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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-02-10 URA MinutesAMENDED AGENDA See additional Special Presentation by Miguel Orosco VIRTUAL PUBLIC MEETING INFORMATION In order to mitigate the spread of flu, Covid-19 and other viruses, we invite interested parties to participate in public hearings either electronically or in person. If you have a cough, fever, or are not feeling well, please register to participate remotely at: hMs://www.cityofcaldwell.org/departments/clerk-draft/city-council- agenda-documents Written Comments and/or Virtual Participation: Written comments for consideration regarding the "Public Comments" portion of the agenda or requests for virtual participation associated with items on the agenda must be submitted at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting. Please email the Caldwell City Clerk at: cityclerkna cityofcaldwell.org Live Stream Viewing: If you are not planning to speak, members of the public are encouraged to view the meeting via the live stream option: https://www.youtube.com/channeVUCci7SIAOUJNK6asXxxugL.GA MEETING LOCATION Caldwell City Hall Council Chambers 205 South 6" Avenue CALDWELL URBAN RENEWAL AGENCY REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETING Monday — February 10, 2025 6:00 P.M. ROLL CALL SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS a. Presentation by Eide Bailly: Urban Renewal Audit as of September 30, 2024. b. Presentation by Miguel Orosco: Discussion regarding the need for a City Center URA Re -allocation Area. CONFLICT OF INTEREST DECLARATION PUBLIC COMMENTS (Members of the public may address items of concern not listed on the agenda.) CONSENT CALENDAR [All Consent Calendar items are considered action items] 1) Approve minutes from the Urban Renewal Agency Regularly Scheduled Meeting held on January 13, 2025; 2) Approve Resolution accepting the qualifying bid proposal from 3C Construction in the amount of $89,588.40 for the Alley Underground Project near the intersection of Blaine Street and Kimball Avenue. UPDATE REPORTS — CURRENT APPROVED DEVELOPMENTS AND/OR PROJECTS 1) Update Development Report: RRC Contractors (Blaine & Kimball) 2) Update Development Report: TS Development (Arthur Street) 3) Update Development Report: Base Layer, LLC (North Caldwell —District 26) 4) Update Development Report: 7" & Main Developer, LLC (Main Street) 5) Update Development Report: Wolfpack Development, LLC (905 Arthur Street) OLD BUSINESS None. NEW BUSINESS 1) ACTION ITEM: Consider invoices for payment as recommended by the Urban Renewal Agency Treasurer: VENDOR AMOUNT DESCRIPTION City of Caldwell—Econ. Dev. $18,900.00 February Economic Dev Contributions Hilty, Bower, Haws & Seable $ 6,800.00 January Attorney Services City of Caldwell — Street Dept. $17,727.52 Ustick Widening City of Caldwell $420.15 Irrigation Bills & Public Notice TOTAL $43,847.67 2) URA Treasurer Reports: a. ACTION ITEM: Approve Monthly Cash Reconciliation Reports. b. Update Report: URA Current Project List. c. Update Report: NURA Projects (1-31-2025) 3) Economic Development Reports: a. Economic Development Activity Report from Steve Jenkins (January 2025) b. Economic Development Activity Report from Ofelia Morales (January 2025) 4) Attorney Reports: a. Attorney Report: Update on the Geintke URA project area. b. Attorney Report: Update on URA District Plan - Site -A — Downtown Caldwell. c. Attorney Report: Update on tax penalties and interest as URA increment, the Kootenai County case. d. Attorney Report: Properties subject to in lieu taxation e. Attorney Report: New area creation process outline f. Attorney Report: Fair building project status 5) Commissioner Reports. 6) Chairman Report. 7) Adjourn. Next meeting date: March 10, 2025 Any person needing special accommodation to participate in the meeting should contact the Secretary to the Urban Renewal Agency at 205 South 6' Avenue or call #208-455-4656 prior to the meeting. The entire agenda packet may be viewed on the City of Caldwell's website: https://www.cityofcaldwell.org/your- government/city-commissions-and-boards/urban-renewal Cualquier persona que necesita arreglos especiales para participar en la reuni6n debe comunicarse con el Secretario de la Ciudad en 205 South 6th Avenue o llame al # 455 a 4656 antes de la reuni6n. CALDWELL URBAN RENEWAL AGENCY REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETING MINUTES February 10, 2025 6:00 P.M. The regularly scheduled meeting of the Caldwell Urban Renewal Agency convened at 6:00 p.m. in the Caldwell City Hall Council Chambers with Chairman Jim Porter presiding. (ROLL CALL) The Meeting Clerk called the roll. Present: Chairman Porter, Commissioner Brooks, Commissioner Warwick, Commissioner Doty, Commissioner Moore, Commissioner Allgood, and Commissioner Kohl. (CONFLICT OF INTEREST DECLARATION) None. (SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS) Presentation by Eide Bailly: Urban Renewal Audit as of September 30, 2024 Commissioners each received a copy of the report, and Mr. Bobby Lawrence of Eide Bailly