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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2-14-17 minutesRDA Minutes February 14, 2017 Page 1 REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY MINUTES February 14, 2017 PRESENT:Thomas Belter,Steve Cummings,Steve Hintz,Jason Lasky,Doug Person, EXCUSED:Archie Stam STAFF:Allen Davis, Executive Director/Community Development Director;Darlene Brandt, Grants Coordinator;Andrea Flanigan, Recording Secretary;James Rabe Public Works Director Chairman Cummings called the meeting to order at 4:00 pm. Roll call was taken and a quorum declared present. The minutes of November 30, 2016 and January 12, 2017 were approved as distributed (Lasky/Belter). Res.17-02 Approve Lease Agreement With Fox Valley Pro Basketball, Inc.; 1212 South Main Street Lot 2 of CSM 7081 Motion by Hintz to move Res.17-02 Seconded by Lasky Mr. Davis stated the settlement agreement with the existing property owner states they must tear down the buildings before the RDA/City can take possession of the lot. There are two lots on the Buckstaff property and the arena will be built on Lot 2. The City is motivated to get control of Lot 2 so we can lease the property. The City is expected to take control of the lot any day now. The developer plans to be on site in the next two weeks to begin installation of the geo piers.The project will be similar to Marion Road by going through the VPLE process with the DNR. The land will be leased, the City will receive the Certificate of Completion and then sell the land to Fox Valley Pro Basketball, Inc. This lease is typical of the RDA and past projects,but is earlier since the City does not own the site yet.Approving the lease agreement will keep the site on schedule. Mr. Belter inquired how the delinquent taxes are being handled. Mr. Davis stated the City has had conversations with the taxing jurisdictions and they said they will forgive the taxes. Mr.Belter inquired if the City can only lease the property until there is clear title. Mr. Davis stated the City can close on the lot with delinquent taxes on the property and the City will work to have those removed before the property is sold.The taxing jurisdictions have RDA Minutes February 14, 2017 Page 2 committed to forgiving the delinquent taxes, however, it still needs to go through the process with the County Board to have that done. Mr. Hintz stated the physical progress and development of the site can go ahead once we have the lease agreement, prior to DNR approval. Mr. Hintz inquired if there was any assurance from the DNR that they will move at an expeditious pace. Mr. Davis stated the DNR has moved at a fast pace so far. Buckstaff is a site the DNR wants to see redeveloped. The DNR has worked very closely with the City to get the NOI and wetland permits and has met multiple times regarding the plans for the remediation. The item was called. Motion carried 5-0. Res.17-04 Approve Option to Purchase Vacant Lot; 6th Avenue and Nebraska Street; 50 West 6th Street, LLC Motion by Belter to move Res.17-04 Seconded by Lasky Mr. Belter inquired when the property was acquired. Ms. Brandt stated the RDA acquired in 2009. Mr. Davis stated the option to purchase of this property would serve as parking to the former Granary. Mr. Belter stated the property is needed for parking in order to redevelop the Granary. The item was called. Motion carried 5-0. Discussion Item: Make Recommendation to Council for Jackson and Oregon Street Bridge Project Mr. Rabe stated the WisDOT has asked Council to recommend an alternative for the Jackson and Oregon Street Bridge and the City Council has asked for any recommendations from other committees and commissions by February 28, 2017. Mr. Rabe presented the alternatives for the Oregon/Jackson Street Bridge and discussed with the RDA each of the options. Mr. Lasky stated there is a potential opportunity with the high fixed bridge, to put extra dollars into the aesthetics of the bridge because of the reduced operational costs. Mr. Pearson stated aesthetics of the bridge is important. Mr. Hintz stated he preferred the high level fixed bridge because there would always be a bridge available for fire or ambulance and the cost is lower. RDA Minutes February 14, 2017 Page 3 The committee unanimously chose C1 High Level Fixed Bridge for the Jackson and Oregon Street Bridge. Discussion Item: Lease Agreement with H&M Commercial, LLC; 43 E. 7th Avenue Mr. Davis stated the RDA is scheduled to take possession of 43 E. 7th Avenue in August.The existing occupant is looking to continue with the lease or will find other space if the RDA is not willing to lease the property. They are willing to pay the lease rate and maintain the property. Mr. Belter inquired who is currently renting out the building. Mr. Davis stated Chamco is leasing the building to H&M Commercial. The RDA decided they would take action at a future meeting to lease the property. Executive Director’s Report Mr. Davis provided an update on the Buckstaff property. Mr. Hintz inquired if the foundation cleanup has run smoothly. Mr. Davis stated it has gone better than expected. Mr. Davis stated there are a few punch list items remaining on the Bowen Street house and Ms. Brandt is planning the neighborhood open house. The $686,000 grant from the DNR will install the trail and riverwalk improvements on top of the sheet pile and continue west to the lagoon. Mr. Art Dumke continues to work on development options for the Pioneer area. There was no further discussion.The meeting adjourned at approximately 5:10 PM. (Pearson/Belter) Respectfully submitted, Allen Davis Executive Director