MINUTES OF THE JOINT SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SARASOTA AND THE SARASOTA BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF APRIL 1, 2014 PRESENT: City of Sarasota Commission: Mayor Shannon Snyder, Vice Mayor Willie Shaw, Commissioners Suzanne Atwell, Paul Caragiulo, and Susan Chapman, City Manager Thomas Barwin, City Attorney Robert Fournier, and City Auditor and Clerk Pamela Nadalini Sarasota Board of County Commissioners: Chair Charles Hines, Vice Chair Christine Robinson, Commissioners Joseph Barbetta, Carolyn Mason, and Nora Patterson, and, County Administrator Thomas Harmer, and County Attorney Stephen DeMarsh ABSENT: None The meeting was called to order by the Sarasota Board of County Commissioners (BCC) Chair Hines at 12:00 p.m. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: BCC Commissioner Barbetta County Chair Hines welcomed the City Commissioners, City Staff, and members of the public; that City Commissioner Atwell asked to say a few words in advance of the Open to the Public session. City Commissioner. Atwell read a prepared speech indicating the City and the County should move forward. 1. OPEN TO THE PUBLIC (AGENDA ITEM 1) The following people spoke: Robert Pirollo, President of the Downtown Condominium Association, indicating two issues will be addressed: 1) continued funding for the Downtown and Newtown CRA areas; a request is two members be appointed from the two Community Redevelopment Areas and 2) concerning the report by the consultant regarding the homelessness issue, Dr. Robert Marbut; a question is if the homeless consultant has studied cities of similar size and demographics. Lynn Robbins distributed, referred to, and quoted a memorandum from the City Director Utilities dated November 21, 2013, outlining challenges regarding the 1330 North Osprey Avenue site proposed for the "Come As Your Are" shelter for the chronic homeless and indicating a "Come As Your Are" shelter for the chronic homeless has significant support in the City of Sarasota, however, not in this location. John Minder, Minder and Associates, indicating agreement with the report of the homeless consultant, Dr. Robert Marbut, a recommendation to locate the "Come As Your Are" shelter for the chronic homeless in the County's so-cailed BOB building on Fruitville Road east of Interstate 75, and strong support for the necessity for such a shelter is expressed. Peter Fanning indicating he will defer to speaking until the second item on the Agenda under Open to the Public. Vallerie Guillory, Executive Director, Trinity (Trinity) without Borders, Inc., indicating the encampment at 1005 North Washington Boulevard decreased from 32 to 4 people from February 2014 due to the cooperation of many service agencies, her work is done at the camp, help is offered to assist with a safe zone if desired. Dr. Dupont, WWPR 1490 AM, indicating homeless consultant Dr. Robert Marbut report is excellent and should be implemented immediately, and 1330 North Osprey Avenue is the best location. Book 62 Page 35278 04/01/14 12:00 P.M. Book 62 Page 35279 04/01/14 12:00 P.M. Brandy Robbins, Pines of Sarasota, indicating the large population of homeless was noticed upon arrival in Sarasota, the safety of the 400 employees, 40 children, the child care workers, and the 300 adults at the Pines of Sarasota is the primary concern, the request is not to locate the "Come As Your Are" shelter for the chronic homeless near the Pines of Sarasota. Nathan Temple indicating he is one of the four people left in the homeless encampment, agreement is expressed with the location selected by homeless consultant Dr. Robert Marbut, the City and the County. Maryellin Kirkwood indicating the Commissions adopted homeless consultant Dr. Robert Marbut report in concept, serious conçerns have been expressed by the Pines of Sarasota, the City of Miami has a $40 million budget for homeless issues, Pinellas County has a $3 million budget plus an additional $1 million in grants in 2013, grants and funding are being cut, taxpayer money will fund any shelter, a larger County budget will be created. John Overton, President/Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Pines of Sarasota and 20-year resident of Sarasota, indicating the homeless problem must be resolved, the Pines of Sarasota has provided a solution for many of the elderly population, the Sarasota Military Academy and the Pines of Sarasota are located only a couple of blocks from one of the proposed sites, a shelter should not be located near a school, three child care centers, and an elderly care facility. Mike Gifford, Friends oft the Legacy Trail, indicating a Tour d'Parks riding tour of City and County parks was conducted to benefit the extension of the Legacy Trail, the event was very successful. Bruce Dillon, Friends of the Legacy Trail, indicating 650 people participated in a Tour d'Parks which was a benefit ride to support the extension of the Legacy Trail, $15,000 in pledges were received so the total in donations is now approximately $40,000. Rosemary Cardinelli, Pines of Sarasota, indicating the safety of elderly residents, for whom families have entrusted care to the Pines of Sarasota, is paramount. Dawn Crable, Pines of Sarasota, indicating the homeless issue must be addressed, the Commissions should consider the overall good of the community, the hope is the Commissions will make a correct decision, the Pines of Sarasota provides high quality care which is directly related to the quality of staff, the Pines of Sarasota has an excellent reputation for providing quality care in the senior community, a concern is locating a homeless shelter SO close to the Pines of Sarasota. Ivy Ruark, Director of Volunteers for Pines of Sarasota, indicating more careful study should be conducted to assure the care for the elderly, students of high schools, the safety of volunteers are not affected, in 2013, 12,800 hours of volunteer services were provided equating to a value of approximately $250,000, the dedicated staff and volunteers work closely together, the