HomeMy WebLinkAboutDowntown Development Authority - Minutes - 02/01/2001MOWNTOWN
UWDEVELOPMENT
AUTHORITY
19 OLD TOWN SQUARE, SUITE 230
FORT COLLINS, CO 80524 Telephone (970) 484-2020
Telefax (970) 484-2069
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 FEBRUARY I , 20O I
REGULAR MEETING
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY MET IN REGULAR
SESSION AT 7:30 A.M. ON FEBRUARY 1, 2OO I IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM AT HOME
STATE BANK, 303 FAST MOUNTAIN AVENUE.
PRESENT
THERE WERE PRESENT:
MARY BRAYTON. CHAIR
LARRY STROUD, VICE CHAIR
JASON MEADORS, SECRETARY/TREASURER
CAREY HEWITT
Kim JORDAN
GREG BELCHER
RICK GOODALE
JOHN PITNER
CHUCK WANNER
STAFF
JAY HARDY, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
ANNE GARRISON
LUCIA LILEY, COUNSEL
GUESTS
JOHN FISCHBACH. TOM MCCLELLAND, JEREMY LAWSON, DAVID SHORT, ANGELA MILEWSKI
VIRGIL TAYLOR, DEAN KL.INGNER
CALL TO ORDER
THE MEETING CAME TO ORDER AT 7.30
A.M. AND ROLL CALL WAS TAKEN.
APPROVAL OF
MINUTES
MR. MEADORS MOVED TO ADOPT THE MINUTES OF JANUARY 4, 2001 AS WRITTEN
MR.
AND
STROUD SECONDED THE MOTION WHICH CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY.
200 WALNUT STREET
REFERENCING THE NOVEMBER 199Q BOARD DECISION AT WHICH
TIME UP TO $45,000
WAS COMMITTED FOR SIDEWALK IMPROVEMENTS. THE PROJECT WILL NOW COMMENCE ON
APRIL 1. 2001 FOLLOWING THE COMPLETION OF WORK ON BEAU JOSS CORNER. MR.
HARDY INTRODUCED VIRGIL TAYLOR AND DEAN KUNGNER AND USING A SCHEMATIC THEY
EXPLAINED THAT THE PRIMARY EMPHASIS WILL BE ON THE CORNER, AND FROM THERE TO
THE ALLEY, USING STANDARD CONCRETE. THE ISLAND, HOWEVER, WILL Be RENOVATED TO
INCLUDE ADDITIONAL TREES,
COLORED PAVERS WITH BENCH AND TRASH CONTAINER, TO
MATCH OTHER AREAS OF DOWNTOWN. THE BEAU JO'S PROJECT IS SLATED
TO TAKE 8 - 10
WEEKS, AND WALNUT STREET ONLY 3 - 4 WEEKS. AFTER THAT THERE WILL BE A BREAK
IN
CONSTRUCTION UNTIL FALL, TO ALLOW FOR SUMMER ACTIVITIES TO TAKE PLACE.
DDA MINUTES
PAGE 2
IN SEPTEMBER THE NORTHERN HOTEL CORNER WILL BE COMPLETED AT ABOUT THE SAME
TIME THE HOTEL RENOVATION IS CONCLUDED. OTHER CORNERS ON MOUNTAIN AVENUE ARE
SLATED FOR LATE 2001 OR 2002. FINALLY, DEPENDING ON THE STORM DRAINAGE
PROJECT AND HOW QUICKLY IT BECOMES A REALITY, OAK STREET COULD BE THE NEXT
AREA TO RECEIVE ATTENTION. THE CENTER MEDIAN AND THE PLAZA ITSELF ARE SCHEDULED,
BUT A LOT OF WORK LIES AHEAD WITH STORM DRAINAGE PERSONNEL BEFORE THAT CAN TAKE
PLACE. MR. TAYLOR CONFIRMED THAT EVERY CONSIDERATION WOULD BE GIVEN TO HEAVY
TRAFFIC TIMES, SHOPPERS, PLANNED EVENTS AND OTHER FACTORS IN THE DOWNTOWN.
MR. FISCHBACH CLARIFIED FOR THE BOARD THAT THE ENGINEERS PLAN TO TUNNEL UNDER
COLLEGE AVENUE AND TAKE THE STORM WATER DRAINAGE THROUGH OAK RATHER THAN
MOUNTAIN AVENUE.
OTS KIOSK DESIGN FOLLOWING A PRESENTATION BY PROJECT COORDINATOR, LINDA DOWLEN IN NOVEMBER
2000, THE BOARD REQUESTED MS. DOWLEN MEET WITH REPRESENTATIVES FROM DDA,
DBA AND LPC TO DETERMINE A DESIGN THAT WOULD BE ACCEPTABLE TO ALL THREE
ENTITIES. THE SCHEMATIC INCLUDED IN THE PACKETS SHOWS A KIOSK OF SMALLER
DIMENSIONS WITH A REDUCED CANOPY. THE COST IS $34,900 PLUS SOME IN HOUSE
LABOR CHARGES WHICH HAVE BEEN UNDERWRITTEN BY A GRANT AND SOME LOCAL FUNDS.
