HomeMy WebLinkAboutDowntown Development Authority - Minutes - 03/14/20137DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
Regular Directors' Meeting
MINUTES of March 14, 2013
The Board of Directors of the Downtown Development Authority met in Regular Session at 7:30 a.m. on
Thursday, March 14, 2013 at Home State Bank, 303 E. Mountain Avenue, Fort Collins, CO 80524.
PRESENT
George Brelig; McCabe Callahan; Jerry Kennell; Wynne Odell; Kelly Ohlson; Bevin Parker; Patty
Spencer
ABSENT
Jenny Bramhall; Steve Johnson; Ellen Zibell; Cheryl Zimlich
STAFF
Matt Robenalt, Executive Director; Kathy Cardona, Financial Coordinator; Todd Dangerfield, Project
Manager; Derek Getto; Programs Administrator; Jan Hawn, Bookkeeper; Joanna Stone, Administrative
Manager; Lucia Liley, Legal Counsel
GUESTS INCLUDED
Darin Atteberry, City Manager; Kevin Brinkman & Dave Derbes, Brinkman Partners; Mike Beckstead, Ty
Sutton & Jill Stillwell, City of Fort Collins; Lee Driscoll, Breckenridge-Wynkoop; Brian Stahl, Stahl
Development; Kevin Buecher; Debbie Dixon, Backstage Warehouse; Michael C. Tincher & Carin Avila,
Rocky Mountain Raptor Program; Sandy Willison, Starwood Construction; Denise Freestone, Open Stage
Theatre; Lee Kaplan, Debut Theatre; Tricia Navarre & Dulcie Willis, Bas Bleu Theatre
CALL TO ORDER
Wynne Odell called the meeting to order at 7:35 a.m.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Jerry Kennell moved to approve the minutes of February 14, 2013 and March 4, 2013; seconded by Kelly
Ohlson, the minutes were approved unanimously.
ALL IDEAS: BIG & SMALL
Jerry Kennell suggested that the City consider painting the new MAX busses in exuberant colors.
Fort Collins resident Kevin Buecher suggested that the Elks Lodge property be used for special events. He
also noted that he is pursuing the closure of Linden Street on select Friday nights and some Saturdays
during the summer months for street entertainment and activities. He also suggested creating zones for
food trucks. Matt Robenalt suggested he contact Derek Getto and Todd Dangerfield in regard to use of the
Elks site and City Engineering on the other two endeavors.
UPDATES
Board retirement: Matt Robenalt expressed appreciation for Kelly Ohlson’s service as City Council
liaison to the Board since April 2007. Because his term on Council is ending next month, this was Mr.
Ohlson’s last regular board meeting.
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DDA Minutes
March 14, 2013
pg. 2
Hotel: Noting a recent article in the Coloradoan about the possibility of Bohemian Foundation building a
hotel in the downtown area, Patty Spencer asked if there was anything the DDA could do to help that
project along. Matt Robenalt responded that anything Bohemian will do in the downtown will be a
fantastic opportunity for the DDA and City to wrap up the hotel RFQ process and open the door to
Bohemian building a downtown hotel. Kelly Ohlson added that the proposed hotel would be upscale and a
real asset to the downtown, though it may not be the type of hotel product that the DDA consultants
suggested as far as amount of meeting space. He added that shared parking would be a great addition.
Sales Tax Report: Mike Beckstead presented the sales tax report. He noted that sales tax collections for
the City continue to be strong, though increases were not as large as the previous year. This was expected
because of the large gains made last year over the previous recessionary sales tax collections.
203 WEST MULBERRY – MAX FLATS FUNDING PROPOSAL
Brinkman Partners presented the design concepts for this five story mixed-use project at the February
meeting of the Board. At that time, Board members had no specific comments regarding any design
changes. The project is adjacent to the Mulberry Station Stop on the MAX Bus Rapid Transit line and will
consist of a new five story mixed-use building with 64 rental residential units and ground floor
retail/restaurant use and will be developed, owned and leased by Brinkman Partners. The developers intend
to construct an attractive corner plaza and view the development as a bridge project between Old Town and
Colorado State University. They are requesting tax increment financing in the amount of $193,082 for
eligible right-of-way improvements.
Todd Dangerfield reviewed the eligible features, noting that the funding request is consistent with DDA
guidelines for investment in projects. Development of this site will involve several utility infrastructure
improvements including the relocation of a City sanitary sewer line that currently bisects the property and
site electrical service upgrades. Other right-of-way improvements include curb and gutter, hardscaping and
bike racks, trees and irrigation, street striping, signage, and lighting.
The outdoor seating plaza and seating area will feature enhanced hardscapes integrated with those proposed
for the MAX station. While the intent of the owners is to allow public use of the plaza, it is located on
private property and will primarily serve residents and patrons of the proposed coffee shop. Sandstone seat
boulders and landscaping in the right-of-way will improve the visual attractiveness of the site and
contribute to the overall appearance of the downtown district. Reimbursement for the project will use the
multi-year approach approved by the Board in November 2012.
In response to a question from Kelly Ohlson, Kevin Brinkman responded that the funding of public
improvements was a much better financial arrangement for his company. It was also noted that during the
design review at the March meeting, Mr. Brinkman had expressed a preference for a lump sum payment.
