Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutDowntown Development Authority - Minutes - 12/03/1998ddo AWNTOWN • DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY 19 OLD TOWN SQUARE, SUITE 230 Telephone (970) 484-2020 FORT COLLINS, CO 80524 Telefax (970) 484-2069 DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY Regular Directors' Meeting Kermit Allard, Chair 482-1893 (W) Chuck Warmer, Council Liaison 484-0810 (H) Anne Garrison, Staff Liaison 484-2020 (W) MINUTES OF DECEMBER 3, 1998 REGULAR MEETING The Board of Directors of the Downtown Development Authority met in regular session at 7:30 a.m. on December 3, 1998 in the Meeting Room at Home State Bank, 303 East Mountain Avenue. PRESENT There were present: Kermit Allard, Chair Mary Brayton, Vice Chair Jason Meadors, Secretary Steve Slezak Chuck Wanner Larry Stroud Margaret Brown John Pitner ABSENT Greg Belcher, Treasurer STAFF Chip Steiner, Consultant Anne Garrison Lucia Liley, Counsel GUESTS John Fischbach, Carrie Daggett, Alan Krcmarik, Jack & Michelle Vandagriff, Ted & Ellen Zibell, Angela Milewski - LPC Liaison CALL TO ORDER Mr. Allard called the meeting to order and roll call was taken. DDA MINUTES PAGE 2 APPROVAL OF Mr. Slezak moved to adopt the minutes of November 5, 1998 as written, this MINUTES was seconded by Mr. Stroud and carried unanimously. TAILGATE TOMMY'S Mr. Steiner introduced Jack and Michelle Vandagriff who are opening a new restaurant in the ADI building. They seek funding for the fabrication and installation of an outdoor patio, and to this end, have already obtained an encroachment permit from the City, and approval from the Poudre Fire Authority. The total cost of the project is $2,470 and Mr. Steiner suggested that if the Board decides to participate, that Legal Counsel review files of similar projects so that all contingencies and maintenance requirements are included. Mr. Slezak moved for the allocation of $2,470 for the railing as proposed, subject to the standard maintenance and replacement terms, this was seconded by Ms. Brayton and carried unanimously. 231 SOUTH HOWES Mr. Slezak declared a conflict of interest and excused himself from any discussion of this project.. The property located on the northwest comer of Howes and Olive is designated as a historic structure. Mr. Steiner stated that $25,000 for Facade and Right -of -Way improvements is requested. Net taxable improvements in the amount of $250,000 are planned, which include a carriage house at the rear of the building. Some clarification is needed from Mr. Slezak concerning the amount of $25,000 being requested; Mr. Steiner was only able to tally $13,000 in public improvements from the information provided. Included in that figure was the irrigation system, the right- of- way, curb expansion, the deletion of two curbs, the fascia and gutter repair, landscaping and the exterior stucco repair and painting. Another $5,500 would be added to that total if, as Mr. Slezak suggests, the railing is deeded over. Ms. Brayton moved to commit $18,500 to this project, the monies to be drawn from Capital Improvement funds, and this was seconded by Mr. Pitner. After a brief discussion, Mr. Meadors offered a friendly amendment, that the project be funded through the tax increment mechanism as opposed to Capital Improvement monies, and this was seconded by Mr. Stroud. Mr. Allard then called for a vote on the amendment which carried with one opposed. Following this, the motion as amended was opened for discussion there being none, a vote was taken, and the motion carried unanimously. PERENNIAL Mr. Steiner introduced Ted and Ellen Zibell's new project to the Board for GARDENER consideration. They have purchased the property directly north of their store at 160-164 N. College, and plan to expand their existing business. To obtain this property, they purchased the old Dimmer's building; spent more than a year to obtain necessary City approvals, and renovate it suitably for Mr. Pawn. They are requesting DDA acquire the facade on 160-164 N. College Avenue The Zibell's plan to restore the former Mr. Pawn's store in accordance with historic guidelines, which will be an arduous undertaking because of an earlier exterior stucco treatment which cannot readily be removed. This will require bricks being removed and reversed in order to stay within historic renovation guidelines. DDA MINUTES PAGE 3 Among the many advantages of funding this project is the relocation of a pawn shop, the expansion of a very desirable retail store and another building restored in the central business district. Mr. Steiner remarked that the $25,000 requested is well worth the many advantages this project brings to downtown. Mr. Steiner suggested this might present the best opportunity to use the $26,000 in CDBG funds. A Colorado Historic mini grant has been received in the amount of $10,000, and the local chapter has been approached also, but appropriations will not be made until 1999. At this juncture, Mr. Stroud declared that he was abstaining from the discussion due to a conflict of interest. The question was posed as to whether appraisal costs of the facade could be included as part of the CDBG reimbursement. This is something that should be checked. At this juncture, Mr. Pitner moved to commit $25,000 in CDBG funds