safety of the volunteers and staff is of immeasurable concern, careful thought should be given to the location of a "Come As Your Are" shelter for the chronic homeless. Paul Hartman, Pines of Sarasota, indicating solutions to the homeless problem must be found, the shelter should not be located on Osprey Avenue near a senior care facility or a school, all the proposed locations are within North Sarasota, $65,000 daily is infused into the local economy, $15 million will be spent on improving the campus, the number of homeless on the street should be reduced. Frank Brenner indicating homeless consultant Dr. Robert Marbut was paid a substantial amount, the recommendations should be carefully scrutinized, the homeless population includes people who had a home and lost it, vagrants, nomads of choice, ex-convicts, and sexual offenders, a "Come As Your Are" shelter for the chronic homeless in the Downtown area will draw the homeless from all over the area, Commissioners should not rush to judgment, the experience of other cities should be considered, comments were received from employees and tourists from other cities. Dale Orlando, who lives adjacent to the homeless encampment, indicating the site is slightly south of his home, homes have been doused with gasoline and burned to the ground, a neighbor was murdered, her body was found beaten and stabbed about 1,000 feet from her front door, residents should not have to live in a City which cares more about the people who will sleep anywhere than the residents of the community. Steve Queior, Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, indicating the term of the Community Redevelopment Area should be extended, two observations are noted: 1)the great work of members of the Committee and staff is recognized, 2) the proven success of the Community Redevelopment Area which resulted from the investment of $100s of millions, and 3) for these reasons the Chamber Board of Directors: a) supports the 30-year extension of the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), b) supports the shared governance model, and c) requests the Commissions support the recommendation for a Strategic Plan Initiative of the Downtown CRA Extension Study Committee. Elaine Mohammed, mother of three daughters who attend Sarasota Military Academy, indicating having a homeless facility in an area with a significant number of children is not conductive to the health, safety, and welfare of the community, the homeless population continues to grow, the number of shelters does not, the Commissions are urged not to locate a homeless shelter in an area which will place children in danger. Mike Atkinson, Gillespie Park Neighborhood Association, indicating the home was purchased with the intention of having a large garden, the plan was to take advantage of the labor force nearby, seven of nine homeless people encountered came to Sarasota due to the higher benefits, not one oft the homeless offered aj job to help with the garden accepted the offer. Elaine Normile, Chair, Independent Police Advisory Committee (IPAC), indicating the IPAC was created in 2011 to advise the Sarasota Police Department, first on the list ofi issues to address was homelessness, the findings by the IPAC mention the many concerns with the choice of a site, a copy of report was given to Michael Barfield, representative of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), the same day distributed to the Commissioners, Mr. Barfield appears to run a shadow government, Mr. Barfield targets specific groups and people who disagree with him, the IPAC will not be silenced. Andrea Seager, homeowner in North Sarasota, indicating Sarasota has a large underground and homeless community, the following saying is true: "lf you build it, they will come," two murders and one sexual assault have occurred in the area of the homeless encampment, the solution is to build shelter in a COW pasture and provide a transportation network, a location in North Sarasota is not the solution. Nevin Weiner indicating the question of location is critical, a private/public partnership is necessary, the current location of the encampment has a negative effect on everyone in Gillespie Park, a possible location may be near the airport, political officials should promote the greater good, people are motivated by the fear of lawsuits, court is used to reach good results, government officials should not be making forensic decisions, NIMBYism (Not in My Back' Yard) is a valid and natural human position, the Commissions should consider the greater good and select an alternate location. Lori Sydora, resident of the Central Cocoanut Neighborhood, indicating the possibility of locating a shelter in North Sarasota is scary, the density of the location is scary, the people who will frequent a homeless facility are prone to substance abuse, and she participated in a clean-up on the bay day which was very rewarding. Diana Hamilton indicating listening to the fears of neighbors is difficult, government must speak to the fears of residents and discuss how the shelter interacts with neighborhood residents, and a mixed-use development may be appropriate to include a transitional shelter. Steve McAllister, Commonwealth Time Bank, indicating Suncoast to End Homelessness conducted extensive studies concerning the issue of homelessness, nothing was done, the majority of the homeless live in the Downtown area, the community should get the homeless off the streets, half of the homeless population is comprised of children, and sacrifices will be required. Book 62 Page 35280 04/01/14 12:00 P.M. Book 62 Page 35281 04/01/14 12:00 P.M. Cathy Antunes, Coalition of City Neighborhood Associations (CCNA), indicating problems are foreseen, the hope is the County will commit adequate funding, 15 transients in the area are sexual predators, government must protect the children, the "Come As Your Are" shelter for the chronic homeless is a different type of shelter, and other credible information should be considered in addressing the homeless issue. Michael