BUSINESS & CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT BOARD

REGULAR MEETING

May 16, 2007

 

A Regular Meeting of the Business & Cultural Development Board was held on May 16, 2007 at the City Hall Annex, 111 Polk Avenue, Cape Canaveral, Florida.

 

Vice Chairperson Muncey called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.

 

MEMBERS PRESENT

 

Hugh Evans

Dianne Marcum

Joanne Muncey

 

MEMBERS ABSENT

 

John Anderson

Darrell Peterson

Alison Spiesman

 

OTHERS PRESENT

 

Council Member Shannon Roberts

Recording Secretary Kim McIntire

 

Vice Chair Muncey explained that acquisition of Cherie Down Park was not on the agenda as a result of the memo from the city manager stating that acquisition of Cherie Down Park was a Recreation Board item.  Additionally, Commissioner Nelson will not allow a community center or any change of use as a condition of the City accepting this park.

 

Members stated that it was never their intent to establish a community center in the park, nor did they envision a change of use.  Members stated acquisition of Cherie Down Park was driven by one of the objectives listed in the Redevelopment Plan; members desired more green space which would be under the protection of the City.  Additionally, members felt the park would be an ideal venue in which to host cultural events. 

 

ADOPTION OF MINUTES

 

1.         Regular Meeting of April 18, 2007

 

Moved by Lt. Evans, seconded by Ms. Marcum to adopt the minutes of the Regular Meeting of April 18, 2007.  The motion carried unanimously.

 

Lt. Evans stated for the record that the B&CDB did request that they be briefed on the potential of acquiring Cherie Down Park.

 

Ms. Muncey reiterated that there was a misunderstanding of the board’s intent for the park which needs to be clarified.

 

Moved by Ms. Marcum, seconded by Lt. Evans that this item be placed on the June agenda and that the city manager and the acting recreation director be invited to attend so that members could present their recommendations on the acquisition of the park.  The motion carried unanimously

 

Vice Chair Muncey asked if any member had any changes or additions to this evening’s agenda.

 

Ms. Marcum requested, time permitting, to add under NEW BUSINESS, discussion of a potential presentation by the director of the Business Cultural Alliance and discussion of Cocoa Beach’s Green Business Program, and introducing this program to the City’s businesses, as this was an element of the City of Cape Canaveral’s Redevelopment Plan.

 

Vice Chair Muncey advised members that Gene Vlahovic had submitted his letter of resignation due to the fact that he sold his Cape Canaveral business.

 

Members discussed recruitment of new members and asked for clarification of the eligibility requirements.  Ms. Marcum said one of the big issues facing the City within the next few years are the changes in the space program and how these changes could affect businesses and employment within the City.  Members discussed recruiting members from Ron Jon’s, United Space Alliance and AJT.  Staff will provide members with the eligibility requirements via e-mail.

  

OLD BUSINESS

 

1.         Discussion Re:  ITT Sponsored Space Coast Business Forecast Luncheon, January 28

 

Vice Chair Muncey advised that a copy of the May 1st meeting minutes were included in the agenda packet.  She advised members that the city manager had a follow-up meeting with the ITT representatives who advised that while they would welcome the opportunity to support and underwrite most of the cost of the business luncheon, another item was outreach to the military families with members that had been deployed to Iraq.  ITT did request that the board identify a keynote speaker so that the City could start planning the business luncheon.

 

Ms. McIntire advised members that the City was looking to the EDC for assistance in the registration process, but had not received any confirmation to date.

 

Ms. McIntire confirmed for members that, to date, there was no agreement in writing of the responsibilities from any group.   She further stated that the county and cities are awaiting a decision from the State regarding tax property reform before committing funding to any future projects.  Per the May 1st meeting, staff did forward to ITT a calendar of City events as ITT desires to become involved in sponsoring events that have a lot of visibility.

 

Ms. Marcum advised that the EDC was tasked at the meeting with preparing the budget and summary of all the elements by month end. 

 

Ms Muncey identified the issues as follows:  (a) ITT wants visibility and is willing to participate in the luncheon as long as it occurs in January, 2008; (b) the City gathering local people and networking; (c) participation by EDC; (d) the B&CDB who originally recommended the concept of a business luncheon with ITT.

 

Lt. Evans reiterated that the board’s primary goal in establishing a sponsorship with ITT was to develop a partnership with the Cape Canaveral businesses, specifically, through a business conference.  Ms. Muncey and Ms. Marcum agreed, but now feel that the City has lost its advantage in hosting the event.

 

Ms. Muncey asked how this could be turned around seeing as the City does not have the resources or funding; the amount of ITT’s sponsorship is unknown; and the EDC has not come back with anything in writing.

 

Discussion followed regarding possible budget cuts and how this would affect the business luncheon.  Staff advised that if ITT underwrote the entire event, any budget cuts would not affect the luncheon.  Ms. Muncey said the cost of a keynote speaker could range from zero dollars to as much as $20,000 plus expenses.  Ms. Marcum commented that because EDC had expertise in this area, they were going to prepare the budget. Staff advised that they be working on the budget, but the City had not received any feedback, to date.

