Agenda
6.23.2009 Medford Urban Renewal Agency Board of Directors
A.
Executive Session
A meeting of the Medford Urban Renewal Agency Board of Directors was called to order in Executive Session at 6:30 p.m. by Acting Chair Skip Patterson, on the above date, in the Medford Urban Renewal Agency Conference Room, 45 South Holly Street, City of Medford, with the following Members and Staff in attendance:
BOARD MEMBERS:
Present
Skip Patterson, Vice Chair
Bill Dames, Secretary
Chris Corcoran, Council Representative
Dick Entinger
Dick Gordon, Council Representative
Jim Kuntz, Council Representative
Claudette Moore
Eric Stark
Absent
Gregory Yechout, Chair
STAFF:
Present
Jackie Rodgers, Executive Director
Terri Rozzana, Administrative Support Technician
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 6:48 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 7:00 p.m., in the Medford Urban Renewal Agency, located at 45 South Holly Street, Medford, Oregon, on the above date, by Acting Chair Skip Patterson, with the following Members and Staff in attendance:
BOARD MEMBERS:
Present
Skip Patterson, Vice Chair
Bill Dames, Secretary
Chris Corcoran, Council Representative
Dick Entinger
Dick Gordon, Council Representative
Jim Kuntz, Council Representative
Claudette Moore
Eric Stark
Absent
Gregory Yechout, Chair
STAFF:
Present
Jackie Rodgers, Executive Director
Terri Rozzana, Administrative Support Technician
AUDIENCE:
Bill Hoke, Deputy City Manager
Eric Iversen, Project Manager Lithia Motors, Inc.
Alison Chan, Finance Director, City of Medford
Joy Pelikan, Retired MURA Board Member
Sally Densmore, MURA Budget Committee Chair
1.2 Presentation: Certificate of Appointment, Dick Gordon, New Council Representative.
Mr. Patterson presented Mr. Dick Gordon, City of Medford Council Representative, with a Certificate of Appointment to the Medford Urban Renewal Agency Board of Directors.
Mr. Gordon thanked Mr. Patterson and stated that he looks forward to working with the other Board members.
1.3 Presentation: Appreciation to Joy Pelikan.
Mr. Patterson presented Joy Pelikan with an appreciation plaque for her years served (2005-2009) on the Agency Board of Directors.
Joy Pelikan stated that it was a pleasure serving as a MURA Board Member, particularly serving with each of the Board Members. She stated she really enjoyed working with Jackie Rodgers.
III.
Communications from the Audience
(taken out of sequence)
Bill Hoke, Deputy City Manager, reported that at the Board's June 9, 2009 meeting, City Manager Mike Dyal requested a financial contribution from the Agency towards the New Markets Tax Credit Program for The Commons Project. In order to give more credibility for the New Markets Tax Credit application, the City of Medford and the Agency would be listed as partners with Lithia.
Eric Iversen, 360 E. Jackson Street, Project Manager, Lithia, Inc., presented his explanation of the New Markets Tax Credit. The New Markets Tax Credit is a 39 percent credit on an equity investment to a Community Development Entity (CDE) that is claimed over a 7-year compliance period. Lithia is looking at the Leverage Transaction.
Skip Patterson stated that if monies come into a government agency they cannot be used as a tax credit; they must be sold. Eric Iversen agreed. It is looked at as an asset.
Bill Dames inquired whether Lithia was looking for an "angel investor" plus someone to sell the credits. Eric Iversen replied, "No".
Bill Hoke reported that the CDE must make a Qualified Equity Investment or loan to a Qualified Business in a Qualified Low Income Community (LICs). Most commercial and mixed-use real estate development projects located in LIC's are Qualified Businesses. Residential projects without a commercial component do no qualify.
Chris Corcoran inquired whether it was conceivable that the Agency spend the $50,000 requested and walk away with zero tax credits. Bill Hoke replied that it is conceivable.
Chris Corcoran asked Bill Hoke whether the City of Medford and MURA would partner with Lithia in that order on the application. Bill Hoke replied that it would be in that order on the application for the tax credits as a public-private project. Chris asked Bill Hoke, as part of the partnership, whether he is requesting $25,000 to $50,000 from the MURA Board and a lesser amount from the City. Bill Hoke stated that Lithia has indicated they will "pony up" as well. Lithia is not requesting that the City carry the full weight. They want to be a participant as well.
