GOVERNMENT

Downtown Medford

Board of Directors Board Minutes

  • Minutes
  • Agenda
    5.8.2007 Medford Urban Renewal Agency Board of Directors - Minutes

    A.
    Executive Session

    A meeting of the Medford Urban Renewal Agency Board of Directors was called to order in Executive Session at 6:36 p.m., on the above date, in City Hall Conference Room 338 of the City of Medford by Chair Eric Stark, with the following members in attendance:

    BOARD MEMBERS:
    Present
    Eric Stark, Chair
    Peter Naumes, Vice-Chair
    Jim Kuntz, Council Representative
    Bill Dames
    Skip Patterson (arrived 6:40 p.m.)
    Joy Pelikan

    Absent
    Greg Yechout, Secretary
    Jason Anderson, Council Representative
    Dick Entinger

    STAFF:
    Present
    Jackie Rodgers, Executive Director
    Terri Rozzana, Administrative Support Technician

    GUESTS:
    Don Burt, Consultant
    Dan Thorndike, Agency Attorney

    Pursuant to ORS 192.660(2)(e), “The governing body of a public body may hold an executive session to conduct deliberations with persons designated by the governing body to negotiate real property transactions.”

    EXECUTIVE SESSION CLOSED AT 7:07 P.M.





    B.
    Open Session
    I.
    Roll Call

    1.1 A meeting of the Medford Urban Renewal Agency Board of Directors was called to order in Open Session at 7:11 p.m., in City Hall Council Chambers of
    the City of Medford, on the above date, by Chair Eric Stark, with the following Members and Staff in attendance:

    BOARD MEMBERS:
    Present
    Eric Stark, Chair
    Peter Naumes, Vice-Chair
    Jim Kuntz, Council Representative
    Bill Dames
    Skip Patterson
    Joy Pelikan

    Absent
    Greg Yechout, Secretary
    Jason Anderson, Council Representative
    Dick Entinger

    STAFF:
    Present
    Jackie Rodgers, Executive Director
    Terri Rozzana, Administrative Support Technician

    II.
    Minutes

    2.1 Minutes for the April 10, 2007 Medford Urban Renewal Agency Board of Directors meeting were submitted.

    Chair Eric Stark inquired whether there were any corrections to the Medford Urban Renewal Agency Board Minutes of April 10, 2007.

    Skip Patterson stated that on page 2, second paragraph, Mike Mikes needs to be corrected to Mike Miles.

    Hearing no other corrections, Mr. Stark stated that the Minutes stand approved with the correction.

    III.
    Communications from the Audience

    Mike Miles, 132 E. Main Street, Unit B, Medford, Oregon expressed his view that there are parking problems in downtown and certain recommended solutions should be considered by the Board and Parking Committee.

    Eric Stark instructed Mr. Miles to present his specific complaints and recommendations to the Parking Committee.

    Skip Patterson stated that he was a member of the Task Force that met on April 19, 2007 to discuss issues that have been brought before the Board and Parking Committee regarding Mr. Miles’ concerns. The Task Force concurred that the Parking Committee is addressing all the issues that are presented to them, and in a timely fashion.

    Bill Dames commented that downtown merchants should educate themselves regarding downtown parking so that they may address their customer’s parking concerns.

    IV.
    Communications from Staff

    4.1 Project Updates

    a. Bartlett Street Improvement

    Staff reported that Cameron, McCarthy, Gilbert and Scheibe are nearing the final design stage of the Bartlett Street Improvement project. The final design will be presented to the Board for final approval.

    b. The Commons - EPA Grant RFP

    Staff stated that a Request for Proposals for Phases I and II environmental site assessment services in The Commons area has been advertised in the Mail Tribune and Daily Journal of Commerce. The Request for Proposals were due on April 30, 2007. The environmental services will be paid with a portion of the $200,000 EPA Grant the Agency received this fiscal year. The Agency is forming a selection committee to review the submitted proposals.

    c. Bella Vita

    Staff reported that the response from the State on the mixed-use condominium declaration was received by Mr. Grant. Mr. Grant needs to coordinate with Cook Development Corporation’s attorney to make some minor changes to the declaration. According to Mr. Grant, the final declaration is nearing completion.