towards the facade and an additional $1,000 designated for appraisal costs. This was seconded by Mr. Wanner. A contingency was agreed upon and added to the motion; that the Board's decision meets with the approval of CDBG. The Board then voted unanimously to adopt the motion. OPERA GALLERIA Legal Counsel recommended that the Board go into executive session for the purpose of discussing legal issues. Mr. Meadors then moved that the Board adjourn to executive session to discuss relevant legal issues, this was seconded by Mr. Wanner and carried unanimously. Subsequently, Mr. Allard adjourned the executive session, at which time Ms. Brayton moved that the Board direct Legal Counsel and the DDA Consultant to simultaneously work with the County regarding the valuation of the property and negotiate in tandem with the City on both parking and tax issues. This was seconded by Mr. Wanner and carried unanimously. $100,000 ♦ 251 Linden Street was discussed during the recent retreat. At that time APPROPRIATION appropriation of DDA's Capital Improvement funds was still pending. ♦ Rand -Scot was also discussed because $32,000 in CDBG monies had been allotted to this renovation. It has since been learned that we cannot fund more than $8,000 using this funding source. It may be appropriate to ask these candidates to return to the Board. In any event, Mr. Steiner will notify the owner of 251 Linden Street and arrange to meet with Joel Lerich of Rand -Scot. EXECUTIVE Ms. Brayton advised that two meetings have been scheduled, one between Ms. DIRECTOR SEARCH Brayton and Messrs. Allard and Fischbach. The second will incorporate the Executive Officers of both the DDA and DBA Boards and Ms. Liley. The purpose of this meeting is to determine, among several other considerations, whether or not DDA and DBA could remain as separate entities under one director. Mr. Allard advised he had gathered information for the job description, and Mr. Steiner's input will be sought for the final draft. In addition, Mr. Steiner's services have been requested on a month to month basis while the DDA • • DDA MINUTES search is in progress. For the record, however, he has stated his desire PAGE 4 that the extension be less than ninety days duration. Mr. Slezak requested additional clarification on what had been done thus far and what direction the search was taking. Mr. Allard responded that at this time the Executive Committee sought only to investigate a variety of different possibilities. Ms. Liley added that DDA is a public entity with particular statutory authority, and there are several possible legal impediments which would need to be reviewed in the event both entities were under one director. Mr. Stroud suggested that due to time constraints, a search be mounted for a full time person, even as the Board continues to investigate other possibilities. Mr. Slezak moved that the Board mount a full scale search for an individual to replace Mr. Steiner as a full time employee of the DDA, using the old job description already on file. This was seconded by Mr. Pitner. Mr. Steiner counseled against a full scale national search for several reasons, and noted that among those qualified at a state level, there is not a large selection. Several concurred that some familiarity with Colorado and Fort Collins specifically would be very beneficial. Mr. Wanner suggested a timeline for action with a maximum of ninety days, and offered a friendly amendment that an outline of steps and procedures be put together, and the Executive Committee directed to advertise the position using the previously written job description as a guideline. The motion carried with opposition. Mr. Wanner then moved that the Board meet again in two weeks with a plan of action and a job description in hand. This was seconded by Mr. Slezak and carried unanimously. ANNEXATION Copies of an Annexation Agreement between the DDA and Fort Collins Partners AGREEMENT I, LLC were distributed. Ms. Liley immediately stated that the record should reflect that neither she or her firm participated or put together the Annexation Agreement. LPC UPDATE Ms. Milewski reported that the review of preservation grant applications for 1999 will commence in January. OTHER BUSINESS The Board is encouraged to attend the Holiday Open House for DDA and DBA at the Edwards House on December 9, 1998. The groundbreaking ceremony for the new parking garage will take place on December 31, 1998 at 3:00 p.m. in the LaPorte/America lot, and will feed into First Night celebrations. A brief report was given by the representative for the committee on Art in Public Places. The $200,000 utilities grant fund available, received thirty three proposals from its call to artists; the search has now narrowed to four. ADJOURN There being no further discussion, the meeting adjourned at 9:50 a.m. Jason Meadors, Secretary DlSWNTOWN � DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY I Y ULU IUWN SQUARE, SUITE 230 FORT COLLINS, CO 80524 TO: DDA Board of Directors/j FROM: Chip Steiner C DATE: December 16, 1998 RE: Executive Director Search Telephone (970) 484-2020 Telefax (970) 484-2069 Attached is a Plan of Action generated by Jason Meadors and members of the executive committee. At my suggestion, the Executive Committee has asked the Board for more