Skip Patterson requested clarification as to whether it would be a MURA-City-Lithia project. Bill Hoke responded that it would be a City-MURA-Lithia project. That is how the application would read.
Dick Entinger commented that, just as a caution, a public-private project in the state of Oregon falls under BOLI regulations. Both Bill Hoke and Eric Iversen stated that they are fully aware that the project, except for the Lithia Building, will be BOLI.
Eric Stark asked if once you get beyond the initial "look phase" whether it is then a guarantee. Eric Iversen replied that it is then pretty much a guarantee.
Bill Hoke stated that the Board should anticipate the $50,000 application fee a must. It is a credit not a deduction.
Chris Corcoran inquired as to when the City needed a decision from the MURA Board. Bill Hoke replied that there is a sense of urgency for Lithia to move forward; a timely response would be appreciated.
(Discussion continued under X. Comments from Board)
The Commons meeting is scheduled for Friday, June 26, 2009. Those in attendance will be Jackie Rodgers, Dan Thorndike, Bill Hoke, Lori Cooper, Mike Silvey and Mark DeBoer.
II.
Minutes
(taken out of sequence)
2.1 Minutes for the June 9, 2009 Medford Urban Renewal Agency Board Meeting were submitted.
Staff reported that the Draft Medford Urban Renewal Agency Board Meeting Minutes of June 9, 2009 were submitted in the Board packet. Chris Corcoran added some amendments. Those amendments were made to the Final Minutes. Mr. Corcoran explained those amendments.
MOTION: It was moved by Claudette Moore to approve the Final Minutes that included amendments to the draft Minutes of the June 9, 2009 Board meeting. Jim Kuntz seconded the motion.
VOTE: The following Board members approved the motion with an affirmative vote: Chris Corcoran, Bill Dames, Dick Entinger, Jim Kuntz, Claudette Moore, Skip Patterson, Dick Gordon and Eric Stark. The motion passed.
2.2 Minutes for the May 26, 2009 Budget Committee Meeting were submitted.
Acting Chair Skip Patterson stated that by polling the Budget Committee, the Minutes stand approved with 16 yes votes and one Budget Committee Member (Jim Kuntz) not responding to the emailed survey. Mr. Kuntz stated that at this time he votes yes.
MOTION: It was moved by Claudette Moore to approve the Minutes of the May 26, 2009 Budget Committee meeting. Jim Kuntz seconded the motion.
VOTE: The following Board members approved the motion with an affirmative vote: Skip Patterson, Dick Entinger, Eric Stark, Claudette Moore, Jim Kuntz and Chris Corcoran. Dick Gordon abstained. The motion passed.
IV.
Communications from Staff
4.1 Project Updates
8th and Fir Streetscape: Staff reported that the delay of the project, at the request of the City, has been conveyed to the intended lowest responsible bidder, KOGAP. They have been notified that the project has been postponed for an undetermined period and that they will be notified of the project's status within sixty (60) days, approximately September 7, 2009. KOGAP made no guarantees regarding price, but they will do what they can. Due to the closeness of the second lowest bid, any price increase will likely require a rebid.
Chris Corcoran reported that at the last Board meeting he volunteered to be the liaison for updating the Board every 30 days regarding the 8th & Fir Streetscape project postponement. It has only been two weeks. He does not have an update at this time.
Staff reported there has been no communication from the City to assist with the RFP.
Park(ing) Day 2009: Staff stated that Brian Sjothun, Parks & Recreation Director, had requested the use of the northwest corner of the Evergreen project site (corner of Fir and Main Streets) for his 2009 National Park(ing) Day event on September 18, 2009. At the initial request in May, it was expected that sidewalk improvements in the area would be complete. Since the request for delay of the project by the City, it is uncertain whether that site will be available for the event, considering the possibility of a late construction start. The Agency is working with Mr. Sjothun to accommodate his requirements for the event.
The Commons: Parties to the DDA have met or are meeting individually with their legal counsel, reviewing the DDA. Friday, June 26, 2009 all of the parties and their legal representatives will meet to collaborate on the DDA renegotiations. Jackie Rodgers and Dan Thorndike will be meeting with Bill Hoke, Lori Cooper, Mike Silvey and Mark DeBoer.
Downtown Fire Station: Staff is scheduling a meeting with Fire Chief Dave Bierwiler and the subcommittee comprised of Skip Patterson, Greg Yechout, Jim Kuntz and Fire Chief Dave Bierwiler for next week. The City wants a commitment by the end of June 2009, when the application is due.