DDA'S PERMISSION ONLY IS BEING SOUGHT TO PLACE THE KIOSK IN THE PLAZA, AND NO
FUNDING IS REQUESTED. IT IS PLANNED THAT THE KIOSK WILL FIT INTO A WEDGE TO BE
REMOVED FROM THE CIRCULAR BENCH ALREADY IN PLACE, AND ASIDE FROM PROVIDING
INFORMATION ON BUS ROUTES, IT WILL ALSO OFFER MAPS OF DOWNTOWN AND BIKE ROUTES.
THE UNIT IS BELIEVED TO BE VANDAL -PROOF, AND WILL BE OWNED AND MAINTAINED BY THE
TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT. A SIMPLE LICENSE AGREEMENT WILL SUFFICE, SINCE THE
CITY IS DDA'S SUCCESSOR.
MR. MEADORS MOVED TO APPROVE THE KIOSK IN COLOR, MATERIALS AND DESIGN AND THAT
THE BOARD REQUEST COUNSEL DRAFT A SIMPLIFIED LICENSE AGREEMENT TO THAT EFFECT.
THE LICENSE AGREEMENT SHOULD BE FOR A TERM OF FIVE YEARS WITH AN OPTION FOR AN
ADDITIONAL FIVE YEARS. THIS WAS SECONDED BY MR. WANNER AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
227 S. COLLEGE AVENUE MR. HARDY INTRODUCED TOM MCCLELLAND, OWNER OF ACE HARDWARE AND HIS GENERAL
MANAGER, JEREMY LAWSON. ACE HARDWARE WILL VACATE ITS CURRENT PREMISES IN
MARCH AND MOVE INTO THE OLD LARRABEE'S SPACE AT 227 S. COLLEGE AVENUE, AND
THE MANAGEMENT TEAM FROM LARRABEE'S WILL OWN AND OPERATE A PATIO FURNITURE
OPERATION FROM THE BASEMENT OF THE BUILDING. THE REQUEST BEING MADE BY MR.
MCCLELIAND FOR THE FACADE RENOVATION IS $23,871 .00. MR. HARDY SHARED WHAT
IS A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY TO IMPROVE/REPLACE THE EXISTING SIDEWALK IN FRONT OF THIS
PROPERTY WHICH IS IN A POOR STATE OF REPAIR. ALTHOUGH THIS IS NOT PART OF THE
OWNER'S REQUEST, THE PROJECT IS FLANKED BY HISTORIC BUILDINGS, AND THE OLIVE
STREET CORNER IS CURRENTLY UNDERGOING RENOVATION. IT WOULD MAKE SENSE, WHILE
CONSTRUCTION IS UNDERWAY, TO TAKE CARE OF THIS NEED AT THE SAME TIME. THE
CURRENT OWNER DOES NOT HAVE THE FUNDS TO UNDERWRITE THIS COST, WHICH IS
ESTIMATED AT $ 1 B4O00.00 FOR THE SECTION IMMEDIATELY ADJACENT TO 227 SOUTH
COLLEGE AVENUE.
THE PROPOSALS WERE CONSIDERED SEPARATELY. AROUND THE TABLE, STRONG SUPPORT
FOR THE PROJECT WAS ARTICULATED. THE FEELING WAS THAT THE STORE IS AN ANCHOR
FOR THIS PART OF DOWNTOWN, WITH A REPUTATION THAT DRAWS TRAFFIC INTO THE AREA.
MR. HEWITT THEN MOVED TO APPROVE DDA PARTICIPATION IN THE FACADE IN THE AMOUNT
OF $23,871 .00. THIS WAS SECONDED BY MR. PITNER AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
SOME DISCUSSION FOLLOWED CONCERNING THE SIDEWALK IMPROVEMENTS BECAUSE THE
CURB CUT ON THE NORTH END IS VERY HIGH. CONSIDERATION WAS GIVEN TO ADDING YET
ANOTHER STEP TO THE CURB WITH SOME APPROPRIATE LANDSCAPING. HOWEVER, CONCERN
WAS EXPRESSED ABOUT THE IMPACT ON DRAINAGE AND HOW FAR BEYOND THE BUILDING
MIGHT BE AFFECTED.
Ms. BRAYTON AND MR. HARDY BOTH SUGGESTED THAT IT MADE SENSE TO DO THE SIDEWALK
IMPROVEMENTS OUTSIDE THE VACATED ACE HARDWARE SITE AT THE SAME TIME, WHICH
WOULD BRING THE PARTICIPATION LEVEL TO $32,000. MR. GOODALE INQUIRED IF THE
FUNDS WHICH ARE TO BE DRAWN FROM CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS CAN BE REPLACED
FROM OUR TAX INCREMENT RESERVES. THE RESPONSE WAS AFFIRMATIVE, WITH CITY
COUNCIL APPROPRIATION.
