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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04/28/2000 City of Sebastian, Florida 1225 Main Street [] Sebastian~ Florida 32958 Telephone {561) 589-5330 [] Fax {561) 589-5570 City Council Information Letter April 28, 2000 Grant Award from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Aviation Matching Grant Pro.qram I am pleased to report that earlier this week, the FDOT Aviation Matching Grant Program awarded $34,000.00 to the City of Sebastian for purposes of financing installation of a SuperUnicom System at Sebastian Municipal Airport. This arrangement will require authorization of Joint Participation Agreement (JPA) between the City and FDOT, whereby we would commit a required $8,500.00 matching contribution (to be proposed for allocation from the Airport Enterprise Fund, as budget savings has become eminent during the course of the Fiscal Year), for a total project amount of $42,500.00. As communicated in a previous information letter, a SuperUnicom is an automated unit that provides wind and traffic advisories to pilots, (which facilitates airplane traffic and directs proper runway usage). Employment of this equipment is therefore essential in facilitating safety for all airport operations. As such, a proposed JPA will be presented for your consideration during the May 10th City Council meeting. Enhanced Police Operations Please find the attached memorandum as compiled and delivered by Police Chief Randy White relative to logistics associated with enhanced police/property room procedures at the Sebastian Police Department (SPD). In essence, procedures from the Altamonte Springs Police Department are being adopted by SPD to include separation of cash and other valuables from other items of property and evidence, as these will be stored separately in a safe (subject to periodic audit by the Director of Finance). Under new procedures, personal property and evidence will be stored and maintained separately. Large amounts of cash that is not evidence will be deposited City Council Information Letter April 28, 2000 Page 2 into respective bank accounts. Whenever said funds are to be released, a check will be issued directly from the Finance Department, as opposed to cash. This practice will eliminate the need to retain large amounts of cash in the Property Room. All other seized items (e.g. narcotics, firearms, etc.) will be stored separately. These and other like logistical arrangements will be facilitated with assistance provided by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), the same agency which recently completed the investigation of the Jay Bennett case (of which the final report still remains a confidential document). However, as SPD continues to pursue full accreditation, police administrative revisions to transpire will include assistance, cooperation and support from some of the most highly regarded law enforcement agencies in the State of Florida. Community Redevelopment Trust Fund Please find the attached memorandum from Director of Finance Mark Mason relative to background regarding the Sebastian Community Redevelopment Trust Fund. In 1995, the City Council, by Ordinance 0-95- 08 (Section 78-30 Code of Ordinances) established the fund, whereby the City Council was appointed Board of Directors for the applicable Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA). As the City of Sebastian is now therefore the administrator of the CRA, various projects in the Riverfront District are possible for funding via Tax Increment Financing (TIF - please reference funding paragraph in Mark's memorandum for summary and definition). In essence, TIF will provide an alternative source of revenue for the Riverfront District, to initially total approximately $20,000; to help finance activities such as new lights, sidewalk repair and other applicable capital improvements in the area. It is therefore imperative that the City Council, as the CRA Board of Directors, meet periodically to consider recommendations of staff so as to effectively administer the program. As such, I wish to propose that the City Council agrees to meet in the near future so as to deliberate and authorize action accordingly (I wish to personally recommend that such meetings transpire either before or after your regular meetings, as we do not anticipate a need for a lot of time, perhaps no more than one-half hour.). Feel free to familiarize yourselves by reading the attached information, as well as call me to discuss ideas further if you wish. Otherwise, I will make arrangements to discuss a possible schedule for this session during your May 10th regular meeting. City Council Information Letter April 28, 2000 Page 3 Code Enforcement Reor,qanization Please be advised that the Sebastian Code Enforcement Division will begin reporting to the SPD effective Monday May 1st. Arrangements are also being made to compile and issue citation forms for various code violations (per the previously authorized citation ordinance and category of fines). As such, beginning next week, residents may feel free to call the SPD non- emergency number (589-5233) to report potential code violations in the community. In addition, police personnel will be in position to also respond to violations via directing code enforcement staff to conduct periodic "sweeps" of neighborhoods in Sebastian, so as to address and correct infringements accordingly. Florida Scenic Highway Pro.qram Meetin.q Please be advised that a Florida Scenic Highway Program meeting has been scheduled to take place here at Sebastian City Hall Friday, May 26th at 2:00 p.m. This will be a public meeting in that citizens will be welcome to attend, to discuss logistics associated with designation in Sebastian. As reported to me last week by Area Program Manager Ted Moorhead, all is moving forward to ensure the designation. A final decision is anticipated sometime in June. I will keep you all informed accordingly. Enclosures: Memorandum from Chief Randy White Memorandum from Mark Mason My Documents/lnfoLetter40 SEBASTIAN POLICE DEPARTMENT 1201 Main Street Telephone 561/589-5233 Sebastian, Florida 32958 24 I*r Fax 561/589-2207 DENNIS R. WHITE, Chief Admin Fax 561/388-1872 E-mail: spd~sunet.net Web: www.sebastianpd.org MEMORANDUM Date: 4/25/2000 To: Terrence Moore, City Manager Re: Theft From Property Room and New Procedures Per your request, this is the current status of this case and a summary of the procedures we are implementing to reduce the opportunities for a re-occurrence: FDLE has completed their cdminal investigation. They require that their report be kept confidential until the tdal is completed. The case is expected to go to thai in May. Unless something changes, Bennett is expected to plead guilty to Grand Theft. Our preliminary audit of the money and other valuables that was done as part of the cdminal investigation was completed last month and the results were forwarded to FDLE and the State Attorney. This audit determined that $18,923.32, in cash was missing. No other items of value were determined to be missing. Upon completion of the preliminary audit needed for the criminal case, I ordered a complete audit of the entire contents of the Property & Evidence Room. This is currently on-going and is scheduled for completion May 1st. Concurrent with this audit, we've had the bar coding system updated to interface with our Records Management System, so our new system will use bar codes to track all evidence and property in the future. This will fully automate the records keeping in our Property Room and should improve accuracy and accountability. We are adopting entirely new operating procedures, which conform with the requirements of the CFA Accreditation Process we are now undergoing. Essentially we are adopting the procedures of the Altamonte Springs Police Dept., which is recognized as one of the more progressive and better run accredited agencies in FL. Also, once the final audit is completed, FDLE will be sending in a couple of their Property & Evidence technicians to work with our people for several days to get the new procedures implemented. The new procedures will separate cash and jewelry from other items of property and evidence and these will be stored separately in a safe. These will be subject to periodic audit by Finance Dir. Mark Mason. Under the new procedures, personal property and evidence will be stored and maintained separately. Large amounts of cash that is not evidence will be routinely deposited in a bank in one of the City's accounts. When such monies are to be released, a check in the appropriate amount will be issued by Finance, rather than cash. This will eliminate the need to keep large amounts of case in the Property Room. Drugs and narcotics will also he separated and stored separately as will firearms. This separated storage will require Page 2 of 2 some reconfiguration of our Property Room and may involve our having to buy and install some additional shelving and Iockable storage cabinets. These will be recommended by FDLE. Since we do not yet know exactly what type cabinets will be needed, I do not know if we have sufficient funding for this equipment in our existing budget. I will advise on this matter when we determine exactly what will be needed. This is where we are, to this point. I anticipate that the entire new system, procedures, etc., will be implemented by the end of May. bennis R. White Chief o f Police MEMORANDUM OF INFORMATION DATE: TO: FROM: RE: April 25, 2000 Terrence R. Moore, City Manager Mark C. Mason, CPA, Director of Finance ~ Riverfront Community Redevelopment Agency and Trust Fund During the closing of the CDBG grant and subsequent audit, it came to