BUSINESS & CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT BOARD

REGULAR MEETING

August 15, 2007

A Regular Meeting of the Business & Cultural Development Board was held on August 15, 2007 at the City Hall Annex, 111 Polk Avenue, Cape Canaveral, Florida.

Chairperson Anderson called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

MEMBERS PRESENT

John Anderson

Joanne Muncey

Darrell Peterson

MEMBERS ABSENT

Dianne Marcum

OTHERS PRESENT

Council Member Shannon Roberts

City Manager Bennett Boucher

Recording Secretary Kim McIntire

Ray Osbourne, Freelance Writer/Historian

ADOPTION OF MINUTES:

1. Regular Meeting of July 18, 2007

It was noted that Lt. Hugh Anderson was incorrect and needed to be corrected to Lt. Hugh Evans. The corrected minutes of the Regular Meeting of July 18, 2007 were approved unanimously.

Ms. McIntire informed that she had spoken with Lt. Hugh Evans and he had requested that his letter of resignation to the City be effective August 2007 rather than September 2007. He received unexpected deployment orders and will return to the City in two years.

INTERVIEW POTENTIAL BOARD MEMBER – Ann Parker

Chairperson Anderson asked Ms. Parker to come to the podium and introduce herself to the board.

Ms. Parker informed that her expertise lies in getting and verifying information, of which she has 20 years of experience. She has worked with PAFB, NASA and the Canaveral Air Force Station and has since retired. She chose Cape Canaveral as opposed to other beachside communities due to its favorable property taxes, secure location and proximity to other areas within the state. Ms. Parker is looking to be useful to the community and informed that she is a fulltime resident.

Chairperson Anderson asked if Ms. Parker was familiar with the board’s mission statement. Ms. Parker replied in the negative. He asked what was her motivation to become involved with this board. Ms. Parker replied that this board seemed to have a more substantial purpose than the other boards.

Chairperson Anderson asked Ms. Parker what changes she would like to see made within the city. She replied she would first need to talk to individuals who have been here awhile to gather their insight. She did say preservation of green space was very important.

Ms. Muncey asked Ms. Parker if she has attended any of the City Council meetings and/or advisory board meetings. Ms. Parker replied in the negative. Ms. Muncey suggested that Ms. Parker read the archived minutes from the City’s home page.

Mr. Osbourne asked Ms. Parker about her feelings regarding cultural issues. She responded she is not familiar enough with the issues to comment.

Mr. Boucher summarized the new boardmember recommendation process for members.

Moved by Mr. Peterson, seconded by Ms. Muncey that the board’s recommendation be tabled until Board Member Marcum is available. Motion passed unanimously.

Chairperson Anderson thanked Ms. Parker for coming to the meeting.

Chairperson Anderson thanked City Manager Boucher for attending this evening’s meeting and acknowledged Council Member Shannon Roberts.

OLD BUSINESS

1. Status of Business Survey

Mr. Boucher requested that the board members become reacquainted with the business survey. He summarized how Dr. Wright prepared the first draft which consisted of six pages and it was subsequently reduced to three pages. In light of current circumstances, Mr. Boucher said the original purpose of the survey which was presented to the City Council may have changed, and he asked members at a future meeting to reach a consensus as to the information they wished to include in the survey. He informed that the City has an open contract with Dr. Wright and the money is still in the budget.

Mr. Anderson summarized that the survey was driven by the ordinance language that stated the board was periodically tasked with conducting a survey of the businesses. The board’s interest was to conduct the survey within the framework of the recommendations within the Redevelopment Plan. He recalled that if the survey were to have included all the information submitted by the board and Councilmember Roberts, the cost would have increased to somewhere between $28-29,000 because it was three times as long. He stated the survey needs to have a limited amount of questions focused on the areas of relevant information. He said that because the survey was no longer as time-sensitive, there was no reason why the board could not spend the next meeting finalizing the survey. Mr. Boucher agreed and asked that members set aside some time at the next meeting to look over Dr. Wright’s questionnaire as well as the overall framework of the survey. Based on economic circumstances, the original goal of the survey may have changed and questions may need to be redirected to other areas. Mr. Anderson agreed and stated that the circumstances and objectives could be quite different now.

Mr. Peterson remarked that Mr. Boucher had alluded to the success of past meetings at the library and asked if the board’s effort would be better spent in hosting such an event. Mr. Boucher responded it was hard enough getting five minutes of their time on a direct visit; it is difficult to “corral” business owners to attend town meetings.

Mr. Peterson asked what are the board’s objectives with the business survey. Mr. Anderson informed that the mission statement was contained within the context of the Redevelopment Plan and he read the verbiage contained within Article 2, Section 22-23, Purpose and Duties.

Ms. Muncey understood the board’s task, as an advisory board and through the Ordinance, was to create and deliver a business survey and then receive input from the business survey. She opined that the board was not tasked with solving or resolving issues. The board should concentrate on questions that would be most helpful for the business owners to provide feedback to the City. She recommended that each member prioritize five questions for discussion at the September meeting.

