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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDowntown Development Authority - Minutes - 11/07/1996ddoDOWNTOWN � 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 NOVEMBER 7, 1996 REGULAR MEETING The Board of Directors of the Downtown Development Authority met in regular session at 7:30 a.m., August 1, 1996 in the conference room at 201 South College Avenue, One West Contemporary Art Center. PRESENT There were present: Stephen Slezak, Chair presiding Bonnie Bixler Szidon, Vice Chair Carey Hewitt, Treasurer Kermit Allard Jason Meadors Chuck Wanner Greg Belcher Absent: Mary Brayton, Secretary Bill Attwooll Bud Frick, LPC Liaison Staff: Chip Steiner, Consultant Anne Garrison Lucia Liley, Counsel Guests: Jay Hardy, Carol Tunner, Jim Reidhead, Mike McCormick, Mike Early, Lewis Trujillo CALL TO ORDER Mr. Slezak called the meeting to order, and entertained a motion to approve the minutes of October 3, 1996. Mr. Hewitt moved to approve the minutes as written, this was seconded by Mr. Meadors and the motion carried unanimously. DDA MINUTES PAGE 2 Mr. Meadors then moved to approve the minutes of the October 10, 1996 Retreat which was seconded by Mr. Belcher and carried unanimously. 132-140 NORTH Jim Reidhead spoke on behalf of property owners Mike COLLEGE McCormick, (Trimble Block) and Mike Early, (Binkler Block) seeking DDA participation in the amount of $105,000 for the facade restoration of three buildings. The projected cost, including additional expenses is estimated at $292,950. In terms of other sources of financing, Local Development Company (LDC) has agreed to loan up to $100,000 and funding is being sought through the State Historical Grant program. While this project should be encouraged, Mr. Steiner expressed concern that twice the normal amount is being requested and owner funding is much lower than usual. He recommended that the Board consider a lesser amount, leaving it open ended until the State Historical Society has given the project its consideration. Mr. Reidhead asked that the Board consider value over dollar amount and cited the following: • Binkler building's tenant, Nightwalker Enterprises, is a non profit organization dedicated to serving a quarter of a million people on Indian reservations, providing needed food and clothing to this under -represented culture. The rent is $100 per month and they do not pay utilities. The longtime tenant/owner arrangement has been based on a handshake only to date. • Landmark Preservation Commission (LPC) has reviewed the project and is supportive. Carol Tunner stated that the buildings are locally designated and in the National Register. They are also the last buildings in Old Town to remove their 1950's facade. Directing his question to Mr. McCormick, Mr. Allard asked if the project would go forward without DDA's investment, and he responded that it would. In such a case the work would be done in phases beginning with the facade, lower floor then apartments on the second floor. Mr. Allard felt DDA was precipitous in its consideration of the project at this time, and counseled waiting to see what the State would offer. ' Mr. Hewitt suggested indicating a match of State funds up to a certain amount. Fort Collins' record with the State Historical Society is very good so their compliance in this regard is anticipated. Mr. Reidhead concluded his presentation by requesting a letter of support from DDA, to be included in his application to the State being submitted on November 15, 1996. Before the deliberations commenced, Mr. Slezak requested a written agreement be drawn up between the owner and tenant of the Binkler building to preclude the owner from disregarding the present arrangement once the restoration is complete. DDA MINUTES PAGE 3 In answer to a question posed, Ms. Tunner responded that normal State recapture time is five years. Mr. Hewitt moved that DDA provide $40,000 toward the facade restoration of the Trimble block (which comprises two buildings, A & B on the site elevations,) in return for public ownership of the restored facade. The requirements are that the work is completed by December 1997, with approvals from City, LDC and a certificate from LPC in place. This was seconded by Mr. Wanner and carried unanimously. Mr. Hewitt then moved that DDA provide $10,000 toward the facade restoration of the Binkler block (building C on the site elevation map,) in return for public ownership of the restored facade. He noted that the same requirements stand, as in the case of the Trimble block. This was seconded by Mr. Belcher and carried unanimously. HOME STATE BANK In his introductory remarks, Mr. Steiner spoke of the mixed OF FT. COLLINS use development being proposed for the Mawson Lumber site. It is a project of great scope and magnitude, and the Authority is being asked to participate in the amount of $190,000 for off site public improvements. Apart from the bank, this $3 - $3.5 million dollar project will comprise office, retail and residential units with internal parking that conforms to the City's Principles and Policies Plan. This project fits the purpose of DDA's longtime commitment to the economic revitalization of the central business district, adds an attractive banking facility in a part of town where none currently exists, provides much needed housing, and some additional parking to a blighted corner of East Mountain Avenue and Mathews Street. There was some discussion among the Directors on the funding of this project, and it was felt the money should come from a source other than the O & M Budget. Mr. Steiner will consult with the City about how this may be accomplished. Ms. Liley strongly urged Mr. Fobes to submit this project with all speed, since it has been learned that after December 1, the City will not review any new plans. Mr. Wanner suggested that a third story be added to the building plans in consideration of the future growth and development of Fort Collins. Mr. Hewitt then moved to support this project in the full amount of $190,000 assuming funding through the City or wherever such a loan is most efficacious. Mr. Allard seconded the motion which carried unanimously. RESOLUTION Mr. Allard moved to approve Resolution 96-12 authorizing the 96-12 Chairman of the Board to enter into an agreement with One West Art Center to renew the existing office lease for another year. The annual cost being $8,700. This was seconded by Mr. Meadors and carried unanimously. DDA MINUTES PAGE 4 