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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDowntown Development Authority - Minutes - 04/09/2009 (2)DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY Regular Directors' Meeting Jack Wolfe, Cliairperson 495 1298 " Kelly Ohlson, Council,Liaison 29=98.14 . Steve Johoson, County Liaison 498-7010 MINUTES of April 9; 2009 The Board of Directors of the Downtown Development Authority met in Regular Session at 7:30 a.m. on April 9, 2009 at Home State Bank, 303 East Mountain Avenue, Fort Collins, CO 80524. PRESENT George Bmlig; McCabe Callahan; Ryan Keiffer; Kelly Ohlson; Wynne Odell; Bill Sears; Patty Spencer; Jack Wolfe; David Zamzow; Ellen Zibell ABSENT Steve Johnson STAFF Matt Robenalt, Executive Director; Anne Aspen, Project Manager; Jean Lamm, Beet Street, Interim Executive Director; Kathy Cardona, Financial Coordinator; Joanna Stone, Administrative Manager; Joshua Liley, Legal Counsel GUESTS INCLUDED Darin Atteberry, City Manager; Blue Hovatter;-Jason Messaros & Bruce Hendee,,BHA Design; Doug Murray, CFATS/CSU; Jim Reidhead, Community Marketplace Team; Mike Freeman, City; DK Kemp, City/Bikes; Doug Johnson, UCC; Wendy Ishii, Fran Johnson & Matt Strauch, Bas Bleu Theatre; Rich Shannon, Pinnacle; Annette Geiselman, Discovery Science Center; Jan Joregensen & Wes Kenny, FC Symphony; Hill Grimmett, NCFI; Astrid, AAS; Stuart MacMillan, EMC; Ben Manvel, City Council; Mike Jensen, Keller William RE; Bryan Eubank, Neenan; Marty Heffernan, Jill Stillwell, Jeff Scheick & Ty Sutton, City; Jon Prouty, Lagunitas; Al Dumon, Centennial Galleries; David Short, DBA; Bruce Freestone, CSU/OpenStageBeet St; Dave Edwards, Community Foundation; Anne Macdonald, Library; Micky Willis & Judy Scherpelz, Raptor Center; Jim Clark, CVB CALL TO ORDER Mr. Wolfe called the meeting to order at 7:30 a.m. Roll call was taken. APPROVAL OF MINUTES William Sears moved to approve the minutes of March 12, 200.9. Seconded by Ryan Keiffer, and passed unanimously. BIG IDEAS No Big Ideas were presented. PRIORITY PROJECTS UPDATE Alley Project: Anne Aspen reported that community outreach continues on the alley masterplan. Meetings with owners and businesses of the three primary alleys have been held.. Courtesy presentations to various boards and commissions continue. DDA Minutes April 9, 2009 pg. 2 Hotel: The agreement with Corporex has been officially terminated and Corporex accepted the offer of $75,000 for reimbursement for work product. Mr. Robenalt will be arranging meetings with seven potential hotel developers who have expressed an interest in working with the DDA. REGULAR UPDATES Mike Freeman distributed the Community Scorecard: Mr. Atteberry recommended viewing Mr. Freeman's more detailed presentation to the City Council work session. Mr. Freeman also distributed the sales tax report for March. He noted that Fort Collins is now showing the negative impact of the larger economy, with a decline of 9.2% in the DDA boundary.. Even with the negative figures, Fort Collins continues to fare better than others in the region. and nationally. OLD TOWN SQUARE NEEDS REPORT Bruce Hendee and Jason Massaros of BHA Design presented the result of the Old Town Square needs assessment, which was requested by the Board at the October 2008 retreat. They met with key stakeholders to identify needs and ideas for renovating the Square. These stakeholders included the DDA, DBA board and staff, Old Town merchants, Old Town Square Properties, Parks, Convention & Visitors Bureau, District One police personnel, Polaris School and Old Town youth. The basic themes of these discussions stated that the Square is the heart of Fort Collins. Participants wanted to see art and sculpture; group use; better wayfmding; better lighting; and water features. They wanted to keep and expand the play area and retain the historic charm. Mr. Hendee noted that the Square is 25 years old and beginning to show signs of wear. The stage and kiosk divide the area and limit opportunities so moving the stage is considered a primary option. If the kiosk was moved, restrooms, would need to be relocated as well as the bike library and ice rink. An conclusion, Mr. Hendee requested further input from the Board. 