Mr. Anderson agreed and asked members to focus on what can City government do differently that might help businesses be more successful. The goal would be a survey containing no more than 20 questions.

Council Member Roberts would like to see the board go an extra step with the business survey by pointing out to City Council actionable observations. Mr. Anderson responded that if the board was asked to do an oral briefing or presentation by City Council, the board would be happy to do that.

Mr. Anderson asked that the business survey be carried over to the September 19 meeting.

2. View existing marketing video and recommend to City Council that funds are budgeted to update the marketing video

Mr. Boucher informed that City Council wants this marketing video to be updated in digital format and money has been budgeted. The original video was created by the Commercial Development Board and received many accolades. Mr. Boucher opined that the video was the best marketing campaign ever done by the City. The video promoted the City as a great place to live, work and play and helped orient people as to where Cape Canaveral was on the map. It was given to developers, real estate agents and the Cocoa Beach Area of Commerce. The City now has many new areas to promote and the board will be asked to work with the vendor on the script and storyboard. He said the video money ($10,000) was not competing with the business survey money. Mr. Anderson stated it would be critical to tie the video into the City’s Home Page for marketing purposes. Mr. Boucher agreed and informed that the original video was on the home page until it became too dated. The City will be utilizing the services of the vendor that created the original video, Communications Concepts, Inc., and they would be coming onboard in October to start working with the board. Mr. Boucher said it would probably take 90 days to complete the update. Members were asked to be creative in terms of content and to think about businesses and places they would like to include in the video. Mr. Boucher stated the marketing video is a “welcome mat” and he is looking for support from the board.

Mr. Anderson asked if the EDC made use of the original video. Mr. Boucher responded that they had a special board of directors meeting which showcased the video. At the time, the City of Cape Canaveral was the first municipality to develop a marketing video. Additionally, the video played on the government channel.

Ms. Muncey advised that the questions she and Ms. Marcum had following their viewing of the video last week relating to content and cost were addressed by Mr. Boucher evening.

After the viewing the video, Ms. Muncey moved and Mr. Peterson seconded the board’s support of the proposal contained in the budget to update the City of Cape Canaveral marketing video. Motion passed unanimously.

NEW BUSINESS

1. Participation in Brevard Cultural Alliance Frames Project

Ms. Muncey said the application was on the Internet and she distributed copies of framing opportunities at Manatee Sanctuary Park that Ms. Marcum had prepared as examples. She informed that this initiative is still somewhat vague and the cost is unknown at this point in time; however the board has been assured that it is within reason. She confirmed for Mr. Anderson that the BCA was soliciting sponsorships from individuals and organizations to fund the project. Ms. Muncey informed that the new director, Shellie Williams, introduced this concept at the July meeting and explained that the City of Cape Canaveral is the only municipality that contributes to the BCA at this time, thanks to Mayor Randels, and the BCA would be willing to look favorably and work with the City for that reason.

Mr. Anderson asked what was the action to be taken by the board this evening. Ms. Muncey responded it would be for the board to recommend having one or more frames developed for the City at locations to be determined. Ms. Muncey informed that one of the incentives is that a steady group of German visitors is scheduled to visit the area and if they could be encouraged to come to the City, it would be a good opportunity to capture that tourist trade. Ms. Muncey suggested soliciting sponsorships if the final cost was more than the City was comfortable funding.

Mr. Anderson asked Mr. Boucher what would be the process within the City if the board wanted to participate in this project. Mr. Boucher advised that the board would need to make a recommendation to City Council. The recommendation would not be forwarded until the final parameters of the project have been determined.

Moved by Ms. Muncey, seconded by Mr. Anderson that the City review the Brevard Cultural Alliance initiative with the frame being located at Manatee Park. Mr. Peterson mentioned that the City was not limited to only one frame and he thought Cherie Down Park would make an ideal location for a frame in which to showcase the jetty, ships and beach. Members agreed. Ms. Muncey withdrew her motion.

Moved by Ms. Muncey, seconded by Mr. Peterson that the City participate in the Brevard Cultural Alliance Frame Project utilizing City owned properties for locations of the frames. Motion passed unanimously.

2. Green Business Community Campaign

Mr. Anderson informed that Ms. Marcum and others on the board have had an ongoing interest in the green business concept. He asked if the board had a specific issue or was the board advocating the overall concept of green business development. Ms. McIntire summarized the board’s discussion at the July meeting regarding the possibility of the City hosting some workshops at the library and distributing pamphlets to the community outlining green business ideas.

Members agreed this was a worthwhile idea. Mr. Anderson pointed out that there are a great deal of State and Federal incentives; however, they are very technical and difficult for the public to understand. Member recommended inviting the EDC and companies such as FPL and the Solar Center to participate in these proposed roundtables.

Because this item was not time-sensitive, Mr. Anderson recommended that it be carried over to the September meeting when Ms. Marcum would be in attendance and members can focus on specific recommendations to the City Council.

