Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutRA Minutes 1996-10-21SRRA MINUTES (Regular) 10/21/96 Page 1 IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER OF THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL, MONDAY, OCTOBER 21, 1996 AT 7:30 PM Regular Meeting: San Rafael Redevelopment Agency: Barbara Heller, Member Cyr N. Miller, Member Gary Phillips, Member Present: Albert J. Boro, Chairman Paul M. Cohen, Member Absent: None Also Present: Rod Gould, Executive Director Gary T. Ragghianti, City Attorney Jeanne M. Leoncini, Agency Secretary ORAL COMMUNICATIONS OF AN URGENCY NATURE None CONSENT CALENDAR: Member Phillips moved and Member Cohen seconded, Calendar items: ITEM RECOMMENDE 1. Approval of Minutes of Regular Meeting of Monday, October 7, 1996 (AS) 2. Unapproved Minutes of Citizens Advisory Committee Meeting of Thursday, October 3, 1996 (RA) - File R-140 IVB 3. Quarterly Housing Report (RA) - File R-173 X (SRCC) 187 x 13-16 4. Resolution Approving an Agreement with to approve the following Consent ACTION Approved as submitted. Accepted report. Accepted report. RESOLUTION NO. 96-76 SWA Group for Professional Services in the RESOLUTION APPROVING AN Preparation of a Conceptual Restoration Plan AGREEMENT WITH SWA GROUP FOR for a Portion of Mahon Creek Extending from PROFESSIONAL SERVICES IN THE "B" Street to Highway 101 and Irwin Street PREPARATION OF A CONCEPTUAL (Not to exceed $15,000) (RA) RESTORATION PLAN FOR A PORTION - File R-374 OF MAHON CREEK EXTENDING FROM "B" STREET TO HIGHWAY 101 AND IRWIN STREET (Not to Exceed $15,000 and the Term of the Agreement Ending October 22, 1997). 6. Accept Proposal from Harris & Assoc. for Right- RESOLUTION NO. 96-77 of -Way Services and Soils Testing on Second, Third, RESOLUTION TO ACCEPT PROPOSAL and "A" Streets, Rule 20A Underground District (PW) FOR ADDENDUM TO SCOPE OF WORK - File R-360 WITH HARRIS & ASSOCIATES FOR "A" STREET, SECOND STREET, AND THIRD STREET RULE 20A UNDERGROUND UTILITY DISTRICT TO INCLUDE RIGHT OF WAY SERVICES AND SOILS TESTING IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $65,000. AYES: MEMBERS: Cohen, Heller, Miller, Phillips & Chairman Boro NOES: MEMBERS: None ABSENT: MEMBERS: None SRRA MINUTES (Regular) 10/21/96 Page 1 SRRA MINUTES (Regular) 10/21/96 Page 2 The following item was pulled from the Consent Calendar for further discussion: 5. RESOLUTION APPROVING ACQUISITION AGREEMENT WITH SOUTHERN PACIFIC TRANSPORTATION COMPANY AND AUTHORIZING THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE SAID AGREEMENT RE: ANDERSEN DRIVE EXTENSION PROJECT: (RA) - File R-364 x R-359 x R-246 a. AP #018-011-76, 81, 84 b. AP #018-021-36 (Portion) C. AP #018-011-47 (Portion) Chairman Boro asked Economic Development Director Jake Ours for background on what the Agency was acquiring, and why. Mr. Ours reported a number of these parcels were being acquired for the construction of Andersen Drive, noting the staff report lists the additional parcels and right-of-way acquisitions from the Railroad. He stated the parcels being discussed tonight include two which were part of the Southern Pacific ownership, and portions of them were subject to a condemnation action. He reported the Railroad had come back to the Agency suggesting they sell us the entirety of those parcels, rather than splitting them, for approximately $185,000 more. Mr. Ours noted these parcels are adjacent to current development on West Francisco Boulevard, particularly the new BMW dealership. He reported the owner of the BMW dealership has expressed an interest in buying these parcels from the Agency, so staff felt it would be a good idea to buy them now, and then resell them to make sure they get to the right person for economic development. Mr. Ours stated a question had arisen about the amount of money shown in the report, which was listed as $275,000. He noted that at the time he wrote the report he included money for additional settlements the Agency may have in the future; however, upon reflection, he felt it would be better to take some of that out, and specify only the $185,000 to cover this transaction, and if there are additional settlements in the future, he will bring those individually before the Agency. Member Miller moved and Member Cohen seconded, to adopt the Resolution approving the acquisition agreement re: the Andersen Drive extension with Southern Pacific