HomeMy WebLinkAbout1988-01-06 EURA MINUTES•
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ENGLEWOOD URBAN RENEWAL AUTHORITY
JANUARY 6, 19 88
I. CALL TO ORDER.
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The regular meeting of the Englewood Urban Renewal Authority was call ed to
order at 5:35 P.M. by Chairman Robert Voth.
Members present: Mcintyre, Minnick, Totton, Voth, Keena
Hinson, Executive Director/Executive Secretary
Members absent: VanDyke, Cole
Hanson, Alternate Member
Daugherty, Alternate Member
Also present: Harold J. Stitt, Assistant to the Director
Densel Ragland, Director of Engineering Services
Penny Dietrich, Executive Director of the EDDA
II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES.
December 2, 1987
Chairman Voth stated that the Minutes of December 2, 1987 were to be con-
sidered for approval .
Ms. Keena suggested a correction she would like made on Page 9, in the next to
last paragraph on that page.
The Minutes were approved as corrected on Page 9.
III. CONSTRUCTION REPORT.
Mr. Hinson presented members with copies of a memorandum setting forth a chro-
nology of contacts with RBI staff since the last meeting of the Authority on
December 2, 1987. As soon as the weather moderates sufficiently to permit, a
walk-through will be done and a punch list of items yet to be complete d or
items that need to be redone will be devised. Mr. Hinson stated that th e EURA
staff will be meeting with our attorney and engineers to develop a recommend a-
tion for action for the Authority. The Authority is presently holding 5%
retainage on the RBI job, having released 5% during the month of December.
Mr. Hinson stated that as the memorandum points out, RBI was told to cease
laying sod; they continued to do so and want retainage released to pay their
subcontractors. Mr . Hinson stated that a full report will be forthcoming at
the February meeting.
Mr. Hinson and Ms. Ragland reviewed progress by Lillard & Clark, and other
items of work which were done by RBI on their portion of Little Dry Creek.
IV. URBAN DRAINAGE AND FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT
Amendment of Contract
Mr. Hinson discussed a proposed amendment to the contract with Urban Drainage
and Flood Control. The original agreement is among Urban Drainage & Flood
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Control District, the City of Englewood, and the Englewood Urban Renewal Au-
thority. The Board of Directors of Urban Drainage has approved an additional •
$300,000 for construction costs on Little Dry Creek improvements, and the
agreement needs to be amended to reflect the $300,000 additional funds which
will be transferred to the EURA in 1988.
I Ms. VanDyke entered the meeting and took her chair with members of the
Authority.
Ms. Hanson entered the meeting and took her. chair with members of the
Authority.
Keena moved:
Mcintyre seconded: The Urban Renewal Authority approve the amendment of the
Agreement among the Urban Drainage & Flood Control Dis-
trict, the City of Englewood, and the Englewood Urban Re-
newal Authority to reflect an increased contribution of
$300,000 by Urban Drainage & Flood Control District for
Little Dry Creek improvements in 1988.
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
Tatton,
None
None
Cole
VanDyke, Voth, Keena, Mcintyre, Minnick
The motion carried.
v. LINCOR PROPERTIES OF COLORADO, INC.
Request for Land Cost Write-Down
Mr. Hinson stated that Ms . Shube of Linear Properties of Colorado has submit-
ted a written request that the Authority consider writing down the cost of the
land on the Old King Sooper's site from $6.20/square foot to $5.20/square
foot. Lincor has reduced development costs as much as they possibly can, and
the potential anchor tenant has tentatively agreed to pay a higher cost per
square foot than it has paid in other locations; but without the cost write-
down, it is not feasible to proceed. Mr. Hinson stated that this prospective
tenant would lease 50,000 square feet and is a volume retail outlet. Ms.
Shube has indicated to Mr. Hinson that the president of this company will be
in the Denver area to view the site no later than January 15, and final ap-
proval of the site is anticipated. Upon approval, a lease would be nego-
tiated. Ms. Shube has stated that this should be completed in a reasonably
short period of time. Linear will not waive the tenant contingency until the
lease is signed.
Mr. Hinson stated that the proforma information submitted by Lincor has been
reviewed with Mr. Ron Myles. It is his opinion that the request for land cost
reduction is reasonable. Mr. Hinson asked that the Authority consider grant-
ing the land cost write-down to $5.20/square foot, change the Anchor Tenant
Contingency date from January 15, 1988 to February 7, 1988, and change the
Deed Date from January 22 to February 15, 1988. Mr. Hinson stated that staff
has prepared a proposed Resolution #1 for the consideration of the Authority.
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Ms. Keena stated that she is in favor of the write-down, but if the deal can -•
not be consummated with the reduction in land costs, it should be made clear
to Linear that there will be no further time extensions.
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Ms. VanDyke asked for an exact figure on the write-down. Mr. Hinson stated
that the write down will result in a reduction of $281,977.60 in the cost of
the land to Linear.
