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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDowntown Development Authority - Minutes - 03/27/2002Larry Stroud, Chair 229-Wm CM Chuck Wenner, Coundl Liaison 4"Ml Q itti Anne Ga►riew, Staff Ualeon 484-2020 (1A1) DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING MINUTES OF MARCH 27, 2002 SPECIAL MEETING THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY MET IN SPECIAL SESSION AT 7:30 A.M. ON MARCH 27, 2002 IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM AT HOME STATE BANK, 303 EAST MOUNTAIN AVENUE, FORT COLLINS. CO 80524 PRESENT THERE WERE PRESENT: LARRY STROUD, CHAIR JASON MEADORS, SECRETARY/TREASURER RICK GOODALE MARY BRAYTON STEVE TAYLOR CHUCK WANNER CAREY HEWITT ABSENT Kim JORDAN, VICE PRESIDENT GREG BELCHER STAFF JAY HARDY, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ANNE GARRISON LUCIA LILEY GUESTS JOHN FISCHBACH, BILL BERTSCHY CALL TO ORDER THE MEETING CAME TO ORDER AT 7.30 A.M. WITH MR. STROUD PRESIDING, AND ROLL CALL WAS TAKEN. APPROVAL OF MR. MEADORS MOVED TO ADOPT THE MINUTES OF MARCH 7, 2002 AND MR. TAYLOR MINUTES SECONDED THE MOTION WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. OLD TOWN SQUARE COUNSEL SUGGESTED THAT FOR THE PURPOSES OF THIS DISCUSSION THE BOARD MAY WI5H AGREEMENTS TO ADJOURN TO EXECUTIVE SESSION, IN ORDER TO RECEIVE LEGAL ADVICE ON SPECIFIC LEGAL QUESTIONS, AND MORE SPECIFICALLY, TO RECEIVE LEGAL ADVICE ON THE RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF THE DDA UNDER CERTAIN AGREEMENTS THAT RELATE TO THE OWNERSHIP, OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF OLD TOWN SQUARE PLAZA, WHICH 15 OWNED BY THE DDA, M5. LILEY EXPLAINED THAT A TWO THIRDS VOTE OF THOSE PRESENT IS NEEDED TO ADJOURN TO EXECUTIVE SESSION. AT THIS JUNCTURE, MR. MEADORS MOVED TO ADJOURN TO EXECUTIVE SESSION UNDER CRS #246402 SUB4-B, AND UNDER THE REASONS CITED BY COUNSEL. THIS WAS SECONDED BY MR. GOODALE, AND THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. THE CONTENT OF THE EXECUTIVE SESSION WAS RECORDED ELECTRONICALLY ON A SEPARATE TAPE. DDA MINUTES PAGE 2 THE BOARD RESUMED ITS REGULAR SESSION AND MS, BRAYTON STATED THAT WHILE SHE FELT IT PRUDENT TO BRING THE PARTIES TO THE TABLE, SHE WAS NOT SURE OF THE ADVISABILITY OF RESURRECTING THE OLD AGREEMENT, PARTICULARLY IF THERE IS A MAJOR SHIFT. MR. MEADORS THEN SUGGESTED DDA CRAFT A 'LETTER OF CONCERN' TO PROGRESSIVE OLD TOWN SQUARE, (POTS) THAT DETAILS SPECIFIC PROBLEM AREAS AND RELATES SPECIFIC COMPLIJNTS THAT HAVE BEEN RECEIVED, AND NOTES THE ASSERTION OF OUR ABILITIES CONCERNING PUBLIC EVENTS. IT SHOULD ALSO BE NOTED THAT THIS IS AN ONGOING ISSUE AND DDA RECOGNIZES THERE ARE REMEDIES AT ITS DISPOSAL, INCLUDING RIGHTS UNDER THE EXISTING OBLIGATIONS PRESENTLY IN PLACE, INCLUDING ENTERPRISE ZONE PRIVILEGES. AND THE POTENTIAL RECOVERY OF ANY FEE OVER REACH THAT POTS RECEIVES. DDA THEREFORE OFFERS, AS OPPOSED TO PURSUING ITS RIGHTS UNDER A DEFAULT, TO NEGOTIATE A COMPREHENSIVE, WELL DEFINED UNDERSTANDING WITH POTS. A RESPONSE WILL BE REQUESTED WITHIN 14 DAYS. MR. GOODALE EXPRESSED HIS CONCERN OVER THE LACK OF ADEQUATE MAINTENANCE, AND WHILE HE DOES NOT FEEL THE BOARD SHOULD OUTLINE A SPECIFIC SOLUTION, IT SHOULD BE CLEAR THERE IS LEVERAGE, BUT IT 15 THE DDA'S DESIRE TO COME TO THE TABLE. IT WAS ALSO SUGGESTED THAT BOTH THE CITY AND MR. HARDY Be PRESENT AT ANY MEETING THAT TAKES PLACE.. MR. WANNER THEN MOVED THAT DDA CRAFT A LETTER, TO BE BROADLY CONSTRUED, IN AN EFFORT TO HAVE PROGRESSIVE OLD TOWN SQUARE DISCUSS ALL PERTINENT AGREEMENTS. AND TO FORMULATE A NEW AGREEMENT WHICH MEETS THE NEEDS OF THE DDA, AND WITH THIS MOTION, THE BOARD EMPOWERS MR. HARDY AND MS. LILEY TO WORK WITH THE CITY TO BRING THIS MATTER TO A SATISFACTORY CONCLUSION. THIS WAS SECONDED BY MR HEWITT. MS. BRAYTON OFFERED A FRIENDLY AMENDMENT, THAT THE LETTER BE SENT OUT PRIOR TO THE NEXT DDA BOARD MEETING, SLATED FOR APRIL 4, 2002. THIS WAS ACCEPTABLE TO MESSRS. WANNER AND HEWITT, AND THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. MR. HARDY CLARIFIED THE BOARD'S INTENT, THAT THE $ 12,500 AGREEMENTS BETWEEN THE CITY AND PROGRESSIVE OLD TOWN SQUARE, AND DDA AND PROGRESSIVE OLD TOWN SQUARE WILL NOT BE RENEWED UNTIL SUCH TIMES AS A NEW AGREEMENT IS IN PLACE. