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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDowntown Development Authority - Minutes - 11/04/1999ddaAWNTOWN • DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY 19 OLD TOWN SQUARE, SUITE 230 Telephone (970) 484-2020 FORT COLLINS, CO 80524 Telefax (970) 484-2069 Mary Brayton, Chair 484-1401 (W) Chuck Wanner, Council Liaison 484-0810 (H) Anne Garrison, Staff Liaison 484-2020 (W) DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY Regular Directors' Meeting MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 4, 1999 REGULAR MEETING The Board of Directors of the Downtown Development Authority met in regular session at 1.00 p.m. on November 4, 1999 in the conference Room at Edwards Bed 8. Breakfast, 402 West Mountain Avenue. PRESENT There were present. Mary Brayton, Chair Larry Stroud, Vice Chair Jason Meadors, Secretary/Treasurer Steve Slezak Greg Belcher Carey Hewitt Chuck Wanner Margaret Brown ABSENT John Pitner STAFF Jay Hardy, Executive Director Anne Garrison Lucia Liley, Counsel GUESTS John Fischbach, Ron Phillips CALL TO ORDER Ms. Brayton called the meeting to order at 12:45 p.m. and roll call was taken. APPROVAL OF Mr. Meadors moved to adopt the minutes of October 20, 1999 as written, MINUTES this was seconded by Mr. Wanner and carried unanimously. • 0 DDA MINUTES PAGE EMPLOYEE CONTRACTS Mr. Hardy's evaluation is to be completed between this date and the December 2, Board meeting. It was suggested that a prepared form be faxed to each Board Member, who will return it upon completion to Ms. Brayton for inclusion in the overall evaluation. Some considerations might be: • Focus on performance • Fit to the organization • Implementation of the Board's vision for DDA Ms. Garrison's evaluation was administered in November by Mr. Hardy, and will be presented to the Board for its consideration at the December meeting. CONTEMPORARY ART DDA's seat on this Board will be vacated in June 2000 when Mr. Slezak BOARD LIAISON completes his term of office with the Authority. The seat, however, is open through 2001. In response to his request for a replacement, Ms. Brown agreed to be the Contemporary Art Board liaison for the DDA. FOUR CORNERS Mr. Hardy clarified for the Board that the term 'Four Comers' comprises the PROJECT parking structure, the Justice Center, the Transportation Hub and the City building, together with the ground floor retail segment of the parking structure. At the October 7, Board meeting, Mr. Phillips asked if it would be possible for DDA to meet the streetscaping shortfall of $140,000. He had previously requested this amount to repair the parking structure on Remington, which the Board felt was contrary to its mission and its standing agreement with the City. Mr. Phillips agreed that the City would, in turn, underwrite the cost of all repairs needed to restore the parking ramp. Mr. Hardy asked the Board to consider how it would fund this project if it decides to participate in the amount of $140,000, bearing in mind that no income will be generated from the expenditure. Ideally, payment would be made from the reserve account, but this has been depleted by the eight project package passed by City Council last month. The Increment reserve account will have funds this time next year in the approximate amount of 250,000 - $280,000. Another consideration would be to pay it out over time, in the same way as the Linden Hotel was financed. Another issue which seems timely as the Board considers this project is the north side of the 200 block of Walnut Street which needs new sidewalk and streetscaping. Mr. Hardy shared that the cost of this additional segment, when done in conjunction with Four Comers would be $45,000. Renderings were circulated by Mr. Phillips who affirmed that inspection and other soft costs would be borne by the City. Then Mr. Stroud moved to approve funding for the Four Comers Project in the amount of $140,000 to be used for hard costs only. This was seconded by Mr. Belcher and carried unanimously. WALNUT STREET Discussions continued on the Walnut Street improvements. Mr. Hardy IMPROVEMENTS emphasized that while there is no urgency for a decision, it made sense, if the Board desires to pursue this project, to tie it in with the work to be done at Four Comers. Then Mr. Slezak moved that the Board instruct the Director to pursue the construction of Walnut Street improvements in conjunction with the Mason Street project, so the work can be done at the same time. This was seconded by Mr. Wanner. DDA MINUTES PAGE A friendly amendment was offered by Mr. Stroud, who asked that the DDA Director determine whether or not any of the renovated properties had any lingering obligations which should first be investigated. This amendment was acceptable to both Messrs. Slezak and Wanner, and the motion carried unanimously. OTS PATIO LICENSES In December 1997, the Board approved patio licensing in Old Town Square effective January 2000, at a cost of $3.00 per square foot. Impacted by this decision are CooperSmith's, Lucky Joe's, San Felipe's, Suite # 152 and Huckleberry's. These businesses have advised that they will respectfully decline to sign the agreements at $3.00 per square foot. Mr. Hardy and Ms. Liley, in turn