Tatton moved:
Keena seconded:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
VanDyke,
None
None
Cole
The Urban Renewal Authority adopt and approve Resolution
#1, Series of 1988, A RESOLUTION OF THE ENGLEWOOD URBAN
RENEWAL AUTHORIZING AN AMENDMENT TO THE AGREEMENT FOR DIS-
POSITION AND REDEVELOPMENT BETWEEN THE AUTHORITY AND LINCOR
PROPERTIES OF COLORADO, INC.
Voth, Keena, Mcintyre, Minnick, Tatton
The motion carried.
VI. LINCOR PROPERTIES OF COLORADO, INC.
Request for Variance from Sign Code
Mr. Hinson stated that there has been discussion on the placement of a sign on
the Englewood Parkway median at U. S. 285, directing motorists to the Linear
development. Mr. Hinson stated that the placement of such a sign at this
location by one developer could be considered in violation of the Englewood
Sign Code because it would be a third party sign. Mr. Hinson stated that Lin-
ear Properties has been encouraged to apply to the Board of Adjustment & Ap-~
peals for a variance from the Sign Code to allow the placement of such a sign.
Ms. Keena pointed out that there are specific criteria that the Board of Ad-
justment & Appeals has to follow in granting a variance. Ms. VanDyke sugges-
ted that the specific criteria be researched and addressed by the applicant.
Mr. Stitt stated that there is provision in the Sign Code for directional
signs. Mr. Stitt stated that the State Highway Department has regulations
governing the placement of signs in public right-of-way, and they have indi-
cated that these regulations apply to placement of signs in City right-of-way,
also. This issue is being discussed following the installation of the sign at
Buyer's Club.
Ms. Daugherty entered the meeting and took her chair with members of the
Authority.
Mr . Stitt presented a rough sketch of a sign that might be installed. This
sign could contain the names of the Linear Development, Trolley Square, and
the Englewood Marketplace , with turning directions for each development. He
stated that consideration has also been given to installation of a similar
sign at the Broadway and Englewood Parkway intersection. Ms. Keena stated
that she felt the composite sign proposed by Mr. Stitt makes sense. It does
not advertise one business over another, and is more directional in intent.
Mr. Hinson stated that the staff would work with Linear staff in writing the
application to the Board of Adjustment & Appeals .
Ms. Hanson suggested that space might be left on the sign to include the Acoma
Street development when that occurs .
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Ms. Keena asked if the proposed Resolution #2 addressed the specific criteria
used by the Board of Adjustment, and if not, why not rewrite the resolution to •
include the criteria. Discussion ensued. Ms. VanDyke suggested that the
Resolution be kept "simple'' and that the research be done and addressed when
the application is submitted to the Board.
Minnick moved:
VanDyke seconded: The Urban Renewal Authority adopt and approve Resolution
#2, Series of 1988, A RESOLUTION OF THE ENGLEWOOD URBAN
RENEWAL AUTHORITY SUPPORTING THE VARIANCE REQUEST OF LINCOR
PROPERTIES OF COLORADO FOR A VARIANCE FROM SECTION 16.4-19,
SIGN CODE, OF THE COMPREHENSIVE ZONING ORDINANCE.
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
Voth,
None
None
Cole
Keena, Mcintyre, Minnick, Totton, VanDyke
The motion carried.
VII. ENGLEWOOD DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
Fund Contribution for Broadway/285 Fountain
Mr. Hinson asked Mrs. Dietrich to discuss this issue.
Ms. Dietrich stated that at the December meeting of the EDDA Board of Direc-
tors there was discussion of the Little Dry Creek improvements in the downtown
area. It was the consensus of the Board that the Little Dry Creek water •
amenity was an important feature for the downtown, and voted to contribute
$40,000 to the EURA to construct the water fountain at Broadway and U.S. 285,
which had been eliminated from the original project when the bids for the
final phase of construction came in over estimate.
Mr. Tatton suggested that the EURA respond in writing expressing the apprecia-
tion of the Authority for the contribution from the EDDA. Mr. Hinson stated
that he would draft such a response.
VIII. FINANCIAL REPORTS.
Expenditure Report
Investment Report
Mr. Hinson reviewed the Financial Reports with the Authority.
IX. ENGLEWOOD MARKETPLACE
Update
Mr. Hinson submitted a confidential update on leasing progress for the Engle-
wood Marketplace. Mr. Hinson stated that he understood construction of Chil-
dren's Palace should be completed by June 15, with stocking to occur shortly
thereafter and the formal move-in and opening sometime during August. Con-
struction should begin on Checker Auto Parts in the near future. Mr. Hinson
stated that So Fro Fabrics has signed a lease for 12,000 square feet, and
negotiations are going on with at least two additional restaurants and other
businesses as listed on the report.
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X. TROLLEY SQUARE.
Update
Mr. Hinson stated that an architect's drawing of improvements proposed for
Trolley Square was included in the packet. Mr. Hinson stated that the approv-
al of transfer of the Ground Lease by the City of Englewood from Brady to JWM
Properties has not been finalized to this point in time. He stated that he
talked to Mr. Ames of JWM earlier on this date, and he anticipated coming to
Englewood on January 7 with a proposal to the City on the Ground Lease. Mr.