the attention of City staff that a Community Redevelopment Agency was established in 1995 for the Indian River Water Front Area for the purpose of securing the CDBG grant for the Riverfront Park, sidewalk and light poles. The actual description is included in the ordinance accepting the redevelopment plan which has been recently codified in the Code of Ordinances Sec. 78-30. BACKGROUND: On March 22, 1995, the City Council, by ordinance 0-95-08 (see Sec. 78-30, Code of Ordinances), established a Community Redevelopment Trust Fund in accordance with Florida Statute Chapter 163. At the same time the hadian River Community Redevelopment Agency was created designating the City Council as the-Agency. Resolution R-95-12 established the condition of blight finding and Resolution R-95-17 accepted a redevelopment plan (attached). Community Redevelopment Agencies are good for thirty (30) years unless dissolved sooner. The purpose behind redevelopment agencies is to provide a designation of an area under Florida Statute whereby the Agency may accumulate ad valorem taxes from taxing authorities to he used in the redevelopment of an area of interest to a community. In the case of Sebastian, the Riverfront area. Redevelopment Agencies generally are the governing councils of a community, however, some designate a group of individuals to serve as the redevelopment agency with the power to approve spending, plans of actions, etc. and are required to meet separately by notice and have recorded minutes accordingly. Sebastian's Redevelopment Agency is the City Council, however, during the various stages of the CDBG project, a conunittee was established to provide direction. FUNDING: The funding sources for Redevelopment Agencies are typically ad valorem tax revenue from those taxing authorities which tax property values in the City including the City and are proportionately rated according to millage rates. Generally, special taxing districts which are authorized to levy taxes in more than one county are exempt by Florida Statute, i.e. Florida Inland Navigation District and St. Johns River Water Management District as well as the School Board. The Ordinance specifies the taxing authorities which the City will collect Ad valorem tax revenues fi-om as well as those which are exempt. Florida Statute further gives the City authority to exempt other local taxing districts that the City can not reasonably justify collection from or that the Ad valorem taxes are their only means of revenue, such as the hospital districts, the emergency medical districts and the mosquito control district. In all cases, unused funds are refunded back to the taxing authority at fiscal year end. From the beginning, the Redevelopment Agency has not been funded for whatever reason by the City nor any funds collected from the above mentioned taxing authorities. However, the time has come to begin funding the Riverfront Redevelopment Agency and use those funds to pay for some of the costs associated with the Riverfi'ont, such as, lighting for the new lights, operating costs for repairs to the sidewalk as well as the park, and many other uses which would benefit the Riverfront area, i.e. redevelopment. The ad valorem tax amount collected from each agency, including the City, is based upon the annual adopted millage rate by the taxing authority multiplied by 95% of the difference between the current year's gross taxable value for the redevelopment area and the base value established by the ordinance, in this case the base value is for 1995. This is called Tax Increment Financing. Generally, the City bills each qualified taxing authority in September or October of each year with payment to be received no later than December 31. A separate Special Revenue fund is required to be established for such revenue and expenditures. Capital projects funded by these tax increment revenues are accounted for in the Capital Projects funds. The tax increment financing will provide an alternate source of revenue for the Riverfront. The amotmts are not much, approximately $20,000 total, however, it is a start. CURRENT SITUATION: After reviewing all the files that the Finance department has on the subject, as well as discussions held with others, it is necessary that a meeting of the Agency be held so that staff may update them on what we need to do to continue and fund the redevelopment trust fund in the upcoming budget year. The Finance department has reviewed all the facts surrounding the taxing districts in the area and has concluded that the City can not reasonably justify billing and collecting ad valorem taxes from any of the special or local districts. That would leave the City and the Cotmty's General fund as the only rema'ming revenue sources in a 51%/49% ratio, respectively. This will necessitate mending the ordinance to exempt all districts except for the County, which must first go before the Agency for approval and subsequent submission to the City Council for adoption. If you need additional information regarding the Redevelopment Agency, please let me know. Sebastian Community Redevelopment Plan Prepared on behalf of City Council of Sebastian and Sebastian Community Redevelopment Area Agency by CLARK, ROUMELIS & ASSOCIATES, INC. INDEX SECTION 1. INTRODUCTION ................................ 3 SECTION 2. IDENTIFICATION OF NEEDS, DEFICIENCIES AND STRENGTHS ............................... 9 History of the Development of Sebastian ................... 9 The Physical Environment ............................ 9 Structural Condition Survey ........................... 9 Sidewalks ...................................... 11 Drainage ...................................... 12 Water Facilities .................................. 12 Sewer Facilities .................................. 13 Fire Protection .................................. 13 Parks ........................................ 13 Residential Housing Impact .......................... 13. Traffic Intersections and Signali:,ation .................... 15 Parking ....................................... 15 Aesthetics ...................................... 16 Current and Future Capital Improvements in the Community Redevelopment Area .................. 18 Community Redevelopment Area Boundary Description ........18 SECTION 3. MAJOR GOALS, OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES ............ 19 SECTION 4. FINANCIAL PLAN ................................ 25 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) .............. 25 Community Contribution Tax Incentive Program ............. 25 Economic Development Administration ................... 26 Small Business Administration ........................ 26 Main Street Program ............................... 26 Tax Increment Financing ............................ 27 Special Assessment District .......................... 28 Local Contributions ............................... 28 Private Finance Pool · . ....29 Budgetary Review .' ............................... 29 SECTION 5. INTERGOVERNNiENTAL COORDINATION .................. 32 City of Sebastian -1- Community Red~veloixneat Plan SECT/ON 6. COORDINATION WITH EXISTING CITY PLANS, .... POLICIF_S AND ORDINANCES ........................... 33 Comprehensive Plan .................................... 33 Antidisplacement Plan .................................. 33 Acquisition Plan ...................................... 33 Fair Housing Ordinance ................................. 34 Procurement Policy .................................... 34 Section 504 Policy ..................................... 34 SECTION 7. CODE OF ETHICS .................................... 36 SECTION 8. CAVEATS ......................................... 37 APPENDIX A. BLIGHT I~-qOLUTION APPENDIX B. MAP 1. COMMUNITY REDBVBLOPIvIENT AREA MAP City of Sebastian -2- Community Redevelol~nent Plan SECTION 1. INTRODUCTION As the City, the citizens of Sebastian, and the merchants of downtown Sebastian consider initiating redevelopment of the downtown, the first question that comes to mind is why. Why spend money redeveloping or improving downtown? There are certainly other areas of the City that deserve public attention. So, why should the City focus specific interest, attention and public dollars on providing improvements to downtown.'