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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/31/84Tape #142 #0000 " ~ UNAPPROVED MINUTES CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES Special Meeting - L. I.D. Minutes "Downtown Redevelotmment" May 31, 1984 A special L.I.D. Hearing was held at the Great Northwest Building with the following present; J.Adrian, Acting President, Councilmen; S.Horning, C. Pachek, B. Amo, R. Johnson, E. Sturdivant; City Attorney B. Broughton; Planning Director J. Gero, and City Clerk K. McCluskey. Also present were Mr. Chuck McCauley, Assessor; Ed Shaffnit, Econcmist; Norm. Jacobson and Clive Grout, Designers, who cc~prised the "Joint Venture Team". Acting President Adrian noted that this was a Public Hearing on the special LID Boundary and Downtown Redevelotmnent and the public was asked to ccme forward to speak as there was not a PA system available but rather direct record. Mr. Joe Gero, Planning Director, opened with a presentation and over-view of the project. He noted that Councilmen were provided a list of the preliminary assessments with an indication of the boundaries as proposed for the project. There are no outstanding,uppaid local improvement districts at this time. These c~Lu~nts are in fulfillment with the Resolution announcing this hearing. The purpose of this project needs to be well defined. He stated that in his opinion the city of Br~r~rton is at a crossroads, and many events are beginning to place demands, which is beyond the control of the government officials, citi- sens, or business district. He referred to the loss of the U.S.S.Missouri, no scheduled carrier upgrades for several years starting sometime in 1986, the advent of Wirmmr with Sears indicating projected move to that facility and J.S. Penney's talking about moving. Merchants have indicated daily transactions are down citing figures of tax leakage. Two areas are presently seeking Bre- merton's retail dollars. He further stated Federal spending is down and grants are becoming harder and harder to obtain. All these events, if they do ccme to pass, will have a dramatic affect on the cu,,L,unity. Mr. Gero procccdedto introduce members of the Joint Venture Team and turned the meeting over to City Attorney Bill Broughton. Mr. Broughton gave a short presentation outlining procedures of the hearing. He indicated the statutory basis for the meeting tonight. The City Council passed a resolution on April 18, 1984, calling for this hearing. The purpose of the meeting is to consider two factors; (1) focus of the project itself and (2) whether or not the boundaries are appropriate for this project. He stated we are not here to address individual assessments, as this will be done at a later date. Once this hearing is closed, tonight or future date, the City Council will decide on whether or not to direct an ordinance be drafted for a Local Improve~aent District, which, if passed would put this project on the way to successful completion. Next Mr. Gero introduced Mr. Clive Grout, designer, who gave a presentation on project designs. He outlined goals of Planning and Redevelo~n~=-nt of the down- town "key area" stating that J. C. Penney Cc~pany is a very strong anchor as is the Value Giant deparh~nnt store. He elaborated on the Climate control features over the main shop areas, outlined the key area, indicated the retail area and civic area towards water edge at 4th Street. He stated that plans were for short term parking not long term as now is custc~ary practice. He stated goals of the design include image and character for the whole downtown, water access and ability to encourage tourism, reinforcing nodes and anchors in core area, and parking to feed into edges of core. Team suggested that 4th Street be known as "the Mall" and Pacific Avenue the "Prcme~nade". He further discussed landscap- ing, paving surfaces, gateway structures, enhanced pedestrian traffic and the Fibreglass roof structure as an attractive eye-catching structure with peaks and valleys. The roof would provide adequate lighting, air and a natural environ- ment. He cited another concept of ships and tugs at the end of 4th Street made into shops, with Fire and service vehicles allowed total access. Next to give a presentation was Mr. Norm Jacobson, parking designer. Phase #1 is estimated at 5.2 million dollars whereas the full project is 7.2 million and the ultimate of design development. Estimates were cc~puted with 1983 figures, however, the cost index has not changed dramatically. There is an estimated 538 parking spots in entire study area which is a shortage of 700 spaces. He again discussed the short-term vs. long-term parking as being a solution to this. L. I.D. Hearing/"Downtown Redevelopment" UNAPPROVED MINUTES May 31, 1984 pg. 2of4 Mr. Charles McCauley, Appraisor, gave a short narrative of his background in the appraisal