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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDowntown Development Authority - Minutes - 04/06/2000AWNTOWN � DEVELOPMENT ddoAUTHORITY 19 OLD TOWN SQUARE, SUITE 230 FORT COLLINS, CO 80524 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 APRIL 6, 2000 Telephone (970) 484-2020 Telefax (970) 484-2069 REGULAR MEETING The Board of Directors of the Downtown Development Authority met in regular session at 7.30 a.m. on April 6, 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 Chuck Wanner Margaret Brown STAFF Jay Hardy, Executive Director Anne Garrison Lucia Liley, Counsel GUESTS John Fischbach, David Short, Bob Smith, Mike Powers, Bill Neal, Mikal Torgerson, Mimako Sato, Bill Sears CALL TO ORDER Ms. Brayton called the meeting to order at 7.30 a.m. and roll call was taken. APPROVAL OF Mr. Meadors moved to adopt the minutes of March 2, 2000 as written, MINUTES this was seconded by Mr. Belcher and carried unanimously. DDA MINUTES PAGE 616 SOUTH COLLEGE Mr. Hardy introduced Mikal Torgerson, representing the captioned project owners. Displaying a very attractive model of the redevelopment planned for this site, Mr. Torgerson explained that the current 'A' frame structure, home of the Cluck University Chicken Company will be razed and replaced by a two story structure with four commercial spaces on the ground floor. One of these spaces will be occupied by Cluck University Chicken Company. In addition there will be four two bedroom residential units each offering a little over 1,100 square feet of living space. The conceptual review by the City is complete, and the project is about nine months out from construction. However, financing is still being finalized and to this end, the owners are requesting DDA participation In the amount of $57,896. Mr. Hardy took a few moments to address the financing issues surrounding this request. Tax increment is a consideration, but Mr. Hardy would be comfortable only if this was set for a four year period. He sees the project as a facade acquisition, if the Board decides to participate in the $50,000 range. Because of the delayed construction date, this project should be reviewed again in approximately one year. Mr. Torgerson asked that the project owners be permitted to return to the Board in the event that the projected cost substantially exceeded the amount proposed. Mr. Belcher moved to support the project in the full amount of the requested $57,896 using tax increment financing. This was seconded by Mr. Stroud and carried unanimously. POUDRE RIVER Bob Smith gave a visual presentation of the Poudre River Floodplain FtOODPLAIN Regulations as they will be presented to City Council. Mr. Smith REGULATIONS explained that they will be reviewed at a study session on Tuesday April 11, and subject to formal action on May 2, 2000. He explained that the flood of 1997 has raised a lot of questions, and that the regulations are intended to determine the level of risk, promote the safety, health and welfare of the community by being proactive rather than reactive, as in 1997. A chart dating back to 1844 traced the levels of the river through stone and flood events. A question and answer period followed, and Mr. Smith closed his presentation by stating that the majority of people supported Option 'C' in the Monday April 3, open house meeting, however general feedback is varied. Mr. Hardy will obtain input from a sub -committee established late in 1999, and submit to Mr. Smith prior to the Tuesday Study Session. Comments from the Board were as follows: Mr. Stroud felt that Option B-1 concerning 'critical facilities' is too restrictive as it reads now. Mr. Fischbach Interjected that it is a matter which will be discussed further, and there may be a greater emphasis on wholesale rather than retail type facilities. Mr. Slezak referenced FEMA which he noted, as part of Federal regulations already carries high standards. He therefore felt that what was considered acceptable by a Federal agency should certainly be sufficient for Fort Collins. Ms. Brayton concluded the discussion by requesting that staff poll the committee by telephone, and from those comments Mr. Hardy would DDA MINUTES PAGE Frame a memo to be sent to Bob Smith, reflecting DDA's stance on this issue, which will then be forwarded to the Board. PERFORMING ARTS/ Mr. Powers - Parks and Recreation Department provided a detailed AMPHITHEATER slide presentation of the Oxbow Site, which the City of Fort Collins has been interested in for the past fifteen years. Although other offers are on the table for this property, the owners would like to see something on the site which has broad appeal to the community as a whole, and this proposal seems to meet that requirement. The question arose as to how this project would be funded. Mr. Powers asked the Board to consider being one of five funding partners. The others being the City General Fund, Stormwater, Parks and Recreation and Natural Areas. Once the land is purchased Larry Kendall has agreed to spearhead a group committed to building the project. The