? There are several reasons that redevelopment improvements in the downtown should be undertaken. Among these are: · Downtown is the heart of the community. The community needs to protect and preserve past public and private investments in downtown. · The image presented by the downtown reflects the community itself. Downtown will always be a high maintenance area, regardless of economic viability. · Improvements increase property values. Downtown is the Heart of the Community Downtown Sebastian is the historic and symbolic center of the community. As the community's heart, it is the downtown that maintains the City's pulse. Sebastian's heritage is City of Sebastian -3- Comrmmity Redevelopment Plan preserved in its downtown. The Community Needs to Preserve and Protect Investments in Downtown Sebastian Over the years, both public and private interests have invested in the downtown. Private individuals have established buildings and businesses downtown and the City has provided services for these buildings and businesses~ The City (and County and State) have provided streets, sewer, water, parking and sidewalks to the downtown. Even with the demise of the downtown, the streets, sewer Ymes, water Ymes and drffmage system would still need maintenance. For businesses to continue operation, efficient services must be available. Even. if business operations in downtown falter, the City will still have to provide the same services. The Image of Downtown Reflects the Community One of the first places a new resident, or would-be resident, visits is the community's downtown. Is the downtown dean and neat? Is it cluttered? Are buildings and lots occupied or vacant? Are there people downtown? Is signage appealing and helpful? If the downtow~ looks well maintained and active, the image of the community will be viewed the same. The image of the downtown reflects upon the community as a whole. A vital downtown indicates a vital community; a community that is a good place to live and work. Such a community has better odds of attracting new businesses and maintaining a strong tax base. The Downtown Will Always be a High Maintenance Area With the many roads, public utilities and public properties in downtown, it will always be a high maintenance area. Regardless of whether business in downtown is thriving or not, the City of Seba.stiaa --4- Comm~mity Redevelopment Plan infrastructure system must be maintained and replaced when needed. · With an economically viable downtown, the tax dollars generated by its businesses wiLl more than pay for the provisions of public services. Without a viable downtown, the area becomes a tax drain, taking general fund monies from other areas to support ailing infrastructure. Because of past investments made in the downtown, it is imperative that the community ensures that the downtown remains vi~ se that it is a contributor to the economy, not a drain upon public revenues. Improvements Increase Property Values Improvements to the downtown benefit both property owners and the community. As property values increase, tax revenues and resale values of property also increases. Increasing property values creates a good investment and reinvestment atmosphere. In any market like Sebastian, businesses are never equal to their competition; they are either ahead or behind. To keep ahead of the competition, the downtown businesses must anticipate its competition. As the area grows, new commercial attractions will develop.· These new developments will compete for existing and future spendable dollars. It is much easier for downtown Sebastian to keep its existing clientele and win new clientele as new people move into the area, than to win back clientele lost to other shopping markets. Investing now in downtown Sebastian's future will be much more productive than waiting and investing later. The Community Redevelopment Act of i969 The legislature of the State of Florida, in recognizing that certain areas exist in communities of this State which constitute an economic and social liab~ity by decreasing the tax City of Sebastian -5- Community Redevelopment Plan base, impairing sound growth, or creating other burdens upon the larger community, has provided through the Community Redevelopment Act of 1969 a means for the local community to conserve, rehabilitate, or redevelop the area, to serve the interests of the public health, safety, morals or welfare of its citizens. Chapter 163, Part llI, of the Florida Statutes, rifled 'Community Redevelopment,' lays out the requirements for establishing a community redevelopment area, a community redevelopment agency, preparing and adopting a community redevelopment plan, and establishing the tax increment finance district to pay for improvements in the area. In an area such as the Sebastian downtown which exhibits evidence of deterioration and a decrease in the relative share of the tax base, it is important to the community that the downtown area once again provide its proportionate share of revenues, and that the area is strengthened as. a vital focal point for the City and region. The Community Redevelopment Plan, and the use of the tax inorement financing method, allows the preservation and enhancement of the tax base so that the downtown area pays a higher share of city services than it presently does. Further, it encourages private development through the provision of incentives, stimulates improved use of underutili:,ed land, and prevents further deterioration which has previously resulted in a lower proportionate tax base. The legislation lays out specifically the requirements for a community redevelopment plan. It is necessary that a redevelopment area be designated by resolution of the governing body and that the plan COnforms to certain statutory requirements. The redevelopment plan must conform to the community's comprehensive plan, must be sufficiently complete to indicate acquisition, demolition and removal activities, as well as redevelopment or rehabilitation proposed to be carried out in the area. The plan shall recommend planning and zoning changes, land uses, maximum densities and building requiremen!s. It is required that the plan provide for relocation should any families be displaced by activities recommended in the plan. There shall be due consideration to adequate park and recreation facilities, especially considering the health, safety and welfare of the children in the planning area. It is important that the plan affords maximum opportunity for rehabilitation or redevelopment by private enterprise. Any recommended non- City of Sebastian -6- Comnmaity Redevelol~nent Plan residential uses shall be necessary and appropriate for the proper growth and development~of the ,. community. The legislature has determined that the preservation or enhancement of the tax base providing tax revenues to the community is essential to the financial health of the community. Further, it has been determined that community redevelopment in a community redevelopment area will enhance the lax base, providing increased tax revenues to all affected taxing authorities, thereby, increasing their ability to accomplish their appropriate purposes. Purpose of the Sebastian Community Redevelopment Plan It has been recognized for a number of years that downtown Sebastian and the adjacent City riverfront plays an important role in the viability of the City's economy. Over recent years, a number of actions have been initiated to recognize the special role of the downtown and to strengthen its economic position. Because downtown Sebastian is a unique and economically significant section of the city, it deserves special effoa for preservation, redevelopment, rehabilitation and enhancement. 'While the more recent efforts in downtown Sebastian have been centered on marketing, business retention, public improvements, as well as parking control It is now time that program emphasis be expanded to more general economic development activities, focusing on improving and upgrading the infrastructure, more aggressive recruitment of business activities to the downtown, and identifying and pursuing new development opportunities. This can best be accomplished through the adoption of a community redevelopment plan for the downtown community. It is, therefore, the purpose of this plan document 'to set forth the Community Redevelopment Plan for downtown Sebastian. City of Sebastian -7- Community Redevelopment Plan Contents of this Report This document sets forth the Community Redevelopment Plan for the City of Sebastian. The sections of this document include an introduction which describes the general setting of Sebastian and, spedfi~y,/he downtown community; an identification of needs, deficiencies, and strengths; major goals, objectives and policies; financial plan; overview of intergovernmental coordination; a statement of the relationship of the Community Redevelopment Plan to the existing Sebastian Comprehensive Plan and other local policies, plans and ordinances; code of ethics; caveats and supplement,al materials provided in the appendix. City of Sebastian °8- Community Redevelopment Plan SECTION 2. IDENTI~CATION OF NEEnS, DEFICIENCIES AND STRENGI'HS . Hkqtory of the Development of Sebastian Redevelopment Plan The development of this plan is a result of two separate planning efforts. The development of the City's comprehensive plan specifically identified the need to address redevelopment.. In addition, capital improvement needs were also identified for the downtown area. However, due to the constraints of the City's revenue and the planning constraints required by State law, the comprehensive plan does not specifically address both private and public improvements that are generally aesthetic in nature, but necessary for the success of the downtown. The other driving force behind the development of the Sebastian Redevelopment Plan was the formation of the Riverfront Study Committee. This committee was formed in 1990 to develop recommendations regarding the future development of this most important resource. The redevelopment area that is proposed in this plan is a direct result of the committee's recommendations to the City Council. The Physical Environment The land uses within the community redevelopment area are commercial offices, retail, residential and recreation. Other business uses within the Community Redevelopment Area include restaurants and service businesses. Residential uses are scattered throughout the study area. It is important to note that the traffic circulation system, including fight-of-way for streets and sidewalks, as well as separate parking lots, is a major use of downtown land. City of Seb~tian -9- Community Redevelopment Plan Structural Condition Survey The condition of the buildings in the Community Redevelopment Area study area varies considerably. While most of the buildings are strueturaily sound, there are significant numbers of deteriorated and dilapidated buildings throughout the area. The survey of structural conditions conducted was based upon the follow'rog definitions: Standard: A standard strUcture has no visible defects or, possibly, some slight defects