HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/11/2002AGENDA
CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE
URBAN RENEWAL AUTHORITY
Monday, March 11, 2002
5:30 p.m.
Notice is hereby given of a Public Meeting to be held by the City of Wheat Ridge Urban
Renewal Authority on March 11, 2002, at 5:30 p.m., in the lobby conference room of the
Municipal Building at 7500 West 29`h Avenue, Wheat Ridge, Colorado.
1. Call the Meeting to Order
2. Roll Call of Members
3. Approval of Minutes - February 11 & 25, 2002
4. Public Forum (This is the time for any person to speak on any subject not appearing
on the agenda. Public comments may be limited to 3 minutes.)
5. New Business
A. Confirmation of I-70 Corridor Study Area
B. Egtension of contract with Szymanski/Ray - approval '
C. Joint Meeting with City Council - URA 101 - Participation of WRURA Board
6. Old Business
7. Other Matters
8. Executive Session under C.R.S. 24-6-402(4)(a) &(e) for the purpose of developing
negotiating strategies for the potential redevelopment and/or acquisition of properties
in the 38' Avenue Corridor, Wadsworth Boulevard Corridor, and 44te Avenue/Ward
Road Redevelopment Areas and instructing negotiators, consultants, and attorneys.
9. Adjournment .
MINUTES OF
~ WHEAT RIDGE UIiBAN RENEWAL AUTHORITY
February 11,2002
5:30 p.m.
1. CALL THE MEETING TO ORDER
The Wheat Ridge Urban Renewal Authority meeting was called to order by Dick
Matthews at 5:40 p.m. The meeting was held in the second floor conference room
of the Municipal Building, 7500 West 29th Avenue, Wheat Ridge, Colorado.
2. ROLL CALL OF MEMBERS
Commissioners present: Norm Burkpile
Sandra Collins
Vance Edwards
Elwyn Kiplinger
Janet Leo
Dick Matthews
Margy Platter
Commissioners absent: Jim Goddard
John Hall
Kandi McKay
Also attending: Alan White, Planning Director
Jim Windholz, Urban Renewal Attorney
Randy Young, Interim City Manager
Gretchen Cerveny, Mayor
Dean Gokey, City Council
David Schneider, City Council
Jerry DiTullio, City Council
Art Anderson, Arthur Anderson & Assoc.
Lauren Waterton, Arthur Anderson & Assoc.
Justinian Hatfield, The Transcript
Ann Lazzeri, Secretary
3. APPROVAL OF MLNUTES
The minutes of the regulaz meeting of January 14, 2002 were presented for
consideration. It was moved by VANCE EDWARDS and seconded by
NORM BURKPILE to approve the minutes as presented. The motion
passed unanimously.
4. PUBLIC FORUM
There were none present to address the Authority.
~
' WRURA Minutes Page 1
02/11/02
5. NEW BUSINESS
A. Authorize Request for Proposals for Redevelopment at 38th and
Sheridan Area
There was discussion regarding whether or not to post a notice in the newspaper
regazding request for proposals for redevelopment at 38`h and Sheridan. In
addition, a request for proposal will be sent to members of the development and
real estate community as well as various state publications to see if there is any
interestin this azea.
Vance Edwards commented that one reason for choosing this area for RFP's is
that it is considered a gateway to the City of Wheat Ridge.
It was moved by Vance Edwards and seconded by Sandra Collins to
authorize staff to do a Request for Proposals for redevelopment of 38th and
Sheridan, primarily the southwest corner. The motion passed unanimously.
(JIM WINDHOLZ REQUESTED THAT ALL COUNCIL MEMBERS,
INCLUDING THE MAYOR AND THE WRURA COUNCIL
REPRESENTATIVE, LEAVE THE MEETING AT THIS POINT PRIOR
TO TI3E BLIGHT STUDY PRESENTATION BECAUSE THIS MATTER
WILL BE GOING BEFORE CITY COUNCIL FOR CONSIDERATION.
THE COUNCIL MEMBERS LEFT THE MEETING ROOM AT 5:50 P.M.)
