North Bay Village directs staff to draft amended agreement with Argentine Football Association; agrees to consider up to $1.2M contribution and to cover site's 

The North Bay Village Commission on Aug. 15 directed staff and legal counsel to draft an amendment to the village's agreement with the Argentine Football Association (AFA) that would: authorize up to $1,200,000 in village contribution toward the proposed two-story community center at the Gallien Street site, require the village to pay environmental remediation costs for the site, and incorporate a demolition/site-clearance deadline that the AFA said is a condition of continued partnership.

Chad Friedman, the project lead assisting the village on the site, told the commission he had discussed terms with AFA representatives and said AFA asked for a $1.2 million additional contribution and for the village to deliver a cleared site by Sept. 15 or they would withdraw from the project. Friedman told the commission Durham county had approved work "on the community center side of the site" and staff would provide remediation cost estimates next week. He described two remediation options: cap contamination under the building or remove contaminated soil and infrastructure; the village staff is pricing both.

Commissioners debated funding sources for the contribution and acknowledged several possible sources were under consideration including proceeds from recent transferable-development-rights (TDR) sales, existing reserves and park bond allocations. One commissioner noted the village had previously committed some park bond funds to green space and that funding choices would need to be clarified when the agreement is returned for approval.

The commission's motion directed the manager (or interim manager) and village attorney to prepare an amendment that: (1) provides up to $1.2 million in village contribution to the community-center portion of the project; (2) states the village will pay environmental remediation costs (specific costs to be supplied before final approval); and (3) incorporates the demolition/site-clearance milestone the partner requested. The motion was seconded and carried on a recorded voice roll call.

Mayor (meeting chair) told the panel the property and building remain owned by North Bay Village and emphasized the village would retain community control of the facility. Commissioners asked staff to provide a clearer funding plan and detailed cost estimates for remediation when the amendment returns to the commission for formal approval in September.

The commission also discussed operational and security plans for the temporary site and contingency options if county permitting or title issues delay work: security cameras, fencing, temporary power and portable trailers were listed as options. Staff reported vendors and a demolition contractor are on standby and that the county is updating permitting records related to liens and fines on the property.

The commission approved the direction to draft the amended agreement and will consider the formal amendment, with cost breakdowns and funding source recommendations, at a future meeting.