Subject:
Title
The Greater Palm Harbor Chamber of Commerce Fiscal Year 2025 Municipal Services Taxing Unit special projects funding request for replacing exterior door, wooden deck, and ADA ramp and for air conditioning upgrades.
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Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval of the Municipal Services Taxing Unit (MSTU) special projects funding request made by the Palm Harbor Chamber of Commerce in the amount of $20,000.00 for exterior door, wooden deck, ADA ramp replacement, air conditioning upgrades, and landscaping.
• The Greater Palm Harbor Chamber of Commerce building was built in 1984. Currently, the wooden ADA ramp does not meet functional standards and poses a safety hazard. The existing rear door and frame has rotted wood and is difficult to open and close, creating potential safety and security issues. No record can be found to indicate when the deck and ADA ramp were last renovated.
• The total cost of the project is $20,342.00. The expenditures in excess of the grant funding will be paid by the Chamber’s capital reserve funds.
• The Palm Harbor Chamber of Commerce is the official “visitor welcome center” in downtown Palm Harbor and a business hub in the community. With over 350 members, the Greater Palm Harbor Chamber hosts between 10-12 networking events per month. The current air conditioner does not keep up with the demands of the building. Upgrading the air conditioning will welcome visitors and create a work environment that is enjoyable.
• The Chamber is a strong stakeholder in the revitalization efforts in downtown Palm Harbor. Improved access to the building will allow business owners and members to collaborate, network, and participate in more educational opportunities, thereby contributing to the financial stability of the Palm Harbor business community.
• The $20,000.00 request for funding is a one-time expenditure of budgeted MSTU Special Projects funds. Funding is included in the General Government MSTU cost center within the General Fund and is consistent with the Fiscal Year 2025 approved budget.
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Strategic Plan:
1. Deliver First Class Services to the Public and Our Customers:
This project aligns with the County's commitment to providing high-quality services that meet the community's needs.
2. Promote Public Health Safety and 3. Foster Continual Economic Growth and Vitality:
This project will create a safer and more accessible facility which in turn will encourage greater participation in the Chamber’s business development programming and contribute to a more robust and productive local economy.
Summary:
Summary
The Palm Harbor Area Chamber of Commerce was founded in 1977 and is a voluntary organization of business and professional men and women who have joined together for the purpose of promoting the civic and commercial progress of the greater Palm Harbor community. The Chamber has a major impact on business, income, and future growth of the area.
The Mission of the Palm Harbor Chamber of Commerce is to provide leadership to promote an active partnership and support, educate and advocate for the community.
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Background Information:
The MSTU Special Projects Funding opportunity was created by the Board of County Commissioners for the purpose of supporting projects that enhance community and neighborhood opportunities in unincorporated areas of Pinellas County. These MSTU Special Projects Awards are intended to support culture, recreation, and community engagement opportunities for residents in unincorporated areas that are comparable to those opportunities which municipalities typically provide to their residents.
Fiscal Impact:
The request for funding in the amount of $20,000 is a one-time expenditure of budgeted MSTU Special Projects funds. Funding is included in the General Government MSTU cost center within the General Fund and is consistent with amounts provided during the FY25 budget development.
Staff Member Responsible:
Nancy McKibben, Assistant to the County Administrator Representing Unincorporated North County
Partners:
Greater Palm Harbor Chamber of Commerce
Attachments:
Palm Harbor Chamber of Commerce FY25 MSTU Special Projects Funding Application
Quotes
F and S PH CHAMBER DECK PROPOSAL_$12,417.00 Recommended
Terbo Palm Harbor Chamber Deck Proposal $16,500.00
Way Cool PH Chamber AC quote_$4,200.00 Recommended
Cool Wizard PH Chamber AC quote_$4,700.00
Veterans PH Chamber AC quote_$5,280.00
Florida Landscaping Svc. - $2,950.00
PH_Dunedin Electric $775.00