Beaumier, Chair, representing the Downtown Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA). Advisory Board, on March 20, 2014, thej joint Downtown and Newtown CRA. Advisory Boards received a presentation concerning extension of the Community Redevelopment Area and voted unanimously to recommend the City and the County Commissions accept the recommendation of the Downtown CRA Extension Study Committee to extend the life of the Community Redevelopment Area, which will help Downtown and Newtown, the proposed governance included as part of the recommendation will strengthen the CRA over the long term. Bridgett Peters, resident of North Sarasota, indicating the Sheriff's Department and the City have been doing a good job, however, a homeless facility should not be located in North Sarasota. James Keeney indicating the homeless are not going away, the recommendations of the homeless consultant should be followed, some of the homeless do not want to sleep on a mat on the floor, a camping solution in a system of parks in the City and the County with transportation for the homeless should be considered. Ron Royal, the Pines of Sarasota, indicating the purpose of the Pines Foundation is to raise money for the shortfall in providing care for the elderly, a Master Plan for the entire campus of the Pines of Sarasota is being developed, 8.5 acres of land adjacent to the current facility has been purchased, the Pines has assisted living, a rehabilitation unit, and a child care facility, the Pines of Sarasota does not currently have independent living but will construct 100 independent living units on the new property, a homeless facility should not be constructed sO close to the Pines of Sarasota. Linda Holland, Gillespie Park Neighborhood Association, indicating the controversy surrounding the location of a homeless façility has raised serious concerns, the process recommended by homeless consultant Dr. Robert Marbut should be followed, two Gillespie Park residents toured Safe Harbor in Pinellas County, no strong opposition and no strong passion for or against a cause is good, respect for all citizens is of utmost concern. Gloria Mayo indicating she is homeless and has been for three years, the concern is for the homeless women particularly women with children, tents and one-way tickets back to families have been offered, sleeping on the floor of The Salvation Army with the children going to the State is not acceptable, many homeless do not want to be homeless, a week before Christmas her last child was taken from her. The Commissions recessed at 1:40 p.m. and reconvened at 1:50 p.m. 2. DISCUSSION REGARDING THE PROPOSED COME-AS-YOU-ARE SHELTER FOR HOMELESS ADULTS (AGENDA ITEM 2.A) Director of Homeless Services for Sarasota County Wayne Applebee, Sarasota County Sheriff Thomas Knight, Sarasota Police Chief Bernadette DiPino, Director of Planning and Research William Spitler, Sarasota County Sheriff's Office, and Dr. Robert Marbut, Principal, Marbut Consulting, came before the Commissions. Mr. Applebee referred to his March 27, 2014, memorandum entitled Homeless Initiative - Board Report included in the Agenda backup and stated that Staff and the homeless consultant Dr. Robert Marbut are available to respond to any questions from the Commissions. The following questions were asked: In response to a question from County Vice Chair Robinson asking the purpose of the trip to visit shelters for the homeless in various cities, Chief DiPino stated that the Sarasota Police Department was invited by the Sheriff's Office to review transitional housing in other jurisdictions to gather information about potential operational needs; Sheriff Knight stated that an opportunity to review shelters in other cities to view best practices was anticipated to be helpful; Mr. Spitler stated that after the vote by the Commissions to have the Sherif's Office handle the operations of the shelter, the responsibility was taken seriously; that Dr. Marbut was contacted to review best practices in other jurisdictions; that as a result, various sites were visited and reviewed for best practices; that in addition, the programs which did not work were considered. In response to question from County Vice Chair Robinson asking the importance of locating a facility next to existing social services, Chief DiPino stated that the shelters visited have the social services in the shelter; that the homeless consultant can provide better information; that the City Police Department and the County Sheriff's Office will work together to assure success; and Mr. Spitler stated that the social services are available in close proximity or the providers come into the facility; that the anticipation is to have the same ratio of case workers as Pinellas Safe Harbor. In response to a question from City Commissioner Atwell asking if a site has been selected, Dr. Marbut stated that a site has not been selected; that the social services should be as close to the facility as possible; that all the facilities throughout the country are near the core services; that the further the facility from social services, the less time people are in recovery and in programs; that the concerns raised in Sarasota have not been realized at other locations throughout the country; that people will always be attracted to the warmer climates. In response to a question from City Commissioner Atwell concerning the progress in site selection, Mr. Applebee stated that the Phase 2 environmental review and site suitability study are underway for 1330 Osprey Avenue and 1800 East Avenue; that drafts are expected by April 17, 2014; that the rezoning process for 1800 East Avenue will take approximately six months to complete after all required documents are prepared and submitted. In response to a question from City Vice Mayor Shaw concerning the length of time the social services may remain in the current locations in North Sarasota with the revitalization of the Rosemary District in the future and the effect on property economic values in the areas of facilities in other cities, Dr. Marbut