4.2 Contracts Updates
Staff reported that per direction from the Board at their June 9, 2009 meeting, Staff distributed a list of the Agency's active contracts, including purpose, contractor, term and amount of the contract. The Board will be kept apprised of future contracts.
Claudette Moore inquired as to the scope of services that Passey Advertising provide under their public relations and marketing services contract. Staff stated that Passey Advertising provides taking downtown event photos, press releases, media graphics, videos, media buys, written publications and oversees the Agency's Banner Program.
Claudette Moore inquired whether the Donald R. Burt Consulting contract amounts are an "up-to" amount. Staff reported that Mr. Burt's contract amounts are "not to exceed" amounts.
4.3 Budget Details
Per request of the Board at their June 9, 2009 meeting, a detailed breakdown of the capital projects expenditures as budgeted for FY09-10 is being prepared.
4.4 Board Membership and Terms of Appointment
On June 18, 2009 Medford City Council approved an ordinance amending the City Code pertaining to the Agency Board membership and terms of appointment.
A minimum of three members (rather than two) of the Board shall be members of City Council with full voting rights. Councilmembers shall serve to the end of their current council terms. Councilmembers shall be selected with overlapping terms. Those councilmembers shall be acting as Agency Board members and not as City of Medford Councilmembers.
Commencing July 1, 2009, non-Council members shall be appointed to staggered terms. At the first regularly scheduled meeting in July 2009 the non-council Board member terms shall be assigned as follows:
Positions 1 and 4 shall expire 1/31/10 (The two longest tenured Board members)
Dames
Patterson
Positions 2 and 5 shall expire 1/31/11 (The two next longest tenured Board members)
Entinger
Stark
Positions 3 and 6 shall expire 1/31/12 (The two least tenured Board members)
Yechout
Moore
After these initial terms, the positions shall be open for re-appointment for a term of three years.
Claudette Moore inquired whether the members could reapply. Staff stated yes, they could reapply.
Staff reported that also included in the Board packet attached to Staff Report, Agenda Item: 4.3 was City Ordinance No. 2009-138, Draft Minutes from Council meeting 6/18/09 and MURA Board Members' History.
Staff stated that through the past 21 years the Agency has had 11 Councilmembers, 2 members serving 21 years; Skip Patterson and Bill Dames. That is a lot of dedication and hard work, 2 meetings a month, for that many years. Dick Entinger has served 10 years; Eric Stark and Greg Yechout 6 years; Jim Kuntz 2 years; Claudette Moore 1 year; Chris Corcoran 0.5 years; and Dick Gordon 2 meetings. Several Board members have moved on to Mayor, one went on to City Council then State Representative. We have had very impressive representation on our Board. The history that goes with all the years served by a handful of individuals is invaluable to the Agency. These people should be applauded.
4.5 Personnel
Staff reported that that on June 9, 2009 City Council approved Council Bill 2009-139 amending Medford City Code Section 2.446 pertaining to parking in the Central Business District, whereby the City will resume management of the Downtown Parking District effective July 1, 2009. The Agency has been working with the City in the transition.
Errin Constantine, the Agency's Office Administrator, applied to the City and was selected for the City Manager's Office position to assist with the Parking program. She will transfer to that position with the City on July 1, 2009. Errin's MURA assignments are being absorbed by the Agency's current staff, including the Director.
Bill Hoke confirmed that Errin Constantine was selected for the position to assist with the Parking program, and apologized that no announcement had been shared with the Agency that Errin would be moving to the City.
Eric Stark inquired whether the Parking Committee has been disbanded. Bill Hoke reported that the City was not going to do anything radical. The biggest change will be where the Parking Committee meets in July. It probably will be in the Lausmann Annex.
Staff extended the invitation that the City could use the MURA Conference Room for their Parking Committee meetings, if necessary due to the City Hall remodel and current space constraints for the City.
V.
Written Communication
5.1 Email: June 11, 2009 -- Doug Detling, City Human Resources Director -- "Notice of Proposed Changes to the Management Rules"
Staff reported that on June 18, 2009 City Council approved an ordinance amending the Rules and Regulations for Executive, Supervisory and Confidential-Professional Employees pertaining to salaries and benefits:
"All salary range steps for employees covered by the Rules and Regulations would be adjusted effective July 1, 2009 by 3%, except that the Deputy City Manager range would be increased by 6% to allow the City Manager to compensate for additional duties related to the management of downtown parking. Adopting these increases will avoid creating salary compression between supervisory employees and union employees who will receive increases, in some cases greater than 3%, based on bargaining unit agreements.