explained that the issues relate to Section 2.9 the Common areas of the plaza, and Section 4.3 - Easements into common areas, (withdrawal of space.) The term 'withdrawal' used in covenant documents and carried through in earlier copies of DDA minutes was not intended to be forever, nor was it ever the intent to give the land away. Legally, a deed is required to do that and none was executed. Several of the patios have expanded their area over the years, but because there are no agreements in place, no liability coverage exists. In addition, all patios are subject to reasonable conditions and there is a fairness issue with businesses who are using public property for private gain. Three situations currently exist: Patios built as part of the original construction of the plaza. Patios which have expanded since the initial build, and those which have been constructed at a later date. Ms. Brown made a motion to put patio licenses in place with each owner, effective January 2000 at the cost of $1.00 per square foot. These licenses would have built in escalators and a three year term. Mr. Meadors seconded the motion which carried unanimously. DBA MARKETING Board members are invited to attend the ribbon cutting ceremony on UPDATE November 22, at 9.00 a.m, as well as the Grand Opening party on Friday November 26, between 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. Included in the packets is a preliminary marketing plan prepared by David Short, Executive Director. The Downtown Business Association is in the process of finalizing these promotional efforts. ADJOURN There being no further discussion, the meeting adjourned at 2:20 p.m. Jason Meadors, Secretary DtWNTOWN � DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY 19 OLD TOWN SQUARE, SUITE 230 Telephone (970) 484-2020 FORT COLLINS, CO 80524 Telefax (970) 484-2069 DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY ANNUAL RETREAT Mary Brayton, Chair 484-1401 (W) Chuck Wanner, Council Liaison 484-0810 (H) Anne Garrison, Staff Liaison 484-2020 (W) RETREAT NOTES OF NOVEMBER 4, 1999 The Board of Directors of the Downtown Development Authority met in retreat at 2:30 p.m. on November4, 1999 in the conference Room at Edwards Bed & Breakfast, 402 West Mountain Avenue. PRESENT There were present: Mary Brayton, Chair Larry Stroud, Vice Chair Jason Meadors, Secretary/Treasurer Steve Slezak Greg Belcher Carey Hewitt Chuck Wanner Margaret Brown ABSENT John Pitner STAFF Jay Hardy, Executive Director Anne Garrison Lucia Liley, Counsel GUESTS John Fischbach TWO YEAR BUSINESS Staff has been requested by the City to submit a Workplan By the end of PLAN November. To this end, Mr. Hardy has prepared a two year Business Plan for the Board's review and input. The intent is to refine and solidify DDA's position and direction for the next two years, and to advise the City of that direction. The Plan was set out in three sections, as follows: PROJECT WORK PLAN Poudre River Redevelopment (work with City S property owners) Work to secure Performing Arts Center, funding, site recommendation Armstrong Hotel Renovation RETREAT NOTES PAGE Armory Building Renovation Continue work on East Mountain Avenue redevelopment Continue sidewalk facade/sidewalk improvement program Work to secure Hotel/Convention Center downtown Sears Trostel project Freight Depot renovation (Linden Street) Transfer Baseball Stadium project to a viable entity within community Wal-Mart Annexation Work to develop comer of Pine/Jefferson (if opportunity arises) PLANNING FOR DDA'S FUTURE Formulate interested community group to analyze DDA's future Determine best vehicle for its purpose (DDA, URA, BID, etc) Set timeline for vote Review/refine project commitment policy & procedure CONTINUE TO WORK WITH CRY STAFF AND COUNCIL Better understanding of the DDA Understanding of the funding vehicles used, their purpose and procedure Leverage with City on partnerships Suggestions were made that the following be added to the workplan: * Library ' Site for the County Courthouse * New parking structure . Housing was also seen as important • Size of the retail mass ' County relations and their continued presence downtown. ' DDA should come together in a work session with the Council, the County and the Poudre School District. In addition, Ms. Liley will attempt to get a resolution on the annexation question regarding when the tax increment term ends, i.e. twenty five years from the date of the annexation, or in 2006. FUTURE PLANNING The Board concurred that a Planning Committee should be convened COMMITTEE comprising some specific people and businesses. This committee would then return to the Board with its findings. Names which surfaced and were acceptable to the Board were as follows: Kermit Allard Chip Steiner John Fischbach Jim Martell Steve Fobes Tim Johnson Steve Slezak Ellen Zibell Chuck Wanner Mary Brayton Frank Lancaster PROJECT REVIEW The committee which was formed to address Project Analysis Criteria met in August, and concluded that the evaluation criteria were at the some level of importance. Today, the discussion began with whether a monthly or quarterly review of projects is desirable. The Board discussed a streamlined process which was more focused, and with a balance of timing and sensitivity