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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDowntown Development Authority - Minutes - 08/03/2000• Mary Brayton, Chair 484-1401 (W) Chuck Wanner, Council Liaison 484-0810 (H) Anne Garrison, Staff Liaison 484-2020 (W) DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY Regular Directors' Meeting MINUTES OF AUGUST 3, 2000 REGULAR MEETING The Board of Directors of the Downtown Development Authority met in regular session at 7:30 a.m. on August 3, 2000 in the conference Room at Home State Bank, 303 East Mountain Avenue. PRESENT There were present: Mary Brayton, Chair Larry Stroud, Vice Chair Jason Meadors, Secretary/Treasurer Steve Slezak Greg Belcher Carey Hewitt John Pitner Margaret Brown Chuck Wanner STAFF Jay Hardy, Executive Director Anne Garrison Lucia Liley, Counsel GUESTS John Fischbach, Bill Sears, David Short, Susanne Durkin,Chris Maestes, Eric Bracke, Kathleen Reavis, Angela Milewski CALL TO ORDER Ms. Brayton called the meeting to order at 7.30 a.m. and roll call was taken. APPROVAL OF Mr. Slezak moved to adopt the minutes of July b, 2000 as written with one MINUTES exception. It was stated that at the time roll call was taken 'a quorum was not yet present.' However, shortly after, the full Board did convene and a quorum was present for the meeting. The motion was seconded by Mr. Hewitt and carried unanimously. 0 DDA MINUTES PAGE SUSANNE DURKIN IL CHRIS MAESTES RE: In the past eighteen months, Downtown has seen a substantial increase DOWNTOWN PARKING in delivery trucks and larger vehicles which have compounded the already difficult issue of parking. When none is available, drivers park wherever they can, which in turn interferes with normal traffic flow. Susanne Durkin, Transporation Manager and Chris Maestes, Parking Enforcement Supervisor, shared their concerns which have already been expressed to Police, Fire personnel and truck drivers. Business owners input is also coveted in an effort to try to create additional loading and unloading zones, and to uphold the safety strategies already in place. Reconstruction of the Northern Hotel could continue from sixteen months to two years, and at some point during that time frame, a portion of the alley must be closed for safety reasons, fire truck access and private parking. An option which has been discussed is to require deliveries to be made by 8-00 a.m. so as not to interrupt traffic to other businesses. MASON STREET City Council plans a study session on September 12, regarding the Mason CORRIDOR Street Corridor, with a first reading on October 3, 2000. Susanne Durkin and Chris Maestes asked permission to return next month with a more detailed presentation. Discussion about whether Mason should be a one or two way street is under review. A model called 'Synchro' provides a graphic enactment of how traffic patterns would be changed. Meetings on this subject have been ongoing for the past eighteen months. The final meeting is to be held soon at which time recommendations will be provided, among which is the need to put in bike and pedestrian piece which will also include±underpasses. The City is hoping to apply for Federal (New Start) Funding which would enable them to complete both pieces at the same time. Mr. Slezak raised the Storm Water Drainage issue, and Ms. Durkin agreed to present his concerns and return with additional information, possibly at the next meeting. Ms. Brayton welcomed both presenters to the next Board meeting and requested a volunteer to attend the September 6, meeting which may be the last one. Mr. Hardy was asked to represent DDA at that meeting. MULBERRY/LEMAY Eric Bracke offered a brief update on the Mulberry/Lemay Roundabout. On ROUNDABOUT June 9, approval was received to proceed with the final design, and Mr. Bracke noted that the City was on a fast time frame. The new Inter-Govem- mental Agreement is to be signed on August 15, and the plan is to be open for traffic in January 2001. Landscaping will be completed in the spring. There has been extensive public outreach through the website etc., and the Board was asked how it sees itself becoming involved. The Board felt the need for more information before making a commitment. Mr. Bracke advised that BHA has been retained to assist with the gateway, and consideration is being given to some historical themes as an entry way into Fort Collins. Parks and Recreation has agreed to maintain the landscaping on the roundabout. In answer to Ms. Brayton's question about what plans have been made to divert the trucks during the construction period, and how would these trucks • DDA MINUTES PAGE be re-trained once the roundabout is in place, so as not to continue traversing the Timberline/Vine route? Mr. Bracke answered that there were no plans in place at this time. However, he noted, that if delays occur trucks will be diverted to 1-80. He also shared that the City has been working in close cooperation with the Colorado Motor Carriers' Association, and that a de-icing system which will be imbedded