stated that in San Diego, California, San Antonio and Dallas, Texas, the economic impact resulted in an increase in property values and a decrease in the crime rate. In response to a question from County Commissioner Patterson asking the reason the facility should be located close to the jail and if more locations exist in Sarasota which would be appropriate, Dr. Marbut stated that the reason is the services surrounding the jail such as the Public Defender's Office and jail diversion programs; that Sarasota is similar to San Diego and Dallas both of which are located near City Hall and Downtown condominiums; that the second tier list of properties in the report has some possible sites which are more costly. County Commissioner Patterson stated that some of the other sites, although more costly, may be possibilities. In response to a question from County Commissioner Patterson asking the number of homeless in South Sarasota County compared to North Sarasota, Dr. Marbut stated that according to the data 71.8 percent of calls regarding the chronically homeless are in the City of Sarasota; that the encampments in South County are very small and Mr. Applebee stated that 86 percent of the calls regarding the homeless are north of Blackburn Point Road and 14 percent are south. Book 62 Page 35282 04/01/14 12:00 P.M. Book 62 Page 35283 04/01/14 12:00 P.M. In response to a question from City Commissioner Caragiulo asking if an analysis of violent incidences has been conducted, Dr. Marbut stated that the data is tracked by other facilities; that a report of a violent crime reported in meetings of Staff of Pinellas Safe Harbor is not recalled; that the issues reported are quality-of-life issues; that one elevated issue outside of Pinellas Safe Harbor is recalled in the past three years. In response to a comment from City Commissioner Caragiulo indicating having the data would be helpful, Police Chief DiPino stated that crime data in the City is being tracked; that the crime data and calls for service from the other jurisdictions has been requested; and Dr. Marbut stated that calls for service went up in San Antonio; however, the question concerned violent crime; that the increase in calls for service in San Antonio resulted in a change at Pinellas Safe Harbor SO the civilian group currently runs Prospects Courtyard at Pinellas Safe Harbor and the Sheriff's Deputies were brought in. Ini response to a question from County Commissioner Barbetta asking the change in street homeless before and after the shelter and the effect on movement, Dr. Marbut stated that approximately a 91 percent reduction has been realized going into the fourth year of operation at Pinellas Safe Harbor; that the street reduction was 84 percent in San Antonio with an 80 percent reduction in the central business district; that the goal is to have people come into and stay in programming; that a 24/7 facility is required for success. In response to a question from County Commission Barbetta asking if serious problems are anticipated in running the shelter, Sheriff Knight stated that a shelter in Sarasota will be different than in Pinellas County as the City Police and County Sheriff will be working closely together; that the Sheriff's Office will run the internal operation and the Police Department the external operation; that a larger problem will result if nothing is done; that the Police Department and the Sheriff's Office will make happen whatever the Commissions decide; that the governmental leadership must be in place. In response to a comment from County Commissioner Barbetta concerning staffing levels and the possibility of an increase in crime, Sheriff Knight stated that funds for staffing will not be included in the fiscal year (FY) 2014/15 budget; that a budget amendment will be brought forward at the appropriate time if necessary; and Mr. Spitler stated that funding for two Homeless Outreach Teams (H.O.T.) teams have been recommended to the Sheriff. In response to a question from City Commissioner Chapman asking what if any delays in the investigation of the sites has been caused by her voting in the minority, County Vice Chair Robinson stated that that the question should not be posed to County Staff; that a question could be posed as to general delays. In response to a question from City Commissioner Chapman asking if any general delays have been experienced, Mr. Applebee stated that he has not made any statement regarding delays; that no information can be offered at this time. In response to a question from City Commissioner Chapman asking if a lack of cooperation from City Staff has been sensed, Thomas Harmer, County Administrator, Sarasota County, came before the Commissions and stated that much information has been exchanged; that the question cannot be specifically answered. In response to a question from City Commissioner Chapman concerning asking if any delays of the Phases 1 and 2 of the Environmental Studies have been caused by City Staff, Mr. Applebee stated not to his knowledge. In response to a comment from City Commissioner Chapman indicating the Sarasota Herald-Tribune hired an economist who found a 16 percent reduction in property values in areas in other cities in which shelters were built, Dr. Marbut stated that since 2008 the evaluation of benchmarks is tempered by the evaluation of subprime housing SO accurate comparisons are not possible; that once all subprime properties are off the market an accurate evaluation can be conducted. In response to a question from City Commissioner Chapman concerning the study entitled, Welcome Home, The Rise in Tent Cities in the United States" by the author Allard K. Lowenstein, Human Rights Clinic at Yale Law School which was done for The Salvation Army and the cost of the program entitled Housing First compared to shelters, Dr. Marbut stated that both Housing First and shelters are important and are not mutually exclusive; that the on-going cost on a per person basis will be approximately the same; that the major issue is the capital cost up front; that