to the needs of those who come to us. The conclusion was that the Board would like to 'bundle' projects and meet monthly. It would be helpful to have a financial update contained in the packets to alert Directors to DDA's current financial standing as they RETREAT NOTES PAGE 3 make their decisions. It was also suggested that a pre -application process be put in place, using CDBG as a model, refined to meet DDA's needs. Ms. Liley offered a suggestion that instead of asking applicants, 'would this project happen without the DDA?' the question would be phrased, 'What other sources of public funding are available to you?' Another suggestion was that projects be date stamped as they are received, and thus appear in that some order on the agenda. DDA's FINANCIAL Mr. Hardy distributed several graphs which tracked both DDA and the EFFECT City's net taxable sales, Ratio of Downtown to City, Tax Increment growth, and comparisons between Loveland, Greeley, Estes Park and Fort Collins. The Board offered some suggestions to refine the graphs; possibly placing the City and DDA on one graph. It also encouraged Mr. Hardy to speak to Alan Krchmarik and John Fischbach to obtain updated sales tax and tax increment figures. These may become part of a presentation to City Council at some point in the near future. OTHER BUSINESS ■ Northern Hotel is now slated to close on November 15, 1999. The new Parking Ramp opens on November 22, at 9:00 a.m. ADJOURN There being no further discussion, the meeting adjourned at 4:50 p.m. Jason Meadors, Secretary ddadbwrvrow�v • DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY 19 OLD TOWN SQUARE, SUITE 230 FORT COLLINS, CO 80524 To: DDA Board of Directors From: Jay Hard Date: December 2, 1999 RE: Cabin Relocation Project - Fort Collins Museum Telephone (970) 484-2020 Telefax (970) 484-2069 The Fort Collins Museum is undertaking a project which will expand its current downtown location and include another historic building. The Franz -Smith cabin, currently located in Livermore is ahnost 120 years old, and the Museum staff would like to restore it, at the same time expanding the present courtyard into the south park adjacent to the museum. In light of recent acts of vandalism in the community, the museum will install a security system to ensure the safety of this historic structure. With the addition of this space, the museum plans to schedule weddings, parties, etc. in the expanded area, thereby offering additional amenities to the community. The museum has not seen a major renovation for an extended period of time, and is currently unable to house many exciting exhibits and historical artifacts. The beginning phase of the project entails the relocation and stabilization of the structure on a cement pad to be laid within the expanded area. This phase is scheduled to begin in early 2000. The total cost of the first phase is $35,000, which has already received a $21,000 matching grant, as well as a commitment from the City Manager. To date, the project is approximately $10,000 short of budget. The Museum is requesting $7,000 from DDA, which would be used for an iron fence to surround the expanded area. (see page 5 in proposal) This project would not generate any future funds to the DDA, however, the capital projects fund for 1999 has $50,904 remaining. Additionally, if the Board chooses to participate, the capital project fund for 2000 contains $100,000 which has already been appropriated by City Council. dbwrvrowry • DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY 19 OLD TOWN SQUARE, SUITE 230 FORT COLLINS, CO 80524 To: DDA Board of Directors From: Jay Hard Date: December 2, 1.999 RE: NewArt(Space) Telephone (970) 484-2020 Telefox (970) 484-2069 A new organization whose mission is to utilize vacant store fronts for the exhibition of art, has emerged in Fort Collins, and is seeking general approval from the DDA. Angela Brayham, the Executive Director ofNewArt(Space) will be in attendance to give a brief presentation of the organization. Included in your packet is an outline of the organization and its mission. Mission: To provide a dynxxic and challenging form forthe ocp/aration of mw ideas and the ptrnntation of new works from the visas!, media and performs arty in an edwcational and snteroctive envitmmsnt. Background: NewArt[Space] (NAS) is a nonprofit contemporary art museum founded on the idea that art reflects, documents and challenges our views and beliefs, and is an integral part of our community. NewArt[Space] is designed to move outside the walls of the traditional museum and take art into the community where the public is not only allowed, but also encouraged to interact with the works on exhibit and the artists that created them. What makes NewArt[Space] different is that it is a museum without a permanent home or a permanent collection. Utilizing public spaces such as an empty storefront, a warehouse, an abandoned garage or an empty field, artists will be encouraged to create and present works of high artistic merit that will generate dialogue with the viewers, the surroundings and about the concept of art itself. The work exhibited through NewArt[Space] may possibly challenge, provoke, question, entertain, and even disturb the viewer. However, each exhibit