Transportation Company, and authorizing the Director of Economic Development to execute said agreement. RESOLUTION NO. 96-78 - RESOLUTION APPROVING ACQUISITION AGREEMENT RE: ANDERSEN DRIVE EXTENSION WITH SOUTHERN PACIFIC TRANSPORTATION COMPANY AND AUTHORIZING THE DIRECTOR OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TO EXECUTE SAID AGREEMENT; APN #018-011-76, 81, 84, APN #018-021-36 (Portion), APN #018-011-47 (Portion). AYES: MEMBERS: Cohen, Heller, Miller, Phillips & Chairman Boro NOES: MEMBERS: None ABSENT: MEMBERS: None In addition, temporary appropriation to accomplish this settlement was reduced from $275,000 to $185,000 to account #912-9012-8836 to be made from the East San Rafael Traffic Improvements fund. SRRA MINUTES (Regular) 10/21/96 Page 2 SRRA MINUTES (Regular) 10/21/96 Page 3 AGENCY CONSIDERATION: 7. UPDATE ON MACY'S BUILDING: (RA) a. REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS - File R-140 #8 Economic Development Director Ours stated he was presenting the proposed Request for Proposals in order to include any comments the Agency Members might want included in the final document, which would be sent to developers at the end of this week. He noted we want a dynamic, high quality retail anchor, or possibly two anchors, on the ground floor, with something that would generate pedestrian traffic on Fourth Street. Mr. Ours stated we want $2 million, noting the Agency wants its money back as soon as possible, and he stressed the intent was to sell the property to the developer very quickly and get our money back quickly. Mr. Ours stated that in addition to the anchor tenant, we want something on the second floor, which could be a movie theater, offices, residential, or a combination of those uses, noting we really want the developers to propose a mix on the second floor that will be exciting, and then we will have a chance to look at the plans and decide what we would like there. Mr. Ours stated we would like construction to begin in 1997, noting he has had conversations that would suggest we might want to make that a little tighter if we could possibly get someone to come in with something which could be operating in 1997. He suggested we might also think about giving some kind of consideration in the Prospectus for a quick turnaround time on the building. He noted the building can be remodeled, torn down, or anything the developer wants. Mr. Ours stated there is a lot of interest in the building because it is uncomplicated from a development standpoint; they just build their building and start making their money. Mr. Ours reported there are no environmental problems or peculiar zoning, and everything is pretty straight forward. Mr. Ours reported staff would like to mail the proposals on Friday, October 25th, tours of the building will be given on the 8th and 18th of November, and the proposals are to be returned to the Agency by January 7th. In the meantime, Mr. Ours stated they would like to form a committee, comprised of two members from the Agency Board, Executive Director Gould, Katie Korzun and himself, Planning Director Pendoley, a member of the Planning Commission, someone from the Redevelopment Agency CAC (Citizens Advisory Committee), someone from the BID (Business Improvement District), and a representative from the Chamber of Commerce. He stated these people would act as a group to sift through all the proposals as they come in, and make recommendations one, two, or three for consideration. Mr. Ours reported we would get a good general view of the interested parties this way, and could come up with the best proposals. Mr. Ours reported the final selection would be made March 17th, at which time we will have our developer onboard, noting they will try to get the Planning approvals as quickly as possible. He pointed out that getting our money back would probably be contingent upon the Planning approvals, and we could probably sell the building once the Planning permits are approved. SRRA MINUTES (Regular) 10/21/96 Page 3 SRRA MINUTES (Regular) 10/21/96 Page 4 Member Heller asked if there was any chance of the Agency selling the building for more than we paid, and making a profit, or was there anything in the law that would prohibit us from doing that? Mr. Ours stated this was certainly something we could do, noting it would definitely be part of the criteria influencing the Agency, and we