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR MR. STROUD NOTED THAT THIS IS NOT AN AGENDA ITEM, BUT HE WOULD LIKE TO TAKE A REPLACEMENT MOMENT TO ADDRESS IT BRIEFLY. THE SEARCH COMMITTEE HAS MET ONCE, AND HAS RESERVATIONS ABOUT HIRING A REPLACEMENT UNTIL SENATE BILL #32 IS DECIDED, THIS WILL TAKE PLACE IN MAY 2002. IT DOES NOT SEEM RIGHT OR FAIR TO BEGIN THE INTERVIEW PROCESS UNTIL THE BOARD HAS A CLEARER UNDERSTANDING OF THE LIFE TIME OF DDA. MR. HARDY OFFERED TO ASSIST BEYOND HIS APRIL 5, DEPARTURE DATE, TO HELP WITH THE TRANSITION. IT WAS RECALLED THAT THE HIRING PROCESS TOOK 3 - 4 MONTHS LAST TIME, AND MR, HARDY WAS A LOCAL CANDIDATE. MR, STROUD ASKED THE BOARD IF AN INTERIM DIRECTOR SHOULD BE CONSIDERED. THE SEARCH COMMITTEE HAS RECOMMENDED THE BOARD LOOK AT LEAST STATE WIDE, AND UTILIZE SPECIALIZED WEB SITES TO NARROW THE SEARCH. IT IS ALSO LOOKING AT A POSTING, SOME ACTIVE COLORADO ADVERTISING, AND A LIMITED NATIONAL SEARCH WITH THE INTERVIEWING PROCESS TO COMMENCE AFTER SENATE BILL #32 IS RESOLVED. M5. BRAYTON OBSERVED THAT THE BOARD SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO MAKE A DECISION THAT IS NOT DETERMINED BY TIME CONSTRAINTS. WHETHER OR NOT DDA HAS PROJECTS TO CONSIDER, IT NEEDS ONGOING, COMMITTED LEADERSHIP. DDA MINUTES PAGE 3 MR. WANNER THEN SUGGESTED IT MIGHT BE WISE TO APPROACH CHIP STEINER AND SEE IF HE WOULD CONSIDER A CONTRACTUAL INTERIM POSITION. MR. WANNER MOVED, IN ORDER FOR THE BOARD TO HAVE ADEQUATE TIME, AND NOT MAKE A PRECIPITOUS DECISION, THAT IT EMPOWER THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE TO DETERMINE AN ACCEPTABLE WAGE AND CONTRACT WITH MR. STEINER FOR ESSENTIAL WORK. THE INTENT IS NOT TO MAKE THE CONTRACT TOO BIG OR TOO SMALL, BUT RATHER TO UTILIZE HIS SERVICES AS MUCH AS WE HAVE TO, NOT AS MUCH AS WE CAN, TO KEEP EVERYTHING MOVING FORWARD. MR. HEWITT SECONDED THE MOTION WHICH CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. AS A POINT OF CLARIFICATION, M5. BRAYTON ASKED IF IT WAS THE TASK OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE TO CRAFT THE AGREEMENT AND BRING IT BACK TO THE BOARD, AND TO MEET WITH MR, STEINER PRIOR TO THAT TIME TO DETERMINE HIS THOUGHTS. THE RESPONSE WAS AFFIRMATIVE. ADJOURN THERE BEING NO FURTHER DISCUSSION, THE MEETING ADJOURNED AT 9: 1 S A.M. JASON MEADORS, SECRETARY DO VNTOWN � d do DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY 19 OLD TOWN SQUARE, SUITE 230 Telephone (970) 484-2020 FORT COLLINS, CO 80524 Telefox (970) 484-2069 April 4, 2002 To: DDA Boar "Directors From: Jay Hardy RE: Poudre Rive est & Rendezvous Sponsorship Attached is a synopsis of the 16d' Annual Poudre RiverFest & Rendezvous, to be held on June 1-2, 2002 at the Northside Aztlan Center. During the Board meeting, Richard Fox from Trees, Water & People will be in attendance to offer some highlights, and make a request to the DDA for sponsorship. A total of $3,500 is being requested from the DDA, in addition to a similar request for $500 from the DBA. In meeting with the event planners it was reiterated that the mission of the DDA is to be involved in the `bricks and mortar' of a given project, and the organizers have decided to use up to $2,000 of the sponsorship money to build sandstone benches, located along the Poudre River. Last year, a total of six benches were installed and a photo of the completed project is included in the packet. A total of six benches will be built again this year. The construction of the benches will be managed by the City of Fort Collins Parks & Recreation Department. This event has changed identities over the years, but has never lost its overriding goal of improving the river. Last year spearheaded a move to the Northside Aztlan Center, and this location was well received. Additionally, the event will feature many different elements, which will likely draw people downtown, as well as raise public awareness and further identify the many needs along the river. If the Board chooses to support