    4.2 Real Property Modifications: Middleford Parking Structure

    Staff stated that the Agency approved Salon Nouveau’s request to extend part of their space into Neoglassic’s area. Neoglassic has consented to Salon Nouveau’s extension.

    4.3 Medford in the 21st Century Vision Strategy Plan, Medford Urban Renewal Agency Update

    Staff reported that the Medford in the 21st Century Vision Strategy Plan, Medford Urban Renewal Agency Update was sent to the City to be presented to City Council.

    V.
    Written Communications

    5.1 Letter: April 11, 2007; re: Carnegie Building participation

    Staff reported that on April 11, 2007 the Agency responded to Mayor Gary Wheeler’s request for participation in the Carnegie Building Project with support in the amount of $3,750 for historic preservation services. The Board officially approved this participation by resolution at its April 10, 2007 meeting.

    5.2 Letter: April 12, 2007; re: Carnegie presentation request

    Staff stated that on April 12, 2007 the Agency sent a letter to Mayor Gary Wheeler requesting updates to the Board from the Carnegie Building, i.e. the Carnegie’s intended purpose or use and by whom, statement of accounting for the Agency’s $3,750 participation, timelines, etc.

    Pete Naumes inquired as to the reason the Agency sent two letters and not just one letter stating both the participation and presentation request. Staff reported that once the first letter was prepared prior to the Board’s request for presentations.

    VI.
    Report from Chair

    There was none.

    VII.
    Reports of Committees

    7.1 Parking Committee

    Staff presented to the Board the Downtown Parking District Accomplishments for the Fiscal Biennium 2005-2007. Two major accomplishments were the Evergreen Parking Structure opening in December 2006, providing 254 parking spaces (not including the basement), and the creation of the “Parking Information Booklet”. Staff noted that eight (8) Task Forces have been created to remedy issues brought to the Parking Committee. Staff reported that the Parking Committee meets Wednesday, May 9, 2007 at 8:00 a.m. in the Medford Urban Renewal Agency Conference Room, located at 45 South Holly Street. The meeting is open to the public.

    Pete Naumes stated that Mr. Miles’ parking issues were addressed by the Parking Committee.

    Bill Dames noted that parking issues would change and need to be addressed as construction improvements change the Downtown.

    Eric Stark inquired whether the Parking Enforcement RFP and contract have been advertised. Staff reported that a Task Force has been created to discuss the Parking Enforcement RFP and contract.

    7.2 Marketing Committee

    Staff reported that the Marketing Committee’s primary discussion centered around continued downtown events and support. The Marketing Committee’s consensus is that next year’s marketing budget will focus on completion of the Banner Program. The Marketing Committee will share with the Parking Committee a Questions and Answers advertising format regarding Downtown Parking. Staff noted that “The Taste of History” event was created by the Marketing Committee.


    VIII.
    Business

    8.1 Consideration to approve Resolution No. 07-05-09 modifying the Historic Façade Grant Program Guidelines and Requirements

    Staff stated that at its April 24, 2007 study session, the Board directed Staff to prepare for Board consideration a resolution to modify the Historic District Façade Grant Program Guidelines and Requirements to: 1) remove “National franchise/corporation with multiple locations outside of Medford” from under “Ineligible Participants”; 2) include the statement “Upon regulatory approvals and application approval, applicant has 180 days for project completion” under “Commitment of Funds”; 3) include the verbiage “per the attached map” under “Eligible Areas”; and 4) attach “Boundaries of the Medford Downtown Historic District” map.

    Modifying the current Historic District Façade Grant Program Guidelines and Requirements would allow the following: 1) By not limiting the participation of property owners which are national franchise/corporation with multiple locations outside of Medford, this increases opportunities for the program to create a “…comfortable, safe and pleasant pedestrian environment with a visual consistency throughout” the Historic District; and 2) A timeline of 180 days for project completion upon all regulatory approvals and application approval allows the program to be re-evaluated during each fiscal year.

    Pete Naumes inquired as to the origin of design assistance of up to fifteen (15) hours of free architectural and historical consultation and design services available per façade project. Staff reported that it was to encourage participation in the Façade Improvement Program and to assist in what could be an over whelming process for some.

    MOTION: It was moved by Skip Patterson to approve Resolution No. 07-0509 amending the Historic District Façade Grant Program Guidelines and Requirements. Joy Pelikan seconded the motion.

