CC Minutes 10/02/2012 - Laserfiche WebLink

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CASSLLBRRRY CITY COMMISSION Minutes of October 2, 2012 — Workshop Page 3 of 3 Community Redevelopment Agency — Mr. Newlon explained that the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) was a separate entity j ointly fielded and manned by volunteers appointed by both the City and Seminole County. He noted that it would finish the fiscal year with approximately $1.1 million in reserves. He added that one of the CRA's recent accomplishments was the strategic acquisition of Black's Auto on U.S. Highway 17 -92, and that with this purchase the City now controlled approximately 22 contiguous acres of land that are available for redevelopment. Economic Development Division — Mr. Newlon advised that this division is a program area that supports the CRA, but also pursues opportunities city -wide to facilitate new development. He stated that the division had launched a new city -wide website at www.casselberr, biz.org as a resource for the development community, and that the purchase of Black's Auto was enabled by division staff. He added that the development of all 22 acres of City - controlled 17 -92 frontage property was being coordinated through the Economic Development Division. He further added that following guiding principles provided by the City Commission, the Development Team, supported by outside consultant ACI, was hearing development proposals from five different prequalified resource development teams. Mr. Newlon concluded his presentation by stating that the Community Development Department was a very diverse departmental entity with many different responsibilities. He then encouraged comments, questions or recommendations from the Commission. Discussion: A lengthy discussion ensued regarding the organization of the Community Development Department; strengths and weaknesses of department leadership; effectiveness of the various programs; economic challenges; current and future development projects; addressing of community perceptions and concerns; exploration of options regarding the golf course property; and options for providing additional information to the community. It was suggested that a resolution setting forth the Commission's support of the community's wish to preserve the golf course and green space, if possible, may be appropriate. The Commission as a whole agreed that the City should continue to move forward in a positive manner. They commended Mr. Newlon on his handling of recent events relating to the golf course, noting that he had kept a cool, calm demeanor and had done a great job addressing the community's concerns in his statement made at the Commission meeting following the community conversation. Mayor Glancy adjourned the workshop at 3:04 p.m. J/ 1 DATE MINUTES APPROVED BY CITY COMMISSION: ' � �� j`f -