would balance the amount the developer was willing to pay for the building against the type of use being proposed. Member Phillips noted the Agency already had quite of list of interested parties, and asked if the timing seemed to make sense to all the players? Mr. Ours reported staff had talked to a couple of different people, and this seemed to make sense to them, noting they wanted to be able to take a good hard look at the property early on, in order to make a quality submittal to the Agency. Chairman Boro stated he had spoken with Mr. Ours earlier regarding the fact that our goal was not just to turn this building around and recover the Agency's money, but also to do it as quickly as reasonable and end up with a high quality product. He pointed out it has often been stated that government holds projects up, but he felt this was a project the entire City was going to be behind, so there will be no restraints outside of going through the proper Planning process, noting the environmental issues look pretty clean. Chairman Boro suggested it might be important if there was a way we could word this so some consideration could be given based upon when the developer thought his project could be opened, because we do not want to see this building go empty ad infinitum, and if it would be possible for us to target the Christmas, 1997 season as an ideal date, this might be something we should consider. b. HOLIDAY CRAFTS FAIR - File R-181 Mr. Ours noted staff was concerned that the Macy's building not look like a black hole, and look like something was going on there. He stated for many years the Farmers' Market Board of Directors had been looking for a place to try an indoor market, just to see if it would work. He stated staff asked Brigitte Moran, who runs the Farmers' Market, if she thought having a market in this building might work, and she thought it could work very well. He reported they are proposing to have a Holiday Crafts Fair at the Macy' s building, which would cost the City no money, and would keep the building active and alive during the holidays. He stated the Agency and the Event Management would split the cost 50%-50%, with the Event Management and the Farmers' Market Board each getting 50% of the receipts, thus enabling the Farmers' Market Board to improve the quality of the summer market by purchasing new table dressings, as well as advertising, which they were not able to do this year. Mr. Ours stated it was felt this was a win/win situation, where we get Macy's filled up for the holidays and develop a fundraiser for the Farmers' Market at the same time. Member Phillips clarified that 50% of the receipts go to Brigitte Moran, as management, and 50% remains with the Farmers' Market, from which expenses are to be paid, so we may or may not make money after the expenses are paid. Mr. Ours stated there was a minimum payment of $4,000 included in the agreement, which is listed as one of the expense items. Mr. Phillips stated the way this was structured, the Event Management was not taking any risk because they get 50% of the receipts, regardless of success. Mr. Phillips stated that, conceivably, the Farmers' Market itself could lose money, but it was not budgeted to do that. Mr. Ours stated the Market would not lose any of the Agency's money, only the Market's money. SRRA MINUTES (Regular) 10/21/96 Page 4 SRRA MINUTES (Regular) 10/21/96 Page 5 Chairman Boro stated 50%-50% was one thing, but it sounded as though one group was assuming all of the expense, and then getting 50% of the profit, and the other group was getting all the profit and assuming no expense, and he asked Mr. Ours if this was correct? Mr. Ours clarified that all staffing would be paid for by the Event Management group, and all advertising would be paid from the receipts that come over the counter. Chairman Boro asked which expenses were to be paid for by the Farmers' Market? Mr. Ours stated they would pay for advertising for the Holiday Fair. Chairman Boro asked who would pay for heating and lighting for the building? Mr. Ours reported this had not been discussed as yet, because there are other people using the basement of the building, and the cost would have to be split with them. Member Phillips referred to some of the other expense items, such as tables, table skirts, and the telephone, and Mr. Ours stated the tables and table dressings would