'Mr. Robenalt requested Board permission for staff to develop an RFP for the redevelopment of the Square and permission to talk to Old Town Square Properties about obtaining the kiosk and relocating public restrooms to Trimble Court. Recognizing the need to be sensitive to upcoming alley renovations and disruptive effects to downtown merchants, if approved, construction could begin approximately January 2011. Board and public comments were solicited and generally expressed excitement about the project and encouraging staff to pursue the project. MITCHELL BLOCK The Bohemian Companies is constructing a 35,754 square foot office building, known as the Mitchell block, on the comer of Walnut and Mountain. The Board conducted a preliminary design review at the March 2009 meeting. The proposed enhancements expound the urban design goal of the DDA to create unique pedestrian connections in enhanced alleyways, quality streetscapes, and to provide public plazas for downtown visitors to linger and enjoy a high quality urban experience. The enhanced design for the public right-of-way is complementary to Old Town Square. Additionally, the owner is collaborating with CSU and the City on a pilot demonstration project that will improve storm water runoff quality by utilizing unique paver systems in the adjacent on -street parking, rain gardens, and tree filter box technology. There is $2,038,808 in eligible tax increment for this project and the requested eligible features are $427,502. Board members discussed the grant of easement -by the City and also security concerns for the alley between the new structure and the Food Co-op/EDAW building. Moved by Mr. Ohlson, seconded by Ms. Zibell: To approve funding for: a) up.to.$195,551 for sidewalk improvements in the public right-of-way; b) up to $149,134 for improvements to create a hew public alleyway, contingent upon City acceptance of a permanent public access easement; c) up to $82,817 for improvements to the northeast fagade of the Fort Collins Food Co-op/EDAW building and contingent upon City acceptance of a permanent public access easement in the new public alleyway and execution of an agreement/grant of fagade easement by the building owners. The motion passed unanimously. DDA Minutes April 9, 2009 pg. 3 UNIVERCITY CONNECTIONS Since 2008, the DDA has partnered .with the Community Foundation, CSU and the City of Fort Collins to resource the position of director for UniverCity Connections. The Bohemian Foundation joined this funding partnership in 2009. Doug Johnson, Director of UCC, provided an update on the progress of task group projects. The breadth of the work being completed by the task'groups is impressive and the initiatives have resulted in positive changes to the UCC area. Mr. Johnson explained that there are now 5 active task groups. These are economic development; Homeward 2020; Fort ZED; transit & mobility; and the river district. Homeward 2020, the homelessness initiative, has developed a 10 year plan to end homelessness in Fort Collins, taking the global best practices to.provide a blueprint of a permanent, stable housing solution. This is now a standalone initiative preparing to hire a director.' Fort ZED is moving forward with a partnership with CSU, the City, Platte River Power and private industry. It was the 2008 recipient of a grant to develop smart grid technology. It is now moving forward with a proposal to use stimulus funds. The transit and mobility group is working on biking issues and education and outreach on campus. They emphasize the "downtown experience - getting there should be as much fun as being there." They are also studying a downtown circulator loop and the Mason Corridor. The river task force is working with the CSU Engines Lab on clean up and with CSU landscape architects on river design. ' Addressing the future of UCC, Mr. Johnson noted that his position ends at. the end of this year and it is not sure what form the project will take in the future. The hope is that the connections that have been made will be long lasting. Mike Freeman reported on the work of the economic development task group, which focuses on maintaining and improving the economic health of the downtown area.. This includes five projects: interviewing primary employers; primary. employment retention/expansion; the Energy and Engines Conversion Lab; Downtown retail analysis; and business incubation and support for entrepreneurship. FORT COLLINS BIKE PROGRAM This item was moved to the May agenda because of time constraints. COMMUNITY MARKETPLACE The Community Marketplace planning team has reached the first of four decision milestones built into the feasibility process and is seeking Board authorization to proceed with the next steps. Hill Grimmett, Northern Colorado Food Incubator and Dr. Douglas Murray, CSU/Center for Fair and Alternative Trade Studies, presented a summary of the refined vision and talked about the next steps in programmatic feasibility. The February forum demonstrated enthusiastic support for the concept and lots of ideas for going forward. The concept is now