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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDowntown Development Authority - Minutes - 11/02/1995ddoDANTOWN � DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY ONE WEST CONTEMPORARY ART CENTER Telephone (303) 484-2020 201 SOUTH COLLEGE AVENUE, FORT COLLINS, CO 80524 Telefax (303) 484-2069 DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY Regular Directors' Meeting MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 2. 1995 REGULAR MEETING The Board of Directors of the Downtown Development Authority met in regular session at 7:30 a.m., November 2, 1995 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 Chuck Wanner Greg Belcher Jason Meadors Kermit Allard Staff: Chip Steiner, Consultant Anne Garrison Absent: Rick Goodale Others present: Jennifer Carpenter, Carol Tunner, Karen McWilliams, Debra Passariello, Ed Stoner, Tom Livingston, Susan Hoskinson. CALL TO ORDER Ms. Szidon called the meeting to order. A motion was made by Ms. Brayton to approve the minutes of October 5, 1995 this was seconded by Mr. Wanner and the motion carried unanimously. The Board acknowledged the presence of the captioned guests, and welcomed them to the meeting. BUSINESS Mr. Steiner reported that the special committee formed IMPROVEMENT by the Board to consider establishing a business improvement DISTRICT district (BID) had reached the following conclusions: e The first priority is to determine the goals of a BID and decide if it should be pursued. e The reason for setting up a business improvement district should not be solely for the purpose of maintaining old Town Square. It was further stated that Progressive Old Town Square (POTS) has the obligation under the terms of its contract to maintain the plaza. Mr. Steiner relayed legal counsel's comments that while we can compel POTS to maintain the plaza, since no standards were set forth in the 0 DDA MINUTES contract, the assumption is that it need only meet tenant PAGE 2 standards. To date the Board is not aware of any dissatisfaction on the part of the tenants. Counsel also observed that the contractual obligation of the DDA is to assist Old Town in the creation of a maintenance district. Mr. Steiner concluded his remarks by saying that regardless of the Board's decision today, Plaza maintenance records should be requested so the issue can be more accurately assessed. Mr. Stoner then addressed the Board stating that it is not the intent of POTS to avoid its duty, but it is seeking a more efficient way of getting the job done. He reasoned that Old Town Square does take the brunt of community events. Mr. Meadors' motion to table this issue until further information is received was seconded by Mr. Hewitt and carried unanimously. In the interests of clarity, a second motion was made by Mr. Meadors in which he moved that the issue be tabled until further information from any source is received. Ms. Brayton inquired if the information should not first be discussed by the special committee at its meeting on November 16, 1995 and then brought to the Board. Due to a conflict this meeting date will be rescheduled so all committee members can attend. Following this amendment, Mr. Hewitt seconded the motion and it carried unanimously. CIVIC CENTER Debra Passariello, City Facilities Manager provided the Board with an update. In company with Mayor Azari, she recently attended a meeting at Harvard Design Institute. The following were some of the results of the panel's initial brainstorming: • One way streets were discouraged • One street parking is encouraged • If there is something you cannot change, make it a more interesting occurrence, i.e. when freight trains come through, a fountain display would detract from the waiting period. • Build in some random design so not everything complies exactly. • Block 31 is crucial as an access to City Hall. • Give complex a more interesting name, i.e. Courthouse Square, or other possibilities. Prepared written handouts were distributed to the Board and Ms. Passariello generously fielded their questions. LANDMARK Representatives from the Landmark Preservation Commission PRESERVATION were introduced, and Mr. Steiner suggested that COMMISSION consideration be given to institutionalizing the relationship which exists between DDA and the Landmark Preservation Commission (LPC). It is desirable that all facades funded by DDA be referred to LPC for expert review regarding design issues. In the case of historic buildings, it is mandatory. Thus, in a conversation between Ms.Carpenter, Chair of the Landmark Preservation Commission and Mr. Steiner, it was suggested that LPC establish a non voting liaison for DDA meetings, in order to provide • DDA MINUTES essential input on historic design. PAGE 3 The proposal seeks to formalize an already established relationship so that as the Board changes, and in the absence of a Director, there is continuity. As an alternative, Mr. Meadors suggested that we request