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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDowntown Development Authority - Minutes - 10/09/2008DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY Regular Directors' Meeting Jack Wolfe, Chairperson 495-1298 (W) Kelly Ohlson, Council Liaison 219-9814 (W) Kathay Rennels, County Liaison 498-7010 (W) MINUTES of October 9, 2008 REGULAR MEETING The Board of Directors of the Downtown Development Authority met in Regular Session at 10:00 a.m. on October 9, 2008 at the Lincoln Center Columbine Room, 417 West Magnolia, Fort Collins, CO 80521. PRESENT George Brelig; McCabe Callahan; Ryan Keiffer; Kelly Ohlson; William Sears; Patty Spencer; Steve Taylor; Jack Wolfe, Ellen Zibell ABSENT Kim Jordan, Kathay Rennels STAFF Matt Robenalt, Project Manager; Joanna Stone, Administrative Assistant; Carol Bennis, Beet Street, Executive Director; Kathy Cardona, Financial Coordinator; Lucia Liley, Legal Counsel GUESTS INCLUDED Blue Hovatter: Chuck Seest, City Finance Director; Doug Johnson, UCC; Ben Manvel, City Council; Joshua Liley, Liley, Rogers & Martell; David Short, DBA; Ryan Houdek, Rodizio's Grill; Vivian Armendariz CALL TO ORDER Mr. Wolfe called the meeting to order at 10:05 a.m. Roll call was taken. APPROVAL OF MINUTES William Sears moved to approve the minutes of September 11, 2008 as amended. Seconded by Ryan Keiffer, and passed unanimously. BIG IDEAS No Big Ideas were presented BEETSTREET Carol Bennis presented a financial update. An RFP will be put out for an audit. The revised work plan will soon be completed and presented to the Board. Programming updates were also reviewed, highlighting the new "Thought Leaders" program, "Spend a Day in Space" and upcoming spring and summer events. As of January 2009, Ryan Keiffer will be the new DDA representative to the Beet Street Board, Patty Spencer will chair that Board and Jack Wolfe will stay on as a representative. BOARD APPOINTMENTS The City Clerk's office is reviewing applications for Board positions to replace retiring members Steve Taylor and Kim Jordan. Kelly Ohlson requested that a list of applicants be sent to the Board and welcomed any feedback that Board members may have. October 9, 2008 Minutes Page 2 PRIORITY PROJECTS UPDATE Chip Steiner noted that priority projects would be addressed during the discussion of the 2009 work plan during retreat and asked that discussion be delayed until that time. RODIZIO GRILL (George Brelig recused himself for this discussion) Ryan Houdek, owner of The Melting Pot, is planning to open Rodizio Grill in the Jefferson Street Station. Mr. Houdek requested DDA investment in the redevelopment of the sidewalk area between the building and Jefferson Street. This is privately owned property so in order for the DDA to make an investment, Mr. Houdek will need to get the City to agree either to a permanent easement or to take ownership of what typically would be street right-of-way. The request is for $30,900 to replace existing planters, add more landscaping and install a patio area. Mr. Steiner noted that the tax increment would generate $5,800 annually and support the project. He added that the street improvements my encourage other quality redevelopment along Jefferson. Board members added that a pedestrian crossing should be encouraged at the end of Pine Street as a gateway to the project. The Board also felt it presented an opportunity to do something with the adjacent park, making it more viable. Moved by Mr. Taylor, seconded by Ms, Zibell: To support the request for $30,900 for right of way improvements, providing that a permanent easement or grant of property can be worked out with the City. The motion passed unanimously. GREEN BUILDING CRITERIA Matt Robenalt presented a table clarifying program eligibility for the green building program. Four scenarios were presented. The basic requirement is that a green building grant will be used in conjunction with TIF projects or fagade grants. UPDATES River District: That project is currently off the City Council agenda and staff is not sure where that project stands. Hotel: Steve Taylor noted that this is such an important project for downtown. Mr. Steiner reported that a revision to the contract with Corporex was under consideration, allowing the DDA to negotiate with other possible developers. Sales Tax: Chuck Seest gave the latest sales tax report. Collections are up 0.7% driven by restaurant business. Wholesale/retail is down in the DDA footprint. The City as