The most pressing topic was the city’s new ownership role in a development project. The city’s assumption of full ownership entails leasing out retail spaces, which brings new financial responsibilities and a need for strategic management. Although the CRA remains heavily involved, there was a clear consensus that the city’s increased involvement necessitated careful planning and the development of strict criteria for selecting development partners. The discussions delved into the procedural aspects, such as the differences between a request for proposal (RFP) and a request for qualifications (RFQ), and how these would impact the selection process. The members also emphasized the importance of establishing detailed design criteria and maintaining control over the types of uses in the space to ensure alignment with the city’s vision.

This included considerations regarding the parking division and the overall scale of the project. They also recognized ongoing communication issues, with concerns raised about keeping the council and community adequately informed about the project’s progress.

In parallel with the ownership discussions, the meeting also tackled the agency’s staffing and resource allocation. The proposed budget for the new year included the addition of a construction project superintendent position. This role is intended to manage the numerous capital projects that the city is undertaking. The members debated the need for such a position and addressed the necessity for a clear understanding of the job scope and responsibilities before finalizing any decision.

Another staffing discussion centered on the requirement for a dedicated downtown maintenance person. This role was deemed essential for maintaining the downtown area’s quality and prioritizing its development. The debate included considerations of whether to hire a full-time employee, contract a firm, or employ a part-time worker for the maintenance work. The consensus underlined the city’s current insufficient focus on downtown maintenance and the importance of having dedicated personnel to ensure the timely completion of downtown projects.

Regarding the funding allocation for the new construction position, the members sought clarity on the breakdown of all employees funded by the CRA. They aimed to assess the resources and responsibilities effectively. Additionally, there was a consensus that the allocation for additional police officers should be fully funded by the city to provide services across the entire jurisdiction. The discussion concluded with a review of the CRA-funded employees, including the percentage of funding for each position.

The meeting also covered the goals and vision of the agency, particularly the council’s collaboration with landscape designers to develop a plan for the South End. The openings of Nordstrom Rack and J Crew Factory were noted, and the construction of Bath and Body Works and Sephora was underway. Plans for a passive park were in motion, with the agency aiming to have the drawings ready and construction started before the end of the school year.

Challenges with procuring contractors for projects were a concern, with reports of contractors not bidding or price gouging when they did. The agency explored solutions such as working with Duval County to create a list of local contractors for various projects. The importance of broadening the pool to include smaller companies and building relationships with new contractors was also discussed, as was the need for a rigorous proposal evaluation process that considered both financial capacity and design criteria.