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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDowntown Development Authority - Minutes - 01/09/1986DOWNTOWN � DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY 102 REMINGTON STREET, FORT COLLINS, COLORADO 80524 DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY Regular Directors Meeting j January 9, 1986 it The Board of Directors of the Downtown Development Authority met in regular session at 7:30 a.m., January 9, 1986 in the DDA Conference Room. There were present: Chuck Wanner, Vice Chairman presiding George Betz Eldon Ward Earl Wilkinson Barbara Liebler Bill Friedrichsen Larry Estrada Staff: Also: Chip Steiner, Acting Director Jan Martin Jim Reidhead Greg Denton Walt Brown Gene Mitchell Carol Oborne Robert N. Laurie Howell Absent: Sherry Albertson -Clark Tracy Eaton Dick Beardmore Jim Harmon Linda Hopkins Chris Sholly Barbara Schofield Dan Larsen Chuck Wanner called the meeting to order and asked for approval of the minutes of December 19, 1985• Earl Wilkinson moved approval, seconded by George Betz. 484-2a PRESENT A The first order of business was discussion of the Opera House project. The three areas pertaining to this project discussed were the question of whether or not the DDA could pay the development fees, the letter from the assessor with the tax increment figures, and the letter from Dave Dunn, bond counsel, stating that it is his opinion that DDA Tax Increment Bonds may not be used to finance the theatre portion of the Opera House project. The items were further discussed. Earl Wilkinson moved that the Board authorize the staff to move ahead on the Opera House project and bring back a package for the Board to vote on. Eldon Ward seconded the motion and the Board voted unanimously to accept it. The next item on the agenda was the property located at 185 N. College known as Small Wonder. Chip Steiner informed the Board that the contract the DDA has with Mr. Hawley, owner of the property, has a March 15 closing date. Mr. Steiner stated that the item is currently scheduled to be heard at the February 4 Council meeting. Mike Ehler, real estate appraiser, is preparing a letter of opinion on the property, and Greg Denton, DDA attorney, is working on an agreement between the DDA and the LDC. There are no problems expected in obtaining the loan. George Betz moved that Resolution 86-1 authorizing Chip Steiner to enter into a contract with Jim Hawley, owner of the Small Wonder property located at 185 N. College Avenue, and also for staff to draw up a resolution for City Council appropriating funds for this purchase. Eldon Ward seconded the motion and it passed unanimously with a roll call vote. The next item on the agenda was Robinson Piersal Plaza. Eldon Ward withdrew. Greg Denton reported that discussions were moving along with the Housing Authority and that they authorized continued negotiations. John Wheeler and the DDA need to sit down and work out some details for DDA involvement. The Memorandum of Understanding to be signed between the DbA and John Wheeler was presented to the Board for their approval. Earl Wilkinson moved that the Board approve this document, seconded by Bill Friedrichsen. The Board unanimously accepted the motion by roll call vote, with Eldon Ward abstaining. Eldon Ward returned. The next item on the agenda was approval of Resolution 86-2 appropriating $36,500 for the Mountain Avenue Plaza porject. Bill Friedrichsen moved that the Board approve this resolution, with Eldon Ward seconding. The motion passed unanimously with a roll call vote. The Parks and Recreation request for the funding of twenty-two tree grates and a sign for the native landscape park adjacent to the parking garage was the next item discussed. Cost for the tree grates would be $5,600 and the cost for the sign would be $2,500. George Betz moved that the DDA fund the tree grates, but not the sign. Discussion followed. Greg Denton pointed out that without grates around the trees, you have holes which could be a potentially dangerous situation. If anyone got hurt, the DDA could be liable. Bill Friedrichsen seconded Mr. Betz's motion. More discussion. OPERA HOUSE 185 N. COLLEGE ROBINSON PIERSAL PLAZA WITHDRAW RETURN RESOLUTION 86-2 PARKS/ RECREATION REQUEST Director Wilkinson suggested that a map could be printed identifying i the plants in the native plant garden. Barbara Liebler stated that the tree grates were non -essential in her opinion and was against the whole motion. Eldon Ward concurred. At this point, Earl Wilkinson moved to table the motion. Chuck wanner seconded this, and the motion was unanimously approved. The Board was reminded of the meeting times for the Steering Committee and the Project Review Committee. Chip Steiner reported that Don Berland will call to set up a meeting with the Negotiation Committee. The next item discussed was the process for selecting a new Executive Director. The Board needs to get together and state what abilities they desire in a director. The Board decided that Mike Powers would be a good choice for facilitating any meeting held on this issue. Barbara Liebler stated her preference for a group discussion. Eldon Ward 'suggested that Mike Powers come in with something to react to. Earl Wilkinson asked that an agenda be sent out ahead of time. The Steering Committee will set up a special meeting for the Board to discuss this issue. The Board was asked for their reaction to the letter concerning Tax Increment Financing from the Colorado Municipal League. The letter contained a draft of a bill to be presented to the state legislature basically amending the Urban Renewal statute. Bill Friedrichsen moved that the Board authorize staff to send a letter opposing this bill. Earl Wilkinson seconded the motion and it carried unanimously. Greg Denton brought up the Small Wonder project with some additional things to cover. In the Agreement to Extend the Contract, Mr. Hawley wants certain fixtures, including heaters, florescent lights, air compressor, floor hoist, and desks, etc. (personal property). Discussion followed. The concensus of the Board was to let Greg proceed and that no item should be removed that rendered the building useless to rent. Under other business, Chip Steiner reported that he had been trying to get in touch with some at Downing -Leach, but had not been able to. Also under other business, Jim Reidhead spoke about the Poudre River Trust and how the trust was at a crossroads. The trust is experiencing money problems. It was suggested that the Board direct staff to look into funding mechanisms to help Poudre River Trust. The Board supported this, as long as it does not interfere with the business at hand. There being no other business, the meeting was adjourned. Barbara Liebler, Secretary EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SELECTION COLORADO MUNICIPAL LEAGUE SMALL WONDER OTHER BUSINESS POUDRE RIVER TRUST ADJOURN DAWNTOWN � dft DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY 102 REMINGTON STREET, FORT COLLINS, COLORADO 80524 (303)484-2020 AGENDA SUMMARY January 9, 1986 OPERA HOUSE - An update will be given on the progress of this project. Enclosed in your packet is a letter from Dave Dwyer with an opinion on the legality of using Downtown Development Authority Tax Increment Bonds for certain capital construction costs of the theatre project being developed by Open Stage Theatre. SMALL WONDER - The Board will be asked to approve Resolution 86-1 authorizing the acting director to enter into a contract with Jim Hawley, owner of the Small Wonder, to purchase his property located at 185 N. College. A summary budget will be presented for this project. ROBINSON PIERSAL PLAZA - An update will be given on the progress of this project. The Board will also be asked to approve the Memorandum of Agreement drawn up between the DDA and John Wheeler. MOUNTAIN AVENUE PLAZA - The DDA must approve Resolution 86-2 approving and recommending to City Council appropriation of $36,500 for sidewalk and alley improvements. A summary sheet has also been included. PARKS/RECREATION REQUEST - Tim Buchanan of the City Parks and Recreation Department has submitted a request to the DDA for the funding of 22 tree grates and a sign for the native landscape park adjacent to the parking garage. The total amount being requested is $8,100. COMMITTEE SCHEDULES - Regular meeting times have been set for the Steering Committee and the Project Committee. SELECTION OF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR - Discussions will begin on desired abilities of an executive director, the use of a facilitor, and a meeting time will be set to continue these discussions.