0 •
DDA MINUTES
PAGE 3
MR. MEADORS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE UP TO $32,000 FROM THE
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS FUND, THIS AMOUNT DIVIDED BETWEEN TWO COMPONENTS:
A) $ 18,000 FOR SIDEWALK RENOVATION IN FRONT OF 227 S. COLLEGE AVENUE
B) $ 14,000 FOR SIDEWALK IMPROVEMENTS IN FRONT OF THE PRESENT ACE HARDWARE.
FINAL DESIGN TO BE CONTINGENT UPON APPROVAL BY THE DDA; STAFF TO COORDINATE
CONSTRUCTION SCHEDULE WITH MR. MCCLELLAND. OWNER WILL TAKE RESPONSIBILITY
FOR GETTING CONCRETE WORK COMPLETED, AND DDA WILL REIMBURSE FUNDS UPON
COMPLETION. THE MOTION WAS SECONDED BY MR. BELCHER AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
MR. GOODALE THEN MOVED THAT DDA TRANSFER $32,000 FROM TAX INCREMENT
RESERVE TO CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS AND TO REQUEST THAT CITY COUNCIL. AUTHORIZE THE
TRANSFER. THIS MOTION IS TIED SPECIFICALLY TO THE SIDEWALK IMPROVEMENTS DETAILED
ABOVE. MR. MEADORS SECONDED THE MOTION WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
OVERVIEW OF DDA COUNSEL OPENED THIS DISCUSSION TO EXPLAIN TO NEW BOARD MEMBERS„ AND AS A
BY MS. LILEY REFRESHER FOR OTHERS, THE RESPECTIVE ROLES OF THE CITY AND DDA. THE STATUTES
INDICATE THAT THIS WAS CLEARLY INTENDED TO BE A VERY CLOSE WORKING PARTNERSHIP
BETWEEN THE TWO ENTITIES. THE CITY COUNCIL APPOINTS MEMBERS TO THE DDA BOARD.
AUTHORITY MEMBERS, HOWEVER, UNLIKE OTHER BOARDS, CANNOT BE REMOVED WITHOUT
CAUSE. THE BUDGET IS APPROVED BY THE DDA BOARD, BUT ALSO HAS TO BE APPROVED
BY CITY COUNCIL, SO THERE IS A CHECK AND BALANCE IN PLACE ABOUT HOW THE MONIES
ARE SPENT.
THERE ARE TWO PRIMARY SOURCES OF FUNDING IN THE DDA, THE AD VALOREM TAX WHICH
IS PRIMARILY FOR ADMINSTRATION AND SALARIES, BUT CAN BE USED FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
THE SECOND SOURCE OF FUNDING IS TAX INCREMENT. IN THIS CASE, BONDS ARE ISSUED BY
THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS, THE FIRST COMMITMENT BEING THE REPAYMENT OF THOSE
BONDS. FOLLOWING WHICH, RESERVE ACCOUNTS ARE SET UP THAT ARE MAINTAINED AT A
CERTAIN LEVEL, THE REMAINDER CAN THEN BE USED FOR PROJECTS WITHIN THE DDA
BOUNDARIES. FIRST, HOWEVER, A DEBT HAS TO BE CREATED BY THE CITY WHEN USING TAX
INCREMENT FUNDS. THUS, TAX INCREMENT IS ESSENTIALLY UNDER THE CONTROL OF THE
CITY COUNCIL AND APPROVAL MUST BE OBTAINED TO SPEND IT. IN THE CASE OF PROJECTS
OUTSIDE THE BOUNDARIES, THIS BOARD MUST FIRST APPROVE THE ANNEXATION, AND SUBMIT
IT TO COUNCIL FOR ITS APPROVAL. IF THE BOARD DOES NOT APPROVE THE ANNEXATION, IT
DOES NOT PROGRESS TO CITY COUNCIL.
THERE IS A CAREFULLY CRAFTED SET OF CHECKS AND BALANCES WHICH FOR THE PAST
TWENTY YEARS HAS SERVED BOTH ENTITIES WELL. THEY HAVE WORKED TOGETHER FOR THE
BENEFIT OF DOWNTOWN, WITH DDA DEVELOPING A PLAN OF DEVELOPMENT., PROPOSING
PROJECTS AND THEN CITY COUNCIL APPROVING ANY EXPENDITURE FROM TAX INCREMENT
FUNDS. WHEN DDA RECEIVES GRANT MONIES, IT HAS THE RIGHT TO SPEND IT IN ANY WAY
THAT MEETS THE STATUTE REQUIREMENTS.
THE CITY IS THE LEGAL SUCCESSOR TO THE DDA, SO IF IT WERE TO GO OUT OF EXISTENCE,
ALL ASSETS, CONTRACTS, FACADE EASEMENTS, TOGETHER WITH ALL RIGHTS AND
OBLIGATIONS WOULD GO TO THE CITY.