Mr. Brinkman responded that they can make the multi-year reimbursement work. Mr. Ohlson also
requested that the staff recommendation reflect a commitment to deconstruction and that the phrase “where
applicable” be removed from the motion.
Moved by Kelly Ohlson, seconded by George Brelig: To commit funding for up to $193,082 for a tax
increment investment and to authorize the Board Chair to enter into an agreement for public
improvements in the right-of-way contingent upon owner submission of all DDA requirements for
project reimbursement, including actual cost accounting documentation, certificate of liability
insurance, acceptance of all public improvements by the City of Fort Collins, and contractor
documentation of deconstruction as a method for minimizing construction and demolition waste
from entering the landfill. The motion was approved unanimously.
DDA Minutes
March 14, 2013
pg. 3
125 SOUTH COLLEGE FAÇADE ALTERATIONS
Beckenridge-Wynkoop, LLC has purchased the building at 125 South College Avenue with the intent to
open a restaurant-bar franchise this spring. Due to easements on the east and west facades resulting from
agreements with previous building owners, the current owners solicited Board approval of façade design
renovations. The owners did not request funding for the project.
Todd Dangerfield presented a historical review of the building design and uses. Lee Driscoll,
Breckenridge-Wynkoop and Sandy Willison, Starwood Construction, presented an overview of the building
renovations. Lee Driscoll commented that Breckenridge-Wynkoop has three buildings in Denver that are
on the historic register. They intend to restore several aspects of the property to a more authentic state. The
buff stone on the east facing façade will be replaced with brick masonry. This will replicate the brick on
the second floor and return the building to its historical appearance. Windows and doors will be replaced.
The developers are taking great care to uncover the beautiful red brick interior walls which have been
covered by multiple layers of sheetrock, plaster and insulation. The main floor will feature reclaimed white
oak plank flooring. Natural materials will be used throughout.
Board members commented favorably on the designs. Todd Dangerfield offered the bricks that have been
reclaimed from the Elks Building deconstruction for the project.
Moved by Kelly Ohlson, seconded by McCabe Callahan: To approve the design changes proposed
by Breckenridge-Wynkoop for the property located at 125 South College Avenue. The motion was
approved unanimously.
DRAFT YEAR IN REVIEW REPORT 2012
Staff presented the draft Year in Review 2012 for Board review and approval. Matt Robenalt expressed his
appreciation for the staff’s collaboration to prepare this annual report and to Joanna Stone for overseeing all
aspects of this publication. The report highlights the accomplishments of the DDA during 2012 and will be
submitted to the Mayor and City Council following approval. It is also used to provide general information
to the public and is utilized when there is a need to provide a general overview of the organization’s
activities to financial institutions, project partners, local service clubs and others. No changes were
suggested by the Board members.
ARTS INVESTMENT RECAP
Derek Getto presented an overview of the DDA investments in the arts that had the goal of enhancing arts
and culture downtown. In the spring of 2009, the DDA began exploring ideas to help lessen the impact of a
challenging economy that was affecting the ability of downtown, non-profit arts /culture and scientific
organizations to remain financially stable.
Since 2009 several investments have been made by the DDA with positive results. These include the
purchase of the Backstage Cooperative Arts Warehouse that has provided non-profit performance and
theatrical organizations and educational non-profits with a cooperative space to use rent free for up to five
years ($1,720,383); underwriting theater space rent and technical fees to local non-profits at the Lincoln
Center ($330,680); helping fund the Lincoln Center acoustical upgrades ($621,855); and, engaging in a 10-
year lease agreement with Bas Bleu Theatre in an effort to help both Bas Bleu and the community by
providing event venue space free of charge for ten years ($220,000).
Representatives from several of the recipients of the arts/culture/scientific investments gave brief
presentations on the positive impacts of the DDA support. Denise Freestone of OpenStage Theatre
presented an overview of the ways in which the Managing User Groups utilize the Backstage Warehouse.
Michael C. Tincher & Carin Avila gave an overview of the work of the Rocky Mountain Raptor Program,
thanking the DDA for the use of the warehouse while they prepare for a move to their own facility. Ty
Sutton and Jill Stillwell spoke about the impact of DDA investments at the Lincoln Center. Bas Bleu staff
members Dulcie Willis and Tricia Navarre detailed successes and challenges of the DDA lease agreement
which allows members of the public to use the theatre and lobby rent free on specified dates throughout the
year.
DDA Minutes
March 14, 2013
pg. 4
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Moved by Jerry Kennell, seconded by McCabe Callahan: To move to Executive Session to determine
positions relative to matters that may be subject to negotiations; developing strategies for
negotiations; and instructing negotiators pursuant to CRS§24-6-402(4)(e) ; and for receiving legal
advice on specific legal questions pursuant to CRS§24-6-402(4)(b) regarding the Link-N-
Greens/Woodward project.
EXECUTIVE SESSION FOLLOW-UP
Upon receiving legal advice from legal counsel, Board members affirmed the direction of negotiations
regarding the Link-N-Greens/Woodward project. The negotiations will be finalized and presented for
Board approval at the special meeting scheduled for March 26.
OTHER BUSINESS
Board and staff wish to present Ben Manvel a letter of appreciation for acting as alternative liaison to the
Board for the past four years. Kelly Ohlson noted that Ben always read the Board packets and attended
meetings in his stead when he was unable to be present.
ADJOURN
There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 11:10 a.m.
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