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DDA seeks formal role as City prepares Beautification Task Force resolution
Summary
The DDA reviewed a draft Beautification Task Force resolution and urged stronger DDA involvement, longer terms, block-by-block outreach and CRA representation; staff proposed draft language requiring the task force to coordinate with and route recommendations through the DDA for review.
The Downtown Development Authority reviewed a draft City Commission resolution to form a Beautification Task Force and offered detailed feedback on membership, term length, outreach and DDA involvement.
Board members said the task force should include designers, landscape architects, urban planners, hospitality and retail representatives, historic preservation and public-arts voices, and geographic representatives (including West Atlantic and beach-side areas). Several members recommended extending the term beyond six months and building a public engagement process that canvasses business and residents block-by-block.
Laura Simon read draft language intended for the resolution: "The task force shall coordinate directly with and present its findings to the DDA board of directors and no recommendation shall be finalized without prior review and input from the DDA. The task force shall incorporate the DDA's operational expertise, existing programs and strategic initiatives to all recommendations to assure alignment and feasibility." Board members supported that protective language and suggested the CRA be added as a named representative because in-lieu fees and implementation are likely to touch CRA resources.
Assistant City Manager Jeff Forest advised that CRA representation would be appropriate because recommendations will likely seek CRA funding. The board asked staff to refine the draft language and to transmit DDA feedback to the City Commission prior to next week's meeting.