DDA's SUNSET IN 2006 IS OFTEN ADDRESSED. IN ACTUALITY, THERE WAS NO TIME FRAME
SET FOR ITS EXPIRATION WHEN THE COUNCIL FIRST SET UP THE DDA, BUT THE TAX
INCREMENT FINANCING AUTHORITY EXPIRES IN 2006. SO THE ENTITY COULD CONTINUE,
ALONG WITH THE AD VALOREM TAX LEW, BUT THERE WOULD NO LONGER BE ANY TAX
INCREMENT WHICH GREATLY DIMINISHES THE ROLE DDA CAN PLAY, AND ITS ABILITY TO FUND
PROJECTS. THEREFORE, THE FUTURE OF THE DDA COMMITTEE HAS BEEN SET UP, NOT SO
MUCH TO RE-CREATE THE DDA, BUT TO DETERMINE HOW WE MIGHT SET UP NEW TAX
INCREMENT FINANCING.
THE QUESTION OF WHAT HAPPENS TO REMAINING FUNDS WHEN 2006 COMES WAS POSED.
MB. LILEY COUNTERED THAT "WE MUST BE CAREFUL TO SPEND IT." TO THE EXTENT THAT IS
HAS BEEN ACCUMULATED. DDA WOULD IDENTIFY TAX INCREMENT PROJECTS,TAKE THEM TO
CITY COUNCIL WHICH WOULD CREATE AN IN/OUT DEBT THAT IS SATISFIED VIRTUALLY
IMMEDIATELY, AND THE MONIES COULD BE PLEDGED FOR THOSE PROJECTS. THE TIMING IS
IMPORTANT, BECAUSE DDA MUST BE SURE TO APPROPRIATE THE MONEY, BECAUSE IF IT
ISN'T SPENT, IT RETURNS TO THE VARIOUS TAXING ENTITIES.
n
u
P
DDA MINUTES
PAGE 4 A SUMMARY OF DDA'S MISSION IS 'THE DEVELOPMENT AND REDEVELOPMENT OF THE
CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT.' THE MOST PROMINENT FEATURES MENTIONED IN THE STATUTE
ARE DEVELOPMENT PLANS, WORKING IN COORDINATION WITH THE CITY, AND THE PHYSICAL
RESTORATION OF PROPERTY BOTH PUBLIC AND PRIVATE. THE ORIGINAL PLAN OF
DEVELOPMENT WAS SET FORTH AT THE SAME TIME THE DDA WAS CREATED. IT WAS
DEVELOPED BY THE BOARD, THEN FORWARDED TO THE PLANNING AND ZONING BOARD AND
FINALLY APPROVED BY CITY COUNCIL. IT IS A DOCUMENT OF MANY PAGES, OUTLINING
IN GENERAL FORM THE MAIN COMPONENTS THAT DDA DESIRED TO ACHIEVE.. THE REASON
IT HAS NEVER BEEN AMENDED IS BECAUSE THE MISSION REMAINS THE SAME. IT SPEAKS OF
THE RESTORATION OF HISTORIC BUILDINGS, PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENTS,
AND PROJECTS TO DEVELOP AROUND THE RIVER THAT ARE LINKED TO DOWNTOWN. THIS LIST
OF ITEMS IS DESCRIBED IN GENERAL TERMS, AND INCLUDES STUDIES THAT WENT INTO
DETERMINING THIS LIST. THE ONLY AMENDMENTS OF WHICH MS. LILEY 15 AWARE ARE SOME
CHANGES TO THE BOUNDARY LINES AS ANNEXATIONS HAVE OCCURRED. THIS IS ONE THING
WHICH THE FUTURE OF THE DDA COMMITTEE MAY RECOMMEND, IS AN UPDATE FOR THE
NEXT 20 - 25 YEARS IF THERE IS A NEW TAX INCREMENT.
REFERENCING THE DDA PLAN OF DEVELOPMENT, M5. LILEY COMMENDED IT AS INTERESTING
READING, AND IN ANSWER TO QUESTIONS AS TO WHETHER PRIORITIES HAD BEEN SET OR A
TIME FRAME DETERMINED, MS. LILEY SAID THERE WERE NONE. HOWEVER, KEY ISSUES
SURFACE WHICH ARE HOUSING, BEAUTIFICATION AND PUBLIC AND PRIVATE IMPROVEMENTS,
BUTTRESSING THE RETAIL COMMERCIAL ASPECT, WHICH WAS A KEY ISSUE IN THE 1 9B0'S.
IT SPEAKS OF METHODS OF FINANCING AND THE ECONOMIC VIABILITY OF THE DOWNTOWN.
IF THE DDA GOES BEYOND 2006, IT MAY BE ADVISABLE TO UPDATE SINCE SOME OF THE
STUDIES ARE NOW OUTDATED.
IN ANSWER TO THE QUESTION OF IF IT WILL TAKE A CITY VOTE TO RESTART TAX INCREMENT
FINANCING, COUNSEL SHARED THAT THIS IS THE PENDING LEGAL QUESTION AT THIS TIME.