 

Ms. Muncey asked if the city manager could obtain a status report for the board.  Lt. Evans commented that the city manager was the point of contact under the original plan to develop a business forum, specifically for the Cape Canaveral businesses.  He feels the board’s original intent was well thought out and part of the Redevelopment Plan was for the City to move forward with larger goals.

 

Vice Chair Muncey asked that this item be the sole topic for the June meeting and requested the following parties be invited to attend: EDC to present their data; the city manager to clarify the city’s responsibilities and ITT.  Members requested that ITT provide beforehand a summary of what they would like the business forum to accomplish.  Ms. Marcum stated that the only follow up would be for the city manager to communicate to ITT, that the board would have its recommendations to ITT by July 1st.

 

Lt. Evans recommended that staff e-mail John Anderson advising him of the latest development.

 

Council Member Roberts advised members that the board needs to clearly articulate to ITT what its objectives are for the business luncheon.  Ms. Marcum advised that the objectives were discussed at the May 1st meeting; however, it seems a different direction was taken by ITT after the meeting.

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

1.         Discussion Re:  Theme for the July 11, 2007 “Wednesday Friendsday”

 

Ms. McIntire provided the history of this event and explained the coordination/PR/marketing/outreach for members.  She advised that a list of past themes was included in the agenda packets for their review, as well as a suggestion from Ms. Spiesman.

 

Ms. Marcum asked if the City was committed to this event and what would the value be to the City to underwrite this activity.

 

Council Member Roberts advised members that the event was a good partnership building opportunity.  This event was one of the most popular chamber events.  It is an information sharing event and an opportunity for the City to reach out directly to the county as well as providing a good opportunity for the board and City to reach out to the local businesses.  The event also provides branding opportunities.  Council Member Roberts felt there could be a stronger outreach by the City to compliment the business owner packets.

 

 

 

Following discussion regarding space related themes and the fact that Canaveral is associated with space, members unanimously agreed to utilize the three elements included in the City’s logo: “SUN, SPACE AND SUN” as the theme.  Members requested that staff provide the chamber with the City’s logo for inclusion on the postcard mailings.  It was mentioned that the TDC has an “astronaut” figure at their location.  Staff will contact the TDC.

 

Members desired to host a table top.  Discussion followed on appropriate hand-outs; such as, a condensed version of the Redevelopment Plan, a brief history of Cape Canaveral and some fun facts.  Council Member Roberts encouraged members to distribute their business cards as this was a “meet and greet” opportunity.

 

Council Member Roberts volunteered to assist the board with PR.  Staff will notify members when packets are available for direct mailings and for “one on one” delivery by board members.

 

2.         Discussion Re:  FY 07/08 Budget

 

            Staff summarized and provided clarification of the components of each line item for members.       Council Member Roberts suggested that the board review the Redevelopment Plan to see if there   are any projects that will require funding.  Following discussion, Lt. Evans recommended the           following:

 

            Professional Services:  $18,000

            Travel Per Diem: $250

            Postage: $400

            Promotional Activities: $6,000

            Operating Supplies: $350

            Memberships & Training: $4,075

            TOTAL:  $ 29,075

 

Members unanimously agreed.

 

ADD-ON ITEMS

 

Ms. Marcum suggested that the director of the Brevard Cultural Alliance be invited to the board’s August meeting to give an overview of what they do and how they might be able to support the City in the cultural arena.  Members agreed.  Ms. Marcum volunteered to contact the director and advise staff of her availability.

 

Ms. Marcum advised that there were several environmental related items identified in the Redevelopment Plan.  She stated that the City of Cocoa Beach has developed a Green Business Program and, perhaps, this program could be introduced to the City’s businesses.  Staff will contact the City of Cocoa Beach and will provide feedback at the next meeting.

 

OPEN

 

Council Member Roberts, once again, requested that the board prepare a decision matrix of the objectives, approximate costs and the department that would be responsible for the objectives listed in the Redevelopment Plan for council to consider.  Ms. Marcum stated that until the City Council endorses the Redevelopment Plan, no further action is required by the board.  Lt. Evans reminded that the B&CDB is a recommending body, and not a decision making body.  Ms. Marcum reminded that the Executive Summary was the decision matrix minus timeframes. 

 

Lt. Evans told Council Member Roberts that her input was valid and the board wants to provide a usable document; however, the board is uncertain of funding; the credibility of a time line; and whether or not there are code dependencies in the development of one idea that impacts something else.

 

Ms. Marcum said that even though the B&CDB was tasked with putting together the Redevelopment Plan, it is not just the board’s plan; it is a Citywide plan that all the boards, staff and council provide input.  There is very little that would come back to the B&CDB.  It would seem that it is now up to staff and council to produce a workable document.  The board simply followed the format that was presented to them.

 

Council Member Roberts thanked the board for their hard work on the Redevelopment Plan.

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

There being no further business, the chairperson adjourned the meeting at 9:05 p.m.

 

Approved this ________________ day of ______________________, 2007

 

                                                           

                                                                        ___________________________

                                                                        Joanne Muncey, Vice Chairperson

ATTEST:

 

___________________________

Kim M. McIntire, Secretary