30:43The African-American Museum of the Arts sought a budget change for its project, originally set at $520,000, to better reflect shifting needs and project scope. This amendment kept the ECHO request at $498,000 but increased the construction budget from $221,000 to $953,000, raising the total project cost to approximately $1.3 million. The committee discussed the necessity of aligning budget itemizations with reimbursement requests, emphasizing the need for clear itemization to facilitate reimbursement. The revised budget included new categories such as concrete, metal roofing, and siding, which were previously unlisted, prompting the committee to approve the amendment due to its exceeding the 20% threshold.

0:21The committee also deliberated on four grant applications, focusing on their eligibility for ECHO funding. The Little Theater of New Smyrna Beach requested $57,500, matched by $63,000, to install a Cyclorama LED screen and transparent LED panels. The Hub on Canal sought $600,000, matched equally, for constructing a 3,100 square foot educational building with ceramic studios and classrooms. Both projects received unanimous support to move forward for further evaluation.

Conservation Florida’s D Ranch Preserve and Nature Center application generated considerable discussion. The proposal requested $600,000, with a substantial match of $2,230,000, to restore a building into a nature center for environmental education. Concerns were raised about the organization’s potential over-commitment of resources, questioning the usability of their land match and cash for future grants. It was clarified that they could apply for future projects post-completion of the initial one. The committee amended the motion to acknowledge the surplus funds while maintaining the original terms, ultimately voting in favor of moving the project forward.

The city of DeBary’s Keller Park project, aiming to expand pickleball courts and resurface tennis and basketball courts, was less contentious. All applications discussed were approved to proceed to the scoring phase at the next meeting.

30:43Quarterly reports highlighted project completions, such as the Performing Arts Center upgrades and the New Smyrna Beach skate park expansion. However, members noted a lack of public celebration and visibility for completed projects, stressing the importance of fostering community understanding of ECHO’s impact. Concerns were raised about projects with no reported progress, like the Sugar Mill Gardens, which had shifted to the Facilities Department with plans for a prefabricated bathroom in the works.

Further discussions included a proposed motocross facility in Orange City, with clarity that it was outside ECHO funding considerations. The Orange City Bennett Sports Complex was also addressed, confirming its funding through a public-private partnership.

The meeting concluded with the nomination and appointment of a Vice Chair and announcements about future meetings and events, such as the groundbreaking ceremony for Edgewater pickleball courts. The Daytona Beach Cina Arch project was also discussed, noting the city’s decision not to seek further committee input, raising questions about their engagement with a historic architect, which had not been pursued.