Committee Minutes

MINUTES/URBAN DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Wednesday, November 15, 1995 - 5:00 p.m.

Members present: Beach, Hanson.

1. Matter of lighted bridge project.
Mary Jo Deitz Whitcomb stated that she has been working with the CBD Aut. Assn. and Chamber of Commerce on project to light old NP bridge, that it was brought to her attention two weeks ago that there was a possibility of federal funds being available through TE (transportation enhancement), that she notified Dave Broxmeier, Bob Bushfield and Meridith Richards; that they would like to request City to submit the application; that this was the initial project after the completion of a campground and bikeway for the River Forks project. It was noted that they have $15,000 through Beautification and those funds will be carried over and tie into federal funds.

Meridith Richards, MPO employee, stated they are in process of getting cost estimates, that project has grown and going to try to hit 3 categories that these TE projects cover. Planning staff has submitted two projects, one for the Central Park bikeway and one for the pedestrian underpass at 32nd Ave.S. and S. Wash. St.; that this project is bikeway but also hits on historic preserva-tion and safety enhancement. She stated they are looking for deck replacement for entire structure, fence replacement, decorative lighting, functional lighting, and repair of ice shield on pier. Dave Broxmeier stated that there are ten different categories under TE funding, this project qualifies for three. Ms. Richards stated that the $15,000 already committed translates into $75,000 federal match if approved; she will be bringing this matter to the River Forks Commission tomorrow night and also to the EGF city council. Mr. Broxmeier stated they will have better estimates on repairs, etc. in two weeks; application due by December 15. Hanson stated that he would speak in support of the project as this a priority with the Bikeway Committee, that there is possibility TE monies could be done away with and this is a priority, because of liability problem as well.

Moved by Hanson and Beach to suggest as a committee that they pursue the project and report to comm. at the November 29 meeting with additional information. Motion carried. (comm. only)

2. Final payment for Sherlock Construction.
John O'Leary reported that Mr. Sherlock had a number of contracts for portion of the construction in Burdick's Acres, work has been substantially completed, however, the steps that were constructed on front of the 11 houses doesn't comply with expectations of the City in number of regards; all of the steps had pooling problems, steps concave, unreasonable slope on top of steps; that pooling biggest problem, freeze and create hazard to tenants and visitors. He reported that had discussed number of options with Mr. Sherlock, concerned about doing fill on steps, etc.; received est. to replace steps of $8,764.00 and Mr.

MINUTES/URBAN DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
November 15, 1995 - Page 2

Sherlock has indicated he will accept final payment less cost of replacing steps, contingent upon City signing a hold harmless agreement releasing him from any liability on those steps. Mr. O'Leary suggested that because of the hold harmless agreement to refer to the city attorney for his review. It was noted there is a balance of $22,855.30 outstanding, and could release difference of $14,121.34. He stated they probably will rebid next spring, City has some exposure if bid comes in higher, but that City's primary liability. Mr. Siewert concurred in release of the balance of funds, and that there are no other items on the punch list.

Moved by Hanson and Beach to release difference between the total bill and replacement dollars of $8,764.00, which would be $14,121.34, to Mr. Sherlock, and forward document (hold harmless agreement) to city attorney for his review.

Mr. Siewert stated they will try to go out and patch low spots, up to tenants to keep clear of ice; and that they will bid in February/March, and replace by end of April.

Motion carried.

3. Beautification schedule.
Mr. Siewert distributed copies of 1996 schedule and policy and procedure guidelines; and stated they are recommending change in guidelines which were written about 5 years ago; that the change is in the schedule/application process, because of ordering plant life material. He stated they are updating guidelines and requesting approval of the schedule. He reviewed schedule with the committee. It was noted that the Chamber of Commerce Beautification Task Force is made up of individuals at large, chairman is Ken Polovitz, and Chamber provides staff for that committee.