flexibility regarding the hiring of an employee versus using a contract for services. I am not pushing this approach over an employee. However, under some circumstances it might be a better arrangement. The final decision always rests with the full Board of Directors. PLAN OF ACTION Executive Director Search Submitted by: Executive Committee, 'Downtown Development Authority December 14, 1998 Chip Steiner has been Executive Director, in title or in fact, longer than any present members have been on the Authority. It will be impossible to replace him fully. We need to attempt to fill as many of Chip's strengths as possible. These include: • Knowledge of downtown dynamics and history • Knowledge of downtown properties and their histories • Thorough knowledge of DDA's operations, budget, and applicable regulations • A complete grasp of tax increment financing and its implications • Ability to synthesize financial and governmental operations to DDA's goals • Confidence of local business people and government officials • Blend of visionary views, practicality, energy, diplomacy, and a thick skin Means of hiring a new Executive Director 1) Conduct a full-scale search through national ads and employment agencies. Advantages: Selection from a wider pool. Disadvantages: Cost (estimated $20,000); delay; and lack of familiarity with state and/or local issues. 2) Conduct a full-scale local search. The advantages and disadvantages are essentially converse from (1). The Executive Committee, based on direction given to it by the Board of Directors, recommends that the Authority conduct a full-scale local search. This would be effected by ads in the Denver Post, Fort Collins Coloradoan, and Colorado Municipal League Job Finder, as well as invitations to likely prospects already known to the Authority. (A proposed ad is attached.) Salary range is negotiable, but advertised at a base of $60,000 along with the benefits package. A number of factors will go into the final offer: Experience; ability; qualifications; and an appropriate level of peer recognition. The Executive Committee respectfully requests that the Board allow latitude in negotiating with applicants whether the ultimate relationship is one of employee or subcontractor. Also attached are two forms: one for suggestions by Board members for invitees; another for areas that Board members wish to have covered in the interview process. Directors should return these forms to Kermit Allard (fax: 482-2346; e- mail: kermit@allardcpa.com) by 5:00 p.m., December 17, for particular suggestions or concerns. The plan of action schedule ordered by the Board is shown below: December 17, 1998 - Board meeting for hiring overview December 18, 1998 - Issue invitations; submit ads. December 19-31, 1998 - Prepare evaluation forms and interview questions. January 7, 1999 - Regular meeting - Board approval/amendment of the process. January 15, 1999 - Application deadline. January 18-30, 1999 - Review applications, develop short list, interview candidates. February 4, 1999 - Regular meeting - meet finalists, make selection, extend offer. Attachments: Form for proposed invitees Form for proposed areas of questioning Proposed placement ad Executive Director Job Description Chip Steiner memo re Executive and Operations Management Services List of suggested invitees for DDA Executive Director 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Proposed areas of inquiry for DDA Executive Director applicants. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Proposed ad The Fort Collins Downtown Development Authority seeks an energetic professional to lead the organization. Candidates should possess a bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Economics, Real Estate, Urban Planning, or related field (masters preferred). Minimum of 8 to 10 years of responsible management and leadership experience. Demonstrated leadership experience in projects/programs creation, packaging, financing, coalition building, and implementation is critical. Knowledge of applicable state and local issues and regulations would be helpful. Effective oral and written skills. Detailed job description available upon request (970-484-2020). Base salary, $60,000 plus benefits. Resume with cover letter to the Downtown Development Authority, 10 Old Town Square, CO 80524, by 5:00 p.m., Friday, January 15, 1999. The Downtown Development Authority is an equal opportunity employer. Downtown Development Authority Job Description Job Tide: Executive Director Reports To: Board of Directors SUMMARY. Directs, administers, and manages the activities of the Downtown Development Authority in support of the policies, goals, and objectives as established by the Board of Directors. