Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes RDA Minutes 1 September 19, 2007 REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF OSHKOSH MINUTES SEPTEMBER 19, 2007 PRESENT: Thomas Belter, Steve Hintz, Robert Pung, Archie Stam, Frank Tower EXCUSED: John Bermingham STAFF: Jackson Kinney, Director of Community Development; Darryn Burich, Director of Planning Services; Darlene Brandt, Recording Secretary The meeting was called to order by Chairman Bob Pung at 4:03 pm. Consent Agenda Approval of Minutes: July 2, 2007 and July 2, 2007 closed meeting Treasurer's Report: None Secretary's Report: None. Motion by Stam. Seconded by Tower. Carried by voice vote. Res. 07-11 Approve Development Plan – Akcess Acquisition Group; Marion Rd./Pearl Ave. Redevelopment Area #2 Motion by Tower to approve the planned development by Akcess Acquisition Group. Seconded by Stam. Mr. Tower inquired if the Plan Commission had approved of the conditional use permit/planned development? Mr. Kinney replied yes; the Plan Commission had approved of the request with conditions as noted in the information forwarded to the RDA. Mr. Hintz stated he is delighted with the project. However, he felt the metal panels on the upper area on the proposed hotel looked out of place along the riverfront. Mr. Tim Rikkers, Akcess Acquisition Group, stated that observation is reasonable. However, architectural metals take a lot of different shapes. The proposed hotel chain is nationally known, and they have their standards. Mr. Rikkers noted he would make everyone involved aware that this needs to be a top notch product. Mr. Hintz understood; however, he felt it is in the City's best interest to maintain a certain quality of construction in this area along the riverfront. Mr. Rikkers stated it is not the intent to cheapen the cost of the project. He would try to obtain examples of the proposed product and forward those to the City. Mr. Kinney believed part of the urban fabric is variety. The overall exterior products would be approved as part of the permitting process. Roll call was taken. Carried 5-0. RDA Minutes 2 September 19, 2007 Review Burns Development Proposal /South Shore Redevelopment Area Mr. Kinney noted the only proposal received was from Mr. Brian Burns of Burns Development. Mr. Burns stated he currently has 76 units downtown so he felt he has an idea of what the market wants. His proposal mimics a row house. One bedroom units are in demand in the downtown area. This location is not a home run location; this is a blighted area. The first project has to be something that people will see and want to rent. Mr. Stam inquired if rental units would be better with the existing commercial building on the site or without? Mr. Burns felt a mixed commercial/residential use is good in this location. The existing building is in poor condition – brick on the bottom is bad, better brick is on the upper areas. The north and south sides are in poor condition. Mr. Burns felt a mix of brick and metal would be a much better design than just solid brick or metal. Mr. Tower inquired what is effis? Mr. Burns replied it is insulation board – stucco type, like on the 100 Block. Mr. Tower inquired about potential tenants? Mr. Burns believed retail or a restaurant on the first floor; retail/office on the second thru fourth floors. People are still looking at the highway for access; this block has visability, parking, and access. There is no visitor or overflow parking proposed – commercial uses usually during day only, so commercial and residential can share facilities such as parking, dumpsters, ingress/egress, etc. Mr. Burns explained that he acts as his own general contractor, which helps keep the numbers in line. This is a very tight development budget, hence the request for TIF assistance. Mr. Burns stated if he did not feel he could lease out easily, he would not be looking at this project. When you design a building, there are a lot of players. Ultimately, the market is the higher stake holder. With regard to colors, Mr. Burns stated he is considering grayish stone on the bottom, earth tone brick on top. Mr. Belter stated if the commercial building were removed, two additional residential buildings could be constructed and the assessed value for the overall block would be higher. Mr. Burns stated a mixed use will be the key to the ultimate success in the downtown. He stated he is not in love with the commercial building but he felt it could work. Mr. Kinney stated as the downtown becomes more vibrant, commercial usage along S. Main Street will increase. Staff is asking for the RDA's direction – do we work with Mr. Burns or send out another request for proposals. It was the consensus to have Burns Development proceed with building schematics, designs, etc. Res. 07-12 Approve Contract for Professional Services /Docking Facilities Design, Marion Road/Pearl Avenue Redevelopment Area – JJR LLC Mr. Kinney stated staff had originally looked at a marina use in this area but the more Akcess Acquisition Group explored appropriate land uses for this area, staff did not feel a marina/bait shop type of use would be a good fit. What would fit would be docking facilities. The docking facility would be owned by the City/RDA, and we would look at a long term lease for the management of the docks. JJR and the City recently met with the DNR regarding permits for the riverwalk and docking. Mr. Kinney noted that it is proposed that Akcess would pay half the cost of the preparation of the docking facility design plans, and Akcess would be paying for the majority of the costs for construction of the docking facilities. RDA Minutes 3 September 19, 2007 Mr. Kinney noted to meet the construction schedules, the RDA will need to approve another lease revenue bond issue for the riverwalk and seawall improvements. It is proposed to start seawall improvements in January/February and be completed by June/July. The RDA will not enter into the contract with JJR until the commitment is received from Akcess to pay half the cost. Mr. Belter noted that if the DNR did not approve of the project and not issue necessary permits, we would be out the funds. Mr. Kinney stated at their recent meeting with the DNR, the DNR did not indicate any objection and actually liked the amount of docks being proposed. Mr. Hintz inquired if JJR's bid is competitive? Mr. Kinney stated the City/RDA has worked with JJR on several projects in various redevelopment areas. Sometimes it is difficult to have more than one consultant working on projects, especially when working with the DNR. Based on previous contracts, the proposal seems in line with other consultants the City/RDA deals with. Mr. Hintz concurred that it is good to stay with consultants and contractors the City/RDA has previously worked with, but since the contract doesn't reflect rates it is hard to know if they are within line. Mr. Kinney stated he would request JJR to provide us with the rates for the project. Motion by Stam to amend the resolution to include that Akcess pay half the cost. Seconded by Tower. Carried 5-0. Mr. Belter inquired if there is a preliminary cost on the docks? Mr. Kinney replied not at this time. Motion by Belter to approve Res. 07-12 as amended. Seconded by Tower. Carried 5-0. 07-13 Change Order #2 – Statewide Razing /Scattered Sites Motion by Tower to approve Res. 07-13. Seconded by Stam. Carried 5-0. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at approximately 5:23 pm. Respectfully submitted, Jackson R. Kinney Executive Director/Director of Community Development