CRA FY 12-13 Annual Report

Annual Report
2012-2013
Community Redevelopment Agency
Celebrating Communities
Our people, our best asset!
1
Bunnell CRA at a glance
Summary:
The Team
CRA Board
Mayor Catherine Robinson
Vice-Mayor John Rogers
Commissioners:
Jenny Crain Brady
Elbert Tucker
Bill Baxley
CRA Support Staff:
Judi Stetson, CRA Director
Rachel Ord, CRA Coordinator
Gary Harris, Neighborhood Improvement
Ambassador
City of Bunnell Staff
Armando Martinez, City Manager
Mick Cuthbertson, Dir. Of Community
Development
Dan Davis, City Clerk (thru April)
Sandy Bolser, City Clerk
Sid Nowell, City Attorney (thru May)
Wade Vose, City Attorney
The City of Bunnell established the Community
Redevelopment Agency, in 2007 with the adoption of
Resolutions 2007-04 and 2007-10, to oversee the
redevelopment activities within the Community
Redevelopment Area (CRA), namely the downtown
area. The CRA is approximately 810 acres in size,
which includes a large number of the City’s historic
structures, the City’s original commercial corridor
and gateways leading to the heart of the City.
All CRA’s within the state are required to have a CRA
Plan that outlines the characteristics of the CRA,
programs, and improvements to enhance the area.
Bunnell’s CRA Plan was completed and adopted in
2007.
In 2011, a CRA Visioning and Action Plan was put
together to assist the CRA Board in determining
prioritized projects and programs to help catalyze
redevelopment activities within the CRA. This
process was designed to be community driven, and
built on previous planning efforts and initiatives.
CRA Board Meetings are held at the Government
Services Building on the 2nd Monday of each month
at 6:30 p.m.
County Liaison:
Sally Sherman
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Prioritized Projects
1. Seek Outside Funding Source: Grants and donations are the most enticing of the
alternative funding sources.
2. Commercial Incentives
3. Attract People to Downtown
4. Reuse of Old Flagler County Courthouse
5. Sanitary Sewer Retrofits
6. Historic Preservation Grants/Loans/Other Programs
7. CRA Director
8. Enhance Voluntary Code Enforcement Programs
9. Undergrounding of Overhead and Above Ground Utilities Throughout Downtown
10. Residential Rehabilitation Program
11. Create Zoning Overlay-Infill/Redevelopment District
12. Regional Storm Water Pond
13. Amend Zoning Map - Rezone to Accommodate CRA Development Vision
14. Automotive Row Façade Improvements
15. General Streetscaping in Downtown
16. Flagler Central Commerce Park
17. Monthly Farmer's Market
18. Recruit Businesses and Developers to CRA
19. Bunnell Branch Library Demolition, Renovation or Relocation
Attracting People to
Downtown with events
and activities
Old Flagler Courthouse to become
the home of the City of Bunnell
offices
Beautify Bunnell Projects
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Activities
Activities in CRA districts are predominantly funded by tax increment. Tax increment is
calculated based on the dollar value of all real property in the Community Redevelopment
Area at the time the CRA district is created, also known as the “frozen value.”
Bunnell CRA’s traditional funding mechanism, Tax Increment Financing (TIF) funds, has
not accrued due to the 2006 base year when it was created. The CRA received funds for
one year and therefore it is difficult to accomplish some of the identified goals. Lack of
funding in the past few years, has created a challenging environment and we have had to
be very resourceful in accomplishing goals for the CRA.
This past year was exceptional for the City as we celebrated our Centennial year and
hosted an array of events that highlighted our historic roots, the community and promoted
civic participation.
Some of the notable accomplishments made by the CRA during 2012-2013 were:
 Promoting a sense of “community” by bringing residents to the downtown/CRA
area. This was achieved with the continuation of our twelve Centennial special
events and the addition of events to the community calendar.
 Ongoing painting projects with the Neighborhood Improvement Ambassador
Program. This program focuses on addressing long term code violations and
beautification projects with high visibility residences & commercial properties
within the CRA district. They utilize volunteers and community resources to
accomplish community projects.
 This report highlights activities, events and Centennial events celebrated through
the calendar year.
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Special Events
 Special Events are a critical component of rebuilding the downtown area within
Bunnell. Centennial Year Events and activities that were planned throughout the
year introduced visitors to the downtown redevelopment area, re-introduced
residents to their core district, assisted in business retention and recruitment by
increasing awareness, and helped build on the creation of a dynamic lifestyle with
rural feel that may attract more fulltime residents and investors.
City Parade
National Day of Prayer
FY 2012-2013
4th Annual Beautify Bunnell
5th Annual Potato Festival
Halloween at Colony Park
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Accomplishments
FY 2012/2013 was a challenging year due to TIF budget constraints. Nevertheless, CRA
boards and staff seek funds through numerous avenues, and create and maintain activities
that exert positive repercussions in the local economy. Accomplishments include:

