A significant portion of the meeting revolved around the Blue Crab Festival’s economic impact and the proposal to increase city funding to $150,000. Janetta Siara presented data highlighting the festival’s growing influence, reporting a cumulative economic impact of $12.8 million for Putnam County and $7.9 million for Palatka. The festival has attracted significant media attention and record-breaking attendance over the past three years. Siara proposed extending the festival agreement for another three years and introducing a new event called “Halfway to Blue Crab” to boost local merchant engagement.

The proposal for increased funding sparked debate. Some members expressed appreciation for the festival’s positive community impact, noting that it had even encouraged some individuals to relocate to Palatka or start businesses there. However, concerns were raised about the feasibility of the $150,000 request, given the city’s budget constraints and previous contributions, which were lower. One member suggested exploring additional cost-sharing mechanisms rather than committing the proposed sum outright.

The financial history of the festival was reviewed, revealing that initial city expenses of $250,000 had generated nearly $300,000 in revenue in the first year. However, costs had risen over time, and the city’s support had fluctuated. The revenue from alcohol sales, a key component of the festival’s income, showed variability due to external factors like weather conditions, with sales dropping from $71,000 in the second year to the high $40,000s most recently.

The discussion shifted to the potential use of Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) funds for the festival. Concerns were raised about compliance with a 2019 Attorney General ruling that limited the use of CRA funds for such events. The feasibility of using parking revenues to offset costs was also discussed, with historical data showing that parking had generated $113,000 in the festival’s first year.

Siara emphasized the importance of timely planning and securing talent deposits for spring events, noting that costs typically increase by 25% to 30% after Labor Day. She recounted positive feedback from artists like Jenu Wine and Trick Daddy, who praised the festival experience, highlighting the need to build sustainable relationships within the entertainment community.

In addition to the Blue Crab Festival, the meeting covered the CRA budget for the upcoming fiscal year. Projected property tax revenue was approximately $964,000, with a total expected budget of around $2.1 million. Specific allocations included $38,500 for the downtown district, $75,000 for professional services, and $150,000 for building improvement grants. A proposal to increase funding for the Small Business Development Center from $25,000 to $75,000 was debated, with calls for transparency and clear justification for the funding increase.

Discussions also addressed the utilization of building improvement grant funds, particularly in the North District, where minimal amounts had been expended. The reimbursement structure of the grant program was identified as a potential deterrent for applicants, prompting suggestions to revise the program to better serve community needs.

The meeting also highlighted ongoing projects and challenges within the CRA. Maintenance of utility lines, improvements to St. John’s Avenue, and the completion of lighting and resurfacing efforts were noted. Future goals included creating a CRA director or project manager position, developing a lower-tier blight removal grant program, and increasing decorative lighting and sidewalk improvements.

Flooding issues in the North and South tax increment fund designations were discussed, with recommendations to hire an architect or engineer to assess flood control piping conditions. Temporary solutions like water pumping from low-lying properties were suggested to mitigate immediate flooding impacts.

Traffic safety and the installation of medians on a dangerous road were also debated. Concerns about the effectiveness of medians and the need for further information from traffic and civil engineers were expressed. The board emphasized the importance of having complete data before making decisions.

The meeting concluded with the approval of a balanced budget of $2,188,828 for the CRA. Due to the absence of legal counsel, some items, including a memorandum of understanding with the Small Business Development Center, were tabled until the next meeting. The necessity of having legal representation for future meetings was strongly emphasized to ensure continuity in governance.