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES. The following duties and responsibilities are illustrative of the primary functions of this position and are not intended to be all inclusive. On behalf of Downtown Development Authority (DDA), works actively with the City of Fort Collins and other relevant public and private organizations on issues affecting the central business district and the purposes of the Authority. Works cooperatively with the Downtown Business Association, the Chamber of Commerce, the Fort Collins Economic Development Corporation, the real estate community, financial institutions, and other related entities on issues and projects of mutual interest. Provides general oversight and direction of work of the staff of Downtown Development Authority. Directs the preparation of short-term and long-range plans of the DDA based on objectives established by the Board. Develops and manages the annual operating budget authorized by the Board of Directors. Maintains a sound organizational plan by establishing policies and procedures that ensure the effective operations of the DDA that are consistent with the principles established by the Board. Develops and implements procedures and the means to promote communication and information regarding DDA projects. Evaluates the results of overall programs and projects and provides regular reports to the Board of Directors. Participates in all meeting and retreats of the Board and serves on special committees as required. Establishes agenda for monthly board meetings. Attends all necessary business, community and governmental meetings in connection with DDA issues or interests. Represents the DDA in local civic and professional organizations as an active member. Defines the responsibilities, authority and accountability of subordinate employees and provides them with regular reviews and general guidance. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES. This position is responsible for the supervision of subordinate supervisors and employees. QUALIFICATIONS. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the necessary functions of this position. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES. Knowledge of practices and principles of business management. Working knowledge of financial management and budget development. Knowledge of principles of policy development, strategic and long-range planning. Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing, Ability to utilize a personal computer and associated spreadsheet and word processing programs. Ability to work effectively and cooperatively with local businesses and city and county officials. Ability to successfully carry out specific directives of the Board in a timely manner. EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE. Bachelor's degree in Public or Business Administration, Urban Planning, or related field from an accredited college or university; Master's preferred; plus a minimum of eight to ten years progressively responsible senior management level experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience. CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS. Current Colorado driver's license. PHYSICAL DEMANDS. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand and walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and distance vision. WORK ENVIRONMENT. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. FORT COLLINS DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY Executive and Operations Management Services General: The Downtown Development Authority is an economic development agency working on behalf of the older commercial area of the Fort Collins community. It is an advocacy agency responsible for fostering economic activity in the central business district which benefits businesses and property owners and which helps to create and maintain a healthy, vibrant, and unique community identity. The Authority is governed by a nine -member board of directors which is appointed by City Council. The Board has the responsibility of overseeing the functions of the Authority including the selection and retention of management and administrative services. The Authority can employ an executive director or contract with an outside vendor for these services. Whether management is provided through an employee or outside vendor, the services rendered incorporate the following responsibilities. 1. Operating budget development and administration. It is the responsibility of paid DDA management to prepare, have adopted by the appropriate bodies, and administer an annual operating budget. 2. Debt Service. The Downtown Development Authority has the ability, through City Council, to incur tax increment debt. It currently (1999) has outstanding obligations of close to $9 million. Although the actual management of the debt service fund is handled by the City of Fort Collins Finance Department, DDA management must understand this fund in order to calculate projections and evaluate the impact of projects which are added to or removed from the downtown inventory. DDA management assists the City Finance Director in the administration of this fund to ensure that it brings the most benefit to the central business district without jeopardizing the ability to meet financial obligations. 3. Project and program development. As an advocacy agency, DDA management is responsible for identifying, developing, and implementing projects and programs that advance the objectives of downtown and the community. Considerable emphasis and importance is placed on public -private partnerships as a way to leverage private investment in the central business district. This requires very high degrees of independent initiative, entrepreneurship, perseverance, and creativity. DDA management works to create beneficial projects and programs, pursues and establishes cooperative working relationships with other groups and organizations, develops financing packages, and obtains the necessary commitments to realize these projects and programs. DDA management identifies and utilizes all the necessary tools to implement these projects and programs including tax increment financing, grants, loans, public -private partnerships, etc. DDA management is responsible for packaging these projects and programs and carrying them through to completion. 