Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-03-13 URA MinutesPage 1 of 7 CALDWELL URBAN RENEWAL AGENCY Regularly Scheduled Meeting March 13, 2014 – 12:00 Noon City Hall, 411 Blaine St. A meeting of the Caldwell Urban Renewal Agency convened at 12:00 Noon on March 13, 2014 in the Mayor’s Conference Room at City Hall, 411 Blaine St., with Chairman ElJay Waite presiding. Roll was called: Present: ElJay Waite, Theresa Hardin, Rob Hopper, Kathy Alder, Scott Syme and Leona Fouts Absent: Garret Nancolas (Ex-officio Member) Guests: Terrence Biggers, Caldwell City Councilman Chris Allgood, Chief of Police and Optimist Club board member Bob Kafka, Optimist Club treasurer and secretary Dolores Schamp, Optimist Club vice-president Joe Shreve, Optimist Club board member Collette Sanders, Caldwell City Parks & Rec Director Bob Carpenter, Caldwell Business Owner Joe Lombardo, Caldwell Business Owner Paul Aldredge, Citizen Motion to approve the agenda: Fouts/Syme M/S/P Motion to approve the minutes from the February 4, 2014 meeting and the February 27, 1014 Special Meeting: Hardin/Alder M/S/P OLD BUSINESS #1 CEDC Report and FTZ Update Chairman Waite presented a copy of the February report from Steve Fultz: • Project Plane: Continued negotiation with current property owner for potential sale to Knight Aviation. Working with State on Opportunity Fund for infrastructure funding support (formal application submitted) • Project Revisit: Project approved by URA at special February meeting. Continue working with the business in finalizing details • Project I-Way: working with an existing manufacturer on the expansion of their current operations. Potential increase of 50-70 jobs…working in partnership with Project Aspen. • Project Aim: Continued discussion with owner, investors and with development team (two business owner). Firearms/ammo businesses, to create 8-12 jobs on initial launch (10,000 sq ft building expandable to 20,000), expecting to double employment within 2 years. Provided additional information last week to share with investors. Interested in the 2.5 acre parcel at the end of Challenger Way. Anticipate a decision sometime in March 2014. Page 2 of 7 • Project White: Company with facilities in New Jersey looking at Caldwell again, particularly FTZ area. Would build/expand an existing facility to 47,000 sq ft facility with approximately 100 employees. Considering one site in Caldwell and one site in Nampa. Company anticipates final decision sometime in March. • Project Aspen: 100,000 sq ft facility with up to 100 jobs…working in tandem with Project I- Way • Project Ram: Has contract on property in Sky Ranch, looking to construct a new distribution center (13,600 sq ft to start). Have already had round table with City Red Carpet. • Project CW: new project looking for site to construct small warehouse/distribution and assembly site. Looking at Sky Ranch. Requesting environmental review docs. • Project Stock: New project interested in site near I-84 exit 29. Several meetings and negotiations. Had round table meeting with the Red Carpet group last week. New construction of office, warehousing, assembly, and out buildings. Should make final decision in 45-60 days. FTZ 280 Report: Two applications have been submitted and preliminarily approved by the National FTZ Board. Awaiting final review and concurrence letter from local CBP office in Boise. NEW BUSINESS #1 Project Presentation from Caldwell Parks & Recreation Collette Sanders, Caldwell Parks and Rec Director, provided an update on the proposed youth sports building to be constructed on city property near the tennis courts. The building includes a gym, boxing arena, office space, classrooms and equipment storage and will be home to the PAL boxing league, Parks and Rec programming and Caldwell Police Bike Patrol. R & M Steel is donating a steel building which includes the structure and the skin at a value of $100,000. Parks and Rec have saved approximately $300,000 for the new facility. The remaining funding for infrastructure, parking and interior will be raised through grants and donations. Total project cost is being determined. #2 Reconsider Optimist Club use of King’s building Joe Shreve, Caldwell Optimist Club, announced that approval has been received from the building department on their plan for a temporary wall and toilet. They are ready to proceed with the renovation upon final approval from URA. Materials that were abandoned with the building will be utilized for the wall construction, keeping renovation costs to a minimum. The building will be pressure washed and the TVCC art students will create window art to enhance the exterior appearance of the building. The temporary nature of the renovation will allow them the ability to vacate the space with a week’s notice when URA approves demolition or other use of the building. Joe Lombardo expressed dissatisfaction with URA’s action regarding the building, stating that the purchase of the building with no plan was ridiculous. He insisted on knowing the plan. Page 3 of 7 Chairman Waite noted that there are many parties and aspects involved with the plan and offered to put that information in written form for Mr. Lombardo. Bob Carpenter stated that CEDC made a formal request of URA to purchase the building and tear it down for a plaza. Commissioner Rob Hopper noted that the building was acquired for economic development and the City’s Master Plan calls for a two-story retail/office complex. He further stated that URA’s purpose is to promote economic development and that remains the focus for