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REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
OF THE CITY OF OSHKOSH
MINUTES
JUNE 25, 2008
PRESENT: Thomas Belter, John Bermingham, Steve Hintz, Ben Schneider, Don Simons, Archie Stam,
Frank Tower
STAFF: Jackson Kinney, Director of Community Development; Darlene Brandt, Recording Secretary
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Tom Belter at 4:00 pm.
Consent Agenda
Approval of Minutes: May 21, 2008
Treasurer's Report: None
Secretary's Report: None.
Motion by Stam. Seconded by Tower.
Carried by voice vote.
Status Report / Akcess Acquisition Group
"The Waterfront Project"
Res. 08-08 Amend Development Agreement / Akcess Acquisition Group
(Mr. Bermingham arrived at this time.)
Mr. Kinney stated that Akcess Acquisition Group has requested a modification to the Development
Agreement to extend the overall completion date for meeting valuation thresholds from December 31, 2010
to July 31, 2012. If the amendment is approved, Akcess has agreed to increase the overall valuation
threshold to $33 million. Due to a distressed housing market, Akcess is not proposing to construct the condo
units at this time. However, if the RDA and Council approve this modification, Akcess is prepared to move
forward with the office building, hotel and a newly proposed stand alone restaurant.
Mr. Tim Rikkers, Akcess Acquisition Group, stated the extension is due mainly to the distressed housing
market. Akcess still wants to work with UW-O on the Living Learning concept, but that will not happen right
now.
Mr. Jay Supple, Supple Restaurant Group, stated a proposed 4,000 sq. to 5,000 sq. stand alone restaurant
is being proposed. There will still be a small restaurant as part of the Sheraton Four Points, but separating
out a main restaurant will keep the hotel in line with its prototype. It is not their intention to compete with
Fratello's or Becket's, so they are looking for that niche. Mr. Supple noted they want to keep it casual for
boaters and families and business lunches.
Mr. Hintz inquired if construction on the hotel and office building would start yet this year?
Mr. Rikkers replied yes, he believed so. Tenants who have committed to the project include an attorney and
the Chamber. Mr. Rikkers noted a third party is interested in the current Chamber building.
In recognizing there is a delay in a year, Mr. Hintz inquired if staff is comfortable with the change in timeline?
RDA Minutes 1 June 25, 2008
Mr. Kinney replied yes. With a greater level of valuation in the ground, there would be more tax increment,
which would help address the needs associated with meeting debt service requirements on the bonds that
have been issued and the proposed new bond that would be used to pay for sea wall and riverwalk
improvements.
Mr. Bermingham inquired if the valuation is not met by 2010 can the agreement be terminated?
Mr. Kinney replied yes.
Mr. Bermingham stated no construction has begun yet. Has there been any interest in this site from other
developers?
Mr. Kinney replied no. He noted that if you look at other communities, projects have slowed because of the
economy.
Mr. Rikkers stated if something isn't going soon, he will probably thank the community for the opportunity and
walk way.
Motion by Tower to move Res. 08-08.
Seconded by Stam.
Mr. Hintz noted the amendments would include:
-change of dates and valuation
-provision for either party to opt out by December 31, 2008 if construction is not complete
Mr. Rikkers felt construction could have commenced but not be completed.
It was the consensus to go with the wording "commenced".
Roll call was taken. Motion approved 7-0.
Discussion on Televising of Meetings
Mr. Kinney stated there has been a request to televise RDA meetings. OCAT has indicated they have the
time slot and staff to televise RDA meetings. Mr. Kinney felt this would be another way of letting the public
know what is occurring.
Mr. Schneider indicated at least three Council members have brought this to his attention.
Mr. Bermingham stated he would not want to see a format like the Council has.
Mr. Kinney stated the format will not change.
It was the consensus of those present to televise meetings.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at approximately 5:20 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Jackson R. Kinney
Executive Director/
Director of Community Development
RDA Minutes 2 June 25, 2008