this effort, the $3,500 requested is available in the Administrative Capital Project Fund. To date, this fund still contains the $132,500 appropriated last fall by City Council. R i v e r F e s t Mr. Jay Hardy Downtown Development Authority Fort Collins, CO 80524 March 27, 2002 Dear Jay, As you know, Friends of the Poudre and Trees, Water & People are joining with the City of Fort Collins to coordinate the Poudre RiverFest & Rendezvous on June 1-2, 2002. We would like to see both the Downtown Development Authority and the Downtown Business Association be major supporters of the event and are requesting a combined contribution of $4,000. (i.e. $3,500 DDA, $500 DBA) As part of the DDA/DBA sponsorship, we propose using a portion of the funding to acquire up to six permanent sandstone benches that will be put on city property along the Poudre River. The materials to be used and the tentative location of these benches have been discussed with and preliminarily approved by both the Parks Department and the Natural Resources Department, who have agreed to install and maintain them with City of Fort Collins personnel. Additional DBA/DDA sponsorship funding will be used to defray the costs of the event and our continued effort to build it into a major new annual destination event that will greatly benefit downtown Fort Collins in the early summer period. As major sponsors, DBA and DDA would have their names and/or logos on all major publicity pieces that will be used to publicize the event — including posters, flyers, radio ads and thousands of direct mail letters that will be sent out by Friends of the Poudre and Trees, Water & People. Specific sponsorship benefits are listed on the attached Sponsorship Overview. Because the City of Fort Collins is one of the three partners in the event, additional publicity will come from City publications and the City website. It is also anticipated that the Coloradoan will have a major story on the event and that other media coverage will be generated from the press release that will be sent out in May. There are severaportant aspects of this year's event tl&nake it important to the Downtown Development Authority. • We have added in a significant new 5K foot race — the "Run for the River", which should attract several hundred runners on Saturday morning. • We will be better utilizing the City's Showmobile this year and have signed up four major headliners to play music as part of the "Rock the River" music concert. (i.e. Liz Bamez, Three Twins, Poudre River Irregulars and Victor Bames). • We are bringing in the Poudre Valley Health System and others, who will provide 8-12 health monitoring and education booths called "The Pulse of the River". Their theme will be Women's Health. • RiverFest will once again include a Rendezvous Camp — that will feature mountain man camps, demonstrations and storytelling from the fur -trading period of the early 1800's. The intent is to broaden the appeal of the event to more people and create a better destination event for northern Colorado families. • It is a positive venture in the Downtown River Corridor that will provide the opportunity for the environmental and business communities to cooperate on a new annual event. • The traditional river and natural areas cleanup has been separated time wise from RiverFest, but it is still linked and will occur on Saturday, May 18". • The "Procession of River Species" parade was a grand success last year and this year's procession will be "bigger and better." They are aiming at 300 costumed participants this year and they will additionally have a "stopover" in old downtown The Procession will start at 1 PM on Saturday at the Museum of Contemporary Art and culminate at the RiverFest event at Heritage Park at about 2 PM. We thank you for your consideration and please don't hesitate to call me if you have any questions or need additional information. Sincerely, Richard W. Fox Trees, Water & People s, N —� r N —� r DOWNTOWN � DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY 19 OLD TOWN SQUARE, SUITE 230 FORT COLLINS, CO 80524 April 4, 2002 To: DDA Board of