elderly units.  She stated the redevelopment project includes 70 affordably priced single-family for sale homes; and proposed low-income elderly units.  She stated the Redevelopment Agency has provided over $55,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance to First Time Homebuyers in the Diamond Square Redevelopment Area; funding has been provided for renovations to Provost Park, Fern and Prospect Park, and Joe Lee Smith Park; there are eight single family homes with a common area in the Washington Street Residential Program; and showed before and after pictures of the Ritz Condominiums.  Ms. McGrady stated the U.S. 1 Redevelopment Agency partnership with Florida Department of Transportation is approximately $3 million; construction is set to begin in 2012-2013; and showed pictures of the Byrd Plaza Renovation.  She noted Bracco Pond Trails and Pavilion includes a 55-acre retention and recycled water pond area comprised of five ponds; and pathway, pavilion, and parking facilities are planned.   

 

Doug Robertson, Planning Consultant with the Town of Palm Shores, stated Palm Shores is the smallest participant in redevelopment; and the Palm Shores Redevelopment Agency was established on May 25, 2004.  He advised the Palm Shores Redevelopment Area boundary includes the entire U.S. 1 corridor and the commercial properties extending west to the Florida East Coast Railroad consisting of approximately 180 acres; and welcome banners bearing the Town’s motto “The Little Town That Cares” is just a small part of the growth and development seen in Palm Shores.  He stated the focus of the Palm Shores Redevelopment Program is to remove blighted conditions along U.S. 1 and to enhance the image of the Town; and the projects included in the Redevelopment Plan are aimed at achieving this goal.  He advised the Town has installed gateway signs at both the north and south town limits along U.S. 1, and the west town limit on the Pineda Causeway; the Town has completed a master landscape plan for the medians and along the east and west right-of-ways of U.S. 1; the Town has applied for and received an FDOT highway beautification grant in the amount of $71,636 which will require a match from the Town; and this grant will allow the Town to complete Phase 1 of the landscape project which will include three U.S. 1 medians.  He stated Shoreside Park is the Town’s riverside park which received extensive damage from the hurricanes of 2004; the Park has been totally renovated and improved since that time; while Shoreside Park is a redevelopment project, no redevelopment funds have been spent to date for these renovations, funding was provided through other state and federal grants; and as a result of aggressive code enforcement, several of the most blighted structures along U.S. 1 in the Town have been removed.

 

 

Mr. Robertson advised the Town has recently adopted a Façade Improvement Grant Program that will assist commercial property owners along U.S. 1 to improve the visual appearance of their buildings; the Town has significantly updated its Zoning Codes and its future land use and zoning maps; one provision of the Code will limit the height of structures to 25 feet on the east side of U.S. 1 along the Indian River; the Town recently adopted a new Sign Ordinance that will regulate both signs and banners; and the Town has recently adopted a new Code Enforcement Program.  He stated with the cooperation of the Brevard County Sheriff’s Department, the Palm Shores Town Hall is now the home of a sheriff substation, providing more of a law enforcement presence with the Town; and while the majority of the Palm Shores Redevelopment funds will be allocated to the highway beautification matching grant, the Town has made significant progress on almost all of the projects and programs approved with the Palm Shores Redevelopment Plan.

 

Mayor Carol McCormick stated she is very proud of Palm Shores; expressed appreciation to the Board for its support; and stated it is a pleasure working with Brevard County.

 

Courtney Harris, Planning Director for the City of Titusville, stated a number of successful projects were completed in the past year; the grand opening for Stormwater Park is tentatively scheduled for May 2007; and other projects include the Space Walk of Fame Monument, parking lots at Municipal Marina, Titusville Commons Landscaping Project, Downtown Master Plan, and Harbor Pointe Condominium Project.  She noted the Harbor Pointe Condominium Complex helped boost the projected TIF revenue estimates in the CRA; and advised of the projected revenue estimates from Harbor Pointe.  She stated two-year budgeted projects (CIP) includes the Julia Street parking lot; engineering is completed; the City is expected to go out to bid in May 2007; and it is partnering with Brevard County to ensure complete ADA access to the historic Pritchard House.  She advised the Wayfinding Signage Project is proposed to be implemented as part of the FY 2006-2007 budget process; staff is participating in the Countywide Wayfinding Signage Program; the CRA design has been submitted as an informational item for the County to review; and staff is working to coordinate both initiatives prior to going to bid on the CRA Program.  She stated the downtown parking and circulation project includes a wide-scale resurfacing and road enhancement project; it includes U.S. 1 between Garden Street and Grace Street; construction is expected to begin in May 2009; and staff is pursuing landscaping and streetscaping opportunities with FDOT through Joint Participation Agreements.

 

Ms. Harris stated planned private development includes Riverparc – The Epoch Corporation, The Terraces – Reva Harris, and Nelson’s Marina – Concord Wilshire.  She advised in cooperation with Brevard County, the City is proposing establishing a new Community Redevelopment Agency for the area surrounding the Miracle City Mall; it will be known as the U.S. 1 Corridor CRA; and it is a site specific, time limited CRA.  She stated the proposed U.S. 1 Corridor CRA is located at 2500 South Washington Avenue (U.S. 1); the mall building and surrounding properties have fallen into disrepair; in August 2006, Sunrise Properties and Investments  retained  RMPK  Group to conduct a Finding of Necessity Study and determine the

 

 

 

need for a site-specific CRA; and research showed that there is solid substantiation of blight in the Study Area, and a new site-specific CRA is necessary.  Ms. Harris showed pictures of the proposed U.S. 1 Corridor CRA Planned Redevelopment Project.