4. Liaison. DDA management represents the Authority with all those groups and organizations that can affect the implementation of its objectives. This includes City Council, all relevant City boards and commissions, City staff, economic development agencies, downtown marketing agencies, the Chamber of Commerce, banks, real estate companies, and any other groups that can impact the economic vitality of the central business district. 5. Meetings. DDA management prepares or directs the preparation of all materials for Board of Director meetings. This includes organizing and writing agendas and preparing all necessary background materials for each agenda items. Background materials should be of sufficient detail to facilitate the decision -making process of the Board. 6. DDA management represents the authority at public meetings and hearings where there is a bearing on downtown issues. 7. Personnel. DDA management supervises any additional personnel employed or retained by the DDA including secretarial, administrative, accounting, consulting, and legal services. DDA management has direct responsibility for all employees of the Authority. DDA management advises the Board of Directors regarding any changes, additions, deletions in outside service vendors. 8. Miscellaneous. DDA management works at the direction of the Board of Directors and is responsible for carrying out Board policy. EXHIBIT "A" SCOPE OF SERVICES The Professional agrees to provide all management services necessary to carry out the purposes and functions of the DDA as defined or directed from time to time by the Board, including, but not limited to, the following • Attending all meetings and retreats of the Board or, if so requested, any committee of the Board. • Preparing monthly agendas for Board meetings. • Working with the DDA's counsel and staff as necessary to properly manage the affairs of the DDA. • Attending necessary meetings in connection with DDA issues or interests. • Providing information and active assistance in connection with proposed public and private downtown projects. • Working actively with Larimer County and The City of Fort Collins, Colorado on issues affecting the DDA, including development of, or amendments to, land use plans impacting downtown Fort Collins. • Working cooperatively with the DOA, Chamber of Commerce, Fort Collins Economic Development Corporation and other similar entities on issues and projects of mutual interest. Taking necessary steps to effectuate policies set by the Board and carrying out any specific directives of the Board. dduDMWNTOWN 10 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: Chip Steiner n DATE: December 16, 1998 — RE: Restrictive Floodplain Development Committee The City has formed a committee to make recommendations regarding floodplain development. Floodplains surround much of the river where it flows through downtown and include much of the central business district itself. The DDA and the DBA, however, were not invited to participate on the committee. However, both may now designate a representative. Volunteers? Glenn Levy Martha Roden Fire Station #1 1967 Massachusetts St. Poudre Fire Authority Fort Collins, CO 80525 203-4260 dbralevna.frii.com 206-8117 Brad Anderson David Kazan Lidstone & Anderson 326 S. Grant Ave. 760 Whalers Way Fort Collins, CO 80521 Fort Collins, CO 80525 dkaranna,lamar.colostate.edu bandersongacewater.com 224-5621 226-0120 David Lauer Chris Ricord 1404 Robertson 614 Whedbee Fort Collins, CO 80524 Fort Collins, CO 80524 fotp@poudreriver.ore 472-8769 484-5449 Chuck Bowling Michael Ehler The Group Inc. The Group Inc. 401 W. Mulberry Street 401 W. Mulberry Street Fort Collins, CO 80521 Fort Collins, CO 80521 493-0700 mlee0450(a),aol.com 493-0700 Restrictive Floodplain Development Guidance Task Force Members Suzanne Jarboe -Simpson Paul Clopper Fort Collins Utilities 3665 JFK Parkway P.O. Box 580 Bldg. 2 - Suite 300 Fort Collins, CO 80522 Fort Collins, CO 80525 siarboesimnsongci.fort-collins.co.us pclopper n,avres-fc.com 221-6137 223-5556 Joe Bergquist Randolph Fischer 728 Cheyenne 3007 Moore Lane Fort Collins, CO 80525 Fort Collins, CO 80525 rjbbab@aol.com denrcf@dames.com 303-773-3788 303-294-9100 Rick Harness Bob Davidson ESC 1203 Cascade Court 212 W. Mulberry Fort Collins, CO 80521 Fort Collins, CO 80521 bdavidso@%ach.co harnessp..electsys.com 482-3532 224-9100 Karen Weitkenat Joe Rowan 1513 North College Ave. 621 Gilgalad Way Fort Collins, CO 80524 Fort Collins, CO 80526 484-0870 joergoytimamortea e.com 223-2854 Ken Tharp Gene Wooldridge 601 Birkly Place 1908 Wallenberg Drive Fort Collins, CO 80526 Fort Collins, CO 80526 484-7033 224-2764 Cathy Kirschner Curt Palin 8330 East Quincy Ave. 626 N. Hollywood St. Apt. h-208 Fort Collins, CO 80521 Denver, CO 80237 earth2info2000.net 303-721-7295 472-9863