summarized the results of the recent audit, highlighting three areas: • This was clean audit opinion, with no issues identified. Mr. Lawrence commended finance staff for their thorough preparation throughout the year. • The compliance and internal control report shows nothing to report. • He recommended Commissioners review the Management Discussion and Analysis Letter, as it summarizes the overall audit. In response to a question by Commissioner Moore, Mr. Lawrence noted that Eide Bailly staff are available throughout the year if there are questions. Raelynn North, Finance Director, also reviewed a few items: • She directed attention to page 10 in the report, and addressed the differences between FY2024 and FY2023 as shown on the statement of activities page. • She noted that there was a significant decrease in the property tax increment received over the last year due to only one allocation area active at this time. • Investment interest earnings are also dropping as the cash balance is decreasing due to finalizing of past projects. Presentation by Miguel Orozco: "The Land that Time Forgot" Mr. Orozco provided a PowerPoint presentation advocating for investment in properties generally north of the train tracks, including those located between Main Street northward and Canyon Hill. Mr. Orozco lives in the area, and feels it is important to be the voice of that community. He identified several infrastructure improvements needed throughout the area: • Lack of sufficient lighting, sidewalks, and crosswalks. • Statistically, where it is dark, there is more delinquency. 1 I Page • Safety issues, especially after sunset and at poorly lit bus stops in the morning. • Graffitti throughout the area. • Lack of positive outlets in the area for youth. • Feels there is a need to control where to invest tax dollars: o Adding nice sidewalks/curbs/gutters, and parks and/or other multi -age spaces. o Upgrading play equipment, providing other areas for positive activities, such as basketball and/or volleyball courts. Mr. Orozco emphasized that his intention is not to complain, but to ask for help in identifying how to make the area better. His community doesn't think it is being heard and he wants to be part of getting something done to help. His desire is to work together on a plan that can be execute with precision and clear intention. Commissioner Doty commended Mr. Orozco for his presentation and passion for helping his community. Commissioner Porter suggested a workshop in the near future to discuss possibilities and pose questions. Commissioner Moore shared some of his experiences growing up in this same area. Discussion followed regarding specific needs or hazards involving vacant properties in the area, as well as identifying potentially helpful activities for youth. Other commissioners expressed appreciation to Mr. Orozco for his willingness to bring the needs forward and work toward solutions. Commissioners Allgood and Warwick remarked on the importance of emphasizing improvements in the area for everyone who lives there. (AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION) None. (CONSENT CALENDAR) [All Consent Calendar items are considered action items] 1) Approve minutes from the Urban Renewal Agency Regularly Scheduled Meeting held on January 13, 2025; 2) Approve Resolution No. 2025-01 accepting the qualifying bid proposal from 3C Construction in the amount of $89,588.40 for the Alley Underground Project near the intersection of Blaine Street and Kimball Avenue. MOVED by Doty, SECONDED by Warwick to approve the Consent Calendar as presented. Roll -call vote. Those voting yes: Commissioner Doty, Commissioner Moore, Commissioner Allgood, Commissioner Kohl, Commissioner Porter, Commissioner Brooks, and Commissioner Warwick. Those voting no: none. Those absent or not voting: none. MOTION CARRIED (UPDATE REPORTS — CURRENT APPROVED DEVELOPMENTS AND/OR PROJECTS) Update Development Report: RRC Contractors Blaine & Kimball) Derek Cooper Derek sent an email report that was read into the record: "Hope all is well: I have an Art's and Historical Society meeting at 4 tonight in Nampa on another project, so I will not be able to make the Caldwell meeting tonight. Unfortunately, I really do not have much of an update on my front; I drove by the site last week and the power pole is still in place. Again, without that pole moved there is not much I can do. I have heard from the Engineering firm that Public Works has hired. See attached updated bridge drawings showing the changes made to accommodate both projects commencing at the same time. Let me know if you have any questions. Thanks, D" Robb MacDonald, Public Works Director, reported that 3C Construction is handling a part of moving power underground and summarized the collaboration in process with several entities to accomplish the goal. He noted 2 1 P a g e there is some difficulty in arranging all the processes and addressing safety concerns to best complete the project successfully, and that Mr. Cooper's development cannot go vertical with the power pole where it is. Due to many