Continued implementation and focus on the CRA Visioning & Action Plan

Received funding in the amount of $250,000 through FDOT for Bunnell Elementary
Trail project to be located at J.B. King Park and sidewalks around Bunnell
Elementary School. This project is in the planning phase.

Completed Phase II of the Bunnell Water Treatment Plant funds from DEP and
CDBG in the amounts of $204,000 & $650,000 respectively, for Bunnell’s water
improvement project.

Actively working with FDOT and Flagler County to complete the median upgrades
(cost estimate $587,000). This will directly contribute towards the beautification of
one of our main corridors. The design phase was completed during FY 2012/2013
with construction scheduled for FY 2013/2014.

Received funding notification from FDOT for the Gateways/Median Enhancement
project in the amount of $934,000. This project completed design and construction
will be completed by June 2014. The project includes monumental city signage
landscaping, median upgrades and irrigation. This projects falls under the
Governor’s “Bold Initiative”.

Partnered with local organizations such as The Bunnell Chamber of Commerce,
Alliance for Involved Ministers, Flagler Habitat for Humanity, Flagler Volunteer
Services, & The United Way to organize events that attracted people to downtown.

The City completed quarterly historic events for The City of Bunnell’s year long
Centennial Celebration. Detailed further within the report.

Completed Kiwanis Playground at Carver Park and dedicated space.