a whole is doing better in that area with the addition of Front Range Village. EXECUTIVE SESSION Moved by Mr. Taylor, seconded by Mr. Keiffer: To move to Executive Session to discuss DDA stalling issues This Executive Session for the purpose stated is authorized pursuant to CRS 24-6-402 (4) (1) (1). The motion passed unanimously. It was moved to move from Executive Session back to Regular Session. The motion passed unanimously. October 9, 2008 Minutes Page 3 STAFFING CHANGES Several staffing changes were recommended in light of the increase in work loads and expanded scope of staff duties. Staff recommends moving some of the more routine tasks of the Financial Coordinator to the Administrative Assistant, increasing the salary to $40,000 per year and changing the job title to Administrative Manager. Mr. Steiner also proposed hiring an assistant project manager but the Board decided to postpone hiring that position until a later time. Moved by Mr. Sears, seconded by Mr. Brelig: To accept the staff recommendation to change job duties, job descriptions and compensation. The motion passed unanimously. There was also Board discussion of filling the Executive Director position in light of Mr. Steiner's resignation effective January 2, 2009. The Board felt that it was not necessary to open the search or hire an interim in the position. They felt that due to Mr. Robenalt's performance in his current position that the job should be offered to him. Details still need to be worked out and a special meeting of the Executive Committee of the Board will meet with Mr. Robenalt. Mr. Robenalt was asked to prepare a work plan. ADJOURN There being no farther business the meeting adjourned at 12:18 p.m. 1 DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY ANNUAL RETREAT 2008 r Jack Wolfe, Chairperson 495-1298 (W) Kelly Ohlson, Council Liaison 219-9814 (W) Kathay Rennels, County Liaison 498-7010 (W) RETREAT NOTES OF OCTOBER 9, 2008 The Board of Directors of the Downtown Development Authority met for the Annual Retreat at 1:00 p.m on October 9, 2008 in the Columbine Room at the Lincoln Center located at 417 West Magnolia Street, Fort Collins, CO 80524. GUESTS INCLUDED Vivian Amendariz;; Darin Attebeny & Mike Freeman, City of Fort Collins; Gailmarie Kimmel, Local Living Economy; Kristin Cash, B ob Waldron & Cathy Thomas, Fort Collins Food Co-op; Hill Grimmett, N. Colorado Food Incubator; Laura Raynolds, CSU Center for Fair & Alternative Trade Studies COMMUNITY MARKET PRESENTATION Matt Robenalt presented the concept report for the Community Marketplace, seeking Board support of the concept and direction for modifying the concept if needed. Several members of the project team, which has been meeting regularly for almost a year, were present to assist in the presentation. Members include the Northern Colorado Food Incubator, the Local Living Economy, Osher Lifelong Learning Center, UniverCity Connections, CSU Center for Fair & Alternative Trade Studies, Larimer County Business & Enterprise Office, Wolf Moon Farms, Fort Collins Food Co -Op, City of Fort Collins Economic Development Office and interested citizens. New members are anticipated as this project continues. The proposal intends to bring the community marketplace into the broader vision of the DDA to create a long term economic engine; to establish a sustaining vision, dovetailing with the Fort Collins' character as a creative, socially and environmentally aware community; demonstrate the potential economic benefit; summarize the work completed thus far; and, outline the DDA role in the project. The marketplace concept has two primary parts: the Conscious Consumer Trust and the Market Hall. It attempts to link local food with socially responsible businesses. Studies show that the fastest growing segment of the economy is that of the conscious consumer, who takes into social responsibility into account when making financial decisions. The hope is to create a uniquely Fort Collins industry cluster, with the local food economy and ancillary businesses to aid in economic viability. Because food market places do not generate much money, retail and other clients are needed to support the facility. The project team hopes that the DDA will take a role similar to that in the founding of Beet Street, serving as an economic catalyst for the project. The vision includes a facility that has multiple uses for the public: farmers market, retail, office, educational, and public spaces. Board expressed approval and excitement