in the concrete is planned. Resembling a hockey puck, these de-icers will emit Magnesium Chloride when the dew point hits a certain level. SUITE *152 PATIO This item was withdrawn from today's agenda, and as a result, no LICENSE AGREEMENT discussion is planned. However, Mr. Stroud indicated an interest in the status of Suite # 152. Mr. Hardy reviewed the timeline. In 1997 the Board voted to license patios in the plaza. In 2000 it was decided to reduce the fee from $3.00 to $1.00 because it was felt the cost per square foot was a detriment to the merchants signing the agreements. Mr. Hardy declines to bring this matter before the Board for any further discussion until agreements have been executed by the five businesses concerned. The merchants have stated that they do not wish to be charged more, or pay any sooner than other patios in the downtown, and the City has not yet made their determination. Suite # 152 had planned to come before the Board with a request for a patio extension, but Mr. Hardy feels that without an agreement in place the subject is moot. Counsel added that when Mr. Steiner first brought the issue to the Board it was in order to bring the businesses under the purvue of insurance, indemnity, etc., especially since alcohol is served in some cases, and therefore DDA is at risk. It was never a question of money. Ms. Liley then cited the different regulations governing each patio. The Board felt the choice is that the merchants sign now at $1.00 per square foot, or wait until January 1, 2001 and pay whatever the City charges for other patios. Another suggestion is to sign the agreement immediately, with no fees levied until the City makes its decision and DDA charges shall not exceed City fees. Mr. Wanner added that uniformity between the two entities is essential. Mr. Fischbach advised that his staff is considering whether liquor serving establishments should pay a higher rate than those who do not serve it. Mr. Stroud then moved to direct Mr. Hardy to use every possible means to obtain signed agreements from the merchants. Payment to begin February 1, 2001 in the amount of $1.00 per square foot. The Agreement will be for a period of three years, to be reevaluated at that time. Use of patios is to be rescinded within a period of two weeks, or whatever is deemed the legal notice period, for those who fail to sign the agreement Mr. Wanner offered a friendly amendment that the $1.00 amount stands until the City sets a rate, and then be commensurate with City standards. Ms. Brayton suggested offering merchants the opportunity to sign agreements today at the $1.00 rate, or sign later at whatever the City determines as its fee. Mr. Wanner offered to second the motion if it included his friendly amendment, but Mr. Stroud decided for clarification to withdraw and restate his motion. DDA MINUTES PAGE The motion newly stated by Mr. Stroud was that the Board shall instruct Mr. Hardy to require the current Agreements be executed within fourteen days of receipt, in accordance with the Board's directive. Effective payment date to be January 1, 2001in the amount of $1.00 per square foot. This amount to remain stable for the term of the existing Agreement, (24 months.) At which time, the rate will adjust to whatever amount is in effect at the City, but not less that $1.00 per square foot. Ms. Liley then suggested that a letter be sent out with the Agreements, under the auspices of the Board of Directors, stating the Board's policy with regard to the execution of the documents within the established time frame. The consequence for failing to sign should be outlined in the letter. Mr. Wanner seconded the motion which passed, with Mr. Belcher opposed. UPDATES New Growth and Tax Initiatives - Mr. Hardy alerted the Board to these Initiatives and added that the Chamber has committees working on both of them. It is imperative the Board stay on top of this situation. ADJOURN There being no further discussion, the meeting adjourned at 9:10 a.m. Jason Meadors, Secretary DOWNTOWN � UWDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY 19 OLD TOWN SQUARE, SUITE 230 Telephone (970) 484-2020 FORT COLLINS, CO 80524 Telefax (970) 484-2069 To: DDA Board of Directors From: Jay Hard Date: September 7, 000 RE: Mason Street Transportation Corridor The plan for the Mason Street Transportation Corridor is scheduled for presentation to City Council. Susanne Durkin from the City of Fort Collins will bring the Board up to date with the final recommendations of the Task Force prior to that presentation. ddoDO� DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY 19 OLD TOWN SQUARE, SUITE 230 Telephone (970) 484-2020 FORT COLLINS, CO 80524 Telefax (970) 484-2069 To: DDA Board of Directors From: Jay Hatdy�«y Date: September , �p0 RE: Suite 152 Patio License At the August meeting, it was noted that the patio constructed in 1997 by Suite 152 was larger than approved by the Board. Therefore, the request is not for an extension of the current patio, but instead to gain permission, after the fact, to