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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDowntown Development Authority - Minutes - 03/07/1996DANTOWN r DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY ONE WEST CONTEMPORARY ART CENTER Telephone (303) 484-2020 201 SOUTH COLLEGE AVENUE, FORT COLLINS, CO 80524 Telefox (303) 484-2069 DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY Regular Directors' Heating MINUTES OF MARCH 7. 1996 The Board of Directors of the Downtown Development Authority met in regular session at 7:30 a.m., March 7,1996 in the conference room at 201 South College Avenue, One West Contemporary Art Center. PRESENT There were present: Stephen Slezak, Chair presiding Bonnie Bixler Szidon, Vice Chair Mary Brayton, Secretary Carey Hewitt, Treasurer Rick Goodale Jason Meadors Greg Belcher Chuck Wanner Staff: Chip Steiner, Consultant Anne Garrison Bud Frick, LPC Liaison Lucia Liley, Counsel Absent: Kermit Allard Guests: Pete Cottier, Debra Passariello, Susan Hoskinson CALL TO ORDER Mr. Slezak called the meeting to order, and entertained a motion to approve the minutes of February 1, 1996. Ms. Brayton moved to approve the minutes as written, seconded by Mr. Meadors and the motion carried unanimously. COTTIER PROJECT Mr. Pete Cottier has acquired the 85 year old Union Pacific Freight Depot, more recently occupied by the New Belgium Brewing Company. Mr. Cottier seeks DDA participation in the renovation of this building. The purpose would be to provide office and warehouse space, the former being used by DDA MINUTES PAGE 2 Mr. Cottier in his construction business. Improvement costs are estimated at $135,900 with $6,700 being used for the west facade and $4,200 for right of way improvements. The last two figures represent areas in which DDA might wish to participate. Mr. Steiner commented that while it is hard to measure the impact of these improvements, due to the location, some of the foreseeable strengths are as follows: • It would help bridge the downtown to the river • It pioneers the land between Jefferson and the river • It revitalizes an area hitherto under -developed. Mr. Hewitt moved that the DDA commit a total of $10,000 the breakdown of which would allot $6,700 for the facade, and $3,300 for the right of way improvements. The motion was seconded by Ms. Szidon and carried unanimously. In making this decision, the Board authorizes Mr. Slezak to execute the agreement. EMPLOYMENT Anne Garrison was excused from this segment of the meeting, CONTRACT as the Board convened in executive session. A decision was reached to renew her contract for a period of one year, and allot a 5% increase in salary. CIVIC CENTER Mr. Steiner excused himself from this discussion, due to a possible conflict of interest. Using a large color coded schematic, featuring retail, commercial, parking and other civic uses, Me. Passariello outlined the work in progress to date. She shared that this information will be presented to Council at a work session at the end of May. The final session to adopt the plan will take place in June. Information provided to the Board by Ms. Passariello touched on the following: • The new library would be the main anchor in Block 132, although approximately 15% feel it does not belong in this Setting. • Space needs to be designated for a transportation hub. Existing rails could be used for passenger trains to Denver, etc., and are being considered for this park and ride hub, which would also provide a shuttle service. • Parking is a crucial part of the plan. The struggle is to identify the multiplier needed to establish the parking factor. • While some of the more immediate parking needs will be met with the implementation of this project, some factors will be phased in over a given period, and measured according to need at that time. • Justice Center parking, which will be primarily for employees, and retail needs are all under consideration. • Privately owned existing structures within the boundaries of the project will remain; an example would be the new car wash. There is, however, a portion of the development currently underused or vacant. DDA NINOTzs PAGE 3 • City Council, County Commissioners, Zoning Board and Peter Calthorpe, consultant to the project, feel that the LaPorte/America lot should be used for parking. The Board then entered into a lively discussion and Ms. Passariello fielded a question and answer period. The following is an overview of some of the comments: • The America lot should handle as much of the parking as possible. • We need to identify a site for the transport hub, whether or not it is built immediately. • We must deal with our immediate parking needs, as well as look to the future by building the hub. • We are a city already concerned with and sensitive to multi -modal transportation. There are strong feelings on both issues which must be addressed - the car is not going to go away. • Consideration must be given to how things phase in, since as service increases so does usage. • Because of the magnitude of this project, a different set of standards and guidelines should be employed. • Is there anything happening at the County election that would incorporate a parking structure? (Ms. Passariello responded that some proposals are presently in the works.) • The storm water question is, as yet, undecided. • The fate of privately owned buildings? • Vail, with the second largest park and free ride center in the State was mentioned favorably. • Integrating new buildings, i.e. parking structures, so that they complement existing architecture. This has been done successfully in Denver, retaining an attractive 1930's flavor. • Since parking is so desperately needed now, use the Court House as a lever to create parking, which can be expanded at a later date. Behind Opera Galleria was suggested, although it may be too far removed for retail and restaurant use. • Education is part of the process of change, the current parking structure lay almost empty for a time. • We must stay open to the fact that this is a two pronged challenge, in which the needs of the automobile driver and the individual using alternative modes of transportation must be served, and the DDA strongly supports both. • The Board felt it noteworthy that we are already a multi - modal transportation area, and the downtown is still the only place in Fort Collins where one may handily cross College Avenue. Ms. Passariello offered to return with a further update at the April meeting. FYI The graph attached to the Joint Diversity Subcommittee letter was thought to have some discrepancies. Mr. Wanner volunteered to check into it. 185 N.COLLSGE An update was provided regarding the status