business during the past 10 years, citing cities of Bellevue, Everett, Lynnwood, Edmonds, and Redmond among his credits. He discussed the boundaries and explained why the the N.W. Corner (6th & Washington, housing Eagles, etc. ) was excluded frc~n within the boundary structure as well as the West side of Park and E. side of Washington frc~ just north of Fourth to Sixth. Areas with greatest access and benefit were fr~n 1st to 6th Street and Park Avenue to Washington just North of Fourth on the East side. He dis- cussed the procedure used to determine assessments of property in it's exist- ing condition, and the "benefit ratio". S~me information, that may have been unavailable at the time, may change scme of the assessment figures at a later date. The last speaker, from .the project team, was Mr. Ed Schaffnit, an economist who gave a presentation on Econc~ic and Real Estate aspects of the project. He referred several times to the Mundy-Jarvis report, citing statistical data of estimated losses for 1987 and 1992 as c~,~ared to 1982 figures, and further said the project is directed toward diversity with cost modest as c~,~mred to possible achievable gains. Mr. Gero s~,~mrized statements by the project team and briefly outlined Phase 91, key factors being several items physical changes; (1) fabric structure on 4th & Pacific, structure over Park area - 4th & Washington; (2) Gateway structure provided except at 1St & West end of 4th; (3) Landscape on 4th and Pacific Streets; (4) Change and upgrade parking stalls on Pacific Avenue; and (5) other amenities that go along with that. He stated the overall Downtown Redevelol]nent should be seen as three projects; (1) revitalization and upgrad- the structures and the street area, (2) upgrading and providing more parking, and (3) the develolm~-nt of the waterfront properties, as a compliment to the down- town area. With this we are looking to bring in new dollars, retention of exist- ing dollars, and recapturing lost dollars through this project. It is the Council's intention to make econcmic develol/nent a major priority in our cc~munity. He indicated that this was the end ofthe project team's report and welcomed questions and inquiries. Chairman Az]rian opened ~n~cting for 10 minutes of public cu,~nt before taking a break to allow those needing to leave early an opportunity to speak. Mr. Bob Smock, People's Bank, indicated he was an original member of the Task Force for downtown redevelotm~=_nt and was totally in agrc~--~ent with Mr. Gero. At the present time he is opposed because of timing of the project. He did feel a new administration was ready to direct this project, although he supports the redevelol~nent team. Mr Gene Kennedy Chairman/Task Force, gave a presentation in favor of the project. Mr. Field Ryan, 2227 Marine Drive, spoke in support of the Council going ahead with the plan. Mr. Gene Fisher, Owner, Cracker Factory, indicated his opposition and why the hurry to put up a tent and beat W~? He questioned the Phase One and Two costs and expressed concern about parking. Recessed at 7:11 p.m. Reconvened at 7:22 p.m. Mr. Broughton, s~,,mrized that Phase #1 is 5.2 million with Phase #2, 2.0 million dollars. Staff has indicated to him that no additional costs would be assessed businesses frc~ phase two. The cost difference includes retaining walls, an amphitheater, which would likely be eligible for alternate funding. Surfacing on the Mall area is estimated at $750,000 alone. He said he has visited similiar projects in Tacoma, Portland, and Seaside to look at the results first-hand and noted that landscaping is much cheaper than paving. With regard to the questions of parking, Mr. Broughton quoted cost factors for highrise parking structures and related costs. Again, the city could possibly enter into a joint venture with the Navy. He stated lon~term parkers could be dealt with by ordinance, converting into short-term parking which is more feasible similar to Eugene, OR parking pro- gram Mr. Gero addressed concerns whether city manag~nent could handle the cc~anitment of the size and proportion of the downtown redevelopment by stating that is why agencies or businesses hire outside assistance. Local government's responsibility hire a project manager who will provide this service. L.I.D. Hearing/"Downtown Redevelo~nent" UNAPPROVED MINUTES May 31, 1984 '' ~' Pg. 3of4 Mr. Lou Soriano, inquired if the City Council was involved in the discussion and did they go into detail regarding the assessment rolls? Mr. A~lrian indicated this was Council's first look at the assessment boundaries. Mr. Soriano continued to express further concern that the City Council could go ahead, as early as tonight, if a motion is passed and tb~t he has concerns regarding the boundary and assess- ments. Mr. McCauley clarified the statement previously made by Mr. Smock, regarding exclusion of certain banks, stating