about the proposal, pointing to all the ancillary benefits and contribution to the diversity of the central business district. They stressed that location is crucial. The first steps are to approve the total pre -development budget of $700,000, including budget and decision milestones in order to determine project feasibility. The board asked Mr. Robenalt to prepare a resolution for the expenditure for the next Board meeting. POLICY MANUAL A draft of a policy manual was presented for Board review. It contains board information, statutory authority, project information, bond issuance and financial policies, and personnel policies. Sections regarding conflict of interest, tax increment financing and record retention still need to be added. Final copies will be distributed when those sections are complete. OLD TOWN SQUARE RENOVATION The renovation of Old Town Square keeps coming up as a topic. A few years ago plans were commissioned and are included in the meeting information. Some infrastructure work has been completed such as installation of a sprinkler system, fountain repairs, paver replacement and planter enhancements, but other work was deemed too expensive to undertake. One idea is to remove the kiosk and build a stage at the north end of the plaza. The estimated cost for the original renovation was approximately $2.8 million. Board discussion revealed an interest in again exploring the idea of renovating the square, pointing to the positive impact it could have on the downtown area. It was also expressed that because the DDA owns the square, we should take responsibility in taking care of and updating it, which would be a good investment. The Board asked Mr. Steiner to write up a concept and scope of work for the Board. Mr. Wolfe suggested there be some kind of charrette or other process to aid in the determining best designs and uses for Old Town Square. 2009 WORK PLAN Mr. Steiner presented the 2009 Work Plan. Mr. Steiner noted that there would be a new Executive Director in 2009 so the work plan could evolve into different form. He noted that based upon the DDA's efforts over the past few years, 2009 should be the year when many of the Authority's project will begin to take physical shape. These projects include the amphitheater, hotel, community marketplace and the master plan for alleys and integrated walkways. Mr. Steiner expressed the opinion that the hotel project is essential to the success of Beet Street and the amphitheater. Financing for the hotel project is delayed as a result of the difficulties in the financial markets. There also needs to be discussion of what to do with the Elks building and staff was asked to come up with recommendations. Board members requested a tour of the Elks Building, so the next regular Board meeting will be held there and incorporate a tour of the premises. Of other projects listed, downtown sidewalk renewal surfaced as a priority. The sidewalks are in terrible shape and the piecemeal repairs look terrible. The City is looking at the issue, but the DDA may need to take leadership in the matter. One idea is to split the cost 50150 with property owners. Another is to do an SID which would allow owners to pay off the debt over time. This is an area that should stay at the forefront of DDA staffs attention and involve the Downtown Business Association in outreach to businesses. BIG IDEAS DISCUSSION The original concept of "Big Ideas" was to provide the public an opportunity at every Board meeting to propose constructive ideas for downtown. The question before the Board was whether the Board wished to expand the public comment period to reflect the process used by City Council, which allows for public comment on any topic. This would increase public participation at DDA Board meetings. It would also lengthen meeting times. Board members felt that the original purpose of getting creative ideas and vision from the community was sound. If there are other issues that the public would like to discuss, Chair Jack Wolfe prefers that those items be brought first to staffs attention and then to the Board if needed. Audience member Blue Hovatter commented that he felt that the Board was good at allowing public comment on agenda items. CONFLICT OF INTEREST Legal Counsel will present a conflict of interest statement at the next meeting of the Board. TAX INCREMENT EXPLANATION Mr. Steiner prepared an explanation of how tax increment is calculated. How the new legislation will affect calculation has not yet been finalized.