B. Consideration of Upham Street Area Blight Study - Art Anderson of
Arthur Anderson & Associates presented a brief overview of the results of
the blight study his firm completed for Upham Street area. Copies of the
blight study were provided for each member of the Authority.
The report revealed many findings of blight as determined by urban renewal law.
For example, Mr. Anderson stated that his firm could find no record of Upham
Street ever being dedicated as a public street.
Mr. Windholz reminded those present that findings of blight do not mean an area
is a slum but addresses areas such as safety, traffic and ownership of properties.
He also stated, for the record, that fmdings of blight in this azea were legally not
difficult.
Chair Matthews expressed appreciation to Mr. Anderson for presenting a well-
documented blight study. Mr. Windholz stated that, upon his review of the blight
study, he was very comfortable in recommending approval of a resolution to
accept the fmdings of blight as presented in the Arthur Anderson analysis and
submit to City Council for its review and detennination regazding blight in this
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02/11/02
I
azea and whether or not City Council wishes to expand the existing Wadsworth
corridor redevelopment area and include this particulaz azea.
It was moved by Sandra Collins and seconded by Margy Platter to approve
Resolution No. 1, Series of 2002, finding the existence of blight in the vicinity
of Upham Street in the 3900 to 4200 blocks, as found by Arthur Anderson,
and make a recommendation of approval to the Wheat Ridge City Council.
The motion passed unanimously.
(COUNCIL MEMBERS SCHNEIDER, GOKEY AND EDWARDS
RETURNED TO THE MEETING AT 6:03 P.M. MAYOR CERVENY
RETURNED TO THE MEETING AT 630 P.M. JERRY DITULLIO
ARRIVED AT 6:50 P.M.)
B. Discussion of the I-70 Corridor Study Area
Jim Windholz pointed out that the discussion concerned what areas should be
included in a blight analysis. He also commented that, even though blight may be
determined in an azea, it doesn't mean that every structure is blighted. There was
discussion regarding the generaT areas to be included in a blight analysis.
• There was consensus that the Grange property and several R-1 and R-3
properties on Youngfield, including the Applewood Shopping Center, be
included in the study.
• There were four in favor and two opposed to include the A-2 and R-2 property
on the southeast comer of 44t' and Youngfield.
. On the north side of I-70, along Kipling, there was consensus to include the
Coors property. There was a consensus to leave out the block of R-1, R-2 and
A-2 properiy north of Ridge Road, the R-3 property on Kipling and north city
border; the residential property across the street west from Echters, and the
Mesa Verde Apartments.
• There was a consensus that no churches will be included in the blight analysis.
. The east side of Kipling between I-70 and 44`h will be included and down 44h
Avenue to the commercial development.
. The R-2 property in the southeast corner of Kipling and 44"' will be included.
The R-3 property will be left out.
. There was a consensus to leave the recreation center and the Zazlengo
properties out.
• The Denning property across Lena Gulch from the recreation center was
discussed. Alan White informed the Authority that the pazks department is
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02/11/02
about half way tlrough the acquisition process for this piece of land. David
Schneider requested that this piece of property be included in the blight study
because it is a developable property and fiirther, this piece of properiy is not in
the master plan for parks and recreation. He also requested that the Einazson
property be included in the urban renewal study. He stated that if these azeas
are not included in the blight study area, he will not support the study when it
comes before City Council.
The Einazson property along Kipling was discussed. Vance Edwards
commented that this land was purchased with Jefferson County Open Space
Funds and if the city were to place it in an urban renewal study, it would
jeopardize the good relationslup between the city and JCOS. There was a
unanimous decision by the Authoriry that this property not be included in the
study.
There was a consensus that no pazk land or potential parkland will be included
in the study.
Alan White outlined on a map all of the boundazies discussed during the
meeting.
(COUNCIL MEMBER GOKEY LEFT THE MEETING AT 6:50 P.M. MAYOR
CERVENY AND COUNCIL MEMBER EDWARDS LEFT THE MEETING AT
6:55 P.M.)
6. OLD BUSINESS
A. Extension of Contract with Szymanski/Ray
The Firm of Szymanski/Ray has completed Phase I of their project and have
requested an extension of their contract to continue the process. The final
contract will be brought back to the Authority for its consideration.