correctable in the course of routine maintenance. ~gh~/.I~fifl~: A slightly deteriorated structure is structurally sound but is off a routine maintenance program such that deteriorating characteristics become a visible menace. Continuation of this deterioration would eventually result in the structures becoming more seriously deteriorated. Repairs, more than regular maintenance, are required to bring the structure up to standard. ~: A deteriorated structure requh-es structural repairs not provided in the course of routine mahtenance. Such a structure has one or more defects that must be corrected if the unit is to continue providing safe and adequate shelter. D. il~: A dilapidated structure no longer provides adequate shelter. Such a unit endangers the health, safety or well-be'rog of the inhabitants. This structure has one or more critical defects or a combination of intermediate defects in sufficient number that rehabilitation is not feasible. The presence of dilapidated structures which are infeasible for rehabilitation can present a negative image of the area. Dilapidated structures can be an eyesore, a hazard if occupied, and an attractive opportunity for vandalism. Structures which are deteriorated may exhibit many of these same opportunities, but are feasible for rehabilitation. This represents an opportunity to save City of Se, bastiaa - I0- Community Redevelopment Plan a useful building and reuse it productively. Routine inspections and code enforcemen[::are the., primary means to remove dilapidated structures at the current time. When the deteriorated or dilapidated buildings are providing housing to individuals, the problem is especially difficult. If the sU'uctures are suitable for rehabilitation, temporary living quarters must of~ be found while rehabilitation takes place. If the structures are dilapidated and infeasible for rehab'flitation, it is then necessary to find other housing for individuals living there. Table 1 STRUCTURAL SURVEY Type Total Standard Slightly Deteriorated Deteriorated Dilapidated Residential 41 5 15 19 1 Commercial 87 49 30 10 0 The survey of the Community Redevelopment Area provides an indicator of the actual need. Based on the data conected, 58.14 perceat of the structures have deficiencies. Sidewalks While detailed data is not available, a visual observation of the pedestrian system in the Community Redevelopment Area study area indicates that sidewalks are insufficient in meeting either ~he recreational or commercial pedesffian traffic needs. While the need for sidewalks may not be viewed by some as a top priority item, a successful downtown does require safe and convenient pedestrian movement. City of Sebastian -11- Community Redevelopment Plan It is impoV, ant to provide paved walkways and properly designed romps to make.public., facilities in the general downtown area more accessible to all individuals including handicapped persons. The Riveffront Study also identified pedestrian access as a major development concern for the enhancement of the riveffront. The Riverfront Study Committee proposed the development of a linear park on the east side of Indian River Drive. The park would extend the length of the Study area, utilizing road and utility right-of-ways where possible. Purchase of private property may be deemed appropriate for a complete cohesive design. Drainage The drainage system in the downtown area is primarily controlled by the inlets and outflows created by the Florida Department of Transportation during the widening of U.S. 1. Due to the lack of "as-built" plans for the drainage system, it is difficult as part of this review to determine the current and long-range needs. As improvements are made in the downtown, every effort should be made to assess the impact the improvements will make to the immediate drainage system and to determine if cost-effective improvements can be made to the system during the construction of the improvements. Every effort should be made to establish a master drainage plan for the Community Redevelopment Area and the City as a whole that can be referenced during phased improvements to specific locations in the downtown. Water Facilities The water facilities system currently impact~ the ability of the Community Redevelopment Area to promote growth of certain services in th~ downtown due to limitations. The City is currently coordinating with the County to extend services within the Community Redevelopment Area. Additional studies will be necessary to address additional growth and development within the Community Redevelopment Area. City of Sebastian -12- Commaaity Redevelopment Plan Sewer Facilities The City is currently making improvements to the sewer system by contracting with the County to provide sewer service to the riveffront area. A force main line has been installed along Indian River Drive. While this line does allow for the connection of individual businesses and residences, it is usnally more cost effective to provide service through the installation of a gravity line service. However, due to existing utilities within the construction area, it has been determined to be cost prohibitive to construct a gravity line along Indian River Drive. Further review of the cost effectiveness of providing sewer service within the Community Redevelopment Area should be conducted periodically. Fire Protection As additional water service is provided within the Community Redevelopment Area, .fire protection should be improved through the installation of sufficiently sized water lines to meet commercial and residential fire flow requirements. In addition, sufficient fire hydrants and valves should be installed with ail new water line extensions. These improvements will have a positive impact on the current fire protection system and will provide an incentive for the location of new businesses. Parks The City of Sebastian is blessed with excellent natural recrentionai resources, with many of the parks located on the Indian River. Tfiis recreational resource provides a certain amount of tourist/recreational traffic into the Community Redevelopment Area. Improvements are needed at the Riveffront Park which currently has inadequate parking. In addition to parking, the Riveffront Park is designed as the staging area for the proposed fiveffront park/development. City of Sebastian -13- Co~--~-ity Redevelopment Plan Beyond parking facilities, additional landscaping, utility relocation and sidewalk/crosswalk improvements are necessary. Residential Housing Impact The structural needs analysis indicated that a small percentage of the structures in the Community Redevelopment Area are residential. However, a high percentage of the residential units are deteriorated or dilapidated. The Community Redevelopment Agency shall address residential impact through the following manner: 1. Promote the rehabilitation of residential units througia both private and public resources (i.e., CDBG and SI-HP funds). Financial institutions participating in the loan pool shall actively promote financing of residential rehabilitation in and adjacent to the Community Redevelopment Area. 2. Active code enforcement will be utilized to insure safe, sanitary housing conditions in the Community Redevelopment Area. The Community Redevelopment Agency should review the Land Development Reguhtions and the building code requirements to insure a consistent policy with Community Redevelopment Agency objectives for existing and future residential structures in the Community Redevelopment Area. City of Sebastian 3. The Community Redevelopment Agency shall monitor the conversion of residential units to commercial use to insure that involuntary displacement does not occur and that the conversion construction is consistent with the goals for the Community - 14- Community Redevelopment Plan Redevelopment Area and the aesthetic goals of the Community Redevelopment Agency. Traffic Intersections and Signalization A preliminax~ field investigation indicates many areas within the Community Redevelopment Area that are not conducive to pedestrian use. These areas can be improved by providing landscaping and therefore, provide a visible justification for pedestrian use. Furthermore, engineering design improvements, making pedestrian accessibility a priority, can be achieved throughout the Community Redevelopment Area. It may be necessary to conduct a more ~tensive enginee~ng investigation of intersections, especially high hazard locations, in order to identify additional improvements as part of Sebastian's ongoing roadway maintenance and improvement program. Parking The current need for parking is not based strictly on the number of on and off-site 'spaces currently available, but is tied to the need to improve the downtown landscaping which would promote greater use of pedestrian traffic, the safety of available parking on existing major roadways and the grandfathering of existing land use which may adversely impact the availability of downtown parking. The City of Sebastian utilizes a traditional parking strategy in which parking requirements are tied to zoning, specific structural use and the size of the structure being used. The current planning system requires the utilization of prime commercial property for parldng, hindering the expansion or development of many of the vacant parcels in the downtown. A reverse strategy has been utilized in other communities that were facing decline in which the City of Sebastian -15- Co~,ufity Redevelopment Plan parking space requirements were minimized allowing for greater in-fill. The result is the creation of greater pedestrian traffic due to the increased distance of vehicle parking from the destination. However, this strategy does not