there was no intent to exclude purposely any particular businesses and hoped that all banks would prosper with the redevelopment. He further stated there would probably be scme hardships on certain businesses but the long term benefits outweigh the hardships. He stated again he could fir~ "no special benefit" to those properties excluded by the beun~ary. Mr. Adrian reminded the public present, that Mr. Gero has offered the services of his deparh¥~nnt staff for questions regarding assessments, etc. Tape #143 Mr. Soriano felt that the City Council, before voting should be sure t_hat the #0000 assessments are fair and right for each business. Mr. Gero stated that the question before the City Council at this point, is the boundary and the nature of the project and that this hearing is only the preliminary adoption of the project and assessments, with arguments for or against, cc~ling before the City Council at a later date. Mr. Lou Weir, Weir's Appliance, thinks the timing is right! He stated he did not agree with Mr. Smock and previous politicians would not entertain such a project therefore it has never happened. He cited the city of Tacc~a as being a good example of 25 years too late. He thought we should move ahead, however, he was concerned about the boundaries and 4th and Washington being closed to both his place of business, warehouse and Montgcmery Wards. He felt neither operation could survive in their present locations without vehicle access for pick-ups and del iveries. Mr. David Grellier, discussed statistical data and, at one time, noted the proper- ty owners felt they could afford the 2.0 million to be assessed, therefore, he felt it was a great idea but we need the parking! Mr. Ed Elliott, Owner/Bremerton Camera Shop, said he didn't want this to turn into another Tacoma "Broadway Plaza", monster and that he had another shop located at the edge of that project that simply killed downtown Tacoma shopping area, however they do not se~m aware of it yet.' Mayor Dawkins addressed a question about projected Ferry service in the future and what was presently happening in the Legislature regarding cu,u,uter services. He said nothing will be decided for at least two years. Councilman Homing stated he felt that there was no possible way to close the hearing tonight and discussion followed regarding possible dates to continue hearing. Mr. Gero offered an open work session to those interested parties on Wednesday, June 6, 1984, frc~ 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Any of the Councilmen are welcomed to participate. He divided costs as 2.0 million by assess- ment against the business owners and the balance of 3.2 million by city General Obligation Bonds. He further said this doesn't preclude the City cc~peting for Federal dollars fr~m various sources. He expressed his disappointment that more of the property owners were not in attendance during a meeting held last Thursday where people were available frc~ both the State and Federal levels, answering questions regarding alternative funding sources. #1775 o M/S/C/U/(Horning/Adrian that this Public Hearing, on the proposed Downtown Redevelopment LID, be continued Wednesday, June 13, 1984, at 6:00 p.m. in City Council Chambers. Mr. V.J.Benbennick, Seaside, OR., stated he couldn't agree more with the state- ments of Mr. Elliott. He opposed the project. Mr. Bert Gegner, 934 Washington, stated he was an apa~h~nt owner in Bremerton and feels he would benefit frc~ this project and questioned why those i~mediate- ly outside the project core area, shouldn't be assessed and pay a pro-rated figure to offset the costs. L. I.D. Hearing/"Downtown Redevelotmnent" May 31, 1984 ~ '~ Pg. 4 of 4 Mr. ~trian asked Mr. McCauley if the City Council could draw other boundaries, with Mr. McCauley responding yes, but that once drawn, you cannot increase but only decrease the boundaries. Mr. Lamb, thought the neighbors of the project area would benefit and inquired whether the meeting on the 13th would be official. Mr. Adrian responded that the meeting on the 13th, since it is official City Council meeting, is official and for the record. Mr. Lamb stated he was referring to the mgcting on the 6th and he asked if it would be recorded. Mr. Gero responded that he felt the meet- ing on the 6th is to sit down and discuss with concerned property owners how boundaries and assessments wore arrived at and to be able to respond to other inr~=diate concerns of those being assessed. He stated the work session will be conducted on Wednesday, June 6, 1984, frcm 10:00 to 5:00 p.m. Mr. McCauley will be present and it will not be recorded. #2273 At 9:00 p.m., the meeting recessed to be continued on Wednesday, June 13, 1984, at 6:00 p.m., City Council Chambers. KATHL~N MCCLUSKEY, City C/erk APPROVED: J~. ADRIAN, Council President Pro-T~n City of Bremerton KLM/cj s cc: Normal Distribution File