considerations, the actual timeline for moving all of the power underground could still take months. Update Development Report: TS Development (Arthur Street) Shawn Maybon Shawn brought his contractor Tom Bevin from Grand Peak; Mr. Peak reported on a final meeting with the Architect and Engineer last week for the design review package. He stated the final design review submission and approval should be complete in about four to five weeks, including providing the design to Commissioners at the next URA meeting. They should then be ready to submit construction documents and apply for the building permit. In response to a question from Commissioner Moore regarding any potential hold-ups, Mr. Bevin noted that there may be some additional material needed for the Indian Creek backfill project; but they will not know actual soil conditions until they excavate. They don't anticipate any major issues. Update Development Report: Base Laver, LLC (North Caldwell — District 26) An email report from Shane Jiminez was read into the record: Good morning. I am unable to attend the meeting this evening due to business obligations that are taking me out of town. Here is a summary where we sand with District 26. Please accept this report as our monthly update for February. We have two large end users that are in a holding pattern until we establish the circulation and utilities on site. One user is a 40-acre user and the other is a 20-acre user. Both would prefer to be in Caldwell. Both will bring substantial jobs to the area. Estimates are 250-300 jobs. We had a productive meeting with Robb MacDonald, Steven Jenkins and Jim Porter on January 28`h. Our conversation surrounded the roadway system, utilities and ground water for the area. As part of that meeting, we discussed establishing locations for circulation and utilities and where each improvement project would start and stop. Funding source responsibilities was a topic of discussion, and the parties agreed that it seemed reasonable that the project is a collaboration between the private and public sector. Next steps are to determine the improvement projects in order ofpriority, progress designs for those projects and get budgets established. Once budgets are established, we can determine who is responsible for funding and discuss funding vehicles for each project. At this point, we've shared our thoughts with Robb on the improvement projects. Robb is working on defining and prioritizing each project as he would see it and will share this with the group once complete. Robb also suggested that a project manager should be assigned to this area as this is a large project and will take a focused resource to move this along. This should be discussed further among the URA board through a recommendation from Robb and Steven Jenkins. Kind Regards, Shane Jiminez, President, Falcon One, Inc Update Development Report: 7" & Main Developer, LLC (Main Street) Dean Pape attended remotely, and presented his update. He reported continued progress on the retail first floor front and mentioned letters of interest from two groups. He also noted multiple conversations with commercial office space brokers for upper floors. The general feedback is that for the amount of space available, there isn't much interest in the office market at this time. He is continuing to pursue how best to engage the upper floors. Update Development Report: Wolfpack Development, LLC (905 Arthur Street) Keri Smith of Wolfpack Development was also attending remotely to present their update. She reported that the most recent lead on a tenant has fallen through, and they have determined to pivot and now walk through finishing up the last remaining retail space. She also stated that there is still no action on the grass lot. (OLD BUSINESS) None. 3 1 P a g e (NEW BUSINESS) (ACTION ITEM: CONSIDER INVOICES FOR PAYMENT FROM THE URBAN RENEWAL AGENCY TREASURER) Raelynn North, URA Treasurer, presented the invoices for payment and recommended approval. VENDOR AMOUNT DESCRIPTION City of Caldwell—Econ. Dev. $18,900.00 February Economic Dev Contributions Hilty, Bower, Haws & Seable $ 6,800.00 January Attorney Services City of Caldwell — Street Dept. $17,727.52 (12) Ustick Widening City of Caldwell $420.15 Irrigation Bills & Public Notice TOTAL $43,847.67 MOVED by Allgood, SECONDED by Warwick to approve the invoices for payment as presented. Roll -call vote. Those voting yes: Commissioner Allgood, Commissioner Kohl, Commissioner Porter, Commissioner Brooks, Commissioner Warwick, Commissioner Doty, and Commissioner Moore. Those voting no: none. Those absent or not voting: none. MOTION CARRIED (ACTION ITEM: APPROVE MONTHLY CASH RECONCILIATION REPORT) Raelynn North, URA Treasurer, outlined the report details and recommended approval. TOTAL $4,643,379.14 Banner Bank $3,811,755.25 LGIP $ 831,623.89 Ms. North provided additional information regarding allocation area budgets: • Increment revenue received for the North Area in January was $98,000 • A settlement between Idaho Power, the Tax Commission and another entity resulted in Canyon County giving a