work unless aesthetic improvements are made to make the experience pleasing for the vehicle dfiver/pedeslxian. With the increased growth and tax revenues, parking concerns and planning can be dealt with as an infrastructure need. CentraliTed parking lots, which minimize the use of prime commercial property, can be purchased through funds generated through tax increment financing and through special assessments on the business district that created the need. The use'of tax increment financing and special assessments are further described in Section 4. The City has begun the process of purchasing property in the Community Redevelopment. Area for the development of parking. A parcel has been purchased adjacent to the Riveffront Park for this vary purpose. The City is applying for a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) to make the necessary improvements to develop the parcel into a landscaped parking facility. Aesthetics An important part of redeveloping any area is its appearance. While many aspects of appearance wil/improve as the structural conditions are improved, as redevelopment takes place for economic reasons, as sweets are repaired and infrastructure is upgraded, some aspects of the appearance of a downtown must be given special attention. Public improvements in a downtown are often concerned with the appearance of the streetscape. The streetscape is the combination of all elements in a pedestrian or vehicular area, usually the public right-of-way, and includes street furniture, landscaping, sidewalks, !ights, signs, and the relationship of each of these elements both to each other and to adjacent buildings. Standards need to be adopted for the Community Redevelopment Area with regard to these elements of the streetscape. Sidewalks, an essential part of the pedestrian circulation system, were discussed earlier in this chapter. For the purposes of this discussion the streetscape includes the street furniture (items such as benches, city of Seb~i~m -16- Community R~d~volopment Phm planters, trash reoeptacles, kiosks, etc.), landscaping (trees, tree grates, guards and Lrrigation)~ and lights. In order to make an area atlractive for pedestrians, improvements to the appearance, or the street.scape, are necessary. Such improvements are now evidenced in Sebastian with very limited utilization in the downtown. While individual property owners have made improvements to their building facades and, in some eases, upgraded and installed landscaping, there has not yet been a comprehensive program throughout the entire downtown to upgrade the streetseape. An aesthetics needs analysis needs to be conducted for the overall Community Redevelopment Area. A preliminary cost estimate is established in Table 2. This estimate does not include design or permitting cost associated with the proposed construction activities. TABLE 2 AESTHETIC N'~g~DS ASSESSMENT Activity Quantity Eatimated Total Unit Price Eslimated Cost Pier Improvements Shoreline Stabilization Riveffront Parking Resuffaeing Pavement Pedestrian Lighting Street Furniture (benches, etc.) Landscaping Demolition of Substandard Structures Total Lump Sum $ 75,030 Lump Sum $ 20,030 Lump Sum 23,500 SY $ 4.45 $104,5'/5 100 $1,830.00 $183,000 20 $2,000.00 $40,000 Lump Sum $100,000 Lump Sum $50,000 City of Sebastian -17- Community Redevelopment Plan Current and Future Capital Improvements in the Community Redevelopment Area There are currently sever~ capital improvements being addressed in the Community Redevelopment Area as identified in the Comprehensive Plan, as of the adoption of this plan. Current improvements include a drainage study, water and sewer service expansion and a traffic circulation study. Future capital improvements in the Community Redevelopment Area shall be in conformance with the Capital Improvements Element of the Comprehensive Plan, except for emergency or disaster related improvements. Community Redevelopment Area Boundary Description The Community Redevelopment Area boundary description is defined as starting at the southern most point of the City limits located on Indian River Drive, north to the northern City · limits, west to the FEC railroad and extending south along the western most boundary of the railroad right-of-way to the southern City limits, and extending east along the southern City limits to the point of origin. City of Seb~tiaa - 18- Community Redevelopment PI~a SECTION 3. MAJOR GOALS, OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES Each section begins with a goal statement which outlines actions used to obtain specific outcomes. Measurable outcomes are identified where pom'ble and completion dates are proposed. The objectives identify activities for achieving the desired goals of the downtown redevelopment. A. PROPOSED GOALS AND 0~: Goal 1 Overall Redevelopment: Establish downtown Sebastian as a focal point for the community and attract visitors from the entire region. Objective 1.1 Increase the visual attractiveness and unity of downtown Sebastian by identifying a common theme by 1996. Objective 1.2 Encourage additional civic activities and community events in the downtown area by 1995. Objective 1.3 Maintain and enhance existing development and encourage an additional 15% development of undevdoped or underdeveloped property in the Community Redevelopment Area by 1998. Goal 2 Overall Image Goal: Increase the visibility, identity and unity of the downtown through physical design, promotion, uniform store hours and improved signage by 1998. Objective 2.1 Develop a unified advertisement campaign for downtown retailers by 1996. Objective 2.2 City of Sebastian Adopt standards for the redevelopment of historic structures by 1997. -19- Community Redevelopment Plan Objective 2.3 Publish a list of under-represented specildty retail shops by 1996. Objective 2.4 Construct "Welcome to the City of Sebastian" signs by 1996. Goal 3 Overall Land Use Goal: Foster a diversified economic base and the efficient use of land downtown. · Objective 3.1 Encourage the preservation and restoration of buildings of historic and/or architectural significance through the review, adoption, and enforcement of a Historic Preservation Ordinance by 1997. Develop and implement design standards and a design review Board as a part of the Historic Preservation. Ordinance. Policy 3.1.1 The Community Redevelopment Agency shall encourage the renovation of historic buildings to promote commercial office and limited residentia/ facilities within and around the designated Community Redevelopment Area by working with owners in the approval process and assisting them in obtaining possible funding from State and Federal sources. Policy 3.1.2 The City shall promote and encourage redevelopment of substandard or deteriorating housing through code enforcement. Objective 3.2 The Community Redevelopment Agency shall analyze the need for facade improvements to commercial structures in the Community Redevelopment Area by 1997. Commercial facilities that must comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act' shall be included in the analysis. Policy 3.2.1 City of Sebastian The need for facade improvements will be considered by the Community Redevelopment Area Agency and the City Council during the budget -20- Community Redevelopment Plan allocation of the community redevelopment trust funds and during at least one public hearing related to the Small Cities Community Development Block Grant application process. Objective 3.3 The Community Redevelopment Agency shall anmmlly review the need and feasibility of annexation. Policy 3.3.1 Upon the determination by the Community Redevelopment Agency that annexation is necessary, the Agency shall submit a report to the City Council within six months. Goal 4 Environmental Goal: Create an attractive, safe and comfortable environment that is conducive to activities during the day and evenings. Objective 4.1 Maintain city services for sidewalk maintenance and landscaping. Continue to encourage building improvements by property owners. Objective 4.2 Consider policies to encourage shade tree and other canopy features in the pedestrian areas by 1997. Objective 4.3 Develop handbook to assist civic groups with community events to be held in the Community Redevelopment Area. Continue to hold/host special community activities and events in the downtown to draw visitors, tourists and community members to the Community Redevelopment Area by 1998. Objective 4.4 Emphasize pedestria~ orientation in the Community Redevelopment Area through landscape features, pedestrian-scale lighting and street furniture. Begin a phased program by 1996. City of Sebastian -2 I- Community Redevelopment Plan Objective 4.5 Begin a visual enhancement program through the elimination of visual pollution and by screening surface parking areas with landseaphag or other means by 1996. Objective 4.6 Eliminate blighted and dilapidated structures to improve appearance of vacant lots/parcels by 1997. Objective 4.7 Study the use of non-traditional walkways in the Community Redevelopment Area by 1996. Objective 4.8 Encourage the improvement of back lots and alleyways as a non-traditional. open space for customers and downtown employees by 1997. Goal 5 Trannportation Goal: Provide an integrated transportation system wifhln and to the downtown by 2000. Objective 5.1 Develop an effective marketing and management system for the current parking system by 2000, This should include a unified signage and parking lot improvements / maintenance program. Objective 5.2 Study traffic circulation of the downtown and sm~ounding areas to determine best circulation pattern by 1998. Objective 5.3 Provide appropriate traffic control devices which are integrated