Hinson discussed the proposed improvements in more detail, noting that JWM has
also proposed extending the glass on the buildings fronting on South Broadway
out to the sidewalk.
Mr. Mcintyre excused himself from the meeting at 6:15 P. M.
XI. LINCOR PROPERTIES OF COLORADO, INC.
Preliminary Site Plan
Mr. Hinson displayed a rendering of the preliminary site plan for the Lincor
site. Mr. Hinson stated that the proposed traffic circulation pattern is of
concern to the staff because of the number of parking aisles opening up on
West Girard Avenue. He noted, however, that any plan closing these openings
would reduce the number of available parking spaces below the tenants'
requirements.
The use of West Girard Avenue as a "street" was discussed. Mr. Hinson stated
that this would provide the most direct means of access from Broadway through
the new development to Cinderella City. Ms. Daugherty stated that she felt it
should be kept as a "street'' and not become a part of the Lincor development;
it is important to the Broadway merchants to have a direct route to the com-
mercial development west of Broadway.
Ms. VanDyke asked if the right-of-way for West Girard Avenue is dedicated to
the City. Mr . Hinson stated that he believed all of the right-of-way has been
dedicated to the City. Ms. VanDyke expressed her opinion that if the
developer of the Old King Sooper's site wants to use the Girard Avenue right-
of-way for turning movements into and out of the parking aisles, they should
pay for the right-of-way; it should not be vacated back to them free of
charge.
Mrs. Hanson asked if there was any additional property to the south of the
existing West Girard Avenue right-of-way line that could be used for street
purposes. Mr. Hinson stated that the Fi rst National Bank of Englewood owns
property to the south of the street, as does Ludwig's Flowers and the City of
Englewood. The Bank is clear about their intent to make use of their property
at some time in the future, even though it is being improved for temporary use
as parking.
Mrs. Daugherty asked why funds were being spent on this parking lot when the
City and Authority refused to expend funds to improve the vacant area in the
3400 block of South Acoma Street for parking use by the Broadway merchants.
She noted that with use of part of the 3400 block of South Acoma for storage
of construction vehicles, this has eliminated parking for customers and em-
ployees of the Broadway businesses. Mr. Hinson stated that the Bank property
is being finished for parking spaces for City employees. He noted that if the
City of Englewood was a private employer, it would not currently be providing
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sufficient parking for its employees as is required of all private employers
by the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance. It is estimated that total expenses on •
improvement of this lot will not exceed $6,000, whereas improvement of the
vacant area on South Acoma Street for temporary use is estimated at approxi-
mately $75,000. The Authority does not have the funds to improve this area,
which is owned by the Authority, for parking use on a temporary basis for the
Broadway merchants.
Ms. Keena asked about funds for the intersection at Girard and Englewood Park-
way by the flower shop. Mr. Hinson stated that funds for this intersection
improvement were built into the new bond refunding budget, but the funds are
not available now.
Ms. Keena stated that if the structures in the Linear development are to be
one story, the visibility from U. S. 285 will be zero. She asked about a
tower similar to that proposed for the revised Trolley Square which would give
some visibility to this development from the Highway.
Mrs. Hanson asked what use was proposed for the areas north and west of the
buildings. Mr. Stitt stated that he understood this area would be employee
parking and loading docks.
XII. BOND REFUNDING.
Mr . Hinson reviewed the meetings with the City Council regarding the Bond
Refunding, and the exploration of alternate means of acquiring additional
funds to complete the downtown project. Mr. Hinson stated that he has been
very pleased with all his meetings with the Council, both the new members who •
were seated on January 4, and with the former members. All members have indi-
cated a willingness to cooperate with the Authority whenever possible and have
guaranteed funds to the Authority to cover the cost of the land cost write-
down for the Linear site, as well as the additional funds for the construction
costs of Little Dry Creek downtown. Mr. Hinson stated that no determination
has been made on the long-term method of meeting the Authority's financial
needs, but anticipated that a decision by Council would be made shortly.
XIII. LAWSUIT UPDATES.
Mr. Hinson stated that the lease hold interest suit with Palermo's has been
dismissed. The proceedings for the condemnation of Mrs. Hirsche's property
has been scheduled for April, 1988; the Physical Whimsical hearing is
scheduled for February, 1988. The Mountain Bell decision has been delayed
until late March or early April. The case filed by Wagner's Dinette has been
set for August, 1988, and the case with Billett is still pending .
Mr. Hinson reported further on the latest claim for compensation filed by Mr.
Buechler on behalf of Lawrence Guilford.
XIV. NEXT MEETING.
Mr. Hinson reported that the next regular meeting of the Authority, February
3, 1988, is the Annual Meeting of the Authority at which time officers should
be elected for the ensuing year. Mr . Hinson also reminded Mr. Minnick that
his term expires on February 5, 1988, and that if he is interested in serving •
on the Authority for another term, he should submit a letter so stating to the
Mayor.
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Ms. VanDyke stated that all applicants for Board and Commission appointments
will be interviewed by City Council .
Mr . Totton excused himself from the meeting at 6:40 P. M.
There being no further business to come before the Authority, the meeting was
adjourned at 6:45 P. M .
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