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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1990-05-10 EDDA MINUTES• RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS F"ORM !O C. F. HOEC KEL B. B. ll: L CO. ENGLEWOOD DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY 3333 south Bannock -Englewood,. co ao110 Members Present: Members Absent: Staff Present: Guests/Visitors: MINUTES May 10, 1990 Birdsall, · Chavez, Close, Green, Pendleton, Shepherd, Tomooka Hathaway, Steele Hayes, Miller, Persinger R. Wanush 100 Leaves Oxman, The regular meeting of the Englewood Downtown Development Authority Board of Directors was called to order by Chairman Walt Tomooka at 12:10 p.m. He introduced the new administrative assistant, Cheryl Persinger, and asked everyone to introduce themselves. He then asked C. Persinger to relay some of her background. She was a former employee at Martin Marietta, has been out of the work force approximately six years to raise a family and is enthusiastically looking forward to this opportunity. In turn, M. Miller was asked to explain her new position at HTS/Echosphere. Chairman Tomooka asked for a motion to accept the Minutes as written from the April 11, 1990 meeting. G. Close moved, seconded by G. Birdsall to accept the Minutes. The motion passed unanimously by voice vote. TREASURER'S REPORT B. Pendleton noted the Treasurer's Report for March 31, 1990 continues to reflect a deficit balance but we are on track for this time of year. He projected by the end of June for the balance to reflect an excess as most taxes will have been remitted by then. G. Oxman moved, seconded by G. Close to accept the Treasurer's Report dated March 31, 1990. CHAIRMAN'S REPORT Chairman Tomooka noted three Board members' terms expire in June, 1990: G. Birdsall, D. Green, G. Oxman. He expressed hopes of each agreeing to renew their terms for another four years. He also explained that a letter must be submitted to the executive director before the Executive Cammi ttee meeting in June, stating their decision. The appointments will then be discussed at the general Board Meeting in June. RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS 100 Leaves FORM ~O C. F. HOECKEL B. 9. & L. CO. DIRECTOR'S REPORT Trees on south Broadway P. Hayes noted that she has had some negative comments from merchants regarding the trees along South Broadway. Apparently they are concerned with the fullness of ·the f~ees blocking the visibility of their store fronts and their signs. The types of trees on South Broadway were specifically chosen for their shape and height. The trees were an expensive part of the public improvements paid for through the EDDA and everyone agreed that when in bloom, they add so much to the esthetics of downtown. P. Hayes noted she has discussed this matter with Jim Kavinsky, Parks Superintendent for the City of Englewood. He said the trees could not be easily transplanted due to their root systems and, without destroying the concrete sidewalks in the process. Additional suggestions for a solution were discussed at length. The Board agreed to follow J. Kavinsky's suggestion of keeping the trees trimmed back instead of allowing them to branch out. Chairman Tomooka commented that Fort Collins, which planted the same types of trees as Englewood, has taken this approach and their trees eventually grew taller than expected due to the pruning. Insurance coverage P. Hayes noted that EDDA business insurance would be up for renewal in October, 1990, and this had already been discussed with the Executive Committee. The annual premium is $413.00 which all felt was reasonable, but if excess coverage was being carried than this needed to be looked into. Les Jenkins the insurance representative for EDDA will be attending the Board meeting in June to answer/explain any questions anyone may have. Teikyo university P. Hayes informed the Board that a 4-year Japanese university has been opened at what used to be Loretta Heights College. The initial enrollment is approximately 370 and is expected to increase every year until the facility is at its capacity. P. Hayes said she has met with Anna Chavez, (Swedish Medical Center), and Pam ·pepper (City of Englewood)i has met with Mindy Wallis (Cinderella City) in an effort to bring all four entities together to organize some type of welcome for these students. As a collective group they could become a viable element to the downtown merchants. G. Birdsall and G. Close both noted the students are already becoming familiar with the downtown area, and since Englewood is the only major retail area in close proximity to the college, it would be to the advantage of the merchants and the City to continue to draw their business. A presentation to the university administration .was discussed. P. Hayes was given a contact at Regis College through which to organize such a presentation. P. Hayes also credited Ms. Pepper with initiating