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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPCDC Minutes 05/08/1978REGULAR MEETING ROT,T, CAT.T. APPROVAL OF MINUTES MINUTES OF MEETING PETALUMA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION MAY 8, 1978 The Regular Meeting of the Petaluma Community Develop- ment Commission was called to order by Chairman Helen Putnam at 4:00 p.m. Present: Commissioners Balshaw, Bond, Harberson*, Hilligoss, and Chairman Putnam. Absent: Commissioners Cavanagh and Perry. *Commissioner Harberson arrived at 4:17 p.m. The minutes of -the Regular Meeting of April 10, 1978, were approved as mailed. STATUS REPORT Finance Director John Scharer reviewed a report pre - COMMISSION FUNDS pared for the Executive Director, dated May 4, 1978. AND PROJECTS From the total authorized funds for acquisition and development of parking lots, $340,000, $126,831 has been committed or expended for engineering, acquisition of land and construc- tion of a portion of the Keller Street Parking Lot, leaving a balance of $2.13,.169. In the funds for other redevelopment activities totalling $162,585, $76,523.has either been committed or expended, leaving a balance of $86,062 available for projects. STATUS REPORT GOLDEN CONCOURSE A memo dated May 3,1-978, from William Liebel, Program Administrator, to Finance Officer John Scharer, sub- mitted and filed. Mr. Scharer stated the Golden Concourse Expansion Project had been brought before the Commission several months ago by Dick Lieb, Chairman of the Project Area Committee. At that time, it was suggested perhaps community clubs or groups would be interested in participating in the project. This has not happened. The next idea was to enter into an owner -participation agreement with.the owners of the property (the Commission would proceed with the im- provement of the Golden Concourse and the owners of the building would develop the property). It is now not certain when the property will be developed. Dick Lieb, Chairman of the Project Area Committee, addressed the matter and advised that last October the Project Area Committee recommended the completion of the Golden Concourse between American Alley and Petaluma Blvd. North as one of the highest priorities of the Commission. It will give visual evidence that something is happening in redevelopment in the downtown area and will promote an aesthetically pleasing appearance. The cost for the project is estimated to be $20,000, including the fire hydrant. John Scharer pointed out the requirement for the fire hydrant would not become the responsibility of the developer of the building. Executive Director Robert Meyer stated if the Commission approves the expansion of this portion of the Golden Concourse, the project could be put out to bid and,a determination made after bids are received whether or not the funds should be expended. The Commission had previously indicated this is the project they wanted to proceed with in order to give some visual indication in the downtown area that redevelopment was --going ahead. John Scharer advised when the Commission first considered the Golden Concourse Project, it was not known that a building was to be constructed on the American Hotel site. Therefore, the building is completely separated from the Golden Concourse Project. The original concept was to proceed with the project with some community groups sharing; however, as it is brought back to the Council at this time, it is a "stand alone" project. The estimated cost is $20,000, of which approximately $2,300 is for the fire hydrant installation. The fire hydrant would have been built by the City regardless of whether a new building goes on the vacant land. May 8, 1978 STATUS REPORT Commissioner Harberson asked if the Commission approves GOLDEN CONCOURSE the project, how long would it take to complete. Mr. (Continued) Lieb stated the plans and specifications could be ready to go out to bid in a month or six weeks, and final completion would take a minimum of five months. Commissioner Harberson stated this is the only place where the Commission has received any sort of plan, and he would like to see the project go forward. He felt it would be an incentive for having other projects move ahead in the area. It would give people some hope that the agency is taking some positive steps. Mr. Victor DeCarli, who was in the audience, indicated he was opposed to the Commisison spending money for this type of project, as he felt the downtown redevelopment was geared mostly for parking in the area. Mr. DeCarli stated in his location, the Lan Mart, they have been trying to promote parking for nearly two years and felt parking should be provided before other projects are undertaken. The Commission decided to hear the next two projects listed on the Agenda before taking any action on the Concourse. BEAUTIFICATION PLANS Senior Planner Fred Tarr reminded the Commission the McNEAR BUILDINGS staff had been directed at the April 10 meeting to PETALUMA BLVD. NORTH prepare beautification plans for the area surrounding AND FOURTH STREET the McNear Buildings. The drawing was presented to the Commission, which outlined several alternatives and indicated various types of lighting proposals, a kiosk, and other street fur- niture. Mr. Tarr indicated there are four areas for consideration; one would be the Fourth Street area, the second would be the west side of Petaluma Blvd. North, the third would be Center Park, and the fourth area would be the east side of Petaluma Blvd. North. On the,;.Fourth,Street side, street tree planting would be provided, and the recommendation was to relocate the crosswalk about ten feet to the south of the existing crosswalk in order to tie into the entrance of the building. The proposal depicts the curb extension with brick- work, and street furniture, including benches and bicycle racks. There is also a recommendation for three ornamental lights on the street. The west side of Petaluma Blvd. North would include street trees from the Lan Mart area to "B" Street, ornamental lighting which would be