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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08.19.21 Minutes 1 REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY MEETING MINUTES August 19, 2021 PRESENT: Lori Palmeri, Susan Panek, Thomas Belter, Archie Stam EXCUSED: Steve Hintz, Jack Bermingham, Jason Lasky STAFF: Kelly Nieforth, Executive Director/Community Development Director; Sean Fitzgerald; Economic Development Specialist; Mark Lyons, Planning Services Manager Chairperson Palmeri called the meeting to order at 4:03pm. Roll call was taken and a quorum declared present. The minutes and closed session minutes of July 7, 2021 were approved as written. (Belter, Panek) 21-14 Approve Option to Purchase a Portion of the Vacant Properties Located at the 100 Block of West 6th Avenue; SJPK LLC ($9,000.00) Motion by Stam to approve 21-14. Seconded by Panek. Ms. Nieforth stated that they had two different presentations from citizen developers at the last meeting. Staff have worked with the developers to accommodate both projects since the last meeting. Mr. Fitzgerald stated that both developers have scaled back their original proposals. Previously SJPK LLC was looking for half of the property. They are now looking for a quarter of the parcel, specifically the most westerly 50 feet for a quarter of the price. They plan to develop a garage structure and additional parking for the apartments and first level commercial associated with their 600 Oregon redevelopment project. This will leave the remaining 150 feet of the parcel for Aquire LLC who have reduced the number of townhouses from five to four. Aquire LLC was not on the agenda for this meeting because some details need to be worked out with storm, water, and sanitary connections. They are planning to return in September with a modified proposal and asking price. Ms. Panek asked if this was just for the parking. Mr. Fitzgerald replied that it is for parking and a garage structure. Ms. Palmeri asked if this would come back with a final plan showing the rest of the parcel with the other project. 2 Ms. Nieforth replied that they will wait to see what Aquire LLC comes back with and they could perhaps show both developments together on the site at that time. Motion carried 4-0. 21-15 Approve Offer to Purchase 1614 Spruce Street; Logan Smith ($15,300.00 Motion by Belter to approve 21-15. Seconded by Stam. Ms. Panek asked if there is an issue if he purchases the property and decides to turn it into more residential. Ms. Nieforth replied that there isn’t an issue as long as it meets zoning codes. Motion carried 4-0. Jefferson Street Parcels Update Ms. Palmeri stated that she asked to have this placed on the agenda because these parcels have been assembled and sitting vacant for quite a few years. They received proposals after an RFP, but the parcels have since fallen into a blighted condition. There were temporary gardens at one point, but they were asked to leave after several years because it was intended for development later. She wanted to hear from staff if there is any intention of clearing up the property aside from mowing. They ask residents to take care of their properties and she feels like they have an obligation to do as they say. She’d also like to know if there are any proposals being considered currently. Ms. Nieforth replied that they issued an RFP two or three years ago, but none of the leads came forward for completion. Staff has continued to talk with interested developers since then and two developers are currently interested in the property. They acquired 668 North Main Street and they’re continuing to land bank. They are in conversation now with the adjacent property owners. They continue to market it for redevelopment. They do mow and take care of snow removal. Trees are typically left on site after a demolition, but they could look into landscaping options if the RDA would like to move forward with that. Ms. Palmeri replied that she was referring to broken down fences, structures, metal cabling, and posts that are somewhat concerning safety-wise. She doesn’t know where the property line ends, but it also looks like there is an overgrowth of weeds and such. The neighborhood plan hasn’t been updated since 2006 and she would like to see that on a future agenda. She would like to know from other RDA members what they’d like to see as a group and the expectation moving forward. Ms. Panek asked for confirmation that 668 North Main is not sufficient for land access and if RDA tried to purchase another parcel so they would have more access. Ms. Nieforth replied that it is sufficient for access from Main Street, but they aren’t able to construct anything on it. They’re in conversation with the owner of 664 North Main as well as the owners of the properties to the south. As far as the weeds, fences, and cables, they will make sure 3 they are cleaned up if they’re on the property. They do need to make sure they maintain their sites to the same standard citizens do. Ms. Palmeri replied that she would like to have the neighborhood plan on a future agenda for review, evaluation, and discussion because this body is charged in part with implementation of the plan which is now fourteen years old. Mr. Stam asked why the gardens were taken away so quickly if they didn’t have a solid proposal. Ms. Palmeri replied that an affirmative response to the RFP fell through. The option faltered and sat for several years and by then the community garden group had disbanded. She remembers giving a tour of the garden to Council because the group was very successful at building social capital and feeding folks. There were 52 raised beds and over 100 people impacted. Ms. Nieforth replied that they had the RFP for community gardens earlier this year. They talked with several other groups who shared that it’s hard to get people to invest their time and sweat equity into these properties if they’re just going to be sold. It would be wonderful to have the gardens there, but they would have to leave if a developer is interested in the site. That is the struggle they deal with in trying to balance those. Ms. Palmeri replied that she is asking to review and evaluate the old neighborhood plan given the deficiency of park space in the central city, the comprehensive outdoor recreation plan, and some of the newly formed neighborhood associations adjacent to the site. Ms. Nieforth replied that they would put the neighborhood plan on the next agenda. Executive Director’s Report Ms. Nieforth provided updates to the RDA. Other Business Ms. Nieforth stated that the City is now requiring masks for any meetings in City Hall. They can continue with virtual meetings, but would need to wear masks if returning to in person for the September 15th meeting. Ms. Palmeri stated that the City Council will be discussing meeting formats for boards and commissions next week. Whether there is a preference for one or the other, they need to be mindful that this is a fluid situation. She asked if RDA members had a preference. Mr. Stam stated that he prefers in-person. Mr. Belter stated that he prefers in-person as well. Ms. Panek stated that she would prefer in-person unless there is a bad outbreak. 4 Ms. Palmeri stated that they will continue to meet in person unless directed otherwise by Council or the City Manager. They have the space to socially distance and can wear masks since RDA is smaller. MOTION TO GO INTO CLOSED SESSION Motion by Belter for the Redevelopment Authority to convene into Closed Session to discuss bargaining options, strategy, parameters, and terms related to the negotiation of an agreement for the redevelopment of 43 E. 7th Avenue pursuant to Section 19.85(1)(e) of the Wisconsin State Statutes where competitive bargaining reasons require a closed session. Seconded by Stam. Adjournment There was no further discussion. The meeting adjourned at approximately 4:52pm. (Belter, Panek) Respectfully Submitted, Kelly Nieforth Executive Director