the project. She will update the Board at the June e RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS 100 Leaves F OR M !O C. F . HOECKEL B. B, & L. CO. meeting. Public Improvement Loan P. Hayes informed the Board that the final balloon payment on the public improvement loan had been made, saving the EDDA a substantial amount in interest. The payoff had been scheduled for December 31, 1990. The savings was re-deposited into the EDDA special events account. Phar-Mor Plaza Project Pam Pepper and Anne Rosen, Retail Marketing Director of Lincor are planning to host a seminar in the later part of July or early August for prospective tenants. The EDDA's part in this project will be services in kind. Incentive Program P. Hayes .noted she receives calls asking about incentives being offered in Englewood for new businesses. Chairman Tomooka commented that incentives do not always have to be in the form of money. Brian Vogt, Vice President of the Economic Development Group at the South Metro Denver Chamber of Commerce, has graciously offered to do some research as to incentives being offered in other cities nationwide. R. Wanush also commented that this is Pam Pepper's area of expertise and for P ... ~ayes to brainstorm with her as well. L. Shepherd noted the Greater Englewood Chamber of Commerce has developed a committee to stimulate traffic in Englewood. He said their main focus will be to make Englewood the best place for a small business to locate and operate. He said a "start-up kit" was presently in the works. He explained the concept of a "Yacht Club" which would be a group of twenty business people in Englewood who would act as business ambassadors -representatives of this area, or, as an outreach group for other areas. He asked about the progress being made on some type of profile for Englewood. P. Hayes noted she and Pam Pepper were working on a new design for an economic profile, one in which information could be easily and ·inexpensively updated. The information would be brief, but concise, with more information available should anyone request it. It was felt the profile being used now was too cumbersome for general use and much too expensive to update on a regular basis. Chairman Tomooka suggested that one option might be to reinstate the incentive program that was initiated in 1987, the "Recruiting Program," but on a different level. The money could be used to subsidize a new business by assisting in their initial advertising costs. Of course, there would be restrictions that would have to be adhered to and guidelines ·set. It was also mentioned that a satellite office, very similar to the small business assistance office at the South Metro Denver Chamber of Commerce, is being implemented at Arapahoe Community College. RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS 100 Leaves FORM ~o C. F. HOECKEL 8. B. a L. co. Advertising campaign As requested at last month's meeting, P. Hayes gave an update on the progress being made on an Advertising Campaign for the downtown business district. She distributed information from different medias, but noted no program would be set in motion until this coming Fall. All research into the program indicates that any type of ad campaign would have to be ongoing and repetitive in order to realize any benefits. No agreements have been made with any one particular source. Urban Renewal Authority R. Wanush did not have anything to report at this time other than there has been no change in the bond situation. other UPDATES: P. Hayes noted that the City of Englewood is still planning to stage a fireworks display for the 4th of July. The Sounds of Summer Concert Series is underway with the first concert scheduled for May 24, and she encouraged everyone to attend. The Englewood Recreation Center extended their offer of a free day to the downtown merchants in recognition of National Employee Health Day, May !'6. P. Hayes will be taking vacation May 21 through June 4. L. Shepherd inquired about having a general map of Englewood made depicting specific locations that would very easy for people to read and understand. D. Green had been approached by a gentlemen and had brought a map as an example, which everyone felt was "too busy." After a lengthy discussion it was the · general consensus that "the simpler, the better." P. Hayes will follow through on this and give an update at next month's meeting. Chairman Tomooka was highly complimentary of the question and answer sheet regarding the bond issue, stating both the questions and the answers were very excellent, and very precise. R. Wanush stated Pam Pepper was responsible for the project. ·chairman Tomooka and P. Hayes then took a few minutes to thank M. Miller · for her years of service to the EDDA, and wishing her success in her new career opportunity. As there was no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 1:40 p.m. Respectfully Submitted Gary Oxman, Secretary