Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-05-19 URA MINUTES REGULAR MEETING CALDWELL URBAN RENEWAL AGENCY MAY 199 2015 12:00 P.M. (ROLL CALL) The regularly scheduled meeting of the Caldwell Urban Renewal Agency convened at 12:00 p.m. in the Caldwell Police Department Community Room with Chairman Hopper presiding. Roll was called by the secretary. Present: Chairman Hopper, Commissioner Callsen, Commissioner Pollard, Commissioner Biggers, Commissioner Feucht,and Commissioner Ozuna. Staff Present: Steve Fultz,ElJay Waite,and Robb MacDonald. (CONFLICT OF INTEREST DECLARATION) None. (AMEND/APPROVE AGENDA) MOVED by Callsen, SECONDED by Biggers to approve the agenda as printed. MOTION CARRIED SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS None. PUBLIC COMMENTS None. CONSENT CALENDAR: Approve minutes from the Urban Renewal Agency Regularly Scheduled Meeting held on April 21,2015. MOVED by Pollard, SECONDED by Feucht to approve the Consent Calendar as presented. MOTION CARRIED OLD BUSINESS: (ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITY REPORT—APRIL/MAY 2015) The report from the Economic Development Department was delivered by Steve Fultz: Project I-Way: Continue working with business and developer...reviewing URA owned site in Sky Ranch. Project Aspen: Canadian-based manufacturer, considering U.S. location. Has considered Caldwell in the past, also a site in Texas. Submitted additional information on sites, demographics, FTZ, and incentives. First phase of project would be 40,000 to 50,000 square feet,with expansion of up to 100,000 square feet. 40-50 jobs initial phase. Project Moon: was in the Boise Valley for a quick site visit,will assess sites and narrow search in the next 2 weeks. Large manufacturer needing 260,000 square foot facility, 253 jobs. Caldwell site (Sky Ranch/URA property) is one of 6 sites considered in Treasure Valley. Project Chinook: BVEP/Cushman Wakefield...additional information submitted in December...received notice that Caldwell still in consideration, follow-up with broker (from Memphis, TN) in May 2015...no word/decision from the business yet...classify project as"dark'. PAGE 1 OF 5 Project ReMan: BVEP lead,New manufacture in the Rec-Tech industry,they will manufacture the brass cartridges for ammunition, but will not be dealing the explosives or complete bullets. They were referred by a Boise company and have been looking across the state but have settled on the Boise Valley. They are wanting 4 -6 acres for a 60,000 to 100,000 SF manufacturing building (free standing) with parking for 70+. Sale, Lease or lease to purchase. Needs to be within 10 miles a major freeway, and near other industrial uses because they operate 24 hours a day with some industrial noise. Seeking City/URA/Developer partnership...continue to work with Idaho Commerce on this lead. Project Green Light: "dark"project that is back on the active list. Considering URA owned site in Sky Ranch for future investment of business. Still working with Company's real estate representative on specific site needs. Project Drill: New project, considering 20,000 sq. ft building to construct in Sky Ranch on 2 acres. Site visit on March 30th...LOI submitted to URA for consideration (all issues connected to infrastructure needs have been addressed and resolved,ready for execution). Project Hurt: new project...potential downtown site...working with realtor and downtown property owner. Scheduled for return site visit with end-user on May 18th. Project One...new project considering downtown Caldwell for office use. Met with corporate executives on potential sites again on April 8th. Still interested in a downtown site, could also be a retail/residential mix (market rate). Project Out...new project working on East Caldwell site. Property currently under contract...could possibly close in May. Project AgWay...new and expanding business to Caldwell...has eliminated Sky Ranch site,but still considering a location in Caldwell. Roundtable meeting in May to discuss potential site. Hope to announce within 30-60 days. Foreign Trade Zone presentation to a representative of a Caldwell-based company. Project Wake: New lead (from site selector in Portland) on distribution center considering the Ontario/Fruitland/Caldwell market. Desirous of existing building 75,000 to 200,000 square foot; or build to