WHEN DDA WAS SET UP AND FINANCING APPROVED IT WAS PRE -TABOR. NO ONE FULLY
UNDERSTANDS WHAT THE ELECTION REQUIREMENTS WOULD BE WHEN YOU HAVE TAX
INCREMENT FINANCING THAT IS DIVERTING TAXES NOT JUST FROM THE CITY, BUT FROM THE
COUNTY, WEED AND SCHOOL DISTRICTS, ETC. THE QUESTION IS, DO WE NEED A VOTE FROM
ALL OF THESE ENTITIES, ALTHOUGH MOST ATTORNEY'S DO NOT THINK THAT IS THE CASE,
WE CANNOT GET A BOND COUNSEL OPINION UNTIL THAT IS RESOLVED. THERE IS A CASE
PENDING WHICH WILL BE ARGUED ON MONDAY BEFORE THE COLORADO SUPREME COURT,
WHICH MIGHT ANSWER THE QUESTION. IF NOT WE HAVE TRIED TO SEE IF THE GOVERNOR IS
INTERESTED IN DIRECTING A SET OF INTERROGATORIES TO THE SUPREME COURT TO ANSWER
IT. FAILING THAT WE HAVE DISCUSSED HAVING A TEST CASE, AS A LAST OPTION, SETTING IT
UP, AUTHORIZING A DISTRICT, DOING A VOTE AND HAVING A FRIENDLY LAW SUIT TO TRY AND
RESOLVE IT. WITHOUT AN ANSWER, NO ONE IN THE STATE OF COLORADO CAN MOVE
FORWARD AND SET UP A TAX INCREMENT DISTRICT OR DDA OR URBAN RENEWAL.
MR. HARDY ADDED THAT IN THE STATE OF COLORADO THERE ARE TWENTY NINE URBAN
RENEWAL AUTHORITIES AND NINE DDA'S. THOSE WHO ARE NEARING THE END OF THEIR TIME
ARE IN THE SAME POSITION AS THE FORT COLLINS' DDA.
COUNSEL TOOK A MOMENT TO CLARIFY THE BROOMFIELD CASE. IN THIS INSTANCE, THE
COUNTY IS ONE OF THE PLAINTIFFS IN THAT ACTION AND IT BROUGHT THE TABOR
ELECTION CHALLENGE. THE COURT SAID THE COUNTY DID NOT HAVE STANDING TO RAISE
THE TABOR ISSUE BECAUSE IT IS NOT A TAX PAYER. IF THE SUPREME COURT AFFIRMS
THAT COURT OF APPEALS RULING, THEY WILL NEVER GET TO THE TABOR ISSUE. IF THEY
REVERSE THE COURT OF APPEALS RULING AND FIND THAT THERE IS STANDING, IT CAN
EITHER BE REMANDED BACK FOR FURTHER DETERMINATION OR WE COULD GET A RULING AS
TO WHETHER IT 15 A TABOR ISSUE, OR WHAT WOULD BE INVOLVED IN AN ELECTION.
MULBERRY/LEMAY SUMMARIZING WHAT HAS ALREADY TAKEN PLACE, MR. HARDY NOTED THAT THE ANNEXATION IS
CROSSINGS APPROVED AND IS ESTIMATED IT WILL PROVIDE IN EXCESS OF $4.5 MILLION DOLLARS, THIS
ITEM IS SLATED FOR DISCUSSION DURING CITY COUNCIL'S WORK SESSION ON FEBRUARY 27.
2001 AND THE ENTIRE BOARD IS ENCOURAGED TO BE PRESENT. IT WILL BE A REGULAR
AGENDA ITEM FOR COUNCIL ON MARCH 6, 2001 . COUNCIL AND CITY STAFF HAVE SOME
IDEAS, AS DOES DDA. THE PURPOSE OF THE STUDY SESSION WILL BE FOR EVERYONE TO
SHARE IDEAS AND WORK TOGETHER IN A SPIRIT OF COMPROMISE FOR THE BETTERMENT OF
DOWNTOWN.
AS A BEGINNING POINT OF DISCUSSION, MR. HARDY SUGGESTED A RESOLUTION TO COMMIT
DDA MINUTES
PAGE 5 FUNDING TO THE LINDEN AND RIVERSIDE INTERSECTION ESTIMATED AT $ 1 .5 MILLION
DOLLARS. AND THEN INCORPORATE OTHER PROJECTS WHICH MAY INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT
LIMITED TO SOME RIVER IMPROVEMENTS WHICH ARE PART OF THE DOWNTOWN
RIVER CORRIDOR IMPLEMENTATION PLANJDRCIP) APPROVED BY CITY COUNCIL LAST
SUMMER. DDA WAS NOT ONLY PART OF THE PLANNING PROCESS IN THIS REGARD BUT ALSO
ENDORSED THE FINAL PLAN. CONTAINED IN THIS DOCUMENT ARE VARIOUS PRIORITIES WHICH
CAN BE IDENTIFIED. ONE OF THE ELEMENTS WOULD BE VARIOUS RIVER IMPROVEMENTS
WITHIN THAT PLAN AND THE CITY HAS REQUESTED THAT WE ASSIST IN THE FUNDING OF THE
ROUNDABOUT AND THE FINAL PIECE WOULD BE AN UPDATE OF THE DOWNTOWN PLAN; THE
LAST REVISION WAS DONE IN 1988.
