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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-11-30 BOA MINUTES MINUTES OF THE APACHE JUNCTION CROSSROADS DEVELOPMENT AREA BOARD OF DIRECTORS NOVEMBER 30, 1999 6:00 P.M. ROLL CALL Board Members Present: Chairman, Douglas Coleman Anne Sunra Joe Durbala Richard Dietz R. E. Eck Carol Urich Board Members Absent: John Insalaco Staff Present: City Manager, Curtis Shook Economic Development Specialist, Ken Simpkins Main St/Chamber of Commerce Director, Rayna Barela Robert Logan, Consultant,Tucson AZ R. Joel Stern, City Attorney Call to Order Chairman Coleman called the meeting to order at 6:05 p.m. and introduced the first agenda item for discussion. Discussion on Board Roles and Responsibilities The Apache Junction City Council acts as the Crossroads Redevelopment Area Board, responsible for directing activities and projects, creating policy and promoting redevelopment within the Crossroads Redevelopment Area. Staff presented a brief review of Board powers and responsibilities under State redevelopment law. These include the power to assemble or dispose of parcels for redevelopment purposes, the Regular Meeting of the Apache Junction Crossroads Redevelopment Area Board of Directors November 30, 1999 Page I of 4 ability to provide incentives in order to attract outside resources to the development area, and the option to operate independently or in conjunction with City funding mechanisms. In the disposition of its duties, the Board provides broad direction and guidance to staff, creates overall policy to guide redevelopment, and determines the choice, order, and scope of projects. Discussion on Structure of the Redevelopment Area Funding possibilities for redevelopment areas were reviewed, and include Tax Increment Financing (TIF) funds, special assessments, property tax abatement, private/industrial development funds, community reinvestment or City general revenue monies, and CDBG grant money. Staff explained that funding secured for the Redevelopment Area must be used within the Area for purposes such as infrastructure development, technical assistance, marketing and education, storefront renovations, development of overlays, or a revolving loan program. The TIF program, complicated by changes to redevelopment law which eliminated the fund for all but Casa Grande and Apache Junction, is expected to yield approximately $650 ,000 during the first five years. This amount may increase, depending upon additional projects being drawn to the Area, but cannot decrease. Although the Board may "save up"enough money for a project using TIT dollars, all projects must be formally identified to ensure the money is not returned to the taxing entity. It was suggested that the first project(s) should be high visibility to maximize the impact of redevelopment in the area and encourage local renovation/redevelopment efforts. CRA staff reported that baseline data is being compiled on properties within the Area to assist with creation of a strategy. One of the larger projects accomplished has been to create a database with property, owner, and leaseholder information for every parcel within the Redevelopment Area. Additionally, owners of the 56-parcel "A.J. Plaza" property have all been contacted and polled regarding their interest in disposing of or redeveloping their parcels. Staff reports that nearly 90% have responded and all desire advice or assistance in developing the property. There was substantial discussion regarding the state and appearance of several properties at the center of the Redevelopment Area and general strategy options that might be considered to promote redevelopment. Issues such as how active a role the City might play in assembling parcels and providing assistance to attract developers were discussed. The Board generally agreed that defining its mission and vision for the Area must be the first steps. Discussion of Initial Proiects Regular Meeting of the Apache Junction Crossroads Redevelopment Area Board of Directors November 30, 1999 Page 2 of 4 It was suggested that the Board develop a list of tasks it would like to have accomplished through redevelopment. Board member Eck expressed concern that all businesses within the Redevelopment Area be treated equally and noted his support of policies and projects which would equalize expenditures over the entire Redevelopment Area. Redevelopment Area Consultant, Robert Logan suggested that since Tax Increment Funding had been secured, an initial, high visibility project such as street lighting or landscaping, be undertaken to illustrate that something is being done and to encourage concurrent activity. He noted that property acquisition or infrastructure projects would require more money than is currently available and counseled the Board to focus on projects which are likely to provide maximum economic benefit to the City and attract outside dollars into the Redevelopment Area. He added that the Board might select "turn-around projects"—those likely to cause a change in the direction of the downtown commercial properties. City Manager Curtis Shook suggested that the Board create a short list of potential project strategies and be prepared to act when suitable opportunities present themselves but encouraged formal determination of a mission statement and goals statement first. He suggested deciding on the administrative structure and function, then creating the process to facilitate the vision before choosing the projects. Board members were in agreement with this strategy. In response to concerns from Board member Surra, staff was directed to provide an up- to-date aerial photograph of the Redevelopment Area with major features placed on it and identifying set areas such as Old West Highway in front of the Fry's property that would not be expected to change due to redevelopment. Also an understanding of how 20201Main Street and Focused Future all mesh in the redevelopment area plan. a map outlining the boundaries of the Redevelopment Area and indicating which portions were unlikely to change and which would likely require redevelopment assistance. Staff was also asked to provide the pertinent mission and vision statements from A Focused Future and the Main Street Vision!2020 so that the Board can fashion a mission and goals in keeping with stated community goals. Staff will also identify projects for the Board to consider after a process is in place. Discussion on Appointment of Advisory Board City Attorney Richard J. Stern whether the Board wished to consider appointing an Advisory Board to research issues and make recommendations, much like the Planning and Zoning Commission currently does for the City Council. Board members were Regular Meeting of the Apache Junction Crossroads Redevelopment Area Board of Directors November 30, 1999 Page 3 of 4 generally not inclined to create such a group but no conclusive determination was made at this meeting. Adiournment The meeting was adjourned at 7:05 p.m. CE Douglas Col an, Chairman Ken Simpkins, Executive Secretary Regular Meeting of the Apache.function Crossroads Redevelopment Area Board of Directors November 30, 1999 Page 4 of 4