North Magnolia CRA Advisory Committee Meeting - July 30, 2026

The North Magnolia Community Redevelopment Area (CRA) Advisory Committee met on July 30, 2026, at 1:30 PM. The meeting was called to order with a quorum present. Members approved the minutes from the previous meeting, discussed one grant application, received a project update on a proposed art installation, and reviewed staff recommendations from the June 9 City Council workshop regarding CRA program modifications.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes Approval: The committee voted unanimously to approve the minutes of the prior meeting.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were offered.

Discussion Items

• Grant Application CRA 260032: Edwin Carreras, Economic Development Specialist, presented a grant request from Launched Real Estate LLC (applicant representative Tammy Lange) for exterior surface cleaning and painting at 939 North Magnolia Avenue, the historic Coca-Cola Bottling Company building (built 1939, listed on the National Register). The property was acquired in May 2026 for $1.6 million, with comprehensive interior and exterior renovations planned (including elevator, parking, new equipment) totaling nearly $1 million. The lowest quote for the eligible work was $27,200; the maximum grant allowed is $20,000. Staff recommended approval. The committee voted unanimously to approve the grant.
• Project Update – Art Installation in Honor of Mr. Yandel: Roberto Ellis, Economic Development Manager, reported that staff had contacted the Marion Cultural Alliance (MCA) about a painted horse sculpture, but MCA is processing other requests. Staff determined the project must be initiated by the family and had made contact. Committee members strongly objected to asking the family to fund the project, noting Mr. Yandel's long community service. The committee directed staff to continue moving the project forward and to find alternative funding sources, possibly through the city's cultural arts budget or other means. Committee member offered to make calls to seek funding.
• Staff Comments – CRA Program Changes: Roberto Ellis provided an update from the June 9 City Council workshop. Key recommendations include: (1) Grant applications will go directly to the CRA Board for decision to avoid delays due to lack of quorum; (2) Administrative approvals of grants up to $10,000 (capped at $50,000 per program) by the city manager or designee; (3) Standardizing advisory committees to five members over time (three for quorum); (4) Scheduling monthly meetings (canceled when not needed); (5) Drafting formal bylaws for advisory committees; (6) Updating the downtown Tuscawilla Master Plan and prioritizing redevelopment of city-owned sites. Additionally, the committee noted that security lighting had been dropped from commercial grant eligibility and requested its reinstatement for both commercial and residential grants.

Key Outcomes

• Vote: Approved CRA 260032 (grant for facade improvement at 939 N. Magnolia Ave.) – motion carried unanimously.
• Directive: Staff will pursue the art installation honoring Mr. Yandel without requiring family funding; committee will explore other funding sources.
• Next Steps: The city council will consider the proposed grant program and advisory committee modifications on September 9, 2026, with intent to implement by October 1, 2026 (start of fiscal year). Security lighting will be reviewed for inclusion in grant eligibility.
• Next Meeting: Scheduled for September 24, 2026.