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Home My WebLink About2015-09-28 URA MINUTES SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES CALDWELL URBAN RENEWAL AGENCY SEPTEMBER 28,2415 6:30 P.M. (ROLL.CALL) A workshop of the Caldwell Urban Renewal Agency convened at 6:30 p.m. in the Caldwell Police Department Community Room with Chairman Hopper presiding. Roll was called by the secretary. Present: Commissioner Hopper, Commissioner Callsen, Commissioner Pollard, Commissioner Biggers,Commissioner Feucht,and Commissioner Gzuna. Staff Present: Mayor Nancolas,Robb MacDonald, Mark Hilty,Maren Ericson,and Steve Fultz. (CALDWELL ERA GRANT/LOAN PROGRAM) Mayor Nancolas addressed the commissioners concerning a potential grant/loan program through the Urban Renewal Agency. He stated that such a program could assist in addressing blighted areas and ongoing economic development growth. He clarified that the proposed CDBC entitlement funding would not be included as a funding source for this potential program. Mark Hilty, City Attorney at 1303 North 12th Avenue, Nampa, provided a broad overview of Urban Renewal Agencies in accordance with the State of Idaho statutes. He stated that such a program would create an incentive to the downtown businesses for redevelopment purposes. Maren Ericson, 130')North 12"'Avenue,Nampa,outlined the draft proposal highlighting such topics as: • What is the program? • What is the goal of the program? • What projects will the program apply to? • What are the guidelines that will determine whether a project qualifies for funding? • What are some examples of projects that this program will apply to? • How will it be implemented and what do we need to do beforehand? Steve Fultz reported that a similar program was available in the State of Indiana to business owners. Organizers of that program put together a consortium of banks which assist business owners with upfront funding requests. E1.Iay Waite, 411 Blaine Street, reported that URA debt obligations must first be met. Discussion followed concerning the LID programs already available to local business owners. Mark Hilty read the Idaho Statute concerning guidelines for URA incentive programs. He suggested that public comment be taken by those in attendance. Written comments may also be filed after the meeting with the URA Secretary, Debbie Geyer. Chairman Hopper opened the meeting for public comments. Gina Lujack,2418 Ray Street, spoke in favor of the program and asked if the Urban Renewal Agency could assist with grant funding for installation of fire sprinkler systems within downtown historic buildings. She suggested that one contractor could be sought through a bidding process to install all the sprinkler systems for price consistency to those owners desirous of rehabilitating their facilities. Cynthia Rippe-Kutsagoitz, 322 W. Logan Street, Apt. 103, reported that she recently moved to Caldwell from Lynden, Washington where she volunteered within the local government. She recommended that the Jansen Art Building in Lynden, Washington would be a good model for rehabilitation. Dillon 'Nickel of the Indian Creek Steakhouse reported that the fire sprinkler system within his newly renovated building expansion cost$18,000. Scott Syme,206 South 91h Avenue,owner of Syme's Real Estate spoke in favor of the proposed incentive program. PAGE I OF 3 Commissioner Callsen reported that he traveled to Colorado last week with Keri Sigman and Council Member Qzuna to view the downtown redevelopment efforts within Fort Collins and Boulder. The results of that trip ill assist in formulating information about the operations of the proposed downtown community plaza. p Bob Carpenter expressed his concern with the delay in designating the location of the plaza within the downtown area. Mayor Nancolas provided his recommendations for the grant/loan incentive program. He noted that a right-of-way improvement program is already in place by business owners using of the Local Improvement District g y p tact SLID) funding. Also, a program has been put in place for bringing water connections from the middle of the street to the edge of the right-of-way at no cost to the downtown commercial businesses. g The Mayor continued by recommending that a grant program be used for the installation of fire sprinklers stems for the downtown businesses wanting to rehabilitate their facilities. This is an urgent need which affects both y g health and safety concerns. A no-interest loan program could be initiated for facade improvements and ADA requirements with a delayed repayment plan. The Downtown Design Committee as referenced within the Framework Master Plan could review all proposals. The boundaries of the funding programs should be limited to a specific area in light of the future plaza in the downtown area. Robb MacDonald addressed questions concerning a possible downtown bid proposal being initiated for fire sprinkler systems within the commercial buildings. p Scott Syme asked if E1Jay Waite could provide a projection concerning the amount of funding available. E13ay Waite reported that the UR_A Commissioners would need to evaluate the budget concerning bond obligations; however,he anticipated approximately$17 million available within the next seven years. In response to questions from Dillon Wickel, Chairman Hopper stated that the program could possibly be available by the end of the year. Discussion followed concerning the fees associated with building permits. Councilman Callsen clarified that the building fees and user permits are some of the lowest municipal fees within the area. Keri Sigman of Caldwell Economic Development provided an overview of her contacts with downtown business owners and the need for redevelopment dollars to assist them with rehabilitation of their historic buildings. Discussion followed by the Commissioners concerning the loan program with a 50% match for the installation of fire sprinkler systems. The no-interest loan program could cover such needs as structural updates, ADA compliance requirements, and exterior fagade improvements for safety reasons. Low-interest loans could be available in the future for additional aesthetic improvements. Mark Hilty stated that the paperwork for the incentive program would be amended in light of tonight's testimony. He will bring the draft document back to the URA Commissioners for their review. It was determined that this program must be coordinated with other state-approved provisions already crated with the City of Caldwell. He g Pp p y instib y will research the potential voluntary Business Improvement District (BID) program for building facades allowed within the Idaho Statute. Cynthia Ripke-Kutsagoitz encouraged that Caldwell Police Department to provide statistic information to business owners concerning the percentage of crimes taking place at maintained commercial settings versus downtrodden buildings. Chairman Hopper declared the meeting adjourned at 8:18 p.m. PAGE 2 OF 3 ..� an°y o" Will 00 vim Is, "ION 14ER E J 1-1- T vo i C9 : z , , COMMISSIONER V? N�if A , COMMISSIONER BlCiGER-S jo)000 14:1 000, _._.,. '` µ 3 T. m P 4 