of this DDA owned property. The lessee is current through February, the month of March is as yet outstanding. Options will be more fully discussed at the next meeting. JULY BOARD A change of meeting date for the month of July, was MMMING suggested since it falls on July 4; no decision was made. DDA MINUTEs PAGE 4 TERMS OF OFFICE Mr. Goodale, having served two terms, or eight consecutive years, must terminate his service to the DDA under the City Council Resolution 81-85. The Board acknowledges with deep appreciation his outstanding contribution. The Board is encouraged to consider an eligible replacement. Mr. Slezak's present term is complete in June 1996, and it is hoped he will pursue reappointment. ADJOURN There being no further business the meeting was adjourned. Mary Brayton, Secretary DOWNTOWN � DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY ONE WEST CONTEMPORARY ART CENTER Telephone (303) 484-2020 201 SOUTH COLLEGE AVENUE, FORT COLLINS, CO 80624 Teiefox (303) 484-2069 TO: DDA Board of Di ctors FROM: Chip Steiner DATE: March 30, 1996 RE: Business Improvement District Members of the DDA business improvement district committee met last week to discuss possible functions a BID might undertake. Since maintenance was the genesis for the discussion regarding a business improvement district, the committee suggests this function be included. BIDS have the ability to establish special improvement districts within the larger BID district. This means that an area in need of on -going maintenance can be assessed for the cost of that service without assessing all other properties in the district. Capital Izproyements. The committee suggested a BID be considered as the development entity for the following projects: Parking structures Amphitheater Linkages to the Poudre River Pedestrian improvements throughout the CBD Transit center. The committee observed that these projects are or could be a part of the Civic Center Plan and that a BID might be the appropriate vehicle to finance their construction. Management. The committee suggested that a BID could manage downtown parking services and perhaps other public operations in the central business district (such as an amphitheater or transit center). These functions could provide operational revenues for a BID without the imposition of new taxes. Furthermore, BID management would give responsibility for these functions to those most affected by them. The committee noted that such management functions would be assumed by a BID only if it made logistical and economic sense from the City's perspective. To facilitate the creation and implementation of such a district, the committee suggests that: 1. The DDA Board recommend such a district be created; 2. The DDA's recommendation be presented to the Downtown Business Association for its endorsement; 3. An expanded committee be established to take responsibility for promoting the district, drafting the necessary implementation materials, circulating petitions and carrying the proposal to City Council. DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY ONE WEST CONTEMPORARY ART CENTER Telephone (303) 484-2020 201 SOUTH COLLEGE AVENUE, FORT COLLINS, CO 80524 Telefax (303) 484-2069 April 2, 1996 TO: DDA Board of Directors FROM: Anne Garrison &�- RE: Parking Study Report Please find attached several pages summarizing the Downtown Fort Collins Parking Survey. An overview of the study, to date, will be given by Mr. Dick Schaffer of the Parking Department at the April 4, 1996 Board Meeting. ddoDOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY ONE WEST CONTEMPORARY ART CENTER Telephone (303) 484-2020 201 SOUTH COLLEGE AVENUE, FORT COLLINS, CO 80524 Telefox (303) 484-2069 April 2, 1996 TO: DDA Board of Directors FROM: Anne Garrison RE: 185 North College Avenue - Old Town Diner Attached are three pages of documentation pertaining to the captioned property. The first page is taken from the September 6, 1993 Lease and Option Agreement and indicates a termination date of September 6, 1996. Page nine, (9) Paragraph D, of this agreement shows the original purchase price as sixty eight thousand, two hundred and forty two dollars ($68,242.00.) Also attached is a comprehensive payment schedule, at the base of which is shown the purchase price, total payments to date and outstanding balance. dOD&NTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY ONE WEST CONTEMPORARY ART CENTER Telephone (303) 484-2020 201 SOUTH COLLEGE AVENUE, FORT COLLINS, CO 80524 Telefax (303) 484-2069 TO: DDA Board of Dir tors FROM: Chip Steiner DATE: March 30, 1996 RE: 223 South Howes Attached is a letter from Linda Stallard of Peg's Internet Cafe requesting DDA financial participation in the improvements of the property at 223 South Howes. This property consists of a large older home and is located just south of the Rey Bank drive-thru facility at the corner of Canyon and Howes. According to the letter, the proposed improvement investment (rehabilitation) will cost $80,000. The Authority is being asked to replace a curb cut in the right of way providing access to the site. The existing cut needs to be widened and refinished to improve ingress and egress. Estimated cost for the curb cut improvements are $1,000 - $1,200. The expense is a legitimate public improvement and will help to bring a new business into the CBD which will itself attract other people to downtown. Following is a quick review of the Authority's capital projects account: Total 1996 appropriation - $90,000 Commitments to date - 200 Walnut (up to) (25,000) 350 Linden Street (10,0001 Balance Available: $55,000 The Authority has committed 39 percent of available funds in the first quarter of 1996. Linda Stallard P.O. Box 310 Ft. Collins, CO 80522 March 27,1996 Downtown Development Authority 201 South College Fort Collins, CO 80524 Re: 223 South Howes To whom it may concern: We will be converting the house at the referenced address to a "Cyber Cafe" over the next several months. Construction costs are expected to exceed $80,000 with additional $300,000 expected in computer equipment and furniture and fixtures. We are asking support from the DDA in replacement of the'curb cut' within the right-of- way in order to gain access safely from Howes Street. In its current dimension it is too narrow for vehicle access without an extremely wide turn from the street. Estimates to replace the curb cut range from $1000 to $1200 depending on the final requirements from the city engineering department. We would be happy to attend your next meeting on April 4th to answer any questions the board may have. Thank you for your consideration in this matter. Sincerely, i Linda Stallard Peg's Internet Cafe