is designed to educate, enlighten, and generate thought and discussion. NewArt[Space] will open its inaugural exhibition on December 31,1999 as part of the First Night Fort Collins celebrations. Empty storefronts in the downtown area will be converted into gallery spaces with installation an created by local and regional artists. While the public is encouraged to enter these spaces during gallery hours, these installations will be lit for viewing 24 hours a day. Each exhibition will have a virtual presence and be documented on the website a newartsoace ore, with an exhibition catalogue containing biographical and educational information that can be easily downloaded. Four to ten exhibitions are planned annually depending on available space. One exhibition each year will be the result of a collaborative effort between high school students, an area artist, and NewArt[Space]. Each exhibition will have a strong educational component and bring artworks of high artistic merit to the Fort Collins community. Collaborations with other arts organizations, galleries, educational institutions, and museums will be a strong focus of NewArt[Space]. Founded by Angela Brayhsm, NewArt[Space] is an exciting new approach to the education and exhibition of art. Ms. Brayham has a strong background in both the visual arts and business. She received her BA in Art History and an MA in Visual Anthropology from the University of Calgary and an MBA from Colorado State University. She served as the Executive Director of OneWest Art Center in Fort Collins for 4 years, held adjunct faculty positions at the University of Calgary, Front Range Community College and Colorado State University and has been involved in numerous arts organizations on both an executive staff and board level. Program justification: Although the idea for NewArt[Spsce] has been in the formative stages for a number of years, actual planning has been in the works for the past few months. A small Board of Directors has been put in place. These individuals have been selected based on their strong dedication to contemporary art and an education and their willingness to work hard to get this new organization up and running successfully. As one of the primary goals of NewArt[Space] is to make art more accessible to the public, the Executive Director together with the Board of Directors has decided to launch the first series of exhibitions on New Years Eve as part of the First Night Fort Collins celebrations. A number of artists from the region have been approached with most of them having already confirmed their participation. With a number of vacant storefronts in the Downtown Fort Collins area, obtaining space is not anticipated to be a problem. A graphic designer and member of the Board of Directors has designed the logo and promotional material. The Northern Colorado Business Report has agreed to donate advertising space and will run a feature article on NewArt[Spacel. An attorney has been contacted and initial steps for obtaining 501(c)(3) status have begun. The Executive Director has excellent contacts in both the business and arts community and based on preliminary discussions with individuals in the business, arts and general community does not anticipate having any difficulty obtaining funding and sponsorship for the ongoing support of this project The Executive Director also attended the Directors Forum, an annual meeting / educational forum for the Directors of small and medium sized art museums from November 7—12,1999 in New York City giving her the opportunity to meet with other museum professionals and artists. Anticipated Program Schedule: NewArt[Space] will open its inaugural exhibitions on December 31, 1999 in Downtown Fort Collins. At this time it is anticipated that 4 — 5 artists will be participating, each one featured in a different storefront / gallery environment In addition to the exhibition openings, a New Years Party / Opening Reception is planned to start at 11 PM (following the First Night activities). Significant interest has been shown for this and it is hoped that the majority of the costs (champagne & beer, light appetizers, a band, flowers and decorations, invitations, etc.) will be donated. The party will be by invitation only to a mat7ing list consisting of art and community supporters. It is hoped that the inaugural exhibits will remain on view through Mid to Late February, depending on actual space availability. An exhibit is in the works that would utilize the empty Builders Square location on Harmony Road If available, this space would accommodate large-scale sculpture and painting and allowing the Fort Collins and regional community to interact with art works of a scale not normally supported in traditional art venues. From January through May, NewArt[Spsce] will identify and begin to work with high school students on an exhibition that is planned to open in the Fall of 2000. Similar to the Huttgrrproject undertaken while the Director was at OneWest Art Center, this project will give these high school students the opportunity to work with artists and create a collaborative artwork outside of the traditional school setting. As space becomes available or is identified around Fort Collins, additional exhibitions will be