LPC's participation only at meetings where a specific project is to be discussed. However, the point was made that while it is desirable to have buildings restored so as to be historically correct, there should be a balance in order not to stifle economic development. Mr. Steiner suggested a letter be written to LPC confirming the desire of the DDA to have the design review consideration of the LPC with regard to all facade renovations. In addition, LPC is encouraged to designate a liaison to the DDA. Ms. Brayton then moved that a resolution be drafted and formally accepted by the Board of Directors, (revise the by- laws, if we have them) clearly defining the relationship between DDA and LPC which would become a part of the packets given to new Board members. This was seconded by Ms. Szidon with the recommendation by Mr. Allard that the document be reviewed by legal counsel. HISTORIC Karen McWilliams displayed a copy of the ordinance DISTRICT establishing the local Old Town Historic District, which - BOUNDARY when written identified block and lot numbers only. As a result, streets and alleyways were omitted. The legal description has now been changed to include the street access points. It is necessary to amend or write a new ordinance to include the area in Historic Old Town from the curbline to encompass the boundaries specified on the map displayed. Mr. Allard moved that a letter be written encouraging City Council to adopt the amendment to the Historic District. This was seconded by Ms. Brayton. Mr. Meadors is in agreement with the motion and supports the stated intent but expressed concern about approving something which has not yet been drafted. Mr. Steiner then indicated the proposed content of the letter, which seemed acceptable to the entire Board. 200 WALNUT Tom Livingston approached the Board with a request for STREET assistance in renovating the 200 Walnut Street property. Located in the Historic District, this structure was built by Montezuma Fuller in 1907. Plans would include a retail store on the ground floor, with a proposed tenant for the second floor, employing 30 people. The Board may wish to approach the City to request that it extend the improvements made on Linden Street to include Walnut Street. Following more in depth explanations, Ms. Brayton stated that this building meets the priorities established during the retreat, and may well provide a tie-in to Pine Street. Mr. Slezak summarized the financial limitations of the DDA and advised that the DDA would take ownership of the facade upon completion. Mr. Allard concurred with the "sense" of the Board, and Mr. Slezak concluded with a request that Mr. Steiner explore this matter further with the Planning Department, and DDA MINUTES PAGE 4 affirmed that this project had the support of the DDA. RESOLUTION 95-7 The City of Fort Collins Finance Department advised that the 1996 mill levy required to pay expenses and conduct the business of the DDA should be changed to 4.14 mills. In addition, the Operating and Maintenance Budget for 1996 should be amended to reflect a reduction in debt service obligation. Mr. Steiner observed that if unencumbered reserves are not built up, we could run out of resources. Since tax increment must be used for debt obligations, it might be a consideration to reimburse the two contractual staff members using tax increment resources. This proposal seemed to meet with Board approval. Mr. Meadors then moved to adopt Resolution 96-7, it was seconded by Mr. Wanner and the motion carried unanimously. OTHER BUSINESS Ms. Brayton reported on a meeting she attended as part of a Library focus group, to determine how the facility is currently perceived and the direction it should take, at this juncture, as plans are made to expand its services to the community. The Board recognized Susan Hoskinson, representing Inside Fort Collins, in her capacity as visitor only. ADJOURN There being no further business the meeting was adjourned. Mary Brayton, Secretary DANTOWN 9 DEVELOPMENT ddoAUTHORITY 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 Directors FROM: Chip Steiner DATE: December 5, 1995 RE: Resolution on LPC-DDA Relationship Last month, the Board of Directors was asked to ensure the continued relationship between the DDA and the Landmark Preservation Commission regarding the design review of redeveloping properties in the CBD. Attached is Resolution 95-8 so stating. The Board is asked to make any changes and to approve the resolution. Also attached is a copy of the letter sent by the DDA to LPC regarding a liaison to DDA meetings and the changes in the Old Town historic district to include public right of ways. RESOLUTION 95-8 OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE FORT COLLINS DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY TO CONTINUE THE WORKING RELATIONSHIP WITH THE LANDMARK PRESERVATION COMMISSION FOR THE DESIGN AND REDEVELOPMENT REVIEW OF APPROPRIATE PROPERTIES IN THE CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT WHEREAS, the Fort Collins Downtown Development Authority has been duly organized in accordance with the Colorado Revised Statutes 31-25-804, 1973 as amended; and, WHEREAS, the Council of the City of Fort Collins adopted a Plan of Development for the Downtown Development Authority by Resolution 81-129; and, WHEREAS, Resolution 81-129 cites as objectives of the Downtown Development Authority the encouragement of" private restoration, rehabilitation and development within the District" and "the preservation or reuse of historically or architecturally significant buildings in the District; and WHEREAS, the Downtown Development Authority approved and adopted the Downtown Plan by Resolution 89-12 which directs active support and encouragement for "the appropriate redevelopment of architecturally or historically significant and underutilized buildings in the downtown; and, WHEREAS, the Landmark Preservation Commission has requested that it and the Downtown Development Authority maintain a working relationship with regard to the design and redevelopment review of appropriate properties in the central business district. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE FORT COLLINS DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, that it hereby endorses the continued design review relationship between the Downtown Development Authority and the Landmark Preservation Commission with regard to the redevelopment of appropriate properties in the central business district. Stephen Slezak, Chairman ATTEST: Mary Brayton, Secretary D�iVNTOWN d � DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY ONE WEST CONTEMPORARY ART CENTER 201 SOUTH COLLEGE AVENUE, FORT COLLINS, CO 80524 November 28, 1995 Jennifer Carpenter, Chair Landmark Preservation Commission 848 Sandy Cove Lane, Fort Collins, CO 80525 Dear Ms. Carpenter: • Telephone (303) 484-2020 Telefax (303) 484-2069 The Downtown Development Authority is indebted to you and your staff for your strong representation at the November 1995 Board meeting. The suggestion to institutionalize the longstanding relationship between the Landmark Preservation Commission and the Downtown Development Authority was favorably received and we appreciate, as always, your willingness to work together with us. We wish to encourage a non voting liaison to attend the Board meetings, if this can be arranged with your staff. For our part, the Downtown Development Authority is committed to encouraging those desiring to renovate a structure to seek your counsel prior to commencement. The Authority will adopt a resolution clearly defining its relationship with the Landmark Preservation Commission at the December meeting. In conclusion, we would reiterate our support of the inclusion of the Right of Ways in the original Historic District. i�Ox� i Anne-J. Garrison Downtown "Development Authority ddDIIINTOWN 0 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 Direct rs FROM: Chip Steiner DATE: December 5, 1995 �1V, RE: Cozzolas Pizza �J In september, the Board of Directors discussed its funding obligations to the proposed redevelopment of the Paramount Building on East Mountain Avenue by Cozzolas Pizza. At the time, the Board asked that the issue be brought back to it if the project had not secured financing by the December, 1995 meeting. The attached letter from Dave Cozzola provides an update and explains that financing has not yet been obtained. The Board can reconsider its participation or it can simply continue to make available the funds originally allocated for the redevelopment. As the Board may recall, the 1996 O&M budget includes a $20,000 carryforward of 1995 funds earmarked for this project. If the decision is to drop funding, these dollars can be committed to other projects. However, it may be useful for the Board to make clear whether it is willing to reconsider this project later in the year. 12/7/95 To: Members of the DDA board Concerning: Status of Renovation project for Cozzola's-Pizza Dear DDA Board, Norm Keally and myself will be down in Denver on Thursday morning, December 7th, for a meeting with a restaurant equipment supplier, and therefore we are not available to attend the DDA meeting. At Chip Steiner's request I have provided the following update on the status of our project at 314 E Mountain Ave. Our drawings for the renovation project have been completed with the exception of a few interior design details. We have put the plans out to bid with two General Contractors - Drahota Construction and GL Hoff Company. We received a bid from Hoff last week and expect to meet with Drahota on Wednesday, December 6th, to go over their bid. We had previously budgeted the job out ourselves by obtaining bids directly from various subcontractors. Our construction numbers came in very close to those put together by Hoff, and we therefore feel comfortable that they are realistic. We have combined those construction costs with soft costs and estimated costs of equipment and