Raised CRA awareness through the media with:
o Created and published a Centennial Magazine 5,500 editions distributed into
the community highlighting our community and accomplishments while
memorializing our historic roots once again.
o Monthly newsletters distributed to all residents and businesses that receive
a water bill, and posted on the City’s web page
o Posting of CRA events on major sites such as Visit Florida, Facebook, and the
Flagler County Chamber of Commerce’s website event calendar, along with
pictures and descriptions of locations of interest to the public
o Radio spot talks on WNZF
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2012-2013 Budget
Budget Report
Account Summary
For Fiscal: 2012-2013 Period Ending: 09/30/2013
City of Bunnell, FL
101-3699001
101-3891000
101-0559-559.1200
101-0559-559.2100
101-0559-559.2200
101-0559-559.3400
101-0559-559.4000
101-0559-559.4800
101-0559-559.4900
101-0559-559.5200
101-0559-559.5400
101-0559-559.5500
101-0559-559.6400
Misc Income - CRA
Fund Balance Transfer CRA
Total Revenue:
Original
Total
Budget
Current
Total Budget
Period
Activity
Fiscal
Activity
Variance
Favorable
(Unfavorable)
0.00
17,795.00
0.00
17,795.00
-6,246.00
15,480.00
149.00
15,480.00
149.00
-2,315.00
17,795.00
17,795.00
9,234.00
15,629.00
-2,166.00
9,360.00
674.00
468.00
9,360.00
674.00
468.00
768.00
58.76
53.38
7,999.71
604.69
461.96
1,360.29
69.31
6.04
5,973.00
0.00
0.00
5,973.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
31.70
70.08
5,973.00
-31.70
-70.08
0.00
0.00
4,000.00
4,000.00
-4,000.00
250.00
1,070.00
250.00
1,070.00
0.00
90.00
243.85
660.00
6.15
410.00
Salary/Wages
FICA
Retirement
Contributions
Other Contract Services
Travel / Per Diem
Advertising / Promo
Expense
Other Current Charges
& Obligations
Operating Supplies
Memberships,
Publications, Books
Training - CRA
Machinery/Equipment
Expense
Total Expense:
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
-4,000.00
720.00
0.00
-720.00
0.00
17,795.00
17,795.00
970.14
14,791.99
3,003.01
Total Fund: 101 - CRA FUND
0.00
0.00
8,263.86
837.01
837.01
Report Total:
0.00
0.00
8,263.86
837.01
837.01
UNAUDITED FINANCIALS
The General Fund supplements CRA programs and event expenses
including the Neighborhood Improvement Ambassador position.
All TIF Funds ($4,000) were expended as Match for Kiwanis
Playground Grant
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Expenses
The City did not and will not receive any TIF funds again this year. The 2006 base
year is $68,633,904 and the final 2013 taxable value was $42,246,357 which
calculates to $26,387,547 value deficit. The City of Bunnell continues to supplement
CRA expenses such as staff time, partial event costs and administrative fees.
There has been discussion within the CRA Board in regards to this challenge and
how the City wants to address this situation. The CRA hosted a Workshop for
discussion of the financial plight. It was decided to move forward and dissolve the
CRA and look at revising the findings and then to create once again.
The CRA followed this dissolution process for most of the year however a change in
Commission and staff has provided a new direction. The CRA will not be dissolved
but meetings will be coordinated on a quarterly basis at this time.
The Family Dollar, a nationwide chain store, completed construction within CRA
limits this year.
The CRA continues to work diligently, creating a vibrant atmosphere to support
future business opportunities.
The Centennial Celebrations offered an opportunity to truly highlight and showcase
the City, the CRA and all the assets that Bunnell has to offer to the community.
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Centennial Events
The City of Bunnell celebrated its 100-year anniversary.
Most of these activities took place in the CRA area. The
Centennial Calendar of Events included;
January 12th, 2013 – Centennial Tour & Scavenger Hunt
April 20th, 2013 – Centennial Beautification and Fire
Hydrant contest
One hundred years ago, in
1913, a loaf of bread cost 6
cents. Eggs were 30 cents for a
dozen.
Federal income tax was 1%,
and a gallon of gas cost 12
cents.
Richard Nixon was born. As
were Gerald Ford, Red Skelton,
Loretta Young, Lloyd Bridges,
Vivien Leigh and Burt
Lancaster.
July 8th, 2013 – Time Capsule Ceremony & Birthday
Celebration
November 9th, 2013 – Festival of the Century, Centennial
Parade, & Grand Finale
December 13th, 2013 – Christmas in Bunnell
CRA Board and Staff are committed to the accomplishment
of the visioning and continuously work to the attainment of
its goals and objectives.
The pride of the Bunnell Community Redevelopment
Agency is the ability to get closer to its goal of revitalizing a
neglected and blighted area in Bunnell. As we slowly but
steadily transition toward a better economic future, we will
continue to work, as partners, with our residents and
businesses.
City of Bunnell, a strategic location with 100 years experience!
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Centennial Tour and Scavenger Hunt
