Introduction
Welcome to the article covering the Palatka Tax Increment Fund Advisory Committee meeting held on July 25, 2022. In this article, we will discuss the key points and proceedings of the meeting. The purpose of this committee is to encourage the redevelopment of blighted residential and commercial properties in the City of Palatka. Let’s dive into the details of the meeting.
Meeting Call to Order and Roll Call
The meeting was called to order at 1:31 PM. The roll call was conducted to confirm the presence of the committee members. The following members were present:
– Desiree Atkins
– Wayne Maclean
– James Norwood
– John Vanderworth
– Lasandra Williams
Swearing-In of New Board Members
Desiree Atkins, being a new board member, was sworn into the committee for the first time. The board members were asked to repeat after the reading of the oath, affirming their commitment to faithfully perform their duties.
Election of Chair and Vice Chair
The committee proceeded with the election of a Chair and Vice Chair. Desiree Atkins was nominated and elected as the Chair of the committee. Lasandra Williams was nominated and elected as the Vice Chair.
Overview of Sunshine Law and Robert’s Rules of Order
Valeria Thomas, the city attorney, provided an overview of the Sunshine Law and Robert’s Rules of Order. The Sunshine Law ensures access to governmental proceedings at both the state and local levels. It requires meetings of public boards and commissions to be open to the public, with reasonable notice provided. Minutes of the meetings must be prepared and made available for public inspection.
The committee members were reminded of the importance of following the Sunshine Law, including the need to advertise meetings, take minutes, and provide notice when two or more members gather to discuss matters that may come before the board for action. Staff meetings are exempt from the Sunshine Law, and board members are prohibited from polling other members regarding their votes.
The city attorney also highlighted the significance of public records, which encompass all documents related to official business. Public records cannot be denied based on the requester’s identity or purpose. The penalties for non-compliance with public records laws include civil actions, criminal penalties, and potential removal from office.
Understanding Parliamentary Procedures
The committee received an overview of parliamentary procedures, which are a set of rules and ethics for working together in groups. The concept of a quorum was explained, with a quorum being defined as more than one-half of the active membership. Motions and their requirements were discussed, emphasizing the need for a motion to be seconded in order to proceed.
The chair, Desiree Atkins, was informed about her responsibilities, including maintaining decorum among the membership and recognizing speakers. The chair’s role in voting was explained, with the chair only voting in case of a tie.
Introduction to the Building Improvement Cost Share Program
Mandy Tucker, representing the Bath Community Redevelopment Agency, provided an overview of the Building Improvement Cost Share Program. The program aims to encourage the redevelopment of blighted properties by providing assistance to property owners. The committee’s role is to score and rank the applications for the program.
To be eligible for the program, the projects must be located within the Palatka Community Redevelopment Agency Tax Increment District and align with the goals outlined in the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) plan.
Grading and Ranking Applications
The committee members were provided with an Excel spreadsheet containing the grading rubric for scoring the applications. The rubric includes categories such as project quality, project feasibility, and redevelopment impact. Each application will be scored between 0 and 25 points in each category.
Mandy Tucker emphasized the importance of thorough review and asked committee members to reach out via email if they needed further information or clarification on any application. The committee members were encouraged to maintain consistency by sharing the questions and answers with the entire committee.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Palatka Tax Increment Fund Advisory Committee held a productive meeting on July 25, 2022. The meeting covered important topics such as the election of a Chair and Vice Chair, an overview of the Sunshine Law and Robert’s Rules of Order, and an introduction to the Building Improvement Cost Share Program. The committee members were provided with grading rubrics to score and rank the applications. The committee will play a crucial role in encouraging the redevelopment of blighted properties in the City of Palatka.