being presented to various stakeholder groups in the community. Mr. Grimmett spoke of recommendations for the market hall, which will focus on produce and fresh food. Very specific and clear criteria are needed for vendor selection because the character of the marketplace hinges on this. Dr. Murray spoke further of the vision for the upper floors which may include a community meeting center, Osher lifelong learning, a socially responsible investment firm or other financial service, other values -based, businesses. The vision includes a rooftop area open to the public for meetings and other special events. The.next steps in the process include continued outreach to stakeholders; creating tenant profiles and possible vendor mix; creating scenarios for revenue and operating costs; drafting operating policies, . guidelines, lease structure and demand analysis. The Board wanted to know if the timeline could be moved up and the project started earlier. Mr. Robenalt responded that it was important to make sure we get this important project right and the feasibility studies DDA Minutes April 9, 2009 pg. 4 need to be done. Questions were also raised about whether additional DDA staffing would expedite the many projects on the horizon. Moved by Mr. keiffer, seconded by Mr. Zamzow: To authorize the release funds in the amount of $125,000 for programmatic feasibility for the community marketplace. The motion passed unanimously. BEETSTREET (Mr. Keier was absent for this discussion) Patty Spencer and Lisa Poppaw of the Beet Street Board presented the Beet Street report. Ms. Spencer reported that an executive search committee had been formed with the idea of hiring a new Executive Director for the program. The salary for that position will be $80,000. The Beet Street Board also feels that the change in leadership provides an opportunity to develop organically. Beet Street staff and the Executive Committee continue to work on existing programming — the Imagination Street Fair, Jazz Festival, and World Rhythms. The Finding Home month -long series is underway and is providing the community with a broad range of artistic, cultural, historic and social programming involving many partners in the community. Mr. Wolfe commented that the program reflects what Beet Street should be doing by collaborating with many different community organizations. The presenters emphasized that the function of Beet Street is to be an economic driver and in order to accomplish that mission, funding is needed for additional time. It was recognized that a detailed budget needs to be developed before a formal request is made of the DDA Board. A Board discussion of Beet Street's role followed including the possible creation of a long term endowment for local arts, ticket pricing and diverse programming, the expectations of a new director, and defining the new direction and vision. No formal action was taken ARTS/CULTURE INVESTMENT STRATEGY Executive Director Matt Robenalt and Board Chair Jack Wolfe presented a proposal and the rationale for broadening investment in downtown non-profit arts, cultural and scientific organizations. These organizations contribute to the diversity of experiences available to Fort Collins residents and visitors, and to the cultural and economic vitality essential to preserving a community quality of life and a healthy; vibrant downtown. The impacts of a challenging economy are negatively affecting the ability of these downtown non -profits to remain financially stable. If any of these long-standing "pillar" organizations were to go away, it would take a long time to recover from the negative economic and -cultural affects, including a significant loss of sales tax dollars. The DDA is in a position to respond to the impact of the slowing economy and positively bolster the economic viability of some of these key organizations by strategically investing in several key areas. The investment proposal was developed after speaking with staff and board leaders from the non -profits. DDA staff and Mr. Wolfe spent several weeks in fact-finding interviews to determine the various organizations' short, mid and long range needs. Mr. Robenalt explained the parameters that the DDA must operate under in order to respond to some of . these needs. The DDA must adhere to the State enabling legislation that governs the agency, and it must also adhere to the adopted Plan of Development for the redevelopment area. In light of all these factors, staff requested that the Board discuss the proposed investment matrix and provide feedback about the overall concept. The Board was also asked to act on several short-range investments proposals. Item #1 -The first proposal is to underwrite Lincoln Center theater space, tech fees, and rental fees from 2009 through the 2012-2013 season. This would keep Lincoln Center operating revenues whole, while providing financial relief to local non-profit performance groups that utilize the space. This would require an IGA and cost approximately $630,144 through 2012/13. DDA Minutes April 9, 2009 pg. 5 Items 2 & 3 - The second proposal involves leasing warehouse space for centralized set construction, costume storage, and rehearsal and classroom space. This would also aid the Rocky Mountain Raptor Program which could also be housed in the leased warehouse. This would cost approximately $140,000- $250,000 annually. Item 44 - Another short term proposal is to acquire a public access easement in the Bas Bleu Theatre lobby and make minor improvements to the easement space. Besides benefitting Bas Bleu, this would have the additional benefit of creating a new public meeting space in the River District for community groups. The approximate cost of this proposal is $220,000. Three other short term initiatives would directly support Beet Street: continue funding for three additional years; suggest to the Beet Street Board that they create a special partnership between Beet Street and FCMOCA to help cover costs of special exhibits; and further suggest that Beet Street contract for a special Fort Collins Symphony performance. Lengthy discussion followed about how these agreements would be structured: It was also stressed that the participating arts/culture/scientific entities needed to understand that this is.a three year initiative with no promise of it extending beyond that point. There was also concern that if the DDA had use of the Bas Bleu building lobby, that the public be informed that it is available for community use. Legal staff is still working on some of the legal issues and how to structure agreements. Regarding the lease of warehouse space, it was noted that the Elks Building would not be appropriate space because it did not have needed access or loading docks. Any lease for warehouse space would be brought back to the Board for review. Mr. Robenalt urged the Board to review the mid and long term proposals. An arts council is key to the mid range goals of the investment strategy and it is suggested that it be set up as an incubator program similar to model identified by City Financial Director Mike Freeman. Time did not allow further discussion of long term plans. Moved by Mr. Brelig, seconded by Mr. Keiffer: To authorize funding for the proposal to underwrite fees at the Lincoln Center through 2012/13 in the following amounts: 2009-10, $144,063; 2010-11, $154,427; 2011-2012, $165,827; 2012-2013, $165,827. The motion passed unanimously. Moved by Mr. Brelig, seconded by Mr. Keiffer: To authorize the Executive Director to seek a lease for the purposes in items 2 & 3 above, with the details of the lease to be brought back for Board approval, and with the intent of the space to satisfy the purposes and needs as stated. The motion passed unanimously. . Moved by Mr. Keiffer, seconded by Mr. Sears: To authorize staff to work with Bas Bleu Theatre and approve up to $220,000 to secure either an easement, lien and/or contract for the lobby of the Bas Bleu building, the structure of this agreement subject to Board approval. The motion passed unanimously. ELKS BUILDING RE -USE REPORT DDA Project Manager Anne Aspen presented a synthesis of several reports plus an investigation into processes that would be required to reuse the Elks Building. The bottom line was that the total range to reuse the building was $310,000-$987,000 for the first year of repair and operation. Ongoing operations and maintenance costs would be $217,000-253,000 per year plus any deferred maintenance from the first year. The cost to demolish the building would be approximately $420,000 including hazardous materials . abatement and building deconstruction. A third option to mothball the building was seen as the least desirable option. The approximate cost for this option for one year is $48,340 plus $50,000 held in reserve Ms. Aspen requested Board input on whether the wished to pursue building reuse, possibly for Beet Street activities, in which case a more detailed budget spreadsheet would be prepared for Board review. The Board consensus was that the building should be deconstructed and the site prepared for future development, with possible short term use as parking. DDA Minutes April 9, 2009 Pg• 6 OTHER BUSINESS No other business was discussed. ADJOURN There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 11:57 a.m. eo a Bre ig, S et