any decision made on the building. Chairman Waite informed the group that beginning 2015, URA revenue will be disbursed out to the taxing entities and no funds will be retained by URA. Properties held by URA will revert to the City on December 22, 2022 when the agency sunsets. A suggestion was offered to the Optimist Club to inquire about the possibility of using the gymnasium in the old Catholic Church building for their boxing club. Joe Lombardo asked about plans for the old Sherwood Florist, Mr. C’s Carpet and several other vacant buildings that are owned by either URA or the city. Chairman Waite confirmed that TVCC is leasing one of the buildings and there are no current plans for the sites in question. Chairman Waite asked for commissioner input on the Optimist’s use of the Kings building: Commissioner Fouts noted that her original vote in favor of demolition and creation of a temporary park area still stands. She is in favor of allowing the Optimist Club to utilize the building on a temporary basis until URA makes a decision on use of the property. Commissioner Alder spoke in favor of the original discussion and intent to demolish the building and agreed to temporary use by the Optimist Club. She urged the board to move forward with demolition and plant grass and trees until other options arise. Commissioner Hardin stated that the majority of comments from chamber members have been in favor of demolishing the building as soon as possible. They expressed concern about demolition leaving a hole in the ground. She would be in favor of temporary use by the Optimist Club. Commissioner Syme stated that he is okay with temporary use by the Optimist Club and stressed the need to demolish the building as quickly as possible. Commissioner Hopper made a Motion to allow the Optimist Club temporary use of the building: Hopper/Alder. Commissioner Syme requested an amendment to the motion to include the next step of demolition of the building. Motion amended to allow the Optimist Club temporary use of the building until such time as URA moves forward with demolition of the building: Hopper/Syme Motion passed unanimously. #3 Reconsider December 2013 Motion to Solicit Demolition Bids for the King’s Building Chairman Waite stated a need to revisit the demolition issue due to conflicting feedback and the Optimist Club’s desire to use the space. Page 4 of 7 Joe Lombardo stated that the building is an eyesore and needs to come down immediately. Paul Aldredge asked clarifying questions on the distribution of funds after the 2014 sunset of URA bondable projects. Commissioners Alder and Fouts both spoke in favor of obtaining bids and moving forward with demolition. Commissioner Alder added the need to plant grass and trees to create a temporary park space. Commissioner Hopper stated that a vacant lot isn’t much more appealing than a vacant building. He suggested entertaining bids for both demolition and refurbishing. He stated that creating and maintaining a park environment will cost money and we must know the feasibility of the project and extent of the costs. He further stated the importance of communicating to the public that a park is only temporary as the lot is intended for an economic development project. Commissioner Syme spoke in favor of obtaining bids and demolishing the building as quickly as possible. He requested that the motion specify action to be taken after bids are received. Commissioner Hardin stated that demolition and creation of a park environment gives citizens the feeling of progress. Chairman Waite stated that we must know what it will cost to maintain a park and suggested that the city prepare cost estimates and obtain bids before we include the park concept in a motion. Paul Aldredge stated that Caldwell has lost a lot of the managerial class of citizens noting that many doctors and bankers live out of town. He stressed the importance of having a downtown that looks appealing. Joe Lombardo stated that if URA’s intent is to buy distressed buildings and attract investors, we must get rid of the eyesore. Commissioner Hopper made a Motion to direct Chairman Waite to obtain bids for demolition of the building and backfill of the lot, and bids for construction and maintenance of a temporary park. Motion seconded by Alder. Commissioner Syme requested an Amendment to the motion to include: “with the intent to demolish the building and create a temporary park upon approval of a bid within URA’s means to fund and maintain the project.” Amended Motion seconded by Alder. Motion passed unanimously. Chairman Waite requested consideration for a Non-Contractor Request form approval required in order to allow the temporary wall to be constructed in the building. Motion to approve the Non-Contractor request: Hopper/Fouts Motion passed unanimously. #4 Consider Annexation Request for Urban Renewal Land into Sky Ranch Business Owners Association Chairman Waite reported that an annexation is required to have URA properties in Sky Ranch included in the landscaping assessments. Resolution 2014-1 was presented to initiate the annexation. Motion to approve Resolution 2014-1 to put URA properties into the Sky Ranch Business Owners Association for inclusion in the landscaping assessments: Hopper/Alder Motion passed unanimously. Page 5 of 7 #5 Discuss URA Commissioner Communications and Complaints Regarding Chairman Chairman Waite stated that he received complaints from several business owners after the last meeting that he maintained too much control and should consider stepping down as chairman of URA. He asked