WITHIN THE DOWNTOWN PLAN ARE VARIOUS AREAS WHERE DDA MIGHT BE INVOLVED,
AND THESE MIGHT INCLUDE, BUT NOT BE LIMITED TO SUCH ITEMS AS A PARKING STUDY, AN
INFRASTRUCTURE DISCUSSION, A MARKET ANALYSIS ON WHERE THE RETAIL IS AT THIS TIME
AND WHERE IT NEEDS TO GO. PLANNING AND URBAN DESIGN CONCEPTS AND IN ADDITION
SOME CITIZEN PARTICIPATION AND FACILITATING THOSE FORUMS.
THERE ARE THREE MAJOR CONCERNS WHICH IMMEDIATELY COME TO MIND. THE BOARD WAS
REFERRED TO ATTACHMENT #2., FROM CITY COUNCIL PRESENTATION NOVEMBER/
DECEMBER AND IT WAS NOTED THAT ALL REVENUE FIGURES ARE BASED ON ASSUMPTION AT
THIS JUNCTURE. REVENUE, WHEN IT.COMMENCES WILL NOT COME IN ALL AT ONE TIME.
FINALLY, SOME SORT OF SHORT TERM FINANCING WILL BE NECESSARY ON ANY PROJECT
WHICH OCCURS BEFORE REVENUES ARE RECEIVED.
MS. BRAYTON THEN REFERENCED DDA RESOLUTION #00-04 TO CITY COUNCIL WHICH
STATED DDA'S INTENT TO OFFER A BO-4O% SPLIT AND INCLUDE SUCH PROJECTS AS
RIVERSIDE/LINDEN, LINDEN STREET IMPROVEMENTS FROM RIVERSIDE TO THE RIVER.
COUNCIL DECIDED TO REVIEW CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS BEFORE DETERMINING THE
DISTRIBUTION, THEREFORE IT IS NECESSARY TO HAVE A RESOLUTION PREPARED PRIOR TO
MARCH 6, AND IN TIME FOR THE WORK STUDY SESSION.
MR. STROUD INQUIRED IF THERE WAS A LIST OF PRIORITIES. MS. BRAYTON RESPONDED
THAT THERE WAS NO SPECIFIC LIST, BUT RECOMMENDED DDA COMMIT TO ONE PROJECT
TODAY, AND TO CATEGORIES FOR THE FUTURE. THE CITY WOULD THEN BRING PROJECTS TO
DDA OVER TIME. MR. WANNER SPOKE TO THE FACT THAT THERE IS AN ACCEPTANCE BY
COUNCIL OF SOME INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS IN DOWNTOWN WHICH NEED TO BE
ADDRESSED, ESPECIALLY JEFFERSON/LINDEN INTERSECTION. THERE IS SOME IMPACT
DIRECTLY RELATED TO THE MULBERRY/LEMAY SHOPPING CENTER, AND THERE SHOULD BE A
POOL OF MONIES AVAILABLE TO THE DDA WHEN PROJECTS HAVE BEEN ADDRESSED, THERE
IS A NEED FOR FURTHER STUDY OF THE DOWNTOWN BUSINESS PLAN, SINCE MUCH TIME HAS
ELAPSED SINCE THE LAST STUDY. IMPROVEMENTS TO STREET AREAS NEAR THE RIVER ARE
SUGGESTED AND THE NEED TO TAKE A LOOK AT THE NORTHERN PART OF DOWNTOWN.
JOHN FISCHBACH REFERRED TO THE CONTRACT WITH MARK GOLDBERG WHICH SAYS ALL
MONIES ARE TO BE APPROPRIATED BY MARCH 3 1. OR THE ROUNDABOUT GOES AWAY. SO
THERE IS CONCERN WHEN MONIES ARE NOT APPROPRIATED FOR SPECIFIC PROJECTS.
THERE IS AN ESTIMATED SHORTFALL OF $376,O00 FOR THE ROUNDABOUT, AND ALREADY
SEVERAL MILLION DOLLARS HAVE BEEN INVESTED. IF MONEY IS LUMPED TOGETHER THE
ROUNDABOUT MAY GET LOST.
