Subject:
Title
Payment requests for Lealman Community Redevelopment Area non-residential site improvement & demolition grant applicants.
label
Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval by the County Administrator utilizing the authority granted by the Pinellas County Community Redevelopment Agency via Resolution 19-10 in furtherance of implementing the Lealman CRA Plan to pay vouchers reimbursing property owners for site improvements at the following three properties:
• 3970 54th Avenue North
• 2850 47th Avenue North
• 4457 34th Street North
Body
Strategic Plan:
Ensure Public Health Safety and Welfare
2.2 Be a facilitator, convener, and purchaser of services for those in need.
Foster Continual Economic Growth and Vitality
4.2 Invest in communities that need the most
Deliver First Class Services to the Public and Our Customers
5.3 Ensure effective and efficient delivery of county services and support
Summary:
The purpose of the Non-Residential Site Improvement & Demolition Program is to provide reimbursable matching grants to eligible applicants to accelerate and leverage private investment to improve the appearance, condition, and functionality of existing non-residential buildings in the Lealman CRA, or to assist in the removal of substandard structures when the cost to renovate is not feasible.
Three approved grant applicants have completed the associated work and are now eligible for reimbursement of 50% of the cost of the improvements made. Attached documents include payment voucher request packets for each of the three properties, including approved applications, documented expenditures, and documented staff inspections of completed work.
Background/Explanation:
The Pinellas County Redevelopment Agency, via Resolution 19-10, granted the Pinellas County Administrator the authority to approve and execute certain contracts, documents and instruments on behalf of the Agency for the purpose of implementing the Plan, pursuant to powers enumerated in Section 163.370 of the Florida Statutes. The purpose of obtaining this delegation of authority was to enable more efficient project and program implementation of the Plan. Staff based Resolution 19-10 on items applicable to the CRA already delegated to the County Administrator through Section 2-62 a. (1)-(12) of the Pinellas County Code.
The Lealman Community Redevelopment Area Advisory Committee also demonstrated its support for the County Administrator having this authority via a motion made at its February 27, 2019 meeting.
The Plan is consistent with Florida Statutes Chapter 163, Part III, Community Redevelopment, and provides the framework with which staff implements revitalization initiatives. The Plan sets an anticipated course of action for the investment of Tax Increment Financing funds and other public resources in the Lealman CRA on capital improvement projects, and people- and place-based initiatives encompassing Economic Development, Neighborhood Revitalization, Workforce Development and Healthy Community disciplines.
In July 2015, via Resolution 15-62, the Board of County Commissioners (Board) made a positive finding of blighted conditions and established the Lealman Community Redevelopment Area (CRA), directed staff to create a Plan for the CRA. Also in July 2015, via Ordinance 15-29, the Board established the Agency and appointed itself as its governing body. The Board established the Advisory Committee via Resolution 15-70 to assist staff in drafting the Plan, and on June 7, 2016, the Board approved the Plan via Resolution 16-40.
Fiscal Impact:
Approval of the payment requests would reduce the Lealman Redevelopment Trust Fund balance by $24,349.60. Appropriation is available for these payments in the FY19 Budget.
Delegated Authority:
Authority for the County Administrator to sign these payment voucher requests is granted via Resolution No. 19-10.
Staff Member Responsible:
Christopher D. Moore, Assistant to the County Administrator, Lealman Community
Partners:
-Lealman CRA Advisory Committee
-Lealman residents, businesses, stakeholders and community partners
-Planning Department
Attachments:
-Reimbursement request packets for three associated properties.
-Lealman CRA Plan
-Lealman CRA Non-Residential Site Improvement & Demolition Grant Program Guidelines