for input from each commissioner specifically regarding how they felt and whether or not he should resign as chairman. Commissioner Scott Syme stated that Chairman Waite has too much influence over too many departments which gives him undue power over projects and decisions. He said that allowing the Chairman to vote on all motions was uncommon and suggested that the Chairman should vote only in the case of a tie vote. Scott further noted that he and ElJay disagree frequently and stressed that his opinion on this matter is not personal towards ElJay. He believes it is in the best interest of URA and the community if ElJay not continue as Chairman of URA. Scott suggested that Steve Fultz be elected Chairman and the Board of Commissioners be made up of business people from Caldwell. Commissioner Theresa Hardin stated that she has heard from some chamber members that there is a perception that ElJay makes all the decisions. She would support electing someone else as Chairman. Commissioner Kathy Alder stated that she has heard praise for this agency and a specific comment that of all the urban renewal agencies in the state, this one is doing it right. She praised the work and success of the board. She further stated that urban renewal agencies are currently under a lot of scrutiny and we need to be very cautious about perceptions. She believes we might be prudent to consider a change in the chairman position, but only if the right person can be found. Commissioner Rob Hopper stated that some of those perceptions exist because of a lack of understanding of ElJay’s role. The URA Chairman position requires a tremendous amount of work, knowledge and time. It’s very rare that any projects are ElJay’s idea, however in serving as city Finance Director, he is an important resource to people and departments for information. He has to be the one to determine whether something will or will not work from a financial standpoint, so it’s easy to see why he is perceived as the one making all the decisions. Rob firmly believes that the Caldwell URA will stand up as the best agency in the state. Everything ElJay has done as Chairman has been true to the URA charter, to the projects and in the best interest of the community. Rob further believes that ElJay brings the right leadership, expertise and high level of integrity as Chairman. He stated that the Chairman position is a thankless job and will never please everyone. Rob finds no fault and sees no need for a change. Commissioner Leona Fouts voiced agreement with Commissioner Hopper’s comments. She stated that ElJay has extensive knowledge, is consistently fair and always informed. Perceptions and misconceptions are unfortunate and we have a responsibility to respond to them and correct them when possible. She would support disallowing the Chairman a vote except on tied issues. She expressed faith in ElJay’s ability, integrity and vision. As no new revenue will be disbursed to the agency after the end of this year, she sees no need for a change in leadership at this point in the life of the agency. Chairman Waite thanked the commissioners for their candid responses. Page 6 of 7 Joe Lombardo stated that the URA Board of Commissioners should be dismantled and run by City Council. #6 Finance report provided by Rob Hopper . Bank of the Cascades Business Ckg Ending Balance Earnings February 28, 2014 $1,772,236.47 -0- Bank of the Cascades Time CD#1 Ending Balance Earnings February 28, 2013 $250,000.00 -0- Local Government Investment Pool Ending Balance Earnings February 28, 2013 $108,308.63 $7.37 Zions Bank (Bond Debt Service) Ending Balance Earnings February 28, 2013 $3,772,99.72 $25.97 Motion to approve the financial report: Fouts/Hardin M/S/P #7 Invoices presented for payment presented by Rob Hopper. $ 27.50 City of Caldwell Lunch 2/4/14 meeting $ 1,750.00 Zions Bank Annual Trustee Fee / Bonds 2006A $ 1,750.00 Zions Bank Annual Trustee Fee / Bonds 2008 $100,000.00 Vallivue School Dist 4th and final payment on 4 year pledge $ 30,885.37 TVCC Signage $ 437.50 Skinner Fawcett LLP 2013 Bonds follow-up (December) $ 262.50 Skinner Fawcett LLP 2013 Bonds follow-up (February) $ 7,877.56 Canyon County Treasurer 2013 Prop Taxes 124 S. Kimball/Kings $ 866.14 Canyon County Treasurer 2013 Prop Taxes 114 S. Kimball/Kings $ 121.00 Caldwell Municipal Irrigation #121845/Lt1/Blk1 Thomas Jefferson $ 121.00 Caldwell Municipal Irrigation #121847/Lt4/Blk1 Skyway Drive $ 388.32 Caldwell Municipal Irrigation #122458/Common Lot E URA $ 209.85 Caldwell Municipal Irrigation 1802 Slipstream Lot 8 Blk 7 SkyRanch $ 201.76 Caldwell Municipal Irrigation 1803 Smeed Lot 2 Blk 7 SkyRanch $ 192.05 Caldwell Municipal Irrigation 1822 Slipstream Lot 7 Blk 7 SkyRanch $ 188.52 Caldwell Municipal Irrigation 1823 Smeed Lot 3 Blk 7 SkyRanch $ 155.31 Caldwell Municipal Irrigation 1915 Smeed Lot 4 Blk 7 SkyRanch $ 167.35 Caldwell Municipal Irrigation 1920 Slipstream Lot 6 Blk 7 SkyRanch $ 156.41 Caldwell Municipal Irrigation 2003 Smeed Lot 5 Blk 7 SkyRanch $ 177.99 Caldwell Municipal Irrigation 4009 Challenger Way Lot12 Blk1 SkyR $145,936.13 Motion to approve the invoices for payment: Fouts/Hardin M/S/P #8 Chairman’s Report of Activities No Report. #9 Commissioner Reports: Page 7 of 7 Commission Syme reported that only 19% of the January home sales were distressed homes. Most sales were in the $120,000 to $160,000 range. He believes that property values will remain flat this year. #10 Motion to Adjourn Motion to Adjourn: Hardin/Syme M/S/P Meeting Adjourned at 1:45 pm. Respectfully Submitted, Leona Fouts Secretary