suit. Information submitted on Sky Ranch site. Project roundabout: retail consideration for downtown Caldwell. Met with property owners on a lease and/or sale and redevelopment of site. Scheduled to meet with the company representative the week of May 18th. In response to questions from Commissioner Biggers, Mr. Fultz confirmed that a relocating to the area would qualify for the foreign trade zone benefits. (CONTINUED: DISCUSSION ABOUT THE RENTAL OF URBAN RENEWAL AGENCY PROPERTY LOCATED AT 217 KIMBALL) Cindy Weitz, 24534 Harvey Road, presented a site plan of the facility at 217 Kimball outlining where the two businesses would be located. The beauty salon would be on the lower level and the fashion boutique would be located upstairs. Ms. Weitz reported that within a three week period she services approximately 150 women from Caldwell and the outlying areas. She stated that a steady flow of clients would be visiting the downtown area associated with their businesses known as"The Painted Lady"and"Sassy Gal." ElJay Waite, 411 Blaine Street, reported that he had spoken with Treasure Valley Community College (TVCC) leadership about their interest in sub-leasing the facility to the interested parties. Rather than subleasing, they have removed a portion of the items from the building and stored the remaining items in a secured room at the location. The proposed rental amount is $750 per month, which is consistent with their current lease rate. He recommended that a one-year renewable lease be drafted to include utilities and repairs. There is a plate-glass window that needs to be replaced. The issue with the rain is in the mezzanine at 215 Kimball. No leaks have been discovered at 217 PAGE 2 OF 5 Kimball. The lease could be ready for consideration at the June URA meeting. The potential lessees would then have sufficient time to prepare the building for their grand opening on July 1 St Discussion followed concerning the building not having long term viability. Mr. Waite noted that the lessees have reported their interest in relocating to a new building site as downtown redevelopment progresses It was determined to move forward with the lease for consideration at the June 16th Urban Renewal Agency meeting. (DISCUSS STREETLYNN CROSSFIT REQUEST) Tommy and Jennifer Sessions, 417 Bridlewood Street, expressed interest in locating their fitness business within downtown Caldwell. They would need a facility with approximately 1,500 square feet to operate their business. Discussion followed concerning the aspects of the Crossfit fitness program. It was recommended that Mr.Fultz meet with Mr. &Mrs. Sessions to discuss potential sites. (CONTINUED: DISCUSS PROPOSAL FROM CALDWELL SCHOOL DISTRICT REGARDING USE OF URA TAXING DISTRICT FUNDING FOR RENOVATIONS AT CALDWELL HIGH SCHOOL) Chairman Hopper stated that a legal opinion was solicited from Attorney Rick Skinner concerning the use of URA funds for the proposed Caldwell School District program. Mr. Skinner's opinion indicated that the use of URA funding for the project is legal. Commissioner Callsen emphasized that such funding was also made available to Canyon County in their preparation for the new administrative building. ElJay Waite, 411 Blaine Street, stated that by using the procedure which was followed with the Canyon County Administrative Building,the project would be initially reviewed and endorsed by the URA Board and then a finance package would be created. In the case of the Canyon County Administration Building, Banner Bank was the lowest bidder and the funding was a private placement with them. The Caldwell School District's project is in conceptual design. Mr.Waite continued by stating that he would meet with the school district for a determination as to when the money is needed and information about the construction timeline. Financing would be a private placement with a seven year payback period. Discussion followed concerning recent legislative consideration to remove the school bond increment from urban renewal agencies. Mr. Waite clarified that such legislative action would be met with a tremendous amount of lobbying for a grandfather clause to be in place. It was recommended that Attorney Rick Skinner address this concern. It was recommended that Mr. Waite bring forward a financial plan for the Caldwell School District project at the June 16th