Center would be owned by the City and managed by the Parks and Receation Department. Mr. Powers wondered if the Downtown Live Concerts could be held there, and thus avoid some of the crowding and damage problems experienced in the past few years in Old Town Square. The Board, however, was concerned about the adverse impact on restaurants and retailers it the event was moved. Another concern expressed by the Board was whether or not the noise factor from the Amphitheater would be acceptable to the Buckingham neighborhood residents. Following the appraisal being completed April 6, the City Council will go into executive session to determine the next step. Asked to give a ballpark figure of costs. Mr. Powers estimated two million dollars for the land and a futher five million dollars to do the project. W. Stroud moved that the Board place under high consideration the concept as proposed and funding numbers, subject to receiving additional information. Mr. Meadors seconded the motion. Mr. Hardy indicated that our commitment to this project would place us at the end of the DDA financial reservoir, which is at one million plus at this time. However, he explained that a new DDA district would allow us more borrowing time and enable us to do more. Clarifying this motion, it was stated that the proposed fioodplain regulations do not affect this project at all, and with that the motion canted unanimously. MUSEUM/IMAX Following the presentation by CEE last month, Mr. Hardy also met with IMAX representatives, and as a result, suggested that if the Board wishes to be ongoing with this project, the next logical step is a feasibility study. He also posed the question as to whether it should comprise one study of both facilities combined, or a separate study for each. Mr. Hardy's findings indicate that while several companies are expert in studies which relate to IMAX Theaters, no companies has done many studies on museums of this type only. Mr. Pitner expressed his concern about an influx of chartered buses which such an event could attract, and asked the Board to consider if this was what was really desired for Downtown Fort Collins. In this regard, he felt he could not support seeing the project move forward. Bill Neal, Developer, asked the Board's indulgence in order to share that he feels strongly that this is a project which couples with a downtown Hotel DDA MINUTES PAGE and conference center. John Fischbach acknowledged Mr. Neal's vision concerning the need for a downtown hotel, but he has also given some thought to the bus loads of people coming into Fort Collins to visit the IMAX and museum, and how that might impact the City. It was brought to the attention of the Board that Estes Park had given some consideration to an IMAX Theater and it may be prudent to contact them to see if any of their research might be of value to the Fort Collins undertaking. Mr. Stroud stated his interest not so much in the cost of the study but in the qualify thereof. We need to discover who has done this kind of study before. Mr. Slezak expressed concern over any large expenditure, primarily because of commitments by DDA which are already extended. He then moved that this discussion be tabled until more Information was available, however the motion died. Mr. Slezak then suggested that the cost of a study should be shared by those who would gain from the project. Ms. Brown stated that she supported doing a feasibility study. Ms. Brayton sought to clarify that a feasibility study does not necessarily indicate DDA is going forward with the project because it obtains more information in the form of a study. Mr. Slezak then moved to commit $10,000 toward a feasibility study and in addition, to instruct the Executive Director to seek out other partners to help fund the balance. The Director would have full authority in the choice of company selected. Mr. Stroud seconded the motion which carried unanimously. Mr. Hardy offered his thanks on behalf of the Board to Mr. Neal for his willingness to share the hotel feasibility study which he commissioned in 1998. OTHER BUSINESS ■ LPC Participation - There was no representative from LPC present, and it was suggested that a call be placed to ensure the ongoing participation between the two entities. The Website information is to be reviewed in May - more updates to follow. A financial report was included in the packets, and the Board was asked to comment on the format and provide Mr. Hardy with any suggestions on how this should read in future. The Board was satisfied with the report as it stands. ADJOURN There being no further discussion, the meeting adjourned at 9:50 a.m. Jason Meadors, Secretary DOWNTOWN � DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY 19 OLD TOWN SQUARE, SUITE 230 FORT COLLINS, CO 80524 To: DDA Board of Directors From: Jay Hard Date: May 4, 2000 RE: Sears Trostel Project Conceptual Review Telephone (970) 484-2020 Telefox (970) 484-2069 Bill Sears, owner, Bill Neal, developer and Mikal Torgerson, architect for this project will present the plans for a new building, slated for construction at the current