with the design of the downtown and which will improve traffic accessibility and interne circulation I~y 1999. Objective 5.4 City of Sebastian Develop a master plan for access~'bility improvements by the handicapped to and within the redevelopment area by 1997. Plan should include current -22- Community Redevelopment Plaa analysis conducted on City owned properties located within the Community Redevelopment Area. Goal 6 Public Services Goal: Ensure the provision of adequate and efficient public services to support additional development in the Community Redevelopment Area. Obi ex:live 6.1 A comprehensive analysis of existing utility facilities within the Community Redevelopment Area should be done to determine each system's capacity as it relates to existing land uses and possible increases in land use intensity by 1997. Policy 6.1.1 Provide adequate City services and amenities in the Community Redevelopment Area (such as parking and strentscaping) to encourage private investment in the Community Redevelopment Area. Objective 6.2 Analyze the feasibility of underground installation of all aerial utility facilities in the Community Redevelopment Area and certain other areas within the redevelopment area by 1995. Goal 7 Community Redevelopment Area Agency Goal: The Community Redevelopment Area Agency shall aggressively develop, plan: f'mance and construct improvements to the Community Redevelopment Area in an effort to further the redevelopment effort. Objective 7.1 By 1996, the Community Redevelopment Area Agency shall adopt a strong policy of utilizing redevelopment funds for those projects that can show justifiable gain in the property value or redevelopment impact in the Community Redevelopment Area. City of $oba~tian -23- Community R~lovololaaent Plan Policy 7.1.1 Create incentives for development in the Community Redevelopment Ama in order to achieve the desired mix of uses. Objective 7.2 The Community Redevelopment Area Agency shall allocate up to 10% of the funds generated by tax increment financing for the appointment or sponsorship of a staff position that is responsible for development and redevelopment activities in the downtown by 1998. Objective 7.3 Development of a quarterly meeting schedule for the Community Redevelopment Area Agency for the purposes of conducting and overseeing Community Redevelopment Area business. Objective 7.4 The Community Redevelopment Agency shall promote participation by local financial institutions in the Community Redevelopment Area loan pool, which could be utilized in conjunction with funds maintained in the Redevelopment Trust Fund. City of Sebastian -24- Community Redevelopment Plan SECTION 4. FINANCIAL PLAN The following sources are based on identification of need and should not be considered an exhaustive list of financial sources: Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) The Florida Department of Community Affairs administers the CDBG program as a "pass throughu grant program from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The. program provides financial assistance to eligible local governments in the area of housing rehabilitation, neighborhood revimli?~tion, enmmercial revitalization and economic development. The City intends to apply for funds in the 1995 funding cycle to address many of the needs identified in this plan. This program will be the primary focus of the City's grant activities throughout the 1990s. Community Contribution Tax Incentive Program This program was created by the Florida Legislature to encourage corporate involvement in community revi~ization. This program allows businesses a fifty percent credit on Florida corporate income tax or insurance premium tax for donations to local community development projects. Donations must be made through an eligible nonprofit corporation conducting an approved community development project. This program can address the revitalization of the historic structures identified in the Co~nmunity Redevelopment Area. Eligible historic preservation projects have as their goals the improvements or substantial rehabilitation of housing, commercial, industrial or public facilities in a "historic preservation district." The City of Sebastian can promote private participation by utilizing this incentive program. City of Sebastian -25- Community Redevelopment Plan Economic Development Administration This Federal agency provides grants to fund public works projects. This grant/loan program assists distressed communities to attract new industries, encourages business expansions and primarily focuses on generating long-term, private sector employment opportunities. As funding sources and project phases solidify, this program should be reviewed as a funding source to be matched with private funds. Small Business Administration Most SBA financing is done under the 7-A program, which focuses on working capital. needs. Under this program,'banks loan capital to small businesses and the federal government guarantees 90 % of the loan amount. The loans usually extend for 5 to 7 years. The other SBA program is known as "SBA 503". This program provides existing, viable small businesses with long-term, below market rate financing for the acquisition of land and building, machinery and equipment and construction and renovation which results in job creation. The Community Redevelopment Agency, the City Council and other local interest groups should promote educational understanding of the opportunity that is available under these programs. The programs are administered through the Florida Department of Commerce which is willing to provide on-site technical training and educational presentations. Main Street Program This program is designed to foster economic revitalization of the central cores of small cities in Florida. The four elements of this program are: City of Sebastian -26- Community Redevelopment Plan 1. Organization of downtown leaders. Promotion of downtown as an exciting and attractive place in which to shop, work and llve. 3. Address visual image of the downtown through quality design and preservation. Analyze strengths and weaknesses of the downtown to bring about economic restructuring. This comprehensive approach emph~;?es close cooperation between the public and private sectors and gradual implementation with periodic assessments. One key to the success of the Main Street Program is the coordination provided by the local Main Street Manager. Each participating City must hire and pay salary and benefits for a full-time manager who, in turn, is the catalyst for the downtown activities. The Manager works on the four Main Street elements, and devotes all of his or her energies to returning the downtown to an environment which is vital and stimulating for all. Tax Increment F'maneing The ability to use tax increment revenues for community redevelopment is authorized by Chapter 163, Part III, Florida Statutes. Once the City designates an area as the Community Redevelopment Area, the assessed valuation of the area is 'frozen" commencing with the certified tax rolls as of a specified date, as the base y~x, in order to derive tax increment revenues. Such revenues must be used by the agency to pay for approved projects within the Community Redevelopment Area, either on a pay-as-you-go basis or as security for bonds, the proceeds of which must be used for such lawful purposes as described in Chapter 163, Florida Statutes. City of Sebasti~a -27- Community Redevelopment Plan Upon the adoption of this plan, a Tax Increment Financing Plan will be implemented with the creation of a Community Redevelopment Trust Fund, as specified in Section 163.387, Florida Statutes. Once the tax increment funds are deposited into the Community Redevelopment Trust Fund as a result of Tax Increment Financing, an assessment of long-term revenue stability needs to be conducted and the use of bonds based upon the lax increment revenues needs to be reviewed as a long term capital improvement source. Upon the completion of this analysis, the Community Redevelopment Agency shall establish a time certain for completing all redevelopment financed by increment revenues, which shall occur not later than 30 years after the fiscal year in which the plan is adopted, as required by Section 163.362(10), Florida Statutes. The financial assessment shall determine whether revenue bonds will be necessary to. maximize the efforts to complete infrastructure projects within the 30-year completion period as required by Florida Statute. Revenue bonds issued by the Community Redevelopment Agency shall comply with the requirements of Sections 163.387(4) & (5), Florida Statutes. Special Assessment District The area intended for improvements can be established as a special assessment'district where the individtmls receiving benefit from the improvements will be assessed for their share of the improvements. This is usually done on a 'front-foot" basis but can be done on an area-wide basis. Bonds can be issued using the revenues to be generated by the assessment district as security. The revenues raised are dependent upon the size of the assessment and project. Further analysis of this financing option will need to be included in future updates to this plan. Local Contributions Local organizations and nonprofits can raise funds for specific projects identified in this City of Sebastian -28- Cormnunity Redevelopment Plan plan. Every effort should be made to coordinate with the agencies identified under Intergovernmental Coordination. Funds raised specifically for needs identified in this plan by local organizations or nonprofits may be deposited into the Redevelopment Trust Fund. Private F'mance Pool The availability of public funds for