M5. LILEY NOTED THAT IN DISCUSSIONS WITH MESSRS. HARDY, ROY AND FISCHBACH, IT
IS HER UNDERSTANDING THAT DDA PROCESS STANDS. FOR EXAMPLE IF $400,000 IS
REQUESTED FOR A CATEGORY SUCH AS THE RIVER PROJECT, WHILE THAT AMOUNT COULD
BE DESIGNATED, AS WITH ANY OTHER PROJECT THEY WOULD COME BEFORE DDA FOR
REVIEW AND APPROVAL, BECAUSE THAT IS A KEY PIECE FOR DDA IN THE BOARD'S ROLE OF
IMPLEMENTING THE PROCESS. THUS, THE COUNCIL APPROPRIATES AND HAS TO COME BACK
THROUGH THE PROCESS. COUNSEL ASKED FOR CONFIRMATION FROM MESSRS. FISCHBACH
AND WANNER THAT THE ABOVE PROCESS IS STILL PART OF THE RECOMMENDATION, AND THEY
SO AFFIRMED. WHEN THE PROJECT COMES BACK TO THE DDA, THE REQUEST WILL BE 'UP
TO' THE AMOUNT SET, THE BOARD REVIEWS AND CONDITIONS THEM, AND IT IS IMPORTANT
FOR THE BOARD TO UNDERSTAND THAT IT IS NOT JUST A BLANK CHECK. EACH PROJECT
MUST FIT WITHIN THE PLAN OF DEVELOPMENT FOR DDA TO SPEND THE $400,000.
MR. FISCHBACH SHARED THAT IN A REPORT HE HAD READ RECENTLY. THE DOWNTOWN
REDEVELOPMENT PLAN, (DRCIP) LISTS PROJECTS IN PRIORITY ORDER:
DDA MINUTES
PAGE 6
1. RIVER HABITAT RESTORATION
2. LINDEN/JEFFERSON (LINDEN INTERSECTION)
3. EXTENSION OF LINDEN DOWN TO THE RIVER
THERE IS A SECOND AND THIRD LIST OF PRIORITIES AND IN THE LAST LIST IS WHERE
THE SHUTTLE IS SHOWN. THUS NOTED, MR. HARDY HAD SUGGESTED TO MR. FISCHBACH
IN AN EARLIER MEETING, THAT INSTEAD THEY FOCUS ON THE FIRST AND SECOND PRIORITY.
HE ALSO EXPRESSED CONCERN THAT DOWNTOWN MAY NOT BE AS HEALTHY AS IT APPEARS,
SOME STORES ARE CLOSING, OTHERS LEAVING AND THE RATIO OF BARS/RESTAURANTS TO
REGULAR RETAIL IS IMBALANCED. HE THEREFORE STRESSED THE NEED FOR A NEW STUDY.
MR. WANNER ADDED CONCERNS ABOUT THE NEEDS OF THE RIVER ITSELF, WHICH INCLUDES
ITS BANKS AND STABILIZATION.
MR. HEWITT SUGGESTED WE APPROACH THE CITY WITH A MORE SPECIFIC THAN GENERAL
PROPOSAL. MR. GOODALE FEELS WE SHOULD AVOID BEING SPECIFIC SO QUICKLY. WE
COULD DISCUSS THE ROUNDABOUT SINCE THIS IS A PRESSING ISSUE, AND GO TO COUNCIL
WITH A GENERAL STATEMENT OF WHAT THE EXPECTATIONS MIGHT BE.
MR. FISCHBACH NOTED THAT BIDS FOR THE ROUNDABOUT WERE BEING OPENED FEBRUARY
22, THEREFORE APPROPRIATIONS WOULD HAVE TO BE MADE BY MARCH G, AND 23, SO AS
TO MEET THE CONTRACTOR'S DATE. IT WOULD BE MORE HELPFUL FOR CITY COUNCIL IF
SPECIFICS COULD BE LISTED IN DDA'S RESOLUTION OF INTENT.
A GREAT DEAL OF DISCUSSION BY THE BOARD FOLLOWED IN WHICH CONCERN WAS
EXPRESSED ABOUT FIXING DOLLAR AMOUNTS TO PROJECTS FOR WHICH THE COST IS NOT
KNOWN AT THIS TIME. MR. HARDY AFFIRMED THAT IT 15 CRUCIAL TO THE DDA PROCESS
THAT THE BOARD REVIEW EVERY PROJECT AND EVERY DOLLAR SPECIFICALLY.
M5. BRAYTON THEN SUGGESTED THAT THE BOARD DIRECT STAFF TO CRAFT A RESOLUTION
AND CALL A SPECIAL MEETING TO PREPARE FOR THE COUNCIL WORK SESSION. THE BOARD
CONCURRED WITH THIS SUGGESTION, WITH A REQUEST THAT THE PUBLICATIONS MENTIONED
DURING THIS SESSION BE MADE AVAILABLE TO THE ENTIRE BOARD.
BOARD S COMMISSION MR. HARDY REFERENCED A LETTER FROM STEVE ROY INCLUDED IN THE PACKETS IN WHICH
CHANGES HE OUTLINES TWO OPTIONS A AND B, WHICH ELIMINATES THE DDA AND FCHA FROM CITY
BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS, AND PLACES THEM INTO THE CATEGORY OF CITY AUTHORITIES.
THE FIRST OPTION DOES NOT REQUIRE A BOARD MEMBER TO LIVE WITHIN THE UGA TO
SERVE ON THE DDA BOARD, AND THE SECOND WHICH REQUIRES THEM TO LIVE WITHIN THE
BOUNDARIES. STAFF RECOMMENDS THE ADOPTION OF OPTION A.