due to the housing market in Sarasota, new or rehabilitated housing will be required; therefore, the capital cost of housing first will be 151 to 20 percent more than in most other locations; that operating cost will be about the same; that a very low inventory of housing will change the cost dynamics. In response to a question from City Commissioner Chapman asking which of the sites included in homeless consultant Dr. Marbut report are owned by the County, Mr. Applebee stated that three properties could be identified which are owned by the County: 2020 Main Street, 2200 Ringling Boulevard, and the future site of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC). In response to a question from City Commissioner Chapman asking if the sites considered for a new jail were considered, Dr. Marbut stated yes; that most were east of Interstate 75. In response to a question from City Commissioner Chapman asking if the infrastructure including the electrical grid and the infrastructure security at 1330 Osprey Avenue have been considered, Mr. Applebee stated that the infrastructure and infrastructure security will be considered during the Phase 2 Environmental Study and the due diligence evaluation; that questions concerning the electrical grid and other issues related to utilities can be directed to appropriate staff and the environmental firm and responses provided to the Commissions. County Commissioner Mason stated that three comments will be made: 1) crack cocaine is sold in locations other than Newtown, 2) the needs of the homeless are not being placed ahead of the needs of the elderly, and 3) a perception exists the City Administration has sometimes placed roadblocks to consideration of the Osprey Avenue site. In response to a question from County Commissioner Mason concerning the status of the recommendation to change the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) from a scorekeeper to a proactive case management tool, Dr. Marbut stated that good progress is being made. In response to a question from City Vice Mayor Shaw asking if First Step of Sarsaota, Inc. and Coastal Behavioral Healthcare (Coastal Behavioral), Inc. will be included in the conversations, Mr. Applebee stated that meetings are scheduled with representatives of both organizations; that both facilities have 30 beds; that beds are generally available; that Coastal Behavioral has almost one third of the beds occupied by the homeless; that 38 percent in January 2014 and 42 percent in February 2014 of the beds at First Step are occupied by homeless individuals. In response to a comment by County Commissioner Patterson concerning the necessity for a new jail and funding for and size of a homeless facility and the need for flexibility in the cost of the property, Dr. Marbut stated that 30,000 square feet has been considered for the Come-As-You-Are' shelter for the chronic homeless facility; that Sarasota has approximately one half of the number of chronically homeless compared to Pinellas County. In response to a question from County Vice Chair Robinson concerning the requirements for thel handling of sexual offenders, Dr. Marbut stated that the State law is followed; and Mr. Spitler stated that the City of Sarasota has four homeless people who are: sexual offenders and no sexual predators; that the County has ten registered homeless sexual offenders; that law enforcement is well aware of the location of sexual offenders and predators. Book 62 Page 35284 04/01/14 12:00 P.M. Book 62 Page 35285 04/01/14 12:00 P.M. In response to a question from County Vice Chair Robinson concerning H.O.T. teams, Mr. Spitler stated that best practices will be followed; that H.O.T. teams have three phases: 1) the educational phase, 2) the engagement phase, and 3) the enforcement phase; and Sheriff Knight stated that a H.O.T. team has not yet been established at the Sheriff's Department. In response to a question from County Vice Chair Robinson concerning a budget, Dr. Marbut stated that a budget cannot be established until a site is selected; that two sites on Lime Avenue have recently been identified: 1502 and 1562 North Lime Avenue and 1011 North Lime Avenue; that if the budget is more flexible than initially indicated, some of the sites listed in the second tier of possible sites may become more viable. A motion was made by County Commissioner Barbetta and seconded by County Commissioner Patterson to add the site at 1502 and 1562 North Lime Avenue as well as 1011 North Lime Avenue to the list of properties for consideration of a lease or purchase, conduct an environmental study and begin a due diligence evaluation. Discussion ensued concerning the City process for a rezoning, the location of residential neighborhoods in relationship to the two properties on Lime Avenue, the proportion of homeless in comparison to the general population. County Chair Hines called for a vote on the motion which carried by a 5-0 vote. A motion was made by City Vice Mayor Shaw, seconded by City Commissioner Caragiulo, to add 1502 and 1562 as well as 1011 North Lime Avenue to the list of sites under consideration for a "Come As Your Are" shelter for the chronic homeless. Discussion ensued concerning environmental studies on the two properties and pricing, due diligence, building assessments, the redevelopment area identified in the City's Comprehensive Plan which includes 1011 North Lime Avenue. City Mayor Snyder called for a vote on the motion which failed by a 2-3 vote with City Mayor Snyder, City Vice Mayor Shaw and City Commissioner Chapman voting no. A motion was made by City Vice Mayor Shaw, seconded by City Commissioner Caragiulo, and carried by a 4-1 vote to add the site at 1502 and 1562 North Lime Avenue to the sites under consideration with City Commissioner Chapman voting no. A motion was made by County Commissioner Barbetta, seconded by County Commissioner Mason, and carried by a 5-0 vote to consider the 1502 and 1563 North Lime Avenue site and remove the 1011 North Lime Avenue from consideration for a "Come-As You-Are" shelter for chronic