    VOTE: The following Board members passed the motion with a unanimous affirmative vote: Bill Dames, Jim Kuntz, Pete Naumes, Skip Patterson, Joy Pelikan, and Eric Stark.


    IX.
    Comments from City Council Representatives

    9.1 Council Minutes, April 19, 2007

    Council Representative, Jim Kuntz, had no report.

    Staff reported on the following City Council Agenda Items in regards to the Medford Urban Renewal Agency:

    April 19, 2007 City Council Agenda Item 30.3 Historical Signage - The Board was informed of the Downtown Historical Signage program at its March 27, 2007 Study Session. City Manager, Mike Dyal had requested that the Agency share in the cost of historical signs in the Downtown Historic District. The total is expected to be $3,000, shared between the City, Heart of Medford Association and Medford Urban Renewal Agency at $1000 each. The project is spearheaded by the Historic Commission. Cathy deWolfe is Chair of that Commission and is also on the Medford Urban Renewal Agency Budget Committee.

    April 19, 2007 City Council Agenda Item 80.4 Historical Signage – Council Member Jim Kuntz reported on the Medford Urban Renewal Agency meeting and its support of the Historic Signage program. Mr. Kuntz also noted that a joint meeting of the Medford Urban Renewal Agency Board of Directors and the Parking Committee is planned.

    April 19, 2007 City Council Agenda Item 70. ODOT Street Closure and Street Crossing - Oregon Department of Transportation is planning closure of the railroad crossing at 11th Street, which is out of the Agency’s district; and will be upgrading the 3rd Street crossing.

    April 19, 2007 City Council Agenda Item 150.7. Carnegie Library – Mayor Gary Wheeler reported on the Carnegie Building Committee and that at this point they are awaiting the finalization of the consulting contract with Mr. George Kramer. They also discussed the need to improve the façade of the annex portion of the building.

    X.
    Comments from Board

    Skip Patterson mentioned that Mike Miles had volunteered to paint “T” marks on curbs, making it easier for the downtown patron to see in order to park inside the marks. Staff reported that Mr. Miles’ request had been discussed with the City’s Public Works Director, Cory Crebbin.

    Eric Stark inquired of the criteria to participate on the Medford Downtown Parking District Parking Committee. Staff reported that the specific criteria for participation on the Parking Committee were not readily available but would make available the brochure to Mr. Stark.

    XI.
    Adjournment

    The meeting was adjourned at 8:00 p.m. The proceedings of this Board meeting were recorded on tape and filed in the Medford Urban Renewal Agency office.


    ______________________________________
    Submitted by:
    Terri L. Rozzana
    Administrative Support Technician


    _____________________________________
    Approved by:
    Pete Naumes, Vice-Chair
    5.8.2007 Agenda

    A. Executive Session
    1. Pursuant to ORS 192.660(2)(e), “The governing body of a public body may hold an executive session to conduct deliberations with persons designated by the governing body to negotiate real property transactions.”

    B. Open Session
    1. Attendance
    1.1 Roll Call
    2. Approval of Minutes
    2.1 Board Minutes of April 10, 2007
    3. Communications from Audience (Non-Agenda Items)
    4. Communications from Staff
    4.1 Project Updates
    a. Bartlett Street Improvement
    b. The Commons
    EPA Grant RFP
    c. Bella Vita
    d. Parking Lot Improvement (between Theater Alley and 8th Street)
    4.2 Real Property Modification: Middleford Parking Structure
    4.3 Medford in the 21st Century Vision Strategy Plan, MURA Update
    5. Written Communications
    5.1 Letter: April 11, 2007; re: Carnegie Building participation
    5.2 Letter: April 12, 2007; re: Carnegie presentation request
    6. Report from Chair
    7. Report from Committees
    7.1 Parking Committee (Draft Minutes, April 11, 2007; Agenda, May 9, 2007)
    7.2 Marketing Committee (Draft Minutes, April 18, 2007)
    8. Business
    8.1 Consideration to approve Resolution No. 07-05-09 modifying the Façade Grant Program Guidelines and Requirements
    9. Comments from City Council Representatives
    9.1 Council Minutes, April 19, 2007
    10. Comments from Board
    11. Adjournment


    BUDGET COMMITTEE AND BOARD MEETING: TUESDAY, MAY 22, 2007
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