The topic of gas street lamps dominated the meeting, as it became clear that recent legal interpretations pose a potential barrier to using TIF funds for their maintenance. The revelation that TIF monies cannot cover recurring utility costs, such as those for gas and electric utilities, has implications for the district’s beloved gas lamps. These lamps, a fixture of the neighborhood, have historically been maintained with the help of CRA funds. However, this new understanding of funding restrictions could necessitate changes.

Residents and officials expressed varied opinions on the matter. Cheryl Roach, a local resident, voiced her disappointment over the limited operational time for these lamps during the holidays, which is currently supported by a few homeowners. Roach highlighted the need for maintenance on the 17 existing gas lamps, including painting and the installation of flame guards. She advocated for the continued use of gas lamps as a means of preserving the city’s heritage, drawing a comparison to Boston’s Bay Village neighborhood, which is transitioning to LED lighting despite hidden costs. Roach urged the board to allocate funds from the CRA’s budget surplus to keep these gas lamps operational.

Echoing Roach’s sentiments, Allegra Kitchens argued that solar lights do not align with the historic nature of the district. She emphasized the anachronistic nature of solar technology in a historic setting and questioned the reliability of solar lighting in Florida’s weather conditions. Kitchens suggested that solar lights, regardless of power source, should be eligible for funding under utility expense guidelines.

Veto Russo, representing the Neighborhood Association, emphasized the community’s preference for retaining the gas lamps. He pointed out that the neighborhood association has assumed responsibility for the lamps’ maintenance and operation. Russo called on the CRA to work with the gas authority to explore funding options for maintaining the gas lights.

Pam Garris added to the discussion by stressing the importance of adhering to historic preservation standards. She argued for restoring neighborhood homeowners’ control over the use of TIF funds, noting that the original intent of the CRA was to eliminate blight and support historic preservation. Garris maintained that gas lamps are historically significant and critical to maintaining the district’s architectural integrity.

The conversation eventually turned to the financial implications of maintaining these lamps, with estimates suggesting annual costs of $6,200, potentially rising to $10,000 with additional maintenance. One commissioner expressed a desire to use CRA funds for the lamps, despite legal advice to the contrary, highlighting the advocacy from residents. Another commissioner suggested that the city commission might be the appropriate venue to address this funding issue, proposing a motion to transfer the discussion there. The motion passed without opposition.

Beyond the central topic of gas lamps, the meeting addressed several other issues. The awarding of a contract to Mayor Holmes LLC for the St. John’s Avenue Streetscape Improvements was confirmed, with the project receiving funding from a Florida Department of Transportation grant and CRA funds. Concerns were raised about the project’s timing and its potential impact on local events, prompting suggestions for adjustments to the project timeline.

The meeting also featured a proposal from Four Seasons Landscape for landscaping work in the South Historic District, involving the installation of live oak trees and dahoon hollies. The project budget was confirmed to be sufficient.

Additionally, the prospect of replacing 17 gas lamps with solar-powered lights was debated, though the Historic Preservation Board had previously denied a certificate of appropriateness for the solar option. This decision highlighted procedural steps necessary for reconsidering solar lights, should the board choose to pursue it.

Expenses amounted to $16,797 against a total fiscal year budget of $2,814,774. Three grants were nearing disbursement following project completions, and an update on a logo and wayfinding project was promised for the next meeting.