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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/02/1999 ORIGINAL MINUTES OF WHEAT RIDGE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND REVITALIZATION COMMISSION FEBRUARY 2, 1999 7:00 P.M. 1. CALL THE MEETING TO ORDER The Wheat Ridge Economic Development and Revitalization Commission meeting was called to order by Chairman ROACH at 7:00 p.m. 2. ROLL CALL OF MEMBERS EDARC Commissioners present: Norman Burkpile John Hall Elwyn Kiplinger Janet Leo Margy Platter Jerry Roach Also attending were: Martin Orner, Economic Development Specialist/Associate Planner Alan White, Director of Planning and Development Ann Lazzeri, Recording Secretary Mr. Orner introduced John Hall as the new EDARC member. Mr. Hall replaces Joe Drew who resigned from the Commission. 3. CONSIDERATION OF ABSENCES EDARC Commissioners absent: Rae Jean Behm Sandra Collins Richard Matthews 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES It was moved by Commissioner LEO, and seconded by Commissioner PLATTER to approve the minutes of the September 29,1998 EDARC meeting. The motion carried 6-0 with Commissioners BERM, COLLINS and MATTHEWS absent. EDARC Minutes 02/02/99 Page 1 S. PUBLIC FORUM No one appeared to speak. 6. UNFINISHED BUSINESS ITEMS A. Wheat Ridge Wadsworth Boulevard Corridor Study Update Mr. Orner reported that the final draft of the Wadsworth Corridor Study is in the fmal stages of development. He stated that a representative of the ownership ofthe Times Square Shopping Center had attended a couple of the corridor study session and expressed an interest in moving forward with a facelift for the shopping center. Mr. White reported that Vern's building has been demolished, Vern's Bar and Liquor Stores are now in their new locations and that construction is soon to begin on the new Walgreen's store at 44th and Wadsworth. He also stated that Republic Automotive Group (formerly Chesrown dealership) is interested in moving their dealership onto the south portion of their present location which is the portion of the property which they own. Mr. White stated that staff met with the consultants who are conducting the Wadsworth Corridor Study and reviewed their draft document. He gave a brief overview of the document and advised EDARC members that they would receive copies of the fmal draft as soon as it is complete. Mr. White gave an update ofredevelopment in the 32nd and Y oungfield area and stated that Walgreen's is attempting to acquire land on the southeast corner of 32nd and Youngfield including the grange property. He stated that it will be necessary to find a new location for the Maple Grove Grange building. 7. NEW BUSINESS A. Discussion of 1999 Commission Goals Mr. Orner stated that when he was working on the RTD and Kaiser annexations he felt that it would be a good idea for EDARC to review future land use cases and submit comment to the City Council as to the economic ramifications of the projects. Commissioner BURKPILE stated that he felt it would be beneficial for Felice Plain from Lakewood's Economic Development Department to address EDARC members regarding the business development and retention plans in her city. Mr. Orner stated that he would contact Felice and ask her to give a presentation at the February 23rd EDARC meeting. EDARC Minutes 02/02/99 Page 2 There was discussion regarding the Applewood Business Association which deals with the Applewood Shopping Center and businesses in unincorporated Jefferson County and Lakewood businesses in the Applewood area. It was suggested that the Commission might want to appoint an EDARC member to be a liaison to the Applewood Business Association. It was . also suggested that members of ED ARC consider attending meetings of the West Chamber of Commerce and the Northwest Chamber of Commerce. There was discussion regarding the possibility of hosting a roundtable discussion with representatives from varied Wheat Ridge businesses, City Council, EDARC and city staff to brainstorm business development and business retention ideas with the intention of formulating a plan. It was also suggested that the Commission meet with various business associations in the City in an attempt to learn how the city could support local businesses. Commissioner KIPLINGER stated that he would look into the status ofthe West 38th Avenue Merchants Association. For the benefit of Mr. Hall, Mr. Orner explained that EDARC members were assigned to surrounding municipalities to meet with their economic development reps to learn what other cities are doing in regard to business development and retention and write a brief report for discussion by EDARC. There was a consensus of the Commission to have these reports completed for discussion at the next EDARC meeting on February 23, 1999. There was discussion regarding the budget for economic development. Mr. White stated that since the funds for EDARC are generated from urban renewal, he would have to find out if these funds could be spent for business development and retention. Mr. Orner stated that a line item was proposed by staff in the 1999 budget for funds for a business retention and development program; however, it was deleted from the draft budget before it went before City Council for their consideration. Mr. Orner reported that Mr. Burnall expects the picnic hosted by the 44th A venue Merchants Association to be much larger this year. He suggested that this would be a good opportunity for EDARC to become involved and perhaps assist in the expansion of this Association. Commissioner KIPLINGER stated that he has a conflict with meeting on the fourth Tuesday of the month. There was a consensus to address the EDARC meeting dates at the next meeting. 8. ADJOURNMENT It was moved by Commissioner BURKPILE and seconded by Commissioner LEO to adjourn the meeting at 8:25 p.m. The motion carried 6-0 with Commissioners BEHM, COLLINS and THEWS absent. EDARC Minutes 02/02/99 Page 3