private improvements in the Community Redevelopment Area is limited, making it impossible to address the immediate private needs of the area solely on government funding sources. As a result of this need and the development of this policy, a cooperative effort by local lending institutions is needed and shall be promoted . through the development and implementation of this policy. Local institutions are encouraged to' review this Community Redevelopment Plan and determine the level of involvement that their institution can offer to the needs identified herein. The Community Reinvestment Act of 1977 requires banks to define a service area, assess local credit needs and make efforts to meet the community's needs. This plan can service as the basis for gm/establishment and planning for local institutions. The City of Sebastian, as the primary agent for this plan, will raaintain a standing file for local banks to submit letiers of partinipation. As the City develops spec/fie plans for addressing both private and public needs in the Community Redevelopment Area, participating imfitutions will be included in the development and financing phase of the projects. All letters of participation by financial institutions will be attached and shall become a part of this plan as they are received. Budgetary Review At the first quarterly meeting after the Tax Increment Funds have been deposited into the Trust Fund, the Community Redevelopment Area shall develop a budget for the proceeding year. City of Se, bast/an -29- Comm,mity Redevelopment Plan The budget shall specifically establish spending categories and budgetary amounts. Any remaining unencumbered funds from the preceding budget year shall be deposited into an escrow account on the last day of the fiscal year of the Community Redevelopment Agency for the purpose of later reducing any indebtedness to which increment revenues are pledged. The Community Redevelopment Agency shall evaluate the programs and revenue sources listed above during the budgetary review process to insure maximum utilization of available resources. Revisions to the budget during the fiscal year shall be preceded by public notice (Chapter 120, Florida Statutes), public heating, and shall be approved by the majority of the Community. Redevelopment Agency members. Moneys in the redevelopment trust fund may be expended for the following purposes, in accordance with Section 163.387(6), Florida Statutes: 1. Administrative and overhead expenses necessary or incidental to the implementation of the community redevelopment plan. 2. Expenses or redevelopment planning, surveys and financial analysis, including the reimbursement of the governing body or the community redevelopment agency for such expenses incurred before the redevelopment plan was approved and adopted. 3. Acquisition of real pro~rty in the Community Redevelopment Area. 4. Clearance of real property for redevelopment. 5. Repayment of principal and interest for loans, advances, bonds, City of Sebastian -30- Community Redevelopment Plan bond anticipation notes and any other form of indebtedness. City of Sebastian -31- Community Redevelopment Plan SECTION S. ]~ER~~~A~ COORDINATION While all of the community redevelopment area is within the City limits and, thus, is within the jurisdiction of the City Council, there are other agencies and organizations which have an interest in or responsibility for the Community Redevelopment Area. Those groups include the folIowing: Sebastian Chamber of Commerce Community Development Block Grant Citizen Advisory Task Force Sebastian Planning and Zoning Commission Community Redevelopment Agency The success of this plan for the downtown of Sebastian depends upon the coordination of all responsible agencies and orgavi~tions for the Community Redevelopment Area. Specific site plans for new construction or redevelopment in the downtown will be reviewed by the Sebastian Planning and Zoning Committee. The Sebastian Area Chamber of Commerce has a major responsibility for promotional activities and business recnaitment to the general area. Their role can be strengthened to focus specifically on the recruitment of new business activity, in the Community Redevelopment Area. The Sebastian City Council, serving as the Community Redevelopment Agency, will have primary responsibility for eamying out the projects identified in this plan and ensuring the future integrity of the Community Redevelopment Area. Decisions by the Sebastian City Council should be carefully coordinated with the contents of this plan. The Community Redevelopment Agency will comply with requirements for environmental assessment on federally funded projects and .shall comply with the Governor's Intergovernmental Review Process, which insures compliance with State and Federal environmental protection regulations, on all construction related activities. City of Sebastian -32- Commudty Redevelopment Plan SECTION 6. COORDINATION WITH EXISTING CITY PLANS, POLICr~-~ AND ORDINANCES Comprehensive Plan Section 163.362(2)Co), Florida Statutes requires that the Community Redevelopment Han include limitations on the type, size, height, number and proposed use of buildings. However, this provision has not been revised since the passage of the Growth Management Act of 1985 and the subsequent requirements for Local Comprehensive Plans and rand Development Regulations. Therefore, the Community Redevelopment Agency shall be bound to the adopted Comprehensive. Plan and the Land Development Regulations. However, the Community Redevelopment Agency shall make recommended revisions that would enhance the Community Redevelopment effort. Anfidlsplacement Plan The City of Sebastian adopted an Antidisplacement Plan as part of the CDBG program. This plan shall serve as the Antidisplacement Plan for the Community Redevelopment Agency. This plan provides a guideline for addressing both residential and commercial displacement by providing fair compensation for both voluntary and involuntary displacement. Acquisition Plan If the Community Redevelopment ~i. gency determines that the acquisition of property is required by the Community Redevelopment Plan and complies with the requirements of the Section 163.360(7), Florida Statutes, the Community Redevelopment Agency shall establish deed restrictions or covenants on all property acquired by the Community Redevelopment Agency for City of Sebastian -33- Corem, miry Redevelopment Plan specific redevelopment purposes. The acquisition process shall be governed by the Sebastian Acquisition Plan which identifies procedures for both voluntary and non-voluntary acquisition. Acquisition of property, including easements and right-of-way, using federal funds shall occur in accordance with the Uniform Relocation Act of 1970, as amended, and with all State and Federal regulations which may apply. The Community Redevelopment Agency has the right to acquire property through eminent domain pursuant Section 163.375, Florida Statutes. However, every effort should be made to utilize volunta~ acquisition or alternative sites when possible. Fair Homing Ordinance This ordinance promotes equal housing oppermuity and prohibits discriminatory practices by timely processing of complaints, by conciliation .and mediation, and by public hearings. The Community Redevelopment Agency shall further promote fair housing within the CRA. Procurement PoHcy The City of Sebastian Procurement Policies and Procedures for Community Development Block Grant Programs and Projects shall be deemed the official procurement policy of the Community Redevelopment Agency. The policy addresses methodology for al/ levels of procurement (i.e., simple, intermediate and formal). Section 504 Policy The City of Sebastian is progressing toward compliance with Section 504 of the City of Sebastian -34- Community Redevelopment Plaa Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as mended, and is taking positive, affirmative steps to ensure satisfactory and timely compliance. The City is committed to ensure that it does not discriminate on the basis of handicap, nor any other factor which may set one group, or individual, apart from another. Actions being taken to promote handicapped nondiscrimination include: Adoption of a Compliance Policy Self Evaluation of Public Facilities Preparation and adoption' of a TranSition Plan Installation of a Telephonic Devise for the Deaf Appointment of a Program Coordinator Since the majority of the public facilities affected by this policy and the Americans with Disability Act are located within the Community Redevelopment Area, it shall be a priority of the Community Redevelopment Agency to address noncomplying facilities identified in the transition plan. The Community Redevelopment Agency shall analyze the requirements of the Americans with Disability Act prior to the design of capital improvements within the Community Redevelopment Area. City of Sebastian -35- Community Redevelopment Plan SECTION 7. CODE OF ETHICS The officers, board members and employees of a Community Redevelopment Area Agency created by Section 163.357, Florida Statutes shall be subject to the provisions and requirements of Part III of Chapter 112, Florida Statutes. If any such official, board member or employee presently owns or controls, or owned or controlled within the preceding two years, any interest, direct or indirect, in any property which he or she knows is included or planned to be included in a Community Redevelopment Area, he shall immediately disclose this fact in the manner provided in Part III of Chapter 112. Any. disclosure required to be made by this section shall be made prior to taking any official action pursuant to this section. City of Sebastian