MR. MEADORS MOVED TO ADOPT A RESOLUTION INCORPORATING OPTION A AS IT RELATES TO
DDA BOARD MEMBERS, THIS WAS SECONDED BY MR. STROUD AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY,
ADJOURN THERE BEING NO FURTHER DISCUSSION, THE MEETING ADJOURNED AT 9:50 A.M.
JASON MEADORS, SECRETARY
ddo&OWNTOWN
DEVELOPMENT
AUTHORITY
19 OLD TOWN SQUARE, SUITE 230 Telephone (970) 484-2020
FORT COLLINS, CO 80524 Telefox (970) 484-2069
To: DDA Boards irectors
From: Jay Hardy j.y�
Date: March 1, 200% 5
RE: Downtown Stormwater Project
Jay Rose from the City of Fort Collins Water Utilities will be in attendance to update the
Board on the status of the stormwater project. This is scheduled to occur in the near
future underneath either Mountain Avenue or Oak Street.
Mr. Rose will be available to discuss location, timing and potential disruption from the
work entailed.
ddaAOWNTOWN �
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 Hard cti
Date: March 1, 0
RE: Four Corners Art
Mike Powers from the City will present Artwork for the Board's review, which will be
placed within the Four Corners project(s) at LaPorte Avenue and Mason Street. No
formal Board action is needed.
Included in your packet is an example of the artwork as shown.
This presentation is informational due to the location of the art in downtown, as well as
the fact that DDA was a funding partner of the Four Corners which generated monies for
the project.
ddaROWNTOWN
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 Hard}
Date: March 1, 2001u
RE: Mulberry / Lemay Crossings Annexation
This item was presented at the City Council study session on February 27", and will be a
formal agenda item for City Council review on March 6'h.
A summary of the deliberations from the study session will be provided and further
discussion of the topic may be desired prior to the March 61" City Council meeting.
ddo&OWNTOWN
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 Hardy
Date:
March 1, 20017
RE:
Project Update
The following is a list of current projects for which DDA has committed funding:
Armstrong Hotel — $240,000 in tax increment funds was committed to this project in
April 1999. It has endured many potential changes, and unfortunately is unlikely to occur.
The project commitment from the DDA has expired and following discussions with the
property owners in which it was requested they consider a housing project, it appears the
property will be sold.
Baptist Church — The DDA committed $50,000 in tax increment funds toward this
project in September 1998. As this first commitment expired, the property owner was
attempting to change the make-up of his project. Following the decision to leave his plans
as they were presented initially, the DDA renewed its commitment to the project for the
aforementioned amount, in January 2000. This second commitment was for an additional
9 months and has now expired. The matching funds incumbent upon the owner to provide
have not materialized.
The property owner is currently attempting to sell the building and lease it back as a
tenant. The owner believes this will allow for his project theme to continue. A timeline
for a sale is not determined.
251 Linden Street — The DDA committed $20,000 toward the fagade improvements of
this property. Funding for the project is scheduled to occur in two phases. The first phase
has been completed (the fagade work) and the second phase is approximately 30% done.
This commitment was to span 24 months for both phases, and the second phase funding
will need to be reviewed by the Board if not completed by May, 2000.
Armory Building — Tax increment funds in the amount of $68,885 were committed in
March 2000. The project is currently nearing completion, and appears to be a tremendous
asset to downtown. This property has long been in need of repair and restoration and the
DDA has proudly assisted an unlikely scenario to occur. Completion is scheduled for later
this Spring. A project review for the Board is available if desired at our April meeting.
Wright Life — The DDA committed $140,000 in June, 2000 to this mixed use project. A
renewal of this commitment will be sought in the near future. The project is still
anticipated to occur. Financing is currently the issue for the property owner.
International Museum/Imaa Theatre Study — The DDA committed $10,000 in 2000 to
conduct a feasibility study for this project. The studies have been completed, and both
received favorable reviews for our market. These projects are currently in the planning
stages. The International Museum is further along, with a major Russian exhibit under
contract to occur in downtown Fort Collins later this year. A newly formed non-profit
entity, The Colorado International Museum has placed a contract on the building located
at 363 Jefferson Street. Plans include the renovation of this property for the future home
of these exhibits. Total renovation costs are estimated at $2 million.
The Imax Theatre project is also currently being considered as part of the Sears-Trostel
redevelopment. It has been submitted to the City, and comments are forthcoming. A
timeline is currently unavailable.
Cluck U Chicken ( 616 S. College Avenue) — The DDA committed $57,896 in tax
increment generated funds. Unfortunately, the property owner has been unable to secure
financing for the project, and is currently attempting to sell it. This commitment expires
on April 6, 2001.
Ace Hardware — Last month the DDA committed $23,871 toward fnade improvements
for the property formerly known as Larrabee's. Additionally, the DDA committed up to
$32,000 for sidewalk improvements in front of the current and future Ace Hardware
locations. The fapade brick has been applied and portions of the sidewalk have been
completed. The property owner, Tom McClelland is on schedule to open the new location
on March 15'h. All sidewalk improvements are on time and under budget (approximately
$27,803).