refund on a property that was previously taxed and is now not taxed. The settlement also impacted all of the taxing districts that received increment revenue during a three-year period, including the East Urban Renewal Area. • There is still increment revenue coming in from the East Area through past -due fees; this will be used to repay the $3,000 in increment revenue due from the East Area budget. • Nearly all of the East allocation area funds have been expended in as much as the majority of projects for the area are now complete. MOVED by Commissioner Allgood, SECONDED by Commissioner Warwick to approve the monthly cash reconciliation report as presented. Roll -call vote. Those voting yes: Commissioner Allgood, Commissioner Kohl, Commissioner Porter, Commissioner Brooks, Commissioner Warwick, Commissioner Doty, and Commissioner Moore. Those voting no: none. Those absent or not voting: none. MOTION CARRIED PROJECT LIST UPDATE REPORT: Ms. North provided the project list update and commented there is not much movement at this time; expenses are coming in slowly, and billing is quarterly. She noted vineyard and alley improvement projects are still active, and monies are still budgeted, but the projects are taking longer to work through than anticipated. Ms. North has added a North Urban Renewal Area section to the project list and commented that the Site A Urban Renewal Area section will be added once it is active. (ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT REPORT FROM STEVEN JENKINS — JANUARY 2025) North Caldwell URA: Maverik: moving forward with plans to locate in the North area. They would like to be under construction soon, as building permits have been submitted. They would like to open in 2025. Project Horizon: connected with this large industrial user in January. They are eager to better understand when the property will have a touch with the City limits; need a path to annexation. They remain interested in the Caldwell region. Project Grove: A 5-15-acre industrial user has interest in the western Treasure Valley. This group is based within the region and is interested in a Boise metro footprint. Two sites in North Caldwell have been submitted for this project. BVEP lead. Project Silver: production and warehousing user. This project would add 100's of jobs. One site in North Caldwell has been submitted for this RFI via Idaho Dept. of Commerce. Kelly Acreage: Planning a large-scale industrial use on 34 acres. He is interested in the road layout for the future collector road planned for the area and has been helpful in laying out ideas for the future road network. Additional Updates: In 2024, net absorption in the Boise industrial market saw a 36% decline, totaling just over 1.5 million square feet. This marks the first time in four years that absorption has fallen below 2 million square feet (TOK). Smaller industrial deals have been driving the market, as transactions increased by more than 16% (TOK). Over 2.9 million SF of new construction was delivered in 2024 (TOK). Mr. Jenkins also provided comments regarding current inflation and mortgage rates and their impact on development. In response to questions from Commissioner Moore regarding where some of the projects are, Mr. Jenkins provided an overview of current City limits, upcoming projects and their projected locations, and the need to begin pushing northward with annexations for large-scale development projects. At the request of Commissioners, Mike Dittenber, Director of the Caldwell Housing Authority, provided comments regarding annexation in and around Farmway Village, the use of ARPA funds by the City to bring a water main into and through the area, and current city boundaries in the area. (ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITY REPORT FROM OFELIA MORALES — JANUARY 2025) Downtown update: 119 S. Kimball Ave recap and timeline: o One of the URA -owned leased properties beginning in 1988 and sunsetting in December 2022. o Three RFP's for development; most recent was not successful. o The Site -A Urban Renewal Area encompasses 119 S. Kimball, 117 S. Kimball, 115 S. Kimball, 113 S. Kimball, 807 Arthur, and the alley. o Project is undergrounding the power (roughly .10 acres). o RFP is projected to be published on February 15`h and will be available for 30 days. o After receiving submissions, will review internally and bring recommendations to the Agency. (ATTORNEY REPORTS) Attorney Report. Update on the Geintke URA project area. Mark Hilty, Agency Attorney, reported that there were no real changes since the last meeting as they are waiting for the base increment projections from 5 1 P a g e Canyon County (anticipated availability in March). He noted that cost estimates from Engineering staff will be available soon, and the next step is the feasibility study. Mr. Hilty commented that he has been in contact with Mr. Gentke regarding next steps as well. Discussion ensued regarding the possibility of creating a larger area around the specific property identified by Mr. Geintke, Mr. Hilty suggested scheduling a workshop before the next URA