continue using the patio already in place. Exhibit A depicts the patio approved by the Board in 1997. Exhibit B depicts the actual construction' which occurred. In the past three years, no problems have arisen which would suggest an issue exists with the additional space. If the Board chooses to officially approve this extension, an addendum to the current agreement will be required. If the Board chooses to deny the request, the requirement to remove this portion of the patio will be issued to the business owner. ddoDOWNTOWN � DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY 19 OLD TOWN SQUARE, SUITE 230 FORT COLLINS, CO 80524 To: DDA Board o Directors From: Jay Hardy Date: September 7, 00 RE: BUDGET FY 2001 Telephone (970) 484-2020 Teletax (970) 484-2069 Attached is a copy of the 2001 Budget. As instructed by the Executive Committee, all categories have been budgeted with an increase of 5% above estimated actual FY2000 figures. Due to increases in the insurance areas, these categories have been increased by 15%, as instructed by City Staff. DOWNTOWN UWDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY 19 OLD TOWN SQUARE, SUITE 230 Telephone (970) 484-2020 FORT COLLINS, CO 80524 Telefax (970) 484-2069 To: DDA Board of Directors From: Jay Hard Date: September 00 RE: Initiative 205 (Tax Cut 2000), Initiative 256 (Citizen Management of Growth) You are no doubt aware, the citizens of Colorado will face many difficult ballot issues this November. In addition to the presidential election there are two issues, which could weigh heavily on the DDA, also included on the ballot. I have attached documentation, which summarizes both ballot initiatives. In reference to Initiative 205 (Tax Cut 2000),1 have included a good summary provided by Sherman & Howard on "Frequently Asked Questions." Additionally, Alan Krcmarik, City of Fort Collins Finance Director, will be in attendance to summarize the potential impact of this initiative on the DDA. Referencing Initiative 256 (Citizen Management of Growth), I have included a complete copy of the Sierra Club's document " Sprawl Costs Us All". This document is the basis of the ballot initiative, and provides their perspective. Additionally, I have included a document provided to us from Cutler & Stanfield, LLP regarding the issues surrounding this initiative. I encourage the Board to review these documents prior to the meeting, in an effort to understand the issues. DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT ddoAUTHORITY 19 OLD TOWN SQUARE, SUITE 230 Telephone (970) 484-2020 FORT COLLINS, CO 80524 Telefax (970) 484-2069 To: DDA Board of Directors From: Jay Hard}C Date: September 7, �000 RE: International Museum/IMAX Feasibility Study Summary In April 2000, the Board approved $10,000 for a feasibility study to review the International Museum and IMAX Theater project. This expenditure was to be matched with private money totaling $20,000. Cultural Events & Exhibitions as well as the Poudre Corporation contributed $5,000 each to the study. Due to expertise and timing, two separate studies have been conducted, and attached is a copy of the `Museum' study. A 90% Draft Copy as well as an updated cover memo of the study, and 10-year performance estimation of the IMAX Theater will be delivered to the Board at our meeting. Subsequently, a Final Draft will be delivered prior to the October Board meeting. I will summarize the studies and accept any "additional elements" you wish to have answered prior to a full Board discussion at the October meeting. DOWNTOWN � dda DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY 19 OLD TOWN SQUARE, SUITE 230 Telephone (970) 484-2020 FORT COLLINS, CO 80524 Telefox (970) 484-2069 To: DDA Board of Directors From: Jay Hard w� Date: September , @000 RE: Updates Old Town Square Patio License Agreements — All agreements have been signed and are currently being recorded with Larimer County. Justice Center Grand Opening — The DDA has participated in the Grand Opening of this downtown project as one of the sponsors of this event. The DDA sponsorship was in the amount of $250. 328 Remington (Old Baptist Church) — Earlier this year the DDA extended its commitment of $50,000 to this project until August 31, 2000. The property owner has not received the additional matching funds required for the project. Although this project is not `technically dead', the property owner must re -submit his project to the Board for funding. The $50,000 committed is now available for other projects; however, it will need to be `re -appropriated' as deemed necessary. Mulberry/Lemay Annexation dates — The annexation proposal is scheduled to appear before City Council on October 17"' and November 7m. Board attendance at these meetings is greatly encouraged. Annual Retreat — The Edwards House is available on both November 9 & 16, 2000 for the DDA retreat. Mr. Belcher has suggested the Board meet in the `Lodge'. He feels the new facility will both meet our needs and provide an attractive and comfortable setting for the annual retreat.