The Tillman House, which is currently leased to the Palatka Art League, was shown to have significant siding damage among other repair needs, with costs estimated to exceed $100,000. The debate on the floor was robust, with different viewpoints on the role of the CRA in maintaining historic buildings, the financial implications of allocating funds from various districts, and the ongoing maintenance costs associated with such properties. The presentation of the Tillman House repairs included a discussion on the return on investment for the potential renovations and the balance between preserving heritage and fiscal responsibility. Despite the concerns raised, the motion to allocate a portion of the funds to the Tillman House repairs was ultimately passed, though some reservations were evident among the commissioners.

Additionally, during public comment, the importance of the Tillman House to the historic district was emphasized, with Miss Kitchens advocating for its role in attracting tourists and potential positive impact on the tax base. She also raised concerns about a developer’s interest in acquiring the property and the repercussions of selling city-owned property on grant funding. The dialogue encapsulated the broader discussion on the best use of CRA funds and the preservation of historical landmarks.

Furthermore, the meeting addressed the allocation of proceeds from the sale of a property on Kirby Street. The finance director recommended that the net proceeds be directed to the downtown Redevelopment fund, with a reimbursement to the general fund, a motion that was subsequently made and passed to allocate the funds to the South Tiff district.

The health of the business district was another focal point, with discussions on replicating the success of certain blocks and an upcoming CRA meeting aimed at increasing awareness. A networking event was mentioned, inviting attendees to partake in fostering a vibrant business community. The meeting also saw an update on the Small Business Development Center’s efforts, including a report on loan applications’ progress and challenges.

Code enforcement inspections within the Tiff area were also a topic of concern. Of the 460 properties inspected, numerous were reported to have issues predominantly related to mold, mildew, deteriorating paint, and debris. The initiative, which began in October, was deemed successful, but the need for funding overtime officers on Saturdays for inspections was underscored as a challenge.

The financial report as of December 31st, 2023, was presented, showing that the Tiff CR revenues were actualized but with lower than expected expenditures, raising concerns about the efficient use of the funds. The possibility of allocating funds for projects like sidewalk repairs and building improvement grants was discussed, with an emphasis on spending the money within a specific time frame to avoid jeopardizing the agency’s financial standing.

In addition to the Tillman House and financial discussions, the meeting moved to consider a request from Revitalize Historic Palatka (RHP) for funding planters along St. John’s Avenue. The cost per planter was estimated between $700 and $800, and after debating on the quantity to be approved, a motion was passed to allocate a maximum of $20,000 for the purchase of planters and dirt. RHP stated their commitment to the maintenance of the planters, involving downtown merchants and organizations in their upkeep.

Lastly, the CRA discussed community involvement in the future of the recently acquired Belton property. A proposal was put forth to hold a public workshop in March to garner community input on the building’s future use and to educate the public on its historic significance.