functional, benches, brickwork, a kiosk, as well as a curb extension. The Center Park proposal is to extend Center Park to the north, which would provide better channeling for traffic, but would eliminate one parking place. There would be some brickwork, with exposed aggregate in the center, benches, more lighting, and more brickwork at the southern end of the park. Mr. Tarr stated there is a tree in Center Park which appears to be dead, or is dying, and needs to be removed. The area on the east side of Petaluma Blvd. North presents a problem, as the sidewalks are only eight feet wide and would limit tree planting in the area. The only proposal would be for some ornamental lighting. _ Mr. Tarr then presented some slides taken of various areas throughout northern California where redevelopment areas in portions of the communities had been accomplished. In his memorandum dated May 4, 1978 to Robert Meyer, the Executive Director, a copy of which is on file, Mr. Tarr gave the estimates for accomplishing some of the work in the area. The total cost for street tree planting, sidewalk cuts, excavation, topsoil, etc., would be approximately $7,700. The cost for the urban furniture is $3,700. No estimates are given for the cost of the lighting program. Mr. Tarr indicated they would need to get some firm estimates from P.G.& E. before these can be provided to the Commission. Discussion then led to street tree planting in other sections of the downtown area. Deputy Director Frank Gray suggested the Commission could take on one or several of these major projects, but at the same time offer a special street tree planting program for the Central Business District. The Council has a street tree planting program, but if the Commission was to take on the project of the planting in the Core Area by designing the receptacles and having the -2- - May 8, 1978 BEAUTIFICATION PLANS trees put in in a uniform way, the City could carry out McNEAR BUILDINGS its tree planting program. Mr. Gray suggested the PETALUMA BLVD. NORTH program be on a request basis, rather than putting a AND FOURTH STREET tree in front of every business. It is felt.if people (Continued) request the trees, they will be more likely to take care of them. Mrs. Raffi from the Farm House Restaurant indicated an interest in tree plant- ing, but she was concerned regarding how various locations or buildings were singled out for particular beautification plans and felt the whole downtown area should be considered. Mr. Gray explained the tax increment processing wherein the Commission concentrates on those areas where a large amount of private investment has been made which will generate revenue back to the Commission through tax increment funding. As these funds accrue, they can be used for other projects. The decision the Commission has to make is to invest the funds where they will realize the best return through tax increments. Commissioner Hilligoss asked to discuss the actual plan presented to them, a copy of which is on file with the Recording Secretary. Jerry Hill of the Petaluma Cafe stated he would like to recommend that all the street furniture and the street lighting in the area adjacent to his business remain consistent with the styles of the buildings in the area. 'He asked that an effort be made to keep the aesthetics consistent with the building styles. Commissioner- Hilligoss stated she felt the pictures of the kiosk and the trash receptacles were of a very modern type and.probably would not fit in with the area. The light standards were discussed. Mr. Gray indicated the cast iron lighting post shown on the plan was very expensive and would cost approximately $2,400. Obviously, these would be too expensive for the area. Mr. Tarr also stated the plans submitted to the Council are merely suggestions and the matter of selection would be by the style of an area and personal preference, as well as economics. Mayor Putnam asked Mr. DeCarli how he felt about the beautification in this particular area. Mrs. Marie DeCarli stated they would like to have the Com- mission hold off for a while until something can be done to provide adequate parking. There is a group formed that has some good ideas. They are pursuing the matter and should reach some conclusion within the next three weeks. Mrs. DeCarli also stated up until about four months ago, their parking situation was not so difficult, but at the present time, it is not adequate. Finance Officer John Scharer stated he felt'it was important for everyone to understand the concept of financing parking in redevelopment areas What the Commission is endeavoring to do is to encourage economic development in the downtown area by increasing the tax increments. Future off-street parking, however, can only be done through revenue bonds or by creating a parking authority. The tax increments cannot be built up and saved for a large project unless the agency is in debt. Mr. Scharer gave an example that the Commission could take $40,000 a year and leverage $400,000 in bonds and explained this is ultimately how the parking facilities would be built in the downtown area. Chairman Putnam asked what would be the status of this particular project in the area bounded by Fourth Street, "B" Street and Petaluma Blvd. North. Mr: Gray stated the next procedure would be to have the plans and specifications prepared. Executive Director Robert Meyer suggested this matter also be held for action by the Commission until Item #4, concerning the elimination of the storm drainage problem on "C" Street, Petaluma'B1vd. South and First Street, is discussed. STORM DRAINAGE PROBLEM Executive Director Robert Meyer advised the matter had "C" STREET, PETALUMA been discussed by the City Council. The City has not BLVD. SO. TO FIRST ST. been able to accumulate sufficient funds to correct the -3- May 8, 1978 STORM DRAINAGE PROBLEM drainage_ problem.at_.this intersection, as.well as "H" "C" STREET, PETALUMA Street., The'"C" Street Project is, however, within the BLVD:. SO.:TO FIRST ST Redevelopment Proiect-.;Area. and elimination _of the .