meeting to discuss options, proposed footprint, and the type of projects. He also reminded commissioners of the importance in understanding that while urban renewal in the area can be a powerful tool, it will be slow, as increment revenue is collected over an extended period of time. Mr. Hilty will come back next month with thoughts on what the impact might be for Mr. Gientke if his project was folded into a larger area. Attorney Report: Update on URA District Plan - Site -A - Downtown Caldwell. Mr. Hilty reported that as Ofelia stated, the RFP has been prepared but not yet published. Chairman Porter remarked that a developer contacted him about the high vacancy rate downtown, and had suggested delaying issuing the RFP until the vacancy question can be looked at more carefully. Economic Development staff reviewed the timeline for the RFP, as well as the different avenues for sharing the project submission documents via the local newspaper, the City website, and a contact list maintained by their office. Discussion followed, and Commissioners were generally in favor of proceeding with the RFP, with the exception of Commissioner Moore. He stated he believed a delay would allow as many as possible to have the opportunity to know there is something going on and he would not support moving forward at this time. Attorney Report: Update on tax penalties and interest as URA increment, the Kootenai County case. Mr. Hilty reported that Canyon County had asked that the Agency wait until the end of 2024 to see how the court case on this subject turns out. However, the case has not yet been argued. He noted that after arguing, there will be a period of time before the court renders a decision. The decision would not apply to the closed East allocation area, but it would apply to the North Area, and to newer urban renewal areas. Canyon County is accounting for those funds, so nothing is lost while waiting, but it has been a longer wait than anticipated. Attorney Report: Properties subiect to in lieu taxation Mr. Hilty explained what is meant by in lieu taxation when applied to non-profit entities in urban renewal areas and noted that his office and Ms. North's office have a system in place where this can be monitored and checked. Attorney Report: New area creation process outline Mr. Hilty provided a reference sheet regarding a draft outline showing steps for implementing an URA area, including State code references in the footnotes. He remarked that questions or comments can be directed to his office, and the draft can be finalized and made available to anyone inquiring about the process. Attorney Report: Fair building proiect status Mr. Hilty reported on email conversations with Diane Sinner and stated there may be one last project on Gabiola Fields that would benefit all Event Center users. Ms. Sinner plans to present the project at the March meeting and Mr. Hilty believes it may be intended to finish up the remaining allocation for the Fair building project. He will follow up further with Ms. Sinner before the next meeting. )MMISSIONER REPORTS) Commissioner Warwick reported that she has met with Ms. North about constructing a 5-year plan. She stated they would be meeting with a committee at the end of the month, and she will have a report for next month's URA meeting. Commissioner Allgood asked if it is possible to require commercial businesses in the north end to pave dirt roads contained within the commercial part of that area and bring them up to grade. Mr. Hilty commented that while this is not an URA discussion, the City Council could possibly work on a voluntary LID for the area. 6 1 P a g e This would spread out the cost of the project to the owners of the commercial properties who benefit from the improvements. Commissioners Moore and Kohl asked that any update emails or letters from developers be provided in the packet, if timing allows, or emailed to commissioners as soon as they are received. It would be helpful to be able to review these items before the meeting. Commissioner Moore also asked how a developer is made aware of an RFP for an available property, such as the Kimball and Arthur property. Mr. Jenkins replied that the RFP will be posted on the City website, published in the local papers, and posted on the OpenGov website. He summarized the process once the RFP opens and noted it will be open for at least 30 days. In response to a question from Commissioner Moore regarding a minimum number of submissions, Ms. North commented that posting the RFP on the OpenGov website opens it up to much more competition among developers across the country, not just Idaho -based developers. Mr. Hilty noted that there is no minimum number of submissions. Chairman Porter asked Commissioners to plan for a workshop at 5pm either before the March URA meeting, or the next week after the meeting. ADJOURN: MOVED by Warwick, SECONDED byAllgood to adjourn at 8:07pm. Approved asa.Fi this 10th day of March, 2025. K —) ATTEST: Porter URA Secretary Commissioner DIftty/�/�j', Commissioner Warwick Coml6rissioner Kohl MOTION CARRIED 7 1 P a g e