URA meeting. NEW BUSINESS: (DISCUSS THE URA GRANT-LOAN APPLICATION PACKET [FORMS]) In response to questions from Chairman Hopper, ElJay Waite stated that he is looking for input on the loan agreement form. It was recommended that the packet of forms be reviewed in depth at the June 16th URA meeting. Robb MacDonald, 621 Cleveland Blvd., provided a update report concerning the Canyon County Highway District Silver Creek Bridge Project. The City is sharing the cost of the project at a rate of 50150 with the Canyon County Highway District. There is also federal funding available for this project. ElJay Waite reported that annual payments could be made for projects presented by the Canyon County Highway District as approved by URA based on their receipts. PAGE 3 OF 5 (CONSIDER LETTER OF INTENT FOR PARCEL#R148951520) Steve Fultz, 4814 E. Linden Street, provided the staff report and outlined the letter of intent from Running Steel, LLC to be located at Sky Way Drive. Construction is anticipated to begin this summer. Robb MacDonald noted that there is sufficient power at the site to meet the current needs of the new owner, noting that additional power could be provided in the future from Idaho Power as necessary. MOVED by Feucht, SECONDED by Biggers to move forward with Chairman Hopper signing the Letter of Intent with Running Steel, LLC and any other necessary final closing documents before the next meeting to be held on June 16,2015. Roll call vote: Those voting yes: Biggers, Feucht, Ozuna, Callsen, and Pollard. Those voting no: none. Absent and/or not voting: none. MOTION CARRIED (DISCUSS THE URA BUSINESS INCENTIVE PROGRAM—GENERAL INFORMATION DOCUMENT) ElJay Waite outlined the contents of the report. It was recommended that the job classification wage be set at $25.00 per hour including benefits paid on behalf of the employee. MOVED by Pollard, SECONDED by Callsen to grandfather the payment for the Business Incentive Program at the current rate for existing contracts; however, any new applications would be set at a rate of$25 per hour for pay and benefits to qualify for future Business Incentive Program grants. Roll call vote: Those voting yes: Pollard, Biggers, Feucht, Ozuna, and Callsen. Those voting no: none. Absent and/or not voting: none. MOTION CARRIED Clarification: If an application has been mailed out to a potential candidate for the URA Business Incentive Program but it has not yet been returned, the request would be considered at the revised rate. It was suggested that the revised application be sent out to any prospective candidates where an application is pending. (CONSIDER INVOICES FOR PAYMENT FROM TREASURER) ElJay Waite,URA treasurer,presented the following invoice for payment: VENDOR AMOUNT DESCRIPTION HAMILTON, MICHAELSON &HILTY $19517.50 LEGAL SERVICES FOR APRIL 2015 TOTAL $19517.50 MOVED by Callsen, SECONDED by Feucht to pay the invoice as presented. Roll call vote: Those voting yes: Callsen,Pollard, Biggers, Feucht, and Ozuna . Those voting no: none. Absent and/or not voting: none. MOTION CARRIED (FINANCE AND ACTIVITY REPORT FROM TREASURER) Bank of the Cascades Business Ck� Endinr Balance EarninrsFees April 30,2015 $302,625.03 $129.46 ($65.00) Bank of the Cascades Time CD#1 Ending Balance Earnings April 30,2015 $25000.00 Balance will remain constant. Interest earnings deposited to Business Ckg Local Government Investment Pool Ending Balance Earnings April 30,2015 $108,455.04 $14.61 PAGE 4 OF 5 Zions Bank(Bond Debt Service) Ending Balance Earnings February 2015 March 2015 $3,397,226.95 $58.92 MOVED by Pollard, SECONDED by Biggers approve the financial report as presented. MOTION CARRIED (CHAIRMAN'S REPORT) • Project Hurt: There was a positive meeting was held with the developers. Future recommendations will be brought forward to City Council. • No updates are available concerning the Lemrick easement agreement. (COMMISSIONER REPORTS) Commissioner Ozuna requested that the Information Technology Department research improving on P.A. system for those members attending via phone. (ADJOURNMENT) MOVED by Callsen, SECONDED by Feucht to adjourn at 1:09 p.m. MOTION CARRIED Approved as written this 16th day of June,2015. COMMISSIONER HOPPER COMMISSIONER FEUCHT COMMISSIONER OZUNA COMMISSIONER CALLSEN COMMISSIONER POLLARD COMMISSIONER BIGGERS ATTEST: Debbie Geyer,URA Secretary PAGE 5 OF 5