The City of Bunnell kicked off its centennial celebration
with a historic tour and scavenger hunt.
The tour, which is being sponsored by Flagler County,
was partially designed by Heritage Crossroads to enjoy
the city’s rich cultural legacy.
It began 2 p.m. at the Old Flagler County Courthouse
and included several historic landmarks, such as the
Masonic lodge and Little Red School House.
The tours were free and leave every hour.
Meanwhile, the scavenger hunt began at 2:30 p.m. with
100 clues.
The teams that correctly answer questions and
complete each task were eligible for the $500 grand
prize, $100 second prize, gift cards and other
memorabilia.
The history of the Town of
Bunnell dates back to the 1880’s.
Alvah Bunnell established a
cypress shingle mill and promised
to supply the fledgling rail
business with wood for its wood
burning locomotives. This was
known as Bunnell Stop on the
earliest rail route. Mr. Bunnell
was appointed Bunnell
Postmaster on October 5, 1892.
The entry fee for the scavenger hunt was $5 for a team
up to four people.
Local businesses enjoyed being the keepers of the clues
and welcomed the over 20 teams.
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Beautification Day and Hydrant Decorating
Beautify Bunnell with a Centennial twist! Residents, staff,
and volunteers joined together, in beautifying our great city!
The day’s events include:
•
Trash pick-up blast
• Plant annuals & perennials throughout the City’s
garden beds
•
Live music by Tarnished Halo
•
Free Community Cook-Out
•
Fire hydrant painting contest results
• 14 homes painted
• 2 homes received landscape designs
• Old Hospital clean up
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Bunnell Birthday Celebration
Festivities included the burial of a time capsule that encase
articles from local organizations and members of the
community.
A historical re-enactment of the very first commission
meeting in period dress with the reading of a Centennial
proclamation was preformed.
Local 5th grade students participated in a historical essay
contest. Winners are deemed honorary Centennian’s, or
“Guardians of the Time Capsule” and will be invited back in
50 years to unearth the time capsule. Their essays that they
wrote in the 5th grade will be inside the time capsule, for
review and reflection. A formal ceremony was conducted at
the historic burial.
Dedication of a new playground that was installed at the
Carver Sports Complex.
Ending with Bunnell’s Birthday Party at 7pm in the Coquina
City Hall.
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Bunnell Birthday Celebration
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Festival of the Century
One hundred years ago, in 1913, a loaf of bread cost 6
cents. Eggs were 30 cents for a dozen. Federal income tax
was 1%, and a gallon of gas cost 12 cents. Richard Nixon
was born. So were Gerald Ford, Red Skelton, Loretta
Young, Lloyd Bridges, Vivien Leigh and Burt Lancaster.
But most importantly, the city of Bunnell was born.
And beginning at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9, the city had a
party, the Festival of the Century, as part of its yearlong
centennial celebration.
The day kicked off with vendors, arts and crafts, historical
displays and food, at the old coquina City Hall building,
200 S. Church St. Awards for the chili cook-off will be at 4
p.m. The parade also begins at 4 p.m. with the route as
follows: It begins at the Carver Center (206 E. Drain St.)
and heads to U.S. 1. It continues north to Moody
Boulevard and then east to its final destination at the Old
Memorial Hospital building.
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Christmas in Bunnell
The City capped off its yearlong celebration with
Christmas in Bunnell. The city installed lighting for all the
trees around Lake Lucille in front of the Historic Coquina
City Hall. The City sparkled with Holiday cheer.
Santa arrived along with a rare snow storm. Choral singers
livened up the celebration with holiday songs as the
Grinch made his rounds to all the boys and girls.
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Final Word
Chapter 163 of the Florida
Statutes requires each CRA to
provide an annual report by
March 31 of each year to the
Governing Body (City
Commission). This report and
financial statement is submitted
in fulfillment of that requirement
and to provide information to the
public.
This has truly been an
amazing year for the City of
Bunnell as we have
celebrated
and
memorialized the 2013
Centennial year.
The City and the CRA are
dedicated to assist in
redevelopment within our
downtown core. We are
working to relocate our
City offices into the
Historic Court House that
has been gifted to the City.
We have dreams that this
building will house more
than just the City office, but
will also support other
education, support and
community agencies.
The revitalization of this
structure will anchor the
downtown and revive the
heartbeat of Bunnell once
again!
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