(Continued) problem wouldbeof benefit, not 1. only to the new pro- perty proposed,for the corner, but to other -'p roperties in the area as.wel . Richard'Lieb stated'Don Ramatici plans to -build a new structure and will be spending.a lot. of -money for curbs, gutters, and sidewalks.,.,Mr..,.Ramatici; doesn't feel he -,.should be responsible forthe_drainage situation -but will.,put in the usual piiblic.mprovements. ,Commissi.oner Balshaw.,stated he felt, the, drainage should be the City's responsibility and not the responsibility=of,the Community Development Commission. He felt the Commission should concentrate in those -.areas where private investmenty,'is.being _made. . ,:He also indicated-he_would be inclined to, hold off on the Golden Concourse Project., Dick Lieb pointed out -- _: p the drainage -problem has existed ovea period of years; however; it didn't, create as.much.,problem for.,the service 'station where: people would go into the -business by vehicle, ,-but it will _create_a problem when.an. .;office-building,is placed on'the site. The -.report -submitted by the staff on_^current:.and pending :,Petaluma Community. Development Commission Projects, indicates the, storm drain. improvements at "C" Street, between Petaluma Blvd. South and First Street, is estimated by the City Engineer to cost $31,000, calculated on 1978 construction costs. Executive -Director -Robert Mee y r responded:; to ;Commissioner Balshaw's.,remark ; regarding the use of- .City funds versus. Commi,ss.ion.funds to; correct the ,drainage problem at "C" Street. Mr.,Meyer,stated because the development area was ou lined and is receiving tax increment funding, the General Fund of the City is being,reduced,.somewhat. .,In a,sense,,the,_City is.:;contributing to this project. If the City Council had to;,assign.a priority to the storm drainage problem over other projects in,.the City,_ it probably would not be approved by the City Council. Commissioner Bond stated he would be in favor of any project which would remove an old., gasoline station ,and_.replace-it-,with an_:;attractive new building.-,.. At the conclusion of the discussion on the above three items, Chairman Putnam gave a brief review. She stated there appears to be adequate funds to do all three projects, and there has been concern expressed on the parking situation. She then asked for comments from the audience. Mr. Chris Hinger of the Victorian Escrow Company stated nothing has been men- tioned about the traffic situation in the area. He suggested removing two parking places and separating the parking area would tend to slow traffic. Commissioner Bond asked why the plan does not show plantings for the corner at Fourth and "B" Streets. Fred Tarr explained there is a portion which has a..' roof overhang where trees could not be planted, but the staff did overlook the fact that trees could be planted along "B" Street: Both Wally Lourdeaux and Jeff Harriman, developers of the.McNear.Building, were present and expressed some concern whether the beautification projects would take precedence over the parking situation. Mr.-Lourdeaux also stated they would welcome the opportunity to work with the staff in the selection of the street lamps and street furniture. Mr. Harriman stated it was his understand- ing at the last meeting of the Commission that an owner -participation agreement would be available for them.at this time. On this basis, they started construction and refurbishing another portion of the building. General Counsel Larry Klose advised the Commission needs a specific plan and at least an estimated cost before executing an owner -participation agreement. The agreement has to be specific as to the duties of each party, and the duties cannot be defined until the Commission has received the cost for the project. A MOTION was made by Commissioner Harb.erson, seconded by Chairman Putnam, to proceed with the plans and specifications for the following: (1) the Golden -4- May 8, 1978 STORM DRAINAGE PROBLEM Concourse construction between American Alley and "C" STREET, PETALUMA Petaluma Blvd. North; (2) the beautification plans for BLVD. SO. TO FIRST ST. improvement of the street frontage around the McNear (Continued) Buildings on Petaluma Blvd. North and Fourth Street, as well as other areas mentioned; and, (3) the storm drainage improvements on "C" Street, between Petaluma Blvd. South and First Street. Motion carried unanimously. Chairman Putnam stated she did not want the parking situation to become lost and asked if Mrs. DeCarli would bring something back to the Commission. Mr. Meyer stated if they have a program outlined, it should go first to the Project Area Committee. Frank Gray then stated the only unresolved issue would be the street tree planting in the downtown area. His recommendation was to have the trees planted in the ground with brickwork placed around the trees rather than having them in tubs which are prone to vandalism. Trees would only be planted where the merchants requested them. Mr. Meyer suggested the staff should bring back a program to the Commission and talk to the merchants in the area. Commissioner Balshaw suggested the trees should be planted in tubs which could be moved from place to place. This would help to decrease costs if an area is scheduled for some type of redevelopment and trees planted in the ground would have to be removed for construction purposes. GOALS, OBJECTIVES, IMPLEMENTATION TECHNIQUES--PETALUMA CBD REDEVELOPMENT PLAN AJDOURNMENT As the time was drawing near for adjournment of the Petaluma Community Development Commission, Executive Director Robert Meyer asked the Commissioners to read the document given to them. He also asked them to make notes and be prepared to ask questions. The document has been extracted from the Redevelopment Plan in order to give the Commissioners an insight to the goals outlined in the Plan. Mr. Meyer indicated it would be placed on the Agenda for the next meeting. There being no further business to come before the Commission, the meeting was adjourned at 5:58 p.m. Attest: ecording Secretary -5- Chairman