scheduled. As the exhibits created by NewArt[Space] are largely site _specific, an exact listing of artists or exhibitions is not possible at this time. However, the Executive Director has excellent established contacts with artists, museums, and commercial galleries throughout this region and therefore, identifying and selecting appropriate artwork will not be a problem. NewArt[Space] is an idea whose time has come. The Board of Directors is excited about and committed to this project. Area artists are willing to get involved and a number of regional museums are interested in developing collaborative projects. Fort Collins is in the process of trying to identify itself as a community committed to the arts and culture. NewArt[Spacel is a project that will increase awareness, strengthen public knowledge of and about the arts, and partner with business aiding in the economic development and vitality of our community. Director / Curator. Angela Brayham Board of Directors: John Foster — President, Visimetrix Incorporated Kimberly Noel — Art Educator and Owner, Flying Colors Art School Vicki Jackson — Art Director, True North Advertising, New York Lisa Hoffinan — Partner, Uptown Rubber Stamp William Wylie — Photographer & Instructor CSU NewArt[Spacel PO Box 2392 Fort Collins, CO 80522.2392 www.newampace.org 970.980.5034 AWNTOWN � DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY 19 OLD TOWN SQUARE, SUITE 230 FORT COLLINS, CO 80524 To: DDA Board of Directors From: Jay Hard Date: December 9 RE: Employment Evaluations Telephone (970) 484-2020 Telefox (970) 484-2069 The contracts for Anne Garrison and myself will expire on December 31, 1999. I have completed an evaluation of Anne's performance and will present it at the December 2, Board meeting. Additionally, the Executive Committee has performed my evaluation, utilizing Board input as suggested at the last meeting. Discussion of both evaluations is scheduled. AWNTOWN � DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY 19 OLD TOWN SQUARE, SUITE 230 FORT COLLINS, CO 80524 To: DDA Board of Directors From: Jay Hardyo-J� Date: December 2, 1999 RE: 231 S. Howes Telephone (970) 484-2020 Telefax (970) 484-2069 The 12-month commitment for DDA funding of this project is slated to expire on December 3, 1999. The project is currently under construction, and scheduled for completion in early 2000. The DDA committed $18,500 in tax increment money, and this funding has been approved and appropriated by City Council. If the Board wishes to `recommit' these funds, formal action is required at this time. DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY PROJECT COMMITMENT TERMS The Downtown Development Authority Board of Directors makes its preliminary commitment to participate in nf,31 S' /&tc•ES based upon the following terms: 1. The commitment by the DDA is for a period of 12 months commencing on the date the Board of Directors votes in favor of participation. If this project is being funded from administrative resources, it is contingent upon re -appropriation of funds by City Council if the 12-monthe next budget year. If this project is tie iuf nded throueh a tax increment debt instrument e commitment is contingent u val by City Council. 2. The project owner must provide the DDA with periodic updates the frequency to be determined on a case -by -case basis. 3. Extension of the 12-month commitment may be considered only upon the formal request of the project owner and must be placed on the Board of Director's agenda no later than the 12a' month of the most recent commitment then in effect. 4. If there is a change in entity ownership the continuation of this commitment requires notice to the Downtown Development Authority and permits reconsideration by the Board of Directors. 5. Reduction in the private investment for taxable improvements, here declared at 4e7.01 6vo , of more than 10 percent requires reconsideration of the Authority's commitment by the Board of Directors. 6. This commitment is contingent upon the completed project being consistent in scope, use, and design with that presented to the Board at the time this commitment is made. If no scope, use, and design have been provided at the time of this commitment, the commitment is contingent upon the acceptance by the Board of Directors of the scope, use, and design. 7. This commitment is expressly contingent upon the acceptance and execution of an agreement between the Downtown Development Authority and the project owner(s). is: t0 weer Downtown Development Authority Chair Print Name: 6e144L-� AWNTOWN • DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY 19 OLD TOWN SQUARE, SUITE 230 FORT COLLINS, CO 80524 To: DDA Board of Directors From: Jay Date: DecemberHard %9 RE: DDA Finance Update Telephone (970) 484-2020 Telefax (970) 484-2069 To date, the following commitments have been made from the 1999 Capital Project fund, containing $100,000: 1999 Appropriation $100,000 Tailgate Tommy's patio railing $2,470 Parking Garage Study $15,000 Baseball Facility Study $5,000 Riverfest sponsorship $500 Marketing for Garage $5,000 Appraisal fees $6,500 Rand -Scot $14,626 Total $49,096 1999 Balance remaining $50 904 2000 Appropriation $100,000 No commitments toward the FY 2000 budget have been made.