 

Economic and Financial Programs Director Greg Lugar explained the Merritt Island Redevelopment Agency Development Area, including Merritt Park Place; stated current capital projects include Merritt Avenue Turning Lane; and the Brevard County Road and Bridge Department completed construction of the turning lane into Mila Elementary School in January 2007 in the amount of $65,000.  He advised the Merritt Avenue and North Tropical Trail Area Sewer Improvement are scheduled to start in Spring 2007; and the project will provide public sewer service to commercial and residential units on the north and west sides of Merritt Park Place in the amount of $664,228.  He stated North Tropical Trail and Rose Street Area Sewer Improvements are scheduled to start in Spring 2007; and the project will provide public sewer service to the commercial and residential units on North Tropical Trail, Myrtice Avenue, and Rose Street in the amount of $364,212.  He advised new sidewalks will be constructed on the south side of Merritt Avenue and east side of North Tropical Trail after completion of sewer projects and road repaving work; and South Tropical Trail Area Sewer Improvements are scheduled to start in the summer of 2007 consisting of construction of a gravity collection system, together with a new public lift station and a force main extension southerly to connect with the existing force main system owned and operated by Brevard County in the amount of $1,210,000.  Mr. Lugar stated concerning acquisition and development of the stormwater utility site area, MIRA and the County are seeking to acquire property in areas that would be feasible to function as regional stormwater retention facilities for the purpose of treating historically untreated stormwater before it flows into the Indian River Lagoon; and the Palmetto Avenue Stormwater Drainage Piping, Sidewalk, and Landscaping Project will have approximately 1,400 lineal feet of stormwater drainage piping provided to the existing ditch.

 

Mr. Lugar advised of the North Courtenay Parkway (S.R. 3) Landscaping Project; and noted that the Merritt Island Redevelopment Agency and Brevard County, under a Joint Participation Agreement with Florida Department of Transportation, will irrigate and landscape medians on S.R. 3 once FDOT has completed road enhancements on S.R. 3; there will be S.R. 520 Causeway landscaping; and MIRA partnered with Keep Brevard Beautiful to eradicate Brazilian pepper trees along the one-mile span of S.R. 520.  He advised the Merritt Island Redevelopment Agency’s goal of the Commercial Façade Improvement Program is to aesthetically beautify the Merritt Island Redevelopment Area by assisting commercial property owners to fund physical redevelopment improvements to their existing properties that will have a positive visual impact in the business district within the Redevelopment Area; and the Merritt Island Redevelopment Agency has provided grants to 29 businesses in the areas since 2001 to present; and such grants total $201,179.59.  He advised some of the projects completed include Holiday Plaza, 60 McCloud, Quattrocchi Real Estate, Norm Boucher Real Estate, Sutton’s Pool Supply, Affordable Braces, Island Grill, and Dollar Tree Plaza.

 

 

 

 

 

Chairperson Colon expressed appreciation to the Community Redevelopment Agencies; stated the changes are positive; the return on investment is going to be incredible; and the community will benefit greatly by leveraging these dollars.

Commissioner Bolin expressed appreciation to the Agencies and those individuals involved for doing such a great job.

 

Chairperson Colon stated the Board needs to try to schedule at least three workshops in May 2007 to get everything accomplished; the Commission meetings held on Tuesday have been ending timely; and the Board could try to schedule the workshops following the Commission meetings since such meetings have been ending at approximately 1:00 p.m., instead of scheduling additional dates for the workshops.  She noted the three workshops dates could be May 8, 2007 and May 22, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. following the regular Commission meetings, and May 10, 2007 at 1:00 p.m. following the Metropolitan Planning Organization meeting.

 

Chairperson Colon stated the Board is committed and is going to do everything within its power to protect the quality of life of the Brevard County citizens; there is sensitivity on the Board; the balance is there; and Brevard County is going to be okay.

 

 

Commissioner Bolin advised of her experience with the explosion that took place; stated Chairperson Colon was there and was a very strong hand in the response and recovery; she gave a very good learning experience for her on how a Commissioner should act, and what he or she needs to do and can do; and Chairperson Colon gave a very powerful presentation on the Board’s behalf to the residents who were affected.  She advised that Chairperson Colon did a very good job representing the Board at that event; and expressed appreciation to her.

 

 

County Manager Peggy Busacca stated she had a meeting yesterday with some County staff members; she is continuing on a quarterly basis to have focus group meetings to see what staff is thinking; at the end of that focus group, several staff members commented about how much they appreciate the staff recognition that is occurring and the very positive things that are being said about staff; and it has made a difference and they feel like they are much more appreciated.

 

Chairperson Colon stated County staff deserves the recognition.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Upon motion and vote, the meeting adjourned at 4:02 p.m.

 

 

 

 

ATTEST:

 

                                                                         __________________________________

                                                                         JACKIE COLON, CHAIRPERSON

                                                                         BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

                                                                         BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA

_____________________

SCOTT ELLIS, CLERK

 

 

 

             (S E A L)