It was moved by Sandra Collins and seconded by Janet Leo to extend the
city's contract with Szymanski/Ray. The motion passed unanimously.
B. WRURA Meeting Dates
The next WRURA meeting will be held on February 25`h. Alan White stated that
he will not be able to attend this meeting.
OTHER MATTERS
8. EXECUTIVE SESSION
It was moved by Sandra Collins and seconded by Margy Platter to adjourn
the regular meeting to executive session under CRS 24-6-402(a) &(e) for the
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02/11/02
purpose of developing negotiating strategies for the potential redevelopment
and/or acquisition of properties in the 38th Avenue Corridor, Wadsworth
Boulevard Corridor and 44th Avenue/Ward Road Redevelopment Areas and
instructing negotiators, consultants and attorneys; and for the purpose of
receiving legal advice on specific legal issues related to the redevelopment of
properties within the 38tn Avenue Corridor, Wadsworth Boulevard Corridor
and 44Ih Avenue/Ward Road.
The motion passed unanimously and the meeting was adjourned to executive
session at 7:15 p.m. The executive session was adjourned to the regular
meeting at 7:30 p.m.
9. ADJOURNMENT
It was moved by Elwyn Kiplinger and seconded by Sandra Collins to
adjourn the regular meeting at 7:33 p.m.
Dick Matthews, Chair Ann Lazzeri, Secretazy
WRLJRA Minutes Page 5
02/11/02
NIINUTESOF
WHEAT RIDGE URBAN RENEWAL AUTHORITY
February 25, 2002
5:30 p.m.
1. CALL THE MEETING TO ORDER
The Wheat Ridge Urban Renewal Authority meeting was called to order by Chair
Dick Matthews at 5:40 p.m. The meeting was held in the second floor conference
room of the Municipal Building, 7500 West 29th Avenue, Wheat Ridge,
Colorado.
2. ROLL CALL OF MEMBERS
Conunissioners present:
Sandra Collins
Vance Edwards
Jun Goddard
Elwyn Kiplinger
Janet Leo
Dick Matthews
Kandi McKay
Commissioners absent: Norm Burkpile
John Hall
Mazgy Platter
Also attending: Jun Windholz, Urban Renewal Attorney
Randy Young, Interim City Manager
Gretchen Cerveny, Mayor (left at 6:00 p.m.)
Dean Gokey, City Council (left at 6:05 p.m.)
David Schneider, City Council (left at 6:20 p.m.)
Harry Hariley, City Council (left at 6:50 p.m.)
Odazka Figlus, City Council (left at 6:05 p.m.)
Kathy Field, Sr. Secretary, Planning Departsnent
Don Peterson, Economic Development Task Force
Steve Szymanski, Szymanski/Ray
Arnie Ray, Szymanski/Ray
Justinian Hatfield, The Transcript
Bob Olson, The Chronicle
Ann Lazzeri, Secretary
3. APPROVAL OF NIINUTES
The minutes of the regulaz meeting of February 11, 2002 were not available for
consideration.
WRURA Nlinutes Page 1
02/25/02
4. PUBLIC FORUM
Don Peterson reminded the Autharity that the Economic Development Task
Force is hosting a lender's forum for small businesses.
As a citizen of his neighborhood, he expressed appreciation to WRiJRA for
excluding the Einazson property from the urban renewal blight study.
5. NEW BUSINESS
A. Reconsideration of the I-70 Corridor Blight Analysis Area
Mayor Cerveny requested that WRURA defer setting blight study boundazies for
the I-70 corridor until there is more information. She had many questions to
which she would like to have answers before the boundaries are set. Some of her
questions and concerns included: (1) Hershey Corporation has not made a final
decision regarding the Jolly Rancher property; (2) Ridge properry is still owned
by State of Colorado and the state frowns on having land placed under urban
renewaI; (3) the proposed redevelopment of I-70, Ward Road and Highway 58 is
not yet finalized; (4) RTD Fast Track Gold Line is proposed to come from Union
terminal through Adams County, Old Towne Arvada, and end at the RTD Park
and Ride on Ridge Road; and (5) the Columbine Drainage Project should be
considered;.