Moved by Hanson and Beach to approve change in guidelines and suggested dates as follows:
November 15, 1995 - Urban Development Committee adopts schedule for applications and approval
November 25, 1995 - public notice and availability of funds
November 27, 1995 - Aps. mailed to past recipients and any
person/organization requesting ap.
December 5, 1995 - Chamber of Comm. Beautification Task
Force meeting
January 5, 1996 - application deadline
January 9, 1996 - Chamber of Comm. Beautification Task
Force meeting
January 10, 1996 - Aps and 1995 budget submitted to Urban
Dev. Comm., and public hearing
January 31, 1996 - Recommended approval of 1996 budget by
committee

MINUTES/URBAN DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
November 15, 1995 - Page 3

February 5, 1996 - City Council approval of 1996 beautifica-
tion budget.

Motion carried.

4. Bond fees for FTZ (Foreign Trade Zone) building expansion.
Mr. O'Leary reported that they issued bonds for $670,000 to finance expansion of the FTZ building which is leased to TAG, and were notified that the fees associated with issuing that bond could not be rolled over into the bond itself, against federal regulations, and have received statement from consultants that the bond issuance and related costs are $36,976.34; thought that the $17,500.00 for legal services were little high. He stated that since they can't pay out of bond proceeds, only other option is to look at the economic development fund through the Growth Fund. He noted that this project has never been in front of the Growth Fund because it's a City building and they referred directly to the city council so matter hasn't been, nor will it be, reviewed by the Growth Fund Committee; that it's an allocation of economic development funds by the city council, and staff's recommendation is to obligate those funds from the economic development fund and to pay the bill. Beach noted that question comes up re. obtaining bond counsel within the state. Mr. O'Leary reported that the bond rate on this issue was 6.2%.
Terry Hanson reported that these costs are added to the lease; and it was also reported that revenues from the lease go back into the economic development fund.

Moved by Hanson and Beach to pay the bill. Motion carried.

5. Demolition bids for 613 8th Avenue South.
Mr. O'Leary reported they had received bids for demolition of house they had acquired about 2 months ago under the Acquisition and Demolition program, and committee authorized demolition. Mr. Siewert distributed copies of tabulation of bids received: 2 bids received for disconnecting and capping of water service at curb stop: Holweger Excavating, $300 and P.D.Q. Sanitary Services, $450; and 2 bids for demolition of the building: Florian & Sons Excavating, Inc., $2,045.00 and R.J. Zavoral & Sons, Inc., $5,500.00; these bids are with City providing trucks for hauling debris and dumping fees. He noted that funds will come out of the Acquisition and Demo. Fund.

Moved by Hanson to accept the bid of Holweger Excavating in the amount of $300.00 to disconnect and cap water service at curb stop; and to accept the bid of Florian & Sons Excavating, Inc. in the amount of $2,045.00 for demolition of the building. Motion carried.

Mr. O'Leary reported that there was property in 700 blk., 4th Avenue, which they though was good candidate for this program;

MINUTES/URBAN DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
November 15, 1995 - Page 4

however, property listed at $53,000, which is out of their range.

6. Schedule for promotional applications.

Mr. O'Leary stated this is an information only item for the committee, that they are in the process of soliciting applications for promotional part of Human Needs Program, and presented agenda for promotional applications:
December 1, 1995 - applications due at Urban Development Office
December 13, 1995 - public hearing before Urban Development
Committee
December 18, 1995 - City Council takes final action.

Moved by Hanson and Beach to approve agenda for promotional applications and funding. Motion carried. (committee only)

7. Consideration of comments on CDBG and Human Needs projects and approval of budget.
Mr. O'Leary stated this will conclude process. Sue Redman, stated that the 30-day comment period ends at 12:00 noon on Fri-day, November 17, that to date they haven't received any comments and they recommend final approval. She noted that any comments received would be presented to the council, and individuals will have an opportunity to speak at council on Monday.

Moved by Hanson and Beach that the council finalize the annual action plan, CDBG application and the Human Needs funding. Motion carried.

Meeting adjourned.

Alice Fontaine
City Clerk

Dated: 11/16/95.