CC 08/12/2024 Minutes (Workshop)

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CASSELBERRY CITY COMMISSION Minutes of August 12, 2024 — Workshop Page 2 of 3 Next Steps Questions & Discussion Mr. Newlon advised that he was seeking guidance from the Commission in order to have staff solicit for, select and recommend an architectural firm that could assist the City in this process on an ongoing long-term basis under a continuing services contract. Once approved by the Commission, task assignments could be worked out and brought back to the Commission for approval and funding authorization. He added that he was also requesting authorization to create an internal staff committee to work with the architect in prioritizing and advancing the specific project plans. The committee would periodically report to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and the Commission with updates on progress as needed, apply for grants, if available, and also interface with strategic partners who could help further the project. Discussion: A lengthy discussion ensued which included: next steps needed for maintaining and preventing further deterioration of the house and grounds; concerns about the funds already invested; pros and cons of proceeding with the project in light of inflation rates and additional finding that would be needed vs. surplusing and selling the property for possible development into additional residential housing and utilizing the funds for other projects; potential alternate locations for development of an event center; concerns about the current economic climate and recession; importance of preserving the City's history; current and potential density and zoning requirements for the property; the need for the City to maintain emergency fund reserves; potential funding sources; the need to address residents' concerns and to engage the community again on what they would like to see developed on the property; potential return on investment for an event center; historical importance of the home and its place in Casselberry's history, including being designed by noted architect James Gamble Rogers I1; comparisons to other event centers in the Central Florida area; comparison with acquisition of the Casselberry Golf Course; concerns about utilizing reserves to find the project or shore up the property; feasibility of looking again at funding improvements to Sunnytown Park; concerns about whether an event center would be beneficial to most of Casselberry's residents; and concerns about the cost of connecting the property to the City's sewer system. Mr. Newlon advised that the City could anticipate potential finding from many sources; however, he felt that people and organizations potentially willing to invest in the project were waiting to see what the City's commitment will be before getting involved or offering assistance. He stated that the intent was to preserve history and to create a destination that would be special, but it was never intended to be a profit center. The architect will determine how much funding is needed for each of the improvements, and then staff will know what amounts to request from potential funding sources. 5. CITIZENS' COMMENTS Mayor Henson announced persons that wished to make comment or make inquiry on any matter may request to be recognized during Citizens' Comments. The following individuals came forward: 1. Dr. Debra Bauer, 423 Eagle Circle (unincorporated Seminole County), stated she was President of the Society for Historic Casselberry and spoke in favor of engaging an architect to move forward with the concept plan and in opposition to any consideration by the City to sell the property for development into homes. 2. Colleen Hufford, 527 Queens Mirror Circle, stated she was a former Commissioner for Casselberry for 12 years and had been very involved in the early development of this concept. She cited the