Directors From: Jay Hardy RE: DDA Manag ent Agreement Telephone (970) 484-2020 Telefax (970) 484-2069 The Executive Board will discuss retaining the services of Chip Steiner and The Steiner Company to consult on a temporary basis, while the DDA conducts a search for a new Executive Director. Additional material will be available at the Board meeting. ddoDOWNTOWN � DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY 19 OLD TOWN SQUARE, SUITE 230 FORT COLLINS, CO 80524 April 4, 2002 To: DDA Board of IM ectors From: Jay Hardy4� RE: Executive for Comments Telephone (970) 484-2020 Telefax (970) 484-2069 Upon request from the DDA chair, Larry Stroud, I have prepared the following comments regarding the current status of the DDA, items currently `in the works', and comments regarding the future. Future of the DDA — Although this has been very fivstrating, I feel a positive solution is near. Two elements are at work, which relate to the Future of the DDA. They are as follows: 1. Senate Bill 32 — Currently being discussed as an extension of the Tax - Increment revenue account. A five to ten year extension is under discussion and will conclude by the end of the legislative session in May 2002. 2. Legal process for a vote on a new Tax Increment `life' has been defined, and when discussions on Senate Bill 32 conclude, this process should be explored. Steele's Market redevelopment — This project offers a tremendous opportunity for downtown Fort Collins. As the Board is aware, current discussions are ongoing with several entities. The DDA should anticipate a funding request from the developers of the project, as discussions conclude. Items which come under the heading of Eligible Funding by the DDA are currently being prepared by the developer. DDA financial picture — DDA is in a very good financial position. The gap between existing annual debt and current annual income, is comfortable. Additionally, the potential approval of Senate Bill 32 offers additional stability. Slower than anticipated `build out' of Phase 2 of the Mulberry/Lemay Crossings should be monitored. While our Tax Increment projections were conservative, they could be affected if building does not occur during 2002. Poudre River Redevelopment — Although this has been discussed often over the past 10 years, I do feel that the timing is good to look at some major investment in this area. Specifically, the design of the river between Linden and Lincoln was agreed upon by all special interest groups in a somewhat surprising turn of events. Construction funds will be requested before the end of the year. Private development possibilities on the Oxbow, El Burrito, Sears-Trostel and Northside Aztlan Center are in design DDA can be a critical element to ensuring the fruition of these projects. Old Town Square — Improvements in this area are necessary, as discussed last month Asmus Signs property (Pine Street ) — DDA requested and received a grant for a property analysis with the State of Colorado historic Fund. This $8,400 grant will be completed before the end of the summer. General downtown cleanliness — significant discussions with the City Parks & Recreation have occurred in an effort to find a way to improve the cleanliness of downtown in general. Bob Loeven at the City is committed to improving this area, and further DDA discussion is encouraged. Downtown Strategic Plan — DDA committed $275,000 to this plan, which is underway. The opportunities for the immediate future of downtown will be outlined, and the Board should receive at least two formal updates from the consultant in the next 12 months. Armstong Hotel — The owners are strongly considering selling the top floors to a residential partner, while keeping the ground floor retail. This re -development is awaiting the outcome of Senate Bill 32. This project needs significant assistance and is currently the worst `eye -sore' in downtown Future promise for that block hinges on bringing that property back to a functioning capacity. Oak Street Plaza — The City, DDA and DBA have been in discussions over the past 6 months about the redevelopment of this under