OPEN

Mr. Boucher informed that he had proposed a Community Development Department in the 07/08 Proposed Budget at a cost of $722,000 which would provide Building, Planning & Zoning and Code Enforcement services. The City is 93% built-out and needs to reorganize the front-end of the development process. He asked members to review the proposed organizational chart and job description for the Community Development Director. He explained that the proposed department would coordinate the City’s future growth and economic development and would support the P&Z Board, Board of Adjustment, Community Appearance Board, Code Enforcement Board and the Construction Board of Appeals. He informed that the current City Planner is based out of Orlando and there is a need for a fulltime CDD who is able to meet with the public, recruit businesses to locate within the City, and build relationships on a daily basis.

Mr. Anderson commended the City Manager and stated that this is the single most important step the City can take to improve its position in terms of business development, tourism, commercial and industrial. Additionally, it needs to be the first major thing because everything else that the board has recommended from a marketing point of view needs someone who has the authority and capacity to take redevelopment action on. Members agreed and unanimously supported this proposal. Members especially were in favor of the Building Department, Code Enforcement and P&Z reporting to this one individual.

Mr. Boucher is requesting support from the board.

Moved by Mr. Peterson, seconded by Ms. Muncey that the City Council fulfill Objective 1.5 of the revised Redevelopment Plan by establishing a Community Development Department which would be headed by a new Community Development Director. Motion passed unanimously.

Members agreed that the creation of a Community Development Department was the first step toward implementing redevelopment. Members informed they would be available to meet with council members. They reiterated their strong support of this proposal.

Mr. Peterson requested subsequent discussion on the Community Development Director’s job description with specific reference to the Redevelopment Plan as the principle guideline. Members concurred.

Ms. Muncey advised of the East Central Florida Regional Planning Council invitation that was sent via email to many organizations. The City is invited to attend workshops either in Orlando on 8/21 or in Rockledge on 8/30. Mr. Boucher advised that public works and finance would be representing the City at one of the workshops.

Mr. Peterson advised that following last month’s discussion regarding German groups flying into the Melbourne Airport, he found the applicable website and found that the City of Cape Canaveral was not mentioned.

Mr. Peterson would like members to discuss a name change for the City of Cape Canaveral at the September meeting when there is a full quorum. He informed that we are entering a new era and the Cape Canaveral name means nothing, but Port Canaveral does have meaning. He feels a name change would benefit the city greatly. Mr. Anderson remarked that the board had included a branding recommendation within the Redevelopment Plan and asked if there had been any further discussion on a branding effort. Mr. Boucher responded that the marketing video would be the first step towards developing that brand. Mr. Peterson responded that at one point in time, there was talk of the Cape Canaveral Lighthouse being relocated into the City, but that is not going to happen. He said a name change made sense. He said people do not live at Cape Canaveral, they live at Port Canaveral. Mr. Boucher advised that the cost, not to mention the inconvenience to a community of over 10,000 would be exorbitant.

Mr. Anderson opined that he, personally, did not support a name change; however, he supports discussion if individuals believe it to be in the best interest of the community. He has been through name changes, both in private corporations and public bodies and it is extraordinarily costly. He asked that this item be placed as the first item under New Business for the next month to allow Mr. Peterson to express his views to the board.

Ms. Muncey remarked she had heard that there was a piece of property within the City that was the site of an Indian conflict and contained Indian artifacts. She inquired if this was a protected piece of property. Mr. Osbourne affirmed that this is the property on which the Old Aztecta Restaurant was located. He informed that there was no historical state or national interest in this property; however, there is an ecological interest. Mr. Peterson said there were quite a few properties throughout the State of Florida that contained Indian artifacts. Mr. Osbourne asked if the City could encourage the owner to redevelop this piece of property as it could be a gem.

Mr. Osbourne asked if the City had any type of proactive vision in regards to the type of targeted business the City would like to see relocate here. Mr. Boucher replied that this is the type of issue that would be addressed by a new Community Development Director.

Mr. Anderson remarked that in order for any city to take a proactive approach, it was necessary to have an employee with the skills and experience to coordinate this effort, such as the Community Development Director position that the city manager was proposing to the City Council.

Mr. Osbourne informed of a local history seminar he is hosting at the library on August 24.

Mr. Osbourne would like to have a history exhibit located at the Manatee Park. Mr. Boucher recommended that Mr. Osbourne present his proposal to the Recreation Board. Ms. Muncey thanked Mr. Osbourne for his creativity.

Mr. Anderson recommended that a letter from the board be sent to Alison Spiesman and Hugh Evans thanking them for their contributions to the board. Mr. Boucher said Ms. McIntire would prepare letters on City letterhead once she received the verbiage from Mr. Anderson.

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business, the chairperson adjourned the meeting at 9:20 p.m.

Approved this ________________ day of ______________________, 2007

___________________________

John Anderson, Chairperson

ATTEST:

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Kim M. McIntire, Secretary