homeless facility. In response to a question from County Commissioner Patterson asking the price of the property at 1502 and 1562 North Lime Avenue, Dr. Marbut stated the asking price is $750,000; that rehabilitation would be required. In response to a request for clarification from Mr. Applebee concerning responsibility for the project, County Commissioner Patterson stated that Mr. Applebee from the County is responsible. County Commissioner Barbetta stated that delays have occurred; that someone should be identified from the City; that continued delays cannot occur; that the hope is the rezoning if required can be expedited. County Administrator Harmer stated that Mr. Applebee has been designated as the lead person for the County on the homeless issue; that a clear line of authority should be designated. County Chair Hines stated that any concerns from the City regarding the 1502 and 1563 North Lime Avenue site should be communicated to County Staff as soon as possible. City Mayor Snyder stated that the City Commission does not have the authority to direct staff other than the Charter Officials; therefore, the City Manager from the City will be responsible for the project. City Commissioner Caragiulo stated that the Sarasota Board of County Commissioners (BCC) receives a report at each regular BCC meeting; that a similar report should be presented to the City Commission byt the City Manager. Mr. Applebee stated that a written memorandum is presented to the BCC at each regular meeting; that a copy is sent to the City's Deputy City Manager and the Council of Governments; that anyone can be added to the distribution list. On motion of City Commissioner Caragiulo and second of City Commissioner Atwell it was moved to request the City Commission and the City Manager be added to the distribution of the County's report and for a report to be provided at each City Commission meetings concerning the status of and plan to address the homeless issue. County Administrator Harmer stated that the report can be forwarded to the City Commission. City Mayor Snyder called for a vote on the motion which carried by a 5-0 vote. In response to a question from County Vice Chair Robinson asking the length of time to commence operation of Pinellas Safe Harbor and the projected timeline for a facility in Sarasota, Dr. Marbut stated that a presentation was made the third week on a Friday in October 2013; that the facility opened January 3, 2014; that the environmental studies are proceeding on the first two sites in Sarasota; that the question is if anyi impediments are perceived by the Cityf for the 1560 and 1562 North Lime Avenue site; that if so, the information should be provided within the next week. In response to a question from County Vice Chair Robinson concerning the April 22, 2014, joint meeting of the Sarasota City Commission and the BCC and if timelines could be in place for the proposed properties at that time, Dr. Marbut stated that any required documents could be prepared in advance and presented by to the Commissions by County Staff; and Mr. Applebee stated that any necessary funding could be requested at the April 22, 2014, joint meeting of the Sarasota City Commission and the BCC. County Chair Hines noted the consensus of the BCC to have all the necessary information available for the April 22, 2014, joint meeting of the Sarasota City and County Commissions. City Mayor Snyder noted the consensus of the Sarasota City Commission to have all the necessary information available for the April 22, 2014, Joint Special Meeting of the City Commission of the City of Sarasota and the Sarasota Board of County Commissioners (BCC). The Commissions recessed at 3:57 p.m. and reconvened at 4:10 p.m. 3. DISCUSSION ON THE STATUS REPORT AND RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE DOWNTOWN COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AREA (CRA) EXTENSION STUDY COMMITTEE (AGENDAI ITEM 2.B) County Administrator Harmer stated that no required, formal action is required at this time; that the recommendation is for the BCC to ask any questions, accept the report from the Downtown Community Redevelopment Area (CRA) Extension Study Committee, direct the report back to Staffs for review, and for City and County Staffs to come back to the Commissions with recommendations and any additional information. Assistant County Administrator Mark cunningnam, Andrew Dorr, Chair of the Downtown Community Redevelopment Area (CRA) Extension Study Committee, Christopher Gallagher, Vice Chair of the Downtown CRA Extension Study Committee, Deputy City Manager Marlon Brown, City Manager's Office, Book 62 Page 35286 04/01/14 12:00 P.M. Book 62 Page 35287 04/01/14 12:00 P.M. and Chief Planner Steven Stancel, Building and Zoning Division, Neighborhood and Development Services (NDS) Department, came before the Commissions. Mr. Cunningham stated that in 2013 the City Commission and the BCC directed the City Manager and the County Administrator to form a committee to explore the possibility of extending the date of the Downtown CRA; that the committee was initially comprised of ten members; that subsequently, three members resigned; that the committee has explored and discussed options for extension of the Downtown CRA. Mr. Dorr stated that the Downtown CRA Extension Study Committee (Committee) was established in March 2013 by the City and County Commissions and began meeting twice a month in June 2013 for a seven-month effort to study the possible extension of the date of the CRA, provide a cost-benefit analysis, report on best practices, and develop a recommendation; that the committee members are thanked for the service; and referred to a document entitled "Downtown CRA Extension Study Committee Final Report" dated March 31, 2014, included in the Agenda backup material and referred to a PowerPoint presentation displayed on the Chamber monitors. Mr. Dorr continued that the Downtown CRA was established in 1986 and has run for 28 years; that the Downtown CRA can be extended for another 30 years; that the Committee