Subject:
Payment request for a Lealman Community Redevelopment Area Commercial Grant Contract.
Recommended Action:
Approval and execution by the County Administrator of a payment request for a Lealman Community Redevelopment Area (CRA) Commercial Grant Program work contract. This grant program is included in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Lealman Work Plan, which was approved by the Board of County Commissioners sitting as the Community Redevelopment Agency (Agency) during their regular meeting on September 19, 2024.
The Commercial Improvement Grant Program aims to provide matching grants that will accelerate and leverage private investment to improve the appearance, condition, and functionality of existing non-residential buildings in the Lealman Community Redevelopment Area. Properties must be located within the boundaries of the Lealman CRA to be eligible for grant funds. The property must have an existing non-residential use, be structurally sound, and meet Florida building codes. Matching grant awards of up to $40,000.00 are available for commercial interior and exterior improvements.
The business name and address of the property in question is Buddy For Hair, Inc., 3970 54th Ave. N. Lealman, FL 33714, respectively.
• Property owner paid for three projects:
o The first project was with Bay to Bay Roofing, Inc. for roof replacement for a total of $5,565.00. The final invoice came in slightly higher, however, the grant is being paid at the original estimate included in the contract scope of work and estimate.
o The second project was with Air 24/7 LLC for a new air conditioning system for a total of $7,736.00. This project’s cost had a scrivener’s error that was corrected and reflected in an attached amended scope of work.
o The third project was with Clearwater Window & Door, Inc. for a new door for a total of $2,350.00
• Per the Commercial Grant guidelines, property owners are eligible for a 50% match of the total project’s costs. The total project cost was $15,651.00 (per the amended scope of work) and the requested reimbursement is $7,825.50.
• The requested funds are included in the FY25 Adopted Budget within the Lealman CRA Trust Fund, a Countywide portion of the Tax Incremental Financing (TIF).
• Funding for this agreement is included in the current year, FY25 Operating Budget, for Lealman CRA in the Lealman Community Redevelopment Agency Trust Fund.
Strategic Priorities:
Prosperity and Opportunity
• Labor Force Participation
• Economic Output (GDP)
Summary:
The Commercial Improvement Grant Program provides matching grants to commercial property owners and businesses for site improvements and interior and exterior upgrades with a focus on projects that remedy degraded building systems and extend the economic viability of the building.
Grant applicants are required to execute a Grant Agreement with the Agency, which contains the associated scope of work and cost estimates. After a fully executed Agreement is in place, a Notice to Proceed with the work is sent to the applicant. After the work is completed and inspected, a reimbursement request is submitted for payment approval.
Background/Explanation:
This grant program is included on the FY25 Lealman Work Plan, approved by the Board of County Commissioners sitting as the Community Redevelopment Agency during their regular meeting on September 19, 2024.
The purpose of the Commercial Improvement Grant Program is to provide matching grants that will accelerate and leverage private investment to improve the appearance, condition, and functionality of existing non-residential buildings in the Lealman Community Redevelopment Area. Properties must be located within the boundary of the Lealman CRA to be eligible for grant funds. Matching grant awards of up to $40,000.00 are available for commercial interior and exterior improvements.
Fiscal Impact:
Execution of the Grant Agreements appropriated $7,825.50 (per amended/corrected scope of work) from the Countywide portion of the Tax Incremental Financing revenues for the Lealman Redevelopment Trust Fund. Funding for this payment request is included in the current year budget of the Lealman CRA in the Lealman Community Redevelopment Area Trust Fund.
Funding for this program included in the current year, FY25 Operating Budget, for Lealman CRA in the Lealman Community Redevelopment Agency Trust Fund. A total of $240,000 was confirmed by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) in the FY25 Budget for this Program in the fund. Approval of this grant is not anticipated to require additional budgetary or spending adjustments.
Delegated Authority:
Authority for the County Administrator to approve this payment request is granted via the Agency’s approval of the FY25 Lealman Work Plan.
Staff Member Responsible:
Cameron Ehmig, CRA Specialist, Lealman Community
Felix D Nunez, CRA Coordinator, Lealman Community
Partners:
-Lealman CRA Advisory Committee
-Lealman residents, businesses, stakeholders and community partners