HomeMy WebLinkAboutDowntown Development Authority - Minutes - 12/05/1996ddoAWNTOWN �
DEVELOPMENT
AUTHORITY
ONE WEST CONTEMPORARY ART CENTER Telephone (970) 484-2020
201 SOUTH COLLEGE AVENUE, FORT COLLINS, CO 80524 Telefax (970) 484-2069
DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
Regular Directors' Meeting
MINUTES OF DECEMBER 5, 1996 REGULAR MEETING
The Board of Directors of the Downtown Development Authority
met in regular session at 7:30 a.m., December 5, 1996 in the
First Floor Art Gallery at 201 South College Avenue, One
West Contemporary Art Center.
PRESENT There were present:
Stephen Slezak, Chair presiding
Bonnie Bixler Szidon, Vice Chair
Mary Brayton, Secretary
Carey Hewitt, Treasurer
Kermit Allard
Jason Meadors
Chuck Wanner
Greg Belcher
Bud Frick, LPC Liaison
Absent:
Bill Attwooll
Staff:
Chip Steiner, Consultant
Anne Garrison
Lucia Liley, Counsel
Guests;
Jay Hardy, Jim Clark
CALL TO ORDER Mr. Slezak called the meeting to order, and entertained a
motion to approve the minutes of November 7, 1996, Mr.
Belcher moved to approve the minutes with an addition to the
list of those willing to serve on the special committee
dealing with Principles and Policies. The list will now
include Mr. Steiner and Mo. Garrison. The amended motion was
seconded by Mr. Wanner and carried unanimously.
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HORTICULTURAL Mr. Steiner's introductory remarks, outlined the many
CENTER benefits the community would derive from the center,
beginning with the social benefit through services to the
elderly, handicapped and poor. Economic benefit through a
food growth and distribution program, and increased tourism
from this highly visible and attractive asset to Fort
Collins' quality of life. Finally, it sets the tenor for low
impact development along the Poudre River. He concluded, it
belongs in the City's Capital Improvement Program and should
be on the ballot. To this end Resolution 96-13 has been
prepared as a means of leveraging interest and action.
Mr. Clark opened with a elide presentation showcasing
similar models which have worked well, and mentioned the
version in Cheyenne, Wyoming which approximates the size of
the center planned for Fort Collins.
The potential is enormous, Mr. Clark explained as he
outlined some of the uses beyond the obvious beautification
of the City. As little as 5,000 square feet can produce one
ton of food, natural plant life can be cultivated to restore
many areas, alternatives to chemicals for health and
treatment can be grown, demonstration gardens, workshops,
not to mention a small amphitheatre which would provide a
venue for a few thousand people for art shows etc., Finally,
it can provide programs for Youth At Risk and other social
concerns.
Mr. Steiner suggested that the Board consider helping to
leverage financing if the project is built in the downtown
area. In other financial discussions, it appears the
project does not fit the criteria to receive lottery money,
although endowments may be a possibility. Mr. Allard
mentioned that the Dole Foundation was very much in support
of this type of project and would possibly consider making a
pledge for a conservation easement.
Mr. Wanner suggested that the Board may wish to support the
land acquisition as a first step to begin the process. Mr.
Clarke spoke of the need for a letter of support from the
DDA.
At which time, Mr. Meadors moved to adopt Resolution 96-13
with an amendment to the final paragraph which would read:
"as an element of the proposed capital improvement program."
Ms. Brayton seconded the motion which carried, with Messrs.
Wanner and Allard abstaining.
JUSTICE CENTER The overview for this topic of discussion was given by Mr.
Slezak who asked, "What is the impact of the defeat of the
Justice Center?" and "What can DDA do to pursue it from a
different aspect?"
In the discussion which followed the Board expressed the
following points:
* The Justice Center warrants an imposing structure, so as
to provide a solid presence, a focal point in downtown
* DDA should request results of an exit poll being done by
Countv Manaaer Frank Lancaster
* Decide now how DDA can stay in the loop of any progress
being made
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* DDA can play a vital leadership role with both City and
County and develop a team to keep this project alive
* County intends to put this issue back on the ballot in
November, the Board must decide now what kind of action it
wants to take
* Failure to adequately educate the electorate resulted in
concern over what seemed too much money for too long a
period of time. However, remember that 45% voted for it.
* Operating costs for the facility should not be a voting
issue, taxes should support it, and money should be saved by
not paying for office rental
Counsel clarified Mr. Steiner's position at this juncture,
stating that the Board needs to decide what it wants to do,
then determine if a conflict exists. Ms. Liley stated there
is no conflict in the Board retaining Mr. Steiner's services
to attain goals which it has set.
In summary, the Board seemed interested in taking a
positive, aggressive role by sending a message to the County
Commissioners. Mr. Slezak called for a reaffirmation of
Resolution 96-6, already in place, which endorses the
development of a Judicial Center on Block #31. He stated
that DDA should be on the leading edge now, and ready to
move into a more dominant position in the months ahead.
This was so moved by Mr. Allard, seconded by Mr. Hewitt and
the motion carried with Ms. Szidon offering a dissenting
vote.
Mr. Meadors then suggested a committee be formed to work
with the Consultant to determine the Board's direction.
This was seconded by Mr. Wanner and carried with the
exception of Ms. Szidon who cast a dissenting vote.
The committee will comprise:
Greg Belcher Jason Meadors Mary Brayton
Steve Slezak Kermit Allard* Anne Garrison
* Mr. Allard will serve as alternate
Once again Ms. Liley clarified Mr. Steiner's position
stating that this is not a DDA tax project; DDA is a
jurisdiction, and Mr. Steiner is not a Board Member and
therefore is non voting.
DDA/DBA CONTRACT For the tenth year, DDA has contracted with DBA for
marketing services. 1996 had been earmarked as the final
year for for this, for reasons which were relevant at the
time. However, at its retreat in October, the Board decided
to continue in the amount of $5,000 for these services, but
to reduce the personnel support, so that Ms. Garrison might
dedicate more time to DDA business. However, the door is
open for DBA to come to the Board for specific project
assistance at any time.
Jay Hardy, Executive Director for the DBA, addressed the
Board with an idea which focuses on selling the central
business district as a destination market for shopping,
entertainment, and in fact a full service area.
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Mr. Hardy explained that he has preliminary approval on a
1997 budget which designates $20,000 for a downtown
marketing campaign. He is asking that DDA consider
increasing its yearly amount by $5,000 for a total of
$10,000.
Mr. Hardy said that without DDA'B backing the marketing
campaign would move forward; it would simply move at a
slower pace. He concluded that the Board should make its
decision not so much to provide a donation to a sister
organization, but because it is good business, and because
it fits one of the purposes of DDA. Due to pressure of time
Mr. Meadors moved that a discussion on this issue be tabled
until the next Board meeting, this was seconded by Mr.
Wanner and carried unanimously.
CONSULTANT'S Lack of time precluded an in-depth discussion on this
SERVICE CONTRACT topic, so Ms. Szidon moved to extend the existing contract
for three months and return to the table at that time. Mr.
Meadors seconded the motion which carried unanimously.
BOARD MEETING It was suggested that the next Board meeting slated for
DATE CHANGE January 2, 1997 be postponed to January 9, due to the
holiday.
ADJOURN There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at
9:40 a.m.
Mary Brayton, Secretary