Enclosure 1
MINUTES
Immokalee Local Redevelopment Agency
August 19, 2009
A. Call to Order. The meeting was called to order by Fred N. Thomas, Jr. at 10:55 A.M.
B. Roll Call and Announcement of a Quorum.
Advisory Board/EZDA Members Present:
Fred N. Thomas, Rick Heers, Floyd Crews, Richard Rice, Ana Salazar, Kitchell Snow, Eva Deyo, Chief Tom Davis, Robert Halman, James Wall, and Edward “Ski” Olesky.
Advisory Board/EZDA Members Absent/Excused:
Julio Estremera, Michael Facundo and Richard Rice (left at 9:30).
Action: A quorum was announced as being present.
Immokalee Master Plan and Visioning Committee Present:
Clarence S. Tears, Jr., Edward “Ski” Olesky, Floyd Crews, Fred N. Thomas, Jr., Rick Heers, Carrie Williams, Jean Paul and Pam Brown.
IMPVC Members Absent/Excused:
Estil Null and Richard Rice.
Action: A quorum was announced as being present.
Others Present: Patrick Vanasse, Tracy Crowe, Ray Kay, Paula McMichael, Jim Seabasty, Bob Mulhere, Birgit Pauli-Haack, Mitch Hutchcraft, Jeff Randall, Steve Hart, and Theresa Cook.
Staff: Penny Phillippi and Christie Betancourt.
C. Introductions.
D. Adoption of Agenda.
Action: Mr. Wall made a motion to adopt the Agenda with the assistance of G.c. – Handy Store Building Permit and H.d. – Marketing Campaign. Ms. Deyo seconded the motion and it passed by unanimous vote.
E. Communications.
F. Consent Agenda.
a. Approval of Minutes for the meeting of July 15, 2009.
b. RWA, Inc. July Report and Invoice; and
c. Commercial Façade Improvement Program Monthly Report.
Action: Mr. Wall made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda, Ms. Deyo seconded the motion, and it was approved by unanimous vote.
G. Old Business.
a. County Code Enforcement Monthly Highlights in Immokalee.
Kitchell Snow provided an update on code enforcement activities in Immokalee.
b. Immokalee State Farmer’s Market update.
Mr. Crews reported that although letters were sent to Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart, there has been no new activity to report.
c. Handy Store Building Permit.
The Executive Director reported that the Handy Stores were having a problem getting their building permits for the blue awnings shown in the façade grant,
Action: Floyd Crews made a motion that the CRA go to the County Commissioners under the Public Petition to state the issue and seek resolution. Chief Davis seconded the motion and the motion passed with two dissenting votes (Kitchell Snow and Robert Halman).
H. New Business.
a. CRA Advisory Board Vacancy.
Christie Betancourt reported that the recommendation to not accept Randy Anderson as a CRA Advisory Board member will go before the BCC in September, after which, the vacancy will be re-advertised.
b. Celebration of Cultures.
The Executive Director reported on the activities associated with the celebration, providing forms for sponsors, volunteers, vendors, etc. and asking Advisory Board member to assist in the distribution of same.
c. Harvest Festival.
Pam Brown reported that committees of local folks are attempting to revive the historic Harvest Festival in Immokalee to its former glory with activities such as a wild pig roast, watermelon drop, Little Miss Immokalee Contest, etc.
Action: Mr. Olesky made a motion to recommend to the CRA Board that Fund 186 be used to fund the Harvest Festival, not to exceed $50,000. Jim Wall seconded the motion and it passed by unanimous vote.
d. Marketing Campaign
The Executive Director requested the ability to negotiate a contract for the development and execution of a marketing campaign for Immokalee, specifically targeting economic development opportunities.
Action: Jim Wall made a motion that the CRA Advisory Board instruct the Executive Director to negotiate a contract, not to exceed $40,000, for the development and execution of a marketing campaign. Chief Davis seconded the motion and it passed by unanimous vote.
I. Citizen’s Comments.
J. Next Meeting Date. September 15, 2009 at 10:30 A.M.
K. Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 11:20 A.M.
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