FORMATION OF Volunteers were solicited to serve on a special committee SPECIAL dealing with issues raised by the DDA Board at its retreat, COMMITTEE relating specifically to Principles and Policies. The committee is as follows: • Bonnie Szidon • Kermit Allard • Stephen Slezak ADJOURN There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 9:30 a.m. Mary Brayton, Secretary DOWNTOWN ddo DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY ONE WEST CONTEMPORARY ART CENTER Telephone (970) 484-2020 201 SOUTH COLLEGE AVENUE, FORT COLLINS, CO 80524 Telefax (970) 484-2069 TO: DDA Board of Direct o FROM: Chip Steiner DATE: November 30, 1996 RE: Community Horticultural Center One or two members of the DDA Board may recall that years ago the Authority was asked to support the concept of a community horticultural center. Because of the tenacity of Jim Clark and a few others this idea is still with us and has made a shortlist of projects being considered for inclusion by City Council on the April, 1997 capital improvement program ballot issue. It is my opinion that this project deserves the strongest DDA endorsement possible. It is a good project with the most noble of purposes. It is a way for this community to invest in something that truly gives to others yet still yields tangible benefit for all of us. The horticultural center will grow food for people in need, it will provide therapy for people with disabilities, it will bring restored meaning to the lives of many older citizens, it will give all of us a place for contemplation and reflection. If you have visited the botanic gardens in Denver (or almost any quiet park) you understand the benefits this type of environment can bring to US. Yet its existence will also serve as a wonderful economic catalyst. It will be a significant tourist attraction. Worthy outside business interests will be attracted to Fort Collins by this very real expression of the community's willingness to reach out beyond its own individual needs. It will stimulate additional sensitive and sympathetic land use developments along the Poudre River. It can help to distinguish downtown Fort Collins and to significantly enrich and diversify its cultural environment. The botanic gardens proposal is a rare kind of project that delivers unequivocal social and economic benefit. Hopefully the entire community rallies to it. Obviously, it is my recommendation that the DDA lend its support. Should the Board agree, a resolution so stating is attached. 0 RESOLUTION 96-13 OF THE FORT COLLINS, COLORADO DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY SUPPORTING THE PROPOSAL FOR A COMMUNITY HORTICULTURAL CENTER AND RECOMMENDING TO THE FORT COLLINS CITY COUNCIL THAT SAID PROPOSAL BE PLACED ON THE APRIL, 1997 ELECTION BALLOT WHEREAS, the Downtown Development Authority has been duly organized in accordance with the Colorado Revised Statutes 31-25- 804, 1973 as amended; and, WHEREAS, the Downtown Development Authority finds that the community horticultural center will provide real social and cultural benefits to the residents, business people, and employees of the central business district and to the community; and, WHEREAS, the Downtown Development Authority finds that a community horticultural center will be a catalyst to the sensitive redevelopment of the Cache la Poudre River as it flows through the central business district; and, WHEREAS, the Downtown Development Authority finds that the community horticultural center will serve as an economic catalyst by attracting tourists and sympathetic business interests to the central business district and the community; and, WHEREAS, the Downtown Development Authority previously endorsed the concept of a community horticultural center and finds no reason to change that endorsement. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE FORT COLLINS DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY that because of the social, cultural, and economic benefit to be derived from the a community horticultural center it strongly supports the proposal and recommends to the Council of the City of Fort Collins that the issue be placed before the voters of the City of Fort Collins on the April, 1997 ballot. Passed and adopted at a regular, meeting of the Board of Directors of the, Fort Collins, Colorado Downtown Development Authority this Sth day of December, 1996. Stephen Slezak, Chair ATTEST: Mary Brayton, Secretary DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT ddoAUTHORITY ONE WEST CONTEMPORARY ART CENTER 201 SOUTH COLLEGE AVENUE, FORT COLLINS, CO 80524 December 3, 1996 TO: Board of Directors FROM: Stephen Slezak RE: The Justice Center Telephone (970) 484-2020 Telefox (970) 484-2069 As we reflect on the past fifteen years and DDA's many accomplishments, we do so with some measure of pride. In light of the Justice Center, however, the Linden Hotel pales in significance, and the recent defeat of this issue by the voter populace, did nothing to diminish the commonality of our need, which becomes greater and more expensive with the passage of time. The Justice Center is still a viable project and one for which DDA should lobby. Consider the following: • This project will have greater magnitude and more lasting effect on the central business district than anything else DDA has undertaken. • In addition to filling a vital need, the presence of a 700 car parking ramp will do much to alleviate the parking dilemma. • If we fail to speak out, the work will be done, as it must eventually, but will it be an assortment of rudimentary buildings built in band -aid fashion to serve our immediate needs, instead of a beautiful, functional edifice thoughtful in design which will take us at least fifty years into the twenty first century. • This project would also ensure that Fort Collins' single largest employer stays downtown for the foreseeable future. • The Justice Center would reaffirm downtown as the governmental seat. I would strongly urge the Board to give consideration to actively pursuing the realization of a project whose scope and timing could have such impact on the destiny of Fort Collins. JUSTICE CENTER M .TWHOSO As a first step, I would suggest that the Authority put the County on notice that this issue is not dead; that DDA desires to have representation at all meetings. In addition, that the Board despatch a letter to the County Commissioner's office conveying the vital importance DDA places on the implementation of these plans in the designated Block 31 area.