be bought and become the property of the summer market. noting all these items would be put toward the upgrading of that market. Mr. Phillips asked if the principal variable would be the advertising, and Mr. Ours responded that was correct, noting the advertising would be paid by the Farmers' Market Board, and it would not be paid for by the Event Management Company. Chairman Boro stated it would be helpful if, when this item is brought back to the Agency, it could include a pro forma budget of what the expenses are projected to be and who will do what, and then exactly how this is going to work out. Chairman Boro noted Mr. Ours had stated Event Management would pay for all of the employees, but it was his understanding that different Fourth Street vendors might also be there, and they would have their own employees, and we would not look for the Management Company to pay for someone's own employee to tend their stand. Member Heller stated she, too, would like to hear what the concept was going to be, noting the idea of other businesses from the street also coming in was very exciting. Brigitte Moran of Celebrations, the Event Management Company, stated there was a very short period of time to do an entire indoor market; however, there was a lot of energy coming from Fourth Street, noting she had asked for help in doing some of the windows, and Beverly's Arts & Crafts store, Burns' Florist, Expressions, and Marin Humane Society have all volunteered to help do the windows. She explained she envisioned a food section inside, as well as baked goods, fudge, and gingerbread houses. She reported there were already seventeen people committed to wanting to participate with a permanent space. Ms. Moran stated there would be 35 permanent spaces available, out of a total 92 spaces, and there would actually be three options for participation; one is a "day table", which would be $100 per day, and is the highest cost but the lowest risk, noting the participants just walk in, put their things on a table which Management has decorated, and everything is there for them; second is a "co-op table", which is where the participant brings their items and leaves them, and Management supplies the cashier, contacting the participant if they need to re -stock; the third option is the "permanent spaces", which are for gift items and specialty type items that would not normally be found in department stores. She stated her staff had been going out to Arts and Crafts Fairs currently going on in an attempt to attract new vendors. She stated there is a lot of excitement over this, and she does not believe there will be a problem getting the permanent spaces filled, while the most difficult to fill will likely be the "day tables" and the "co-ops". SRRA MINUTES (Regular) 10/21/96 Page 5 SRRA MINUTES (Regular) 10/21/96 Page 6 Ms. Moran reported there would be a large Christmas tree in the middle of the building, and three trains around the tree; the Marin Humane Society will be placing puppies and kittens in the windows; there will be a Santa Claus; and Burns' Florist is making a Poinsettia tree to sell. She noted that if the window on the second floor could be removed, she would love to see some of the children from the different schools singing Christmas Carols and other holiday songs. Member Cohen moved and Member Miller seconded, to accept the report with respect to Request for Proposals for Macy's Building. AYES: MEMBERS: Cohen, Heller, Miller, Phillips & Chairman Boro NOES: MEMBERS: None ABSENT: MEMBERS: None Member Heller moved and Member Phillips seconded, to adopt the Resolution authorizing the Director of Economic Development to execute a contract with Celebrations to operate the Downtown Crafts Fair. RESOLUTION NO. 96-79 - RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE DIRECTOR OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TO EXECUTE A CONTRACT WITH CELEBRATIONS TO OPERATE THE DOWNTOWN HOLIDAY CRAFTS FAIR FOR 1996. AYES: MEMBERS: Cohen, Heller, Miller, Phillips & Chairman Boro NOES: MEMBERS: None ABSENT: MEMBERS: None Economic Development Director Ours to come back to Agency with a projected budget and breakdown of responsibilities for various costs associated with the Holiday Crafts Fair. There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 7:55 PM. JEANNE M. LEONCINI, Agency Secretary SRRA MINUTES (Regular) 10/21/96 Page 6