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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDowntown Development Authority - Minutes - 10/10/1996DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY ONE WEST CONTEMPORARY ART CENTER 201 SOUTH COLLEGE AVENUE, FORT COLLINS, CO 80524 RETREAT (SPECIAL MEETING) October 10, 1996 Present: Mary Brayton Steve Slezak Jason Meadors Carey Hewitt Greg Belcher Staffs Chip Steiner Chuck Wanner Bill Attwooll Kermit Allard Bonnie Bixler Lucia Liley Anne Garrison Telephone (970) 484-2020 Telefax (970) 484-2069 Szidon On October 10, 1996 the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) held its annual retreat at the Edwards House, located at 402 West Mountain Avenue. Mr. Slezak welcomed the Board to the retreat, and during luncheon, engaged in an informal discussion regarding the budget. BUDGET A verbal report was provided on the following five line items: Social Security, Dues & Subscriptions, Other Contractual, Maintenance Contracts and Employee Liability Insurance. Further research is being done by Mr. Steiner on Debt Service Appropriation and the feasibility of an early pay off. The cost of Chamber dues was questioned, which gave rise to other considerations: a) Why do we belong ? b) Does anyone participate for DDA? c) Are we eligible for a non profit rate? Mr. Steiner observed that the Chamber supports many endeavors important to the central business district, i.e. Riverfest for which it provides both staff and cash. It is supportive of downtown issues, and he felt it unwise for the Board to distance itself from a sister organization. Dues money spent does not significantly impact other programs in which DDA is involved. Ms. Garrison is instructed to check Chamber dues with regard to non profit status. Office Copier (Maintenance Contracts.) It seems prudent to consider leasing a newer unit, and in the course of negotiation, it should be ascertained if the lease can be terminated at the end of twelve months. An adjustment should be made to the budget to reflect $700 for Maintenance Contracts and $7,000 in Capital Outlay. Employee Liability Insurance. Mr. Allard read from Stewart Ellenberg's explanation of DDA policies, their purpose and coat. He then moved to amend the 1997 budget to read $7,000 instead of $4,200 on the Maintenance Contract line item. This was seconded by Ms. Szidon and carried unanimously. Following some additional discussion, Mr. Allard moved to adopt the budget as now presented, Ms. Szidon seconded and the motion carried unanimously. RETREAT MINUTES PAGE 2 Contractual Services. It was suggested that Mr. Steiner be excused from the meeting, following which Me. Brayton outlined her concern that Mr. Steiner has not been billing DDA sufficiently for work done. There remains a substantial amount of money in this line item as a result. After some discussion, Ms. Liley suggested that the items not charged could be recompensed retroactive to January 1, 1996. Under a miscellaneous heading they comprise mileage, telephone calls and other items. Ms. Brayton moved to reimburse Mr. Steiner in the amount of $3,000 for the year. Counsel will make an addendum to his contract, and the Board authorized Mr. Slezak, Chairman, to sign on its behalf. Mr. Allard seconded the motion which carried unanimously. PRINCIPLES & POLICIES The Board was provided with the second draft of this document which had been adopted, with changes, by CPAC at its October 9, 1996 meeting. Planning and Zoning will conduct a hearing on October 29, and City Council on November 5, 1996. In the ensuing discussion, concern was expressed regarding 'restrictive language' in some areas of the draft. Mr. Slezak requested that the Board read as much as it can of the document, make its comments available to Mr. Steiner who will prepare them for presentation to CPAC and City Council. RIVER Mike Powers used a color coded chart he termed 'a work in progress' which does not currently match the Principles and Policies second draft because of changes already incorporated in that document. There remain several controversial issues, among which is how close to the river construction can take place. Measurements need to be 'site specific' rather than one measurement for all, Mr. Meyer noted. The Board was polled for its input, and it was felt DDA should have representation at the Planning and Zoning Board meeting, and that consideration could be given to retaining Ms. Liley's services to this end, together with Mr. Steiner and Mr. Slezak. Mr. Meyer advised that the chart would be adjusted to match the written draft at some point, but for now he will continue to lobby groups and organizations for their input. Mr. Allard moved that Mr. Steiner draw up a resolution incorporating the input and direction of the DDA on this issue, and fax it to the Board for final approval before submission. This was seconded by Mr. Belcher. DDA/DBA RELATIONSHIP It had been decided previously to begin gradually to withdraw our support from the DBA, although $5,000 has been budgeted for them in 1997. In her capacity as liaison to the DBA Board, Ms. Brayton disseminated a marketing projection for 1997 prepared by Jay Hardy, Executive Director of DBA. Its thrust is to provide stronger marketing efforts year round, to highlight individual businesses and emphasize downtown as a destination location. A partnership is already in place with CSU and one is planned with Poudre RI School District. In the discussion which followed, it became clear that after staffing costs, the lions share of DBA income is spent on marketing and promotion. Progressive Old Town Square was contributing $20,000 a year when DDA, facing its own sunset, decided to discontinue its support last year. Mr. Steiner noted that DDA receives a great deal in return for the money. Mr. Hewitt suggested continuing the support for another year, and Mr. Belcher felt the Board should visit this issue annually to re-evaluate. Mr. Steiner feels strongly that Me. Garrison's division of time must be weighted more toward DDA issues and workload in 1997. RETREAT MINUTES PAGE 3 In final review, DDA will continue its financial support in the amount of $5,000 for 1997 and a scaling back of Me. Garrison's services, thus allowing DBA time to hire and train a staff person, and begin a transition to the point where office costs are shared and they retain their own staff. There being no further business, Mr. Slezak adjourned the meeting at 5:00 p.m. Respectfully Submitted: Brayton, Secretary • 0 ddoDOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY ONE WEST CONTEMPORARY ART CENTER Telephone (970) 484-2020 201 SOUTH COLLEGE AVENUE, FORT COLLINS, CO 80524 Telefax (970) 484-2069 November 5, 1996 TO: Board of Directors FROM: Anne Garrison RE: FYI - Principles & Policies The concerns expressed by the Board were addressed at the Planning and Zoning meeting in City Council Chambers on October 29, 1996. Following that meeting, DDA Consultant and staff met with Joe Frank to assess the results of its input. At the request of Mr. Frank, a letter was despatched to Mayor Azari and City Council expressing DDA's desire to participate in an ongoing dialogue with City staff, which will extend beyond the Council's adoption of this plan. Please see attached letter. DOWNTOWN ddo DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY ONE WEST CONTEMPORARY ART CENTER Telephone (970) 484-2020 201 SOUTH COLLEGE AVENUE, FORT COLLINS, CO 80524 Telefax (970) 484-2069 November 4, 1996 Mayor Ann Azari Members of City Council 300 LaPorte Avenue Fort Collins, CO 80521 Madam Mayor and Members of City Council: At its October 10, 1996 retreat, the Board of the Downtown Development Authority reviewed the Principles and Polices Plan as it relates to downtown issues. A representative of the DDA appeared before the Planning and Zoning Board at the meeting on October 29, 1996 to express its concerns. Subsequent to that hearing, the DDA has met once with City staff to pursue a discussion on issues the Authority finds to be important to the future of the central business district. Staff has assured us that this dialogue will continue and that revisions and amendments to Principles and Policies will be part of a formal process, even after City Council's adoption. Thus assured, the Downtown Development Authority looks forward to participating in the refinement of Principles and Policies and appreciates City staff's cooperation in obtaining the Authority's input. Sinc ly, 7 Steph n Slezak, ha Downtown Development Authority SS/ajg cc: Joe Frank Tom Shoemaker