was asked to make recommendations to the Commissions; that the Committee is recommending both Commissions consider extending the Downtown CRA; that the reason is the Downtown CRA has been successful and has: Increased property valuation The assessed value of property in the Downtown CRA increase more than 307percent Created Public/Private Partnerships Increased employment opportunities - More than 1,000 jobs have been created Reduced blight - Significant areas of blight have been reduced Mr. Dorr stated that in 1986 the assessed value of the property in the Downtown CRA was $411,676,160 which had grown in 2008 to $2,335,711,730, a 441 percent increase over 1986; that in 2013 the assessed value was $1,676,262,807, a 307 percent increase over 1986; that since 1986, over $78,000,000 in investment of Tax Increment Financing (TIF) funds has been made in Downtown and Newtown in projects, studies, public/private partnerships, maintenance, and services has been made; that the most significant projects include: Five Points Park, Bayfront Park, the Palm Avenue Parking Garage, the Five Points Roundabout, the Whole Foods Complex including a Parking Garage, Courthouse Centre, Ringling Square, the Sarasota Herald-Tribune building, the Lemon Avenue Mall, the Main Street Improvements, the Downtown Master Plan, the Cultural District Master Plan, now called the Cultural Park Master Plan, the City-Wide Mobility Study, the State Street Parking Garage, the Downtown and Newtown Redevelopment Offices, Janie's Garden, the Marketplace at Janie's Garden, the Newtown Campus of Sarasota County Technical Institute, Dr. Martin Luther King (MLK), Jr., Way and Fredd "Glossie" Atkins Park Surveillance Cameras, the Robert L. Taylor Community Center (RLTCC) and Multi-Purpose Field, Booker High School (BHS) Mock Courtroom, Cleanup and Site Redevelopment of the Marion Anderson Site, the Newtown Gateway, Landscape Maintenance, and the Downtown Foot Patrols. In response to a question from City Commissioner Caragiulo asking if one CRA would be more beneficial than having the Newtown and the Downtown CRAS, Mr. Dorr stated that representatives from the State and various CRAS throughout the State made presentations; that the ideal is for a single staff which deals with multiple areas; that the CRAS can be separate but treated as one for the entire group of areas; that the priorities for the community shouid be established for the entire area. In response to a question from County Commissioner Patterson asking if Downtown CRA funds have been spent in Newtown as authorized by the BCC, Mr. Dorr stated that significant funds have been shifted from the Downtown CRA to the Newtown CRA; that the Newtown CRA has not contributed to the Tax Increment Finance (TIF) funding due to declining property values; that the projects are listed in the Report. Mr. Dorr stated that the Committee divided the project into three phases: 1) intake of information, 2) development of recommendations on an area-by-area basis, and 3) action concerning a series of motions; and displayed a decision-tree included in the Agenda backup material used to make the decisions concerning recommendations regarding extension of the Downtown CRA including governance, boundaries, extension time, any split concerning funds, a possible reset of the property values in the Newtown area, allowable uses of TIF funds, and general guidelines and recommendations; that the recommendations are: 1. Share the governance Move authority to a seven-member board comprised of two City Commissioners, two County Commissioners, and three citizens appointed by the City Commission 2. Consider a modification of the CRA boundaries 3. Extend the length of the CRA for an additional 30 years 4. Share the tax increment between the CRA, the City and the County 5. Reset the 2008 base year for the Newtown CRA to the current year In response to a question from County Commissioner Patterson asking the reason the recommendation is for the City Commission to appoint all three citizens, Mr. Dorr stated that considerable debate occurred over the recommendation; that one member felt strongly of having the CRA in the City; therefore, the citizen members should be appointed by the City Commission. In response to a question from County Chair Hines asking if any year can be selected as the base year, Deputy City Manager Brown stated that the base year can probably not be set retrospectfully; that resetting the base year for the Newtown CRA will be coming back to the City Commission at the April 21, 2014, Regular Sarasota City Commission meeting. In response to a question from County Commissioner Patterson asking the maximum length of a CRA, Mr. Dorr stated that Section 163.387, Florida Statutes, provides for a limitation of 30-years with a 30-year extension; that in 2002 thel limitation was reduced to 40 years; that the City's CRA was created in 1986 and, therefore, can be extended to the maximum of 60 years in total. In response to a question from County Vice Chair Robinson indicating the language in Section 163.35, Florida Statutes, is explicit and asking if the same requirements must be met to extend the CRA, Mr. Dorr stated that the understanding is no. In response to a comment from County Commissioner Patterson indicating the existence of slum and blight in Downtown Sarasota is difficult to assess, Mr. Dorr stated that blight still exists in some areas of the City which are significantly depressed. In response to a question from County Vice Chair Robinson asking the reason a reset of the property values is not recommended for the Downtown CRA, Mr. Dorr stated that no tax increment would be generated during the first ten years if the base value is reset. County Commissioner Patterson stated that bonds were issued when the CRA was first established; that significant projects were undertaken. Mr. Dorr continued that the additional recommendations are: 6. Allow the CRA to determine uses of Tax Increment Financing (TIF) funds 7. Establish operational guidelines Mr. Dorr stated further that the operational guidelines