utilized plaza. Current finances available in the Art in Public Places budget are available and a tremendous improvement is anticipated. This project would likely occur following the Oak Street Outfall project (scheduled for November completion) and in conjunction with the bus shelter improvements already scheduled. Larimer County Courthouse — This project is currently under construction. DDA had various conversations with the County on elements that might improve this project. It is possible the County will approach the DDA for funding a portion of the streetscape and landscape upgrades suggested. Mason Street North — DDA committed approximately $251,000 to this project last September. This funding was contingent upon full completion of the project by 12/31/02. The project has been approved, but has not started construction Thus, it will not be finished by the deadline. A project update and review should occur in the coining months. DOWNTOWN � DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY 19 OLD TOWN SQUARE, SUITE 230 Telephone (970) 484-2020 FORT COLLINS, CO 80524 Telefax (970) 484-2069 April 4, 2002 To: DDA Board of Directors From: Jay Har RE: 185 North oNege Avenue update Attached is a copy of the letter directed to property owner, Mack Anderson. As outlined in the letter, the owner was informed that no signage approval would be given to future tenants until the signage on Johnny's Place is completed, as agreed by the DDA and Mr. Anderson. In speaking with Mr. Anderson following receipt of DDA's letter, he informed staff that he did not feel he had the authority to `remove and replace' the red letters with green since the tenant had followed all City processes for signage. Staff reiterated that the DDA agreement is with the property owner and not the tenant. The owner, once again, verbally committed to meet with his tenant to discuss a remedy for completion of the work. There has been no further update regarding the result of this meeting. DOWNTOWN � DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY 19 OLD TOWN SQUARE, SUITE 230 FORT COLLINS, CO 80524 March 19, 2002 Mack Anderson Beartooth Properties, LLC P.O. Box 8 Idledale, CO 80453 Dear Mr. Anderson: Telephone (970) 484-2020 Telefax (970) 484-2069 Your suggestion to bring the signage of Johnny's Place in line with the conceptual drawings originally submitted, and to soften the exterior of 185 North College Avenue with the use of dark green awnings, was approved by the Board of Directors of the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) at its September 6, 2001 meeting. It was also decided that the signage border would be changed to provide a built-in effect with stucco detailing. In addition, the motion directed that the color of the lettering be changed from red to dark green to match the awnings, and the time frame for completion was set for December 31, 2001. Although the awnings have been installed as specified, other signage elements have not been modified. When the facade was approved by the DDA, the approval specifically included drawings of the facade with depictions of signage. The signage actually installed is not consistent with those drawings and the terms of your Easement Agreement with the DDA. The Board has spent a great deal of time and effort to work with you on acceptable changes, and has now instructed me to remind you that in accordance with the Grant of Easement Agreement, our agreement is with you, not your tenant, and it is therefore your responsibility to honor the terms of this agreement. Therefore, we continue to require the change of color to the signage, as approved on September 6, 2001. Further, the properties for which DDA owns an easement, are now in the City sign code system to alert any signage changes or additions. Therefore, any future signage permits will not be granted on this property until this situation has been remedied, as agreed. We trust you will make whatever arrangements are necessary to complete the work on this. sign at the earliest time. Please feel free to contact me with any questions regarding this issue. M Executive Director