Sebring CRA to contribute $2,181.25 toward repainting Centennial mural, contingent on written owner confirmation

The Sebring Community Redevelopment Agency voted to contribute $2,181.25 toward repainting the Centennial mural on the wall of the property at 116 Magnolia Avenue and to rescind a previously awarded $1,137.50 façade grant so those funds can be directed to the city for contracting.

Natelick (S3), who introduced the item at the request of the mayor, said the city had asked the CRA to consider participation and that the lowest contractor quote he obtained was $5,500. "I got a quote from Larry Felder for $5,500 to do the mural," he told the board. He summarized prior commitments and proposed splitting the final cost with the city.

Board members debated how to apply existing grant rules and whether redirecting the previously awarded $1,137.50 to the city would set a precedent for other downtown murals. One board member warned the request could "open the can of worms" and urged case-by-case consideration; another noted the CRA has a façade grant program (30% up to $10,000) and that three sides of the building had previously received funding.

Board member (S1) moved to contribute $2,181.25 and to rescind the earlier $1,137.50 grant; the motion included a contingency that the contribution be conditioned on written confirmation from the building owner agreeing to redirect the prior funds to the city. The motion was seconded and carried; the transcript does not record a roll-call tally or any votes against the motion.

The record shows the board intended the redirected funds to be paid to the city so the city can contract the repainting rather than reimbursing the property owner. The contribution will not be disbursed until staff obtains the owner’s written confirmation and any other required documentation.