should include: a) CRA to pursue public private partnerships as a routine practice b) CRA to choose its own legal representation c) Specific projects to be left to CRA discretion Book 62 Page 35288 04/01/14 12:00 P.M. Book 62 Page 35289 04/01/14 12:00 P.M. d) Number of Advisory Boards determined at CRA discretion e) Staffing and management at CRA discretion In response to a question from County Vice Chair Robinson concerning updates to the CRA Master Plan, Mr. Dorr stated that the original CRA Master Plan has been updated once by the Downtown 2020 Master Plan; that each year the CRA goes through at formal adoption of a plan; that a new visionary plan should be adopted if the Commissions decide to extend the Downtown CRA; and Mr. Gallagher stated that the split in the TIF funds recognizes the varying use of the funds and, therefore, a reset is not necessary; that analysis will be necessary to determine an appropriate split in the TIF funds. Discussion ensued regarding the lack of necessity of incentivizing private development in a thriving Downtown, the necessity for incentives at the inception of the CRA, the major incentive for developers was thei investment in thei infrastructure, the major necessityt for investment in the Downtown area now may be in the Cultural District which will require significant investment, the necessity of a plan for investment of TIF funds, the direction for the City's Urban Design Studio (UDS), a form-based code should not be confused with a funding mechanism for specific projects, a question as to whether the list of projects should be revised, the opportunity for a new agreement between the City and the County, an alternative of forming a committee to develop a plan, the continuation of the Newtown CRA until 2047, the necessity of continuing the CRA if progress is to be made in Newtown, the possibility of significant progress in the next 10 to 15 years, facilitating private investment, the necessity for redevelopment of the Bayfront, the existence of opportunities in Newtown, the creation of the Newtown CRA with the understanding the Downtown CRA would Sunset, the economy in 2007 at the time the Newtown CRA was initiated, the premise of CRAS allowing for bonding for investments to increase property values, CRAS' allowance for investment of funds into a specific area, the concern for the finances of the City in the future, the possibility of raising taxes, addressing the issues in Newtown, and the necessity for increased policing resulting from a vibrant Downtown. In response to a question from City Commissioner Atwell asking the manner in which other communities become involved, Mr. Dorr stated that the Committee's charge was to review the Downtown CRA which remained the focus; that the tax increment is coming from a specific area; that a great Downtown helps everyone. Mr. Dorr stated that the following actions by the Commissions are suggested: Accept the Committee's final report Decide to extend or not extend the Downtown CRA Decide which other recommendations to approve Decide whether to continue to work with a committee and staff Establish a new Interlocal Agreement Mr. Dorr stated that the visioning will be required. Mr. Gallagher referred to the decision-tree included in the Agenda backup material and stated that one item which is lacking is what the CRA would look like; that if the Commissions decide not to extend the Downtown CRA, three possibilities have been identified: 1) Redevelopment is not of interest which is unlikely, 2) Other tools are available which is a possibility, and 3) No money is available SO redevelopment will have to happen by itself; that the vision could have described the problems identified in the past and the concepts for the future; that the Downtown area is seeking tender, loving development on an on-going basis and the process never ends; that a committed group of people with some resources is required to assure Downtowns do not disintegrate; that the vision is about continuing the current trajectory and sharing the revenues created; that a significant amount of time was spent in reviewing best practices. A motion was made by County Commissioner Mason, seconded by County Commissioner Patterson, and carried by a 5-0 vote to receive the report. A motion was made by City Vice Mayor Shaw, seconded by City Commissioner Caragiulo, and carried by a 5-0 vote to receive the report. In response to a question for County Vice Chair Robinson concerning the continuation of the Committee, Deputy City Manager Brown stated that the Committee will expire unless a Resolution is brought to both Commissions to extend the Committee. County Vice Chair Robinson stated that letting the Committee expire until the Commissions decide how to proceed may be the best possibility sO the members can converse among themselves. A motion was made by County Vice Chair Robinson, seconded by County Commissioner Mason, and carried by a 5-0 vote to sunset the Downtown Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Extension Study Committee as of April 1, 2014. A motion was made by City Commissioner Caragiulo and seconded by City Commissioner Atwell to sunset the Downtown Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Extension Study Committee as of April 1, 2014. City Vice Mayor Shaw stated that the hope is the members will be willing to come back for additional study and discussion if necessary. Mayor Snyder called for a vote on the motion which carried by a 5-0 vote. 3. OPEN TO THE PUBLIC (AGENDA ITEM 3) The following person spoke: Peter Fanning, Downtown Sarasota Alliance (DSA), indicating the Commissions' acceptance of the report of the Downtown CRA Extension Study is appreciated, the hope is the Commissions will approve an extension of the Downtown CRA. 4. ADJOURN County Chair Hines adjourned the Joint Meeting of the Sarasota City Commission and the Sarasota Board of County Commissioners of April 1, 2014, at 5:40 p.m. SHANNON SNYDER, MAYOR ATTESTAseN ouulo O PAMELA M. NADALINI, MBA, CMC CITY AUDITOR AND CLERK Book 62 Page 35290 04/01/14 12:00 P.M.