It was suggested that Tun Steinhouse from Arvada be invited to attend a WRi.)RA
meeting to discuss Arvada's plans. The City of Wheat Ridge should be working
with Arvada in regard to the proposed urban renewal boundaries.
Dick Matthews commented that Tim Steinhouse suggested that the city might
want to include the Mesa Verde apartments in the urban renewal area based upon
Arvada's plans for the property across the highway. The truck driving school is
also being considered for potential park land and probably should not be included
in the urban renewal azea.
It was moved by Vance Edwards and seconded by Sandra Collins that
WRURA reconsider the I-70 Corridor blight analysis area. The motion
passed unanimously.
Dean Gokey commented that it might be worth looking into the possibility of
placing the truck driving school property under urban renewal and then working
with Jefferson County Open Space for help in developing the property. He has
talked with Dan Kimble who, although he had some concerns about urban
renewal working with JCOS, expressed a willingness to explore this idea a little
fiutlier.
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WRURA Minutes Page 2
02/25/02
Gretchen Cerveny stated that the properiy being considered for park land is
actually the asphalt excavating company-not the truck driving school. She did
not believe it would be a good idea to put the land under urban renewal right now
because there is an unwilling seller. JCOS has also adopted some recent changes
in policy that might affect the situation.
Vance Edwards commented that park land would not be able to pay back for
improvements done under urban renewal and that he believed the Authority
should focus on the primary objective of economic redevelopment.
It was moved by Vance Edwards and seconded by Elwyn Kiplinger to amend
the I-70 blight analysis study area to include the Mesa Verde apartments for
review for determination of blight and elimination of any park land or
potential park land being negotiated for acquisition with City of Wheat
Ridge and/or Jefferson County Open Space. The motion passed
unanimously.
It was moved by Vance Edwards and seconded by Sandra Collins to have
Arthur Anderson continue with preparation of the first component of the
blight study and, in the meantime, work with Jim, Randy, Arnie and Steve to
address the questions and issues raised earlier by Mayor Cerveny. The
motion passed unanimously.
B. Olson vs. Golden Update
Jim Windholz reported on the Court of Appeals ruling in Olson vs. Golden. The
court decided that the plaintiff did not have standing under urban renewal law or
general statutes to complain about urban renewal activities; you don't have to
convey properry for maximum value, but for fair value determined by the urban
renewal law (you can convey property for covenants and not cash); the debt
arrangement was found to be legal and Colorado Court of Appeals decided the
taxpayer could not show any proof of damages to her or any taspayers in Golden;
they determined the urban renewal process in this case was legal. Judge Nieto
also stated that these types of matters should not be settled in court but should be
settled by the electorate. He also ruled that urban renewal authorities are not
districts and therefore not subject to the Tabor Amendment under the taxpayer bill
of rights. The attomey for the plaintiff will appeal to Supreme Court. The
Supreme Court has several months to decide whether or not it will hear the case.
C. Report from City Manager
Randy Young, interim City Manager, recommended that Alan White be appointed
as staff liaison to WRURA.
It was moved by Vance Edwards and seconded by Sandra Collins that
WRURA ratify the recommendation of the interim city manager that Alan
WRURA Minutes Page 3
02/25/02
White be appointed as Executive Director of the Wheat Ridge Urban
Renewal Authority and liaison between WRURA and city staff. The motion
passed unanimously.
D. Joint Meetin¢ with City Council - In response to a request from a new
council member for education about the urban renewal process, it was suggested
that a joint meeting be held between WRURA and City Council for this purpose.
There was a consensus of the Authority to make a recommendation to Ciry
Council to hold this meeting on March 25 at 530 p.m.
6. OLD BUSINESS
There was no old business to come befare the Authority..
7. OTHER MATTERS
There were no other matters to come before the Authority.