Sears Trostel site on Linden Street. It is anticipated that this mixed -use building will be one of the first redevelopment projects on the north side of Jefferson, and a natural extension of Linden Street. Complete with ground level retail locations, this project also incorporates some housing to the central business district. No financial request is being made at this time. The project is presented for the Board's information, comments and questions. Later this year when plans are finalized, a request for funding is planned. DOWNTOWN � 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 Date: May 4, 2000 1 RE: Poudre River Floodplain Regulations Resolution During the April 2000 Board meeting, Bob Smith from the City of Fort Collins Utility Department presented the latest information regarding the Poudre River Floodplain Regulations. At that time, a May 2, 2000 date was given for review of these regulations by City Council. The Board directed staff to solicit comments from the sub -committee assembled last year, and forward them to City Council. Since that time, the City has postponed this discussion until June 2000. Therefore, we have the opportunity to introduce a formal resolution outlining DDA's conclusions. Any late changes in the City Staff recommendations will be made available to the Board, and a formal resolution can then be drafted and submitted to City Council prior to the June 2000, if the Board so desires. AWNTOWN • dda DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY 19 OLD TOWN SQUARE, SUITE 230 FORT COLLINS, CO 80524 To: DDA Board of Directors From: Jay Hardy-< . Date: May 4, 2000 RE: DDA Website Telephone (970) 484-2020 Telefax (970) 484-2069 The DDA Board reviewed a proposal earlier this year to consider the construction of a website for the DDA. At that time, staff was directed to assemble a committee to review different options, and report to the Board. During this discussion, John Fischbach suggested a further review of the City's website and offered staff assistance for this project. Our recommendation, therefore, is to incorporate a DDA website, utilizing City staff. Total cost of this project is estimated at $600. This will allow the DDA to have a much - better presence within the City's site, as well as promote upcoming projects and the future of the DDA. The site will also allow the DDA to "tell our story" during the anticipated time of renewal/redesign of the current district. ddAWNTOWN � o DEVELOPMENTAUTHOR N 19 OLD TOWN SQUARE, SUITE 230 FORT COLLINS, CO 80524 To: DDA Board of Directors From: Date: Jay Hardy) May 4, 2000�' RE: Updates Telephone (970) 484-2020 Telefox (970) 484-2069 1. DDA Future Committee Planning & Zoning Representative — Included in your packet is a letter drafted to the Planning & Zoning Board, requesting a representative on the DDA Future Planning Committee. In response to the letter, the Planning & Zoning Board has appointed Mikal Torgerson to serve in that capacity. 2. DDA Board of Directors extensions — Two current Board members' seats are scheduled to expire at the end of June 2000. Steve Slezak is finishing his second term of service and Margaret Brown is concluding her first. The City of Fort Collins has requested all Boards and Commission seats be extended to the end of the calendar year, 2000. Ms. Brown and Mr. Slezak have been contacted and both have agreed to continue serving the DDA through December 2000. City Council will begin application consideration of new candidates in September. DOWNTOWN � DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY 19 OLD TOWN SQUARE, SUITE 230 FORT COLLINS, CO 80524 April 24, 2000 Glen Colton - Chair Planning & Zoning Board c/o Current Planning 281 N. College Ave. Fort Collins, CO 80524 Dear Mr. Colton, Telephone (970) 484-2020 Telefax (970) 484-2069 We would like to offer a seat on the Committee to Research the Future of the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) to a member of the Planning & Zoning Board. Enabled in 1981 for a period of 25 years, the DDA faces some potential changes in the next few years, and therefore it invites the input of the P&Z Board in planning for this future. The committee consists of members of the community representing the City of Fort Collins City Council and staff, Larimer County, the Poudre School District, current and past DDA Board of Directors, downtown property owners as well as owners and operators of the downtown Fort Collins business community. In the event the P & Z Board elects to participate, we would encourage you to consider representation which falls into one of these categories. In general, the committee meets once a month for a two-hour block on the last Wednesday of each month from 3:00-5:00 p.m. The location is the City Council Conference Room at City Hall. We hope this offer of a committee seat will be discussed as a Board and if representation is desired, you will contact me with the individual's name. We welcome any thoughts or comments you may have. Sincerely, Jay Hardy Executive Director Downtown Development Authority f • City of Fort Collins April 7, 