furnishings to arrive at a total project cost, which we have presented, along with other relevant information, to three lending Institutions in hope of securing financing from one of them. Initially we pursued a loan solely from First National Bank. We were unsuccessful in obtaining from them a loan for the full amount required for the proposed project. We therefore initiated discussions with two other lenders and are presently waiting for a decision from each of them. We expect to have a good indication back from both lenders by the end of this month. If we are not able to secure financing for the full project we will consider scaling back the project to a level that is workable for the banks. If indeed that turns out to be the case, we will look at the maximum loan amount available and redesign the project to fit into those cost parameters. The amount of financing available will determine whether we A) complete the project in full, B) attempt to finish the project in phases, C) attempt to complete a more permanent scaled back version, or D) abandon the project temporarily until adequate financing can be obtained. A. If we are approved financing necessary for the entire project, we will proceed with steps necessary to carry out the project. • B. If we are approved financing that is close to what is required for the project (roughly 90% or more) we will look at the full project as something that can be completed within a couple of phases, and focus only on the first phase at this time. For example, financing falls a little short, we will consider not finishing the second floor initially, and completing it at a later date when the money is available. C. If financing falls short by 10% to 20% we will consider redesigning the project to eliminate larger costs. However doing so would make phased construction less feasible and result in a more permanent down -sized project. D. If financing falls so short that we cannot renovate the building in a way that we feel is in the best interest of the business, we will abandon the project until a time when such financing is available. We have learned that it is difficult to predict all variables ahead of time. In any case, we will do what makes the most sense for the business, and keep the DDA posted as necessary. We expect to know of the banks' positions on lending by December 29th. If we are given loan approval for the complete cost of the project, we expect to pull the permit and begin construction in mid February. If on the other hand, financing falls short, we plan to make any decisions and necessary changes to our drawings by January 15th, reprice the project, choose a contractor and submit plans to the City by February 1st, and begin construction by March 1st. I hope that this gives you an adequate understanding of our present position. If any further information is needed please feel free to contact me at anytime. Sincerely, Dave Cozzola Cozzola's Pizza 241 Linden Fort Collins, CO 80524 (303) 482-8044 ddDIIIINTOWN 0 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 Directo FROM: Chip Steiner DATE: December 5, 1995 RE: Meeting Governance The attached letter raises an issue about whether DDA meetings are governed by state or local law. DDA legal counsel will brief the Board. City Council is asking for input from the Authority prior to making any code amendments. November 16, 1995 Lucia Liley, Esq. March & Myatt, P.C. 110 East Oak Street Fort Collins, CO 80524 Re: Meetings with DDA Dear Lucia: As I mentioned recently in our telephone conversation, a question has arisen as to whether the meetings of the Housing Authority and the Downtown Development Authority (the "DDA") are governed by state or local law. As you know, the City's regulations concerning the meetings of its boards and commissions are contained in Chapter 2 of the City Code. In the same chapter, the Housing Authority and the DDA are listed among the City boards and commissions. In my opinion, this suggests an intent on the part of the City Council to apply the provisions of the Code to the meetings of these two authorities. You have indicated that you hold a contrary view and that the meetings of the DDA are governed by State statute. I have suggested to the Council Leadership Team that the City Code be clarified with regard to this issue. Before doing so, the Council is interested in receiving input from the DDA on this subject. Therefore, it would be helpful if this matter could be placed on the agenda of a DDA meeting in the near future so that the Council could receive its recommendation as to whether state or local law should be applied to the conduct of its meetings. If you would like to discuss this matter at any time, please let me know. Otherwise, I will await the DDA's recommendation. Thank you in advance for your assistance with regard to this matter. Very tr ly yours, tephen J. Roy City Attorney SJR: meg 300 LaPorte Avenue • P.O. Box 580 • Fort Collins, CO 80322-0580 • (970) 221-6520 • FAX (970) 221-6327