8. EXECUTIVE SESSION
It was moved by Vance Edwards and seconded by Sandra Collins to adjourn
into Execufive Session under C.R.S. 24-6-402(4)(a) and (e) for the purpose of
developing negotiating strategies for the potential redevelopment and/or
acquisition of properties in the 38th Avenue Corridor, Wadsworth Boulevard
Corridor, and the 44th Avenue/Ward Road redevelopment areas and
instructing negotiators, consultants and attorneys; and that the following be
invited to attend the executive session: Harry Hanley, city council; Randy
Young, interim city manager; Kathy Field, Secretary to Alan White; Arnie
Ray and Steve Szymanski. The motion passed unanimously.
The meeting was adjourned into executive session at 6:20 p.m. (Randy Young,
Vance Edwazds and Harry Hanley left the executive session at 6:50 p.m.) The
executive session was adjourned to the regular meeting at 7:42 p.m.
7. ADJOi)12NMENT
It was moved by Sandra Collins and seconded by Kandi McKay to adjourn
the regular meeting at 7:45 p.m.
Dick Matthews, Chair Ann Lazzeri, Secretary
WRTJRA Minutes
02/25/02
Page 4
oF WHEqT
City of Wheat Ridge ~ ~o
~ Planning and Development Department " m
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Memorandum
TO: Urban Renewal Authority Members
FROM: Alan White, Planning and Development Director ON
SUBJECT: I-70 Blight Study Area
DATE: March 6, 2002
At the last meeting, which I did not attend, the Authority considered some adjustments to the I-
70 Blight Study Area. Attached is a map showing the azea with the adjushnents made according
to the minutes. I want to make sure this is the azea before we proceed with any proposal. Please
review the map and make sure the azea is accurately depicted.
C:\MyFiles\WPFiles\URA\!JO map memo.wpd
Proposed I-70 Urban Renewal Area
44th
38th
32nd
N'' Not fo Scale
OF WHEAl
City of Wheat Ridge ~ ~o
~
Planning and Development Department U
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Memorandum
TO: Urban Renewal Authority Members
FROM: Alan White, Planning and Development Director ,~A~i q
~y~NJ
SUBJECT: Extension of Contract with Szymanski/Ray
DATE: March 6, 2002
Attached is an addendum to the contract with Szymanski/Ray. The work to be performed is
continuing to work on the three redevelopment proposals up to the point where deals are ready to
be made: This is estimated to be two more months of work at a cost not to exceed $16,660.06.
Once this Phase I work is completed, Szymanski/Ray could be contracted to perform additional
work in development management.
C:VvtyFiles\WPFiles0.1RA\amend sr ae eement 2.wpd
SZYMANSKI / RAY
Real Estate Development & Consulting
Mazch 6, 2002
Alan White
Wheat Ridge Urban Renewal Authority
7500 W.29th Avenue
Wheat Ridge, CO 80215
RE: Various Redevelopment Projects. - Wheat Ridge, CO
Dear Alan,
Pursuant to our discussions, this is a proposal to extend the expanded scope of our seroices relative
to the determination of development feasibility for:
• SWC of 38th & Sheridan
• SEC of 44th & Wadsworth
• NEC of 44th & Wazd
We propose the following amendment to our current amended development consulting agreement:
Recognize the additional services that we are performing (similar strvices on multiple sites)
Expand our fee cap by up to $10,000, to a total of "0 (mcluding our out-of-pocket
costs) for the above scope.
We are excited about the opportunity to work with you, the Wheat Ridge Urban Renewal
Authority and the City of Wheat Ridge on these projects. Please let us know if you want to
discuss our proposal in more detail.
Sincerely,
A
Amold C. Ray, C
The above Phase 1 workscope is authorized,
Bv:
Date:
A Joint Venture of Szymanski Development Company and Ray Real Estate Services, Inc.
J&,,-e~<P
Steven P. Szymanski
STEvEN P. SzrmwsKi (303) 595-3311 • ARrroLD C. RaY, CRE (303) 595-4422
901 AcoMa STREar • DENVER, CO 80204-4023 • EvY: (303) 595-8810
TO: Wheat Ridge Urban Renewal Authority
FROM: Kathy Field, Planning Secretary
SUBJECT: Joint Meeting with City Council
DATE: March 6, 2002
A Joint Meeting for City Council and Urban Renewal is scheduled for Monday, March 25, 2002,
at 530 p.m. to educate new council members on the urban renewal process.