Community Redevelopment Phm SECTION 8. CAVEATS Areas not covered in detail in this plan which arise during the implementation or construction phase will be handled as the situation may dictate so as not to impede progress. In every case, the City Manager will document the problem or situation and immediately communicate it to the City Council. If the item is unique, it will be resolved at the appropriate decision level-ultimately by survey of elected offielals if necessary. If the item has the potential for reoccurrence, it shall be resolved and then included as an addendum to this policy. City of Sebastian -37- Community Redevelopment Plan Adopted by Cit~ Council on ~ Attest: Clerk ,~-~ , 1995. Chief Elected Official City of Se. bastiaa -3 8- Community Redevelopment Plaa APPENDIX A - BLIGHT RESOLUTION Ci~..of Sebastian Community Redevelopment Plan RESOLUTION NO. R-95-12 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF SEBASTIAN, INDIAN RIVER COUNTY, FLORIDA, FINDING THE DOWNTOWN AREA TO SE A SLIGHTED A~E~; FINDING THAT REHABILITATION, CONSERVATION OR REDEVELOPMENT OF THE ARF2~ IS NECESSARY IN THE INTEREST OF THE PUBLIC HEALTH, SAFETY, MORALS OR WELFARE OF THE CITY RESIDENTS~ DECLARING THE CITY COUNCIL TO BE THE COMMUNITY RED~¥ELOPMENT AGENCY FOR THE ARF2%~ PROVIDING FOR REPEAL OF RESOLUTIONS OR PARTS OF RESOLUTIONS IN CONFLICT HEREWITH~ AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. w-~EAS, the city Council of the City of Sebastian is aware of a general decline in appearance and commercial viability in the downtown area of Sebastian, and wishes to utilize all available prudent measures to reverse the decline, and WHEREAS, whether there is a necessity for redevelopment, conservation or rehabilitation in the area, according to the requirements of Section 163.355, Florida Statutes, and w~um~EAS, the City Council of the City of Sebastian accepts the report of the study, attached hereto as Exhibit A, finding the downtown area to be a blighted area in need of redevelopment, rehabilitation and/or conservation, and WHEREAS, the downtown area is defined as starting from the Northeast intersection of the North City limits, City of Sebastian in Section 31, Township 30 South, Range 39 East, along a NW line approximately 1300 feet intersecting with the Florida East Coast Railroad westerly right-of-way,' South along said right-of-way to a point approximately 500 feet South of the Railroad right-of-way and State Road 512, then Southeast to a point approximately 300 feet, then North following the Indian River Shoreline to the point of beginning; and WHEREAS, the City Council of Sebastian desires to exercise all authority conferred upon it by the 1969 Community Redevelopment Act, as currently amended and contained in Chapter 163, Part III Florida Statutes, NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolve~ Sebastian, Florida, as follows: by the cit~ Council of Seotion 1. The report attached hereto as Exhibit A is hereby accepted as evidence of the presence of blight and the need rehabilitation, and/or conservation in the for redevelopment, defined area, Section 2. The City Council of Sebastian is the Community Redevelopment Agency holding all po~ers, duties, privileges immunities and responsibilities conferred by Chapter 163, Part III, Florida Statutes, Section 3. herewith are, to repealed. Section 4. upon its adoption. All Resolutions or parts thereof in conflict the extent of such conflict, superseded and This resolution shall take effect i~mediately The foregoing Councilmember Councilmember vote was as follows: Resolution was moved for adoption by · The motion was seconded by and, upon being put to a vote, the Mayor Arthur L. Firtion Vice Mayor Carolyn Corum Councilmember Louise Cartwright Councilmember Norma Damp Councilmember Raymond Halloran The Mayor thereupon declared this Resolution duly passed and Kathryn ~M. b'Halloran, CMC/AAE City Clerk Approved as to Form and Content: Clifton' A. McClelland, Jr. City Attorney CITY/~F_~BASTIAN~ ~L~R~h~, Arthur L. F£rtion Mayor CITY OF SEBASTIAN ~ BLIGHT SURVEY SLDG# NAME ADDRESS CONDITIONS 1 2 3 4 S 1 Shell 700 Highway 1 X 2 Steel Com. Store 812 Highway 1 X 3 Bank 816 Highway 1 X 4 Dunkin Donuts 900 Highway 1 X 5 SAT Connect 908 Highway 1 X 5A TIDCO Water Service 908A Highway 1 X 6 Budget Car 916 Highway 1 X 7A Pawn Shop 920 Highway 1 X 7B Credit insurance Company 920 Highway 1 X 7C Tasty O Donuts 920 Highway 1 X 8 Goodyear 920 Highway 1 X 9 Remax 936 Highway 1 X 10 Sebastion Anlmat Hospital 948 Highway 1 X 11 Sebastion Jr. Women's Club 952 Highway 1 X 12 University Auto Brokers 1004 Highway 1 X 13 Citrus Bank 1020 Highway 1 X 14 Riverview Trailer Park 1026 Highway 1 X 15 R Residential 1104 Highway I X 16 Washington Plaza 710 Washington St. X 17 R Residential Highway 1 X 18 R Residential 1208 Highway 1 X 19 Video Tach 1212 Highway 1 X 20 Southern Bell 1137 Highway 1 X 21 R Residential 1141 Highway 1 X 22 R Residential 1133 Highway 1 X 23 Merryweather Art 1125 Highway 1 X 24 Church 1117 Highway 1 X 25 Trailer Park 1105 Highway 1 X 26 R Residential 1101 Highway 1 X 27 Barber Shop Highway 1 X 28 Nail Care Shop 1029 Highway 1 X 29 Vacant Commercial 1021 Highway 1 X 30 Kevin Smith Surveying 1013 Highway 1 X 31 R Residential Highway 1 X 32 Discount Auto Parts 949 Highway 1 X 33 R Residential 925 Highway 1 X 34 R Residential 905 Highway I X 35 Jerry Smith Tile 915 Highway 1 X 36 Antiques & Collectables Highway 1 X 37 Laura's Place 909 ~tighway 1 X 38 Sebastion Auto Parts 901 Highway 1 X 39 Antiques 825 Highway 1 X 40 Harley Davidson Shop 821 Highway 1 X 41 Vacant Commercial Highway 1 X 42 Foxes Den Resturant 709 Highway 1 X 43 i Manatee Motors Used Car 705 Highway 1 X 1 - Standard 2 - Minor Deterioration, Minor Repelr Needed 3 - Moderate to Substantial Deterioration, Rehabilitation Needed 4 - Dilapidated, Rehabilitation Not Likely to be Feasible 5 - Site Conditions Need Improvement, Such as Parking 3/17/95 CITY OF SEBASTIAN - BLIGHT SURVEY BI. DG# NAME ADDRESS CONDITIONS 1 2 3 44 Texaco 617 Highway 1 X 46 Press Journal 717 Coolidge St, X 45 R Residential Coolidge Street X 47 Ace Hardware 712 Cleveland Street X 48 Ron's Auto Repair 705 Cleveland St. X 49 River Oakes Apartments 732 Cleveland St, X 50 R Residential 729 Cleveland St, X 51 Sebastian Yacht Club 820 Indian River Drive X 52 R Residential 917 Indian River Drive X 53 Apartment Building Indian River Drive X 54 R Residential 933 Indian River Drive X 55 R Residential 941 Indian River Drive X 56 R Residential 945 Indian River Drive X 57 R Residential 909 indian River Drive X 58 R Residential Indian River Drive X 59 R IResidential 916 indian River Drive · X 60 R iResidential Martin Avenue X 61 R :Residential 1001 Martin Avenue X 62 R Residential 732 Martin Avenue X 63 Law Office 709 Washington X 64 R Residential 1010 Indian River Drive X 65 R Residential 1034 Indian River Drive X 66 R Residential Indian River Drive X 67 Store 1109 indian River Drive X 68 Boat Slips 1201 Indian River Drive X 69 Florest 1200 Indian River Drive X 70 Apartment Building 1215 indian River Drive X 71 R Residence 304 Hwy 1 X 72 R Residence 1208 Hwy 1 X 73 Video Tech 1210 Hwy 1 X 74 Video Tech 1212 Hwy 1 X 75 Sebastian Utilities Main Street X 76 Chamber of Commerce 1302 Hwy 1 X 77 Pelican Pub Hwy 1 X 78 Mel Fishers Museum 1322 Hwy 1 X 79 Sebastian Seafood 1400 Hwy 1 X 80 Shopping Center (For Sale) 1424 Hwy 1 (Vacant) X 81 First Union Bank Hwy 1 X 82 Professional Title 1546 Hvvy 1 X 83 Vacant 1564 Hwy 1 X 84 Oyster Pointe Resort 1670 Hwy 1 X 85 Capt, Hirams Hwy 1 X 86 Oyster Bay Resort 1614 Hwy 1 X 87 Kristis Gifts 1614 Hwy 1 X 88 Mata, Inc. 1616 Hwy 1 X 89 Vacant 1618 Hwy 1 X 1 - Standard 2 - Minor Deterioration. Minor Repair Needed 3 - Moderate to Substantial Deterioration, Rehabilitation Needed 4 - Dilapidated, Rehabilitation Not Ukely to be Feasible $ - Site Coonditions Need Improvement, Such as Parking 3/17/95 CITY OF SEBASTIAN - BLIGHT SURVEY BLDG# NAME ADDRESS CONDITIONS 1 2 3 4 5 90 B & J Locksmith 1620 Hwy 1 X 91 Ar~ Supply 1622 Hwy 1 X 92 Randy's Duds 1624 Hwy 1 X 93 Sebastian VFD 1640 Hwy 1 X 94 Struck Funeral Home Hwy 1 X 95 RealW King 1676 Hwy 1 X 96 F P & L 1698 N. Central X 97 R Residence 1697 N. Central X 88 R Duplex 1683 N. Central X 89 R Residence 1662 N. Central X 100 R Residence 1654 N. Central X 101 R Vacant N. Central X 102 Woody's Paper 1636 N. Central X 103 R Vacant N. Central X 104 R Residence 1620 Indian River X 105 R Residence 1686 Indian River X 106 Davis House 607 N. Davis X 107 R Residence Indian River Drive X 108 Marina Indian River Drive X 109 Seafood 1658 Indian River Drive X 110 R Residence 1653 Indian River Drive X 111 R Residence 1647 Indian River Drive X 112 R Residence 1637 Indian River Drive X 113 R Residence 1633 Indian River Drive X 114 Vacant Business 1623 Indian River Drive X 115 Capt. Hirams 1606 Indian River Drive X 116 R Residence 1550 Indian River Drive X 117 Hurricane Harbor 1540 indian River Drive X 118 Offshore Marina 1534 Indian River Drive X 119 Yamaha Motors 1532 Indian River Drive X 120 R Residence 1517 Indian River Drive X 121 No Name Bar 1405 indian River Drive X 122 Vacant Business Indian River Drive X 123 Harbor Lights 1215 Indian River Drive X 124 Pot-ted Plant 1200 Indian River Drive X 125 Vacant Business 1201 Indian River Drive X Total Number of Units 128 # of Residential Structures 41 # of Commercial and Vacant 87 # of Units with Special Condition Needs 54 45 29 1 0 % of Units with Special Condition Needs 42% 35% 23% 1% 0% 1 - Standard 2 - Minor Deterioration, Minor Repair Needed 3 - Moderate to Substantial Deterioration, Rehabilitation Needed 4 - Dilapidated. Rehabilitation Not Likely to be Feasible S - Site Conditions Need Improvement, Such as parking 3/17t95