HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes RDA Minutes 1 9/28/2011 REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY MINUTES SPECIAL MEETING SEPTEMBER 28, 2011 PRESENT: Thomas Belter, Steve Hintz, Jason Lasky, B en Schneider, Archie Stam, Burk Tower STAFF: Allen Davis, Community Development Director/Executive Director; Darlene Brandt, Recording Secretary The meeting was called to order at 4:00 pm. Roll c all was taken and a quorum declared present. Consent Items Moved by Stam. Seconded by Schneider. Questions were raised on language used in the audit by Schenck & Associates. Also, what is the amount in accounts receivable for? The audit lette r is dated May 31, 2011. Why did the audit take so long? Chairman Belter asked staff to provide a response t o these questions within the next couple of weeks. The question was called. Carried 6-0. Res 11-13 Approve Change Order #2 – Radtke Contract ors / Marion Road Riverwalk Mr. Davis stated this is the final change order on the Marion Road riverwalk project. Even with this change order, the project was completed under budge t. Mr. Paul Timm, project consultant with AECOM Consul tants, noted there were several unknowns when the project was bid out. After the project be gan, additional work was also requested by the RDA/City, as well as modifications based on site co nditions. Mr. Schneider stated he is frustrated with the 13% increase, but understands. Mr. Hintz inquired how close do the bids usually co me in on a project? The bids are based on quantities/information we supply? Mr. Timm stated bids were requested on a unit rate basis, based on estimated quantities that are arriv ed at based on various reports that are available. G enerally, contractors use the estimated quantities that are provided because until the actual construction begins, there are a lot of unknowns. Mr. Timm noted that if this area were a greenfield site, he would have a hard time supporting this change order request.
RDA Minutes 2 9/28/2011 Mr. Tower stated it appears a lot of bigger items a re stone/riprap. Mr. Timm stated there was more stone/riprap needed under the water as well as in an area adjacent to the bridge that was added to the project. Moved by Hintz. Seconded by Lasky. Carried 6-0. Discussion on Direction to Take to Permit Salvaging on Properties Scheduled for Demolition Mr. Davis indicated Habitat for Humanity approached the City about salvaging items on properties that are scheduled for demolition. Habitat has now appro ached the RDA. The Common Council has already approved of this process and it is being pr oposed that the RDA follow the same guidelines. This type of partnership could save the RDA dollars in dumping fees associated with demolition costs, as well as provide items for Habitat to resell. Discussion ensued on insurance requirements, when s alvaging occurred, what is salvaged, and the pros and cons associated with this type of arrangement. It was felt the benefits for the City/RDA and Habitat, as well as the community, were substantial . The City already established this process and th e RDA would be following that. Res 11-14 Declare & Approve Disposition of Surplus Property / 121-139 West 6th Avenue As discussed, it is proposed to permit Habitat for Humanity salvage rights on the four residential properties to be demolished on West 6th Avenue. Moved by Hintz. Seconded by Stam. Motion carried 6-0 Discussion on Implementing Riverwalk Improvement P rojects on South Shore of Fox River Mr. Davis stated it is proposed to construct riverw alk improvements in Steiger Park from Ohio Street to the fishing bridge in 2012. He noted there are some structures next to the fishing pier that are o f unknown origin. Mr. Davis stated he toured some of those structures but is not sure of their status. Staff contacted the DNR to inquire who has responsi bility for these structures and the DNR is checking into this issue further. Looking for thoughts/dire ction from the RDA. Mr. Hintz did not believe the RDA should discuss th is issue until it has been determined by the DNR who has responsibility. Mr. Lasky agreed. Mr. Tower inquired if there is clear ownership? Th at would be needed prior to moving forward. Mr. Schneider inquired if any discussion has occurr ed regarding moving the structures to another location? Mr. Davis stated he has only been with the City for a short time and does not have any background information on this issue.
RDA Minutes 3 9/28/2011 Mr. Schneider inquired if 9th Avenue is proposed to be extended at this time or is that on hold until something happens with Pioneer island? Mr. Davis replied that project is on hold at this t ime, but the City hopes to move forward in 2013. Mr. Tower believed the railroad is only permitting one crossing in this area as well. Mr. Paul Esslinger, 2350 High Oak Drive, stated he felt it is irresponsible to make any decision on th e river cottages at this time. What is the RDA’s phi losophy? Is it appropriate for them to remain? Th e City looked at this issue a few years back and it w as a long battle regarding swatters rights and othe r issues he could not recall. These structures are ow ned by citizens and the owners want them to stay. Mr. Bob Poeschl, 912 Bay Shore Drive, stated he is a Common Council member. This issue was brought to his attention by citizens interested in the history of Oshkosh. He indicated he grew up in Oshkosh and did not know they existed. The cottage s are a part of the history of Oshkosh. He did not know, however, if where they are at is the right lo cation for them. As a Council member, Mr. Poeschl will bring this issue to the Landmarks Commission t o see what can be done to preserve them. He felt this area will be changing in the next 10 years. T he fishing pier is existing. Are boats, piers and cottages cohesive? Executive Director Announcements/Statements/Discuss ion / 2011-2016 CIP Mr. Davis stated as previously noted, 9th Avenue is moved back to 2013. Regarding Mercury Marine, if they stay the riverwalk extension will not be co nstructed and funds would be moved back until such time as they are needed. The riverwalk and docks a t City Center are scheduled for construction in 2012. There being no further business the meeting adjourn ed (Schneider/Stam) at 4:45 pm. Respectfully submitted, Allen Davis Executive Director/ Community Development Director