2000 Dear community member: As you can see by all the construction activity downtown, the vision of a vital downtown district is rising out of the ground. The Civic Center Master Plan, adopted in 1995, is taking shape, and it's very exciting to see. The Civic Center Master Plan was created to manage the growth of downtown in order to maintain and enhance its special appeal. If you look at the design of the new structures and the materials used, you can see how they reflect the historic character of the area. The Parking Structure has been open for business for several months, and the Larimer County Justice Center is nearing completion. Construction of the new City office building will begin in several months. The downtown district will continue to be transformed through this first decade of the 2l't century. Thanks to Building Community Choices, a tax initiative approved by the voters in 1997, funding is available to purchase land for a new performing arts facility and new library. A new Northside Atzlan Center is fully funded. City Council directed staff to locate land for these new facilities in the downtown area, and public feedback indicates support for these plans. City staff is moving forward as quickly as possible in its search for appropriate downtown sites for these future facilities. Like the Civic Center Master Plan, City Plan is also just now beginning to shape development in Fort Collins. Harmony Marketplace, the first town -like district incorporating City Plan elements, was completed last year. The influence of City Plan will also be evident in Harvest Park, a recently approved development project immediately south of Preston Junior High School, and in Linden Park, a project located west of Timberline and north of Trilby, which is in the final stage of the City's review process. I realize that City Plan still needs to prove itself, and that some in our community are skeptical regarding its benefits. Some of the concerns that I hear expressed are certainly valid, and until we have developed a sufficient number of projects to fairly evaluate City Plan, I believe that some degree of skepticism is entirely appropriate. We fashioned City Plan from an exhaustive community process, making every attempt to successfully merge a wide divergence of public opinion. Have we succeeded? Have we created a vision of the future of Fort Collins that builds on our high quality of life and yet remains affordable? As projects come on line, we will start getting answers to our questions. 300 LaPorte Avenue • PO. Box 580 • Fort Collins, CO 80522-0580 • (970) 221-6505 • FAX (970) 224-6107 Some have been critical of City Plan based on what they think it requires. For example, the impression that City Plan determines precisely where garages are to be situated and what colors are to be used on homes is misinformed. It is not the case. Others have been critical of City Plan based on what it does require. Some homebuilders, for example, are concerned about possible additional costs of development since City Plan requires that building plans be tailored to a specific site and to community desires and standards. Stock plans are no longer acceptable and must be retooled to fit the needs of the location. Is the community willing to accept potentially higher costs in return for the higher development standards it has chosen? Until such time as our questions are answered, we will continue to fine tune City Plan, to make it as responsive to the needs of the community as possible. I urge you to stay involved in this process. Following are some of the key elements of City Plan: • New residential developments will form more complete neighborhoods, meeting more of our needs closer to home. There will be a mix of housing types and prices in each neighborhood. • New neighborhood streets will be designed for pedestrians and bicyclists as well as motorists. • High frequency transit service will be available between major destinations. • Commercial strips are out. Town -like districts and centers are in. Whether it's shopping, working or entertainment, we will be able to go to a single place to meet several needs in one trip. City Plan is based on "smart growth" principles, which seek to manage growth, not stop it. In addition to our local City Plan effort, Fort Collins has also taken the lead in implementing regional smart growth strategies. The Communities Separator Study and Northern Colorado Regional Communities 1-25 Corridor Plan are just two examples of the ways in which Fort Collins and other Northern Colorado communities are addressing open space planning and preservation, an integrated regional transportation system and building design standards. As community leaders, each of you face the challenges and needs of our growing community. Let us continue to work together to enhance Fort Collins' reputation as one of the most highly regarded cities in the nation. I welcome your comments. Please feel free to call me at 221-6505, or e-mail me at ifischbachtcci.fort-collins.co.us with your thoughts and suggestions. Sincerely, Pa 1. Qjt John F. Fischbach City Manager