The Deputy City Manager, City Attorney and Department Heads would continue to receive performance increases within their respective salary ranges."
The new rules take effect July 1, 2009 and provide a 3% base salary increase for all management employees, including the Agency Executive Director.
These increases are within the resources of the recently adopted City 2009-2011 Biennial Budget and Agency 2009-2010 Annual Budget.
The Board Chair (or its representative) is required to sign City of Medford Personnel Action form in order for the Agency's Executive Director to receive the 3% base salary increase.
MOTION: Claudette Moore moved to approve the City's ordinance amending the Rules and Regulations for Executive, Supervisory and Confidential-Professional Employees pertaining to salaries and benefits for the Agency's Executive Director. Eric Stark seconded the motion. The motion passed.
Dick Gordon inquired whether Jackie Rodgers has a contract with MURA that provides her income and cost of living equal to that of Department Managers with the City of Medford. Skip Patterson confirmed Mr. Gordon's inquiry.
Chris Corcoran inquired as to the meaning of the motion. Skip Patterson stated that it means that the City Council approved an ordinance amending the Rules and Regulations for Executive, Supervisory and Confidential-Professional Employees pertaining to salaries and benefits that also includes Jackie Rodgers. All we are doing as the Board is substantiating City Council's ordinance.
Alison Chan stated that City Council approved to adjust the top end of the scale by an increase of 3% allowing the City Manager to give the 3% but it is not a given.
Dick Gordon inquired whether the final decision is up to the City Manager to grant the 3% increase. Alison Chan stated that was correct.
Dick Gordon inquired whether the increase would be effective on anniversary dates or July 1, 2009. Alison stated that it was a mixture.
Staff stated that the City's Human Resource Department sent a form to the Agency to be completed and signed by the MURA Board for the Executive Director's 3% increase to be effective July 1, 2009. Staff did not solicit the form so what does that mean? Alison Chan stated that if the MURA Board chooses to grant the MURA Executive Director the 3% increase it is available within the range of a Director. Staff inquired whether July 1, 2009 is a date that the City is using. Alison Chan confirmed and stated that Mike Dyal has not yet decided what the Department Heads will receive.
Bill Hoke suggested that the MURA Board Chair sign the form in order for the 3% increase to be available to the MURA Executive Director should the MURA Board approve.
Bill Dames inquired whether the MURA Executive Director's contract adopts City increases. Staff reported that the Executive Directors' contract parallels with the City.
Eric Stark suggested that the Board authorize the Executive Director to complete and submit the form to be eligible for the 3% increase it if happens.
Dick Gordon moved that the motion be tabled until the Executive Director's annual review. Skip Patterson stated that the Executive Director's review is not until December 2009, and without the Board's action, the Executive Director would not be able to receive the 3% increase.
Dick Gordon stated that he heard Alison Chan and Bill Hoke say that Mike Dyal has not made a final decision, that some of the Department Heads would receive the 3% increase on their anniversary dates and others on July 1, 2009.
Eric Stark stated that the MURA Board is not making a final decision right now to grant the increase to the Executive Director.
Jim Kuntz suggested that Mr. Gordon look at it as "enabling legislation". Mr. Gordon stated that if it is enabling, then fine, but would like the MURA Board of Directors to make the final decision as to whether the increase is granted or not. All Board members agreed that they would have the final decision.
VOTE: The following Board members approved the motion with an affirmative vote: Claudette Moore, Dick Gordon, Skip Patterson, Chris Corcoran, Jim Kuntz, Eric Stark, Dick Entinger and Bill Dames. The motion passed.
VI.
Reports from Chair
Skip Patterson thanked the Board for having him Chair this evening's meeting.
VII.
Reports from Committee
Parking Committee
Staff reported that the Parking Committee June 10, 2009 meeting draft Minutes were included in the Board agenda packet. The transition is moving smoothly, Bill Hoke confirmed.
7.2 Marketing Committee
Staff reported that the Marketing Committee meeting Minutes for May 20, 2009 were included in the Board agenda packet.
VIII.
Business
8.1 Consideration of Resolution No. 09-06-08 authorizing an updated Personal Services contract between the Medford Urban Renewal Agency and Daniel C. Thorndike, Attorney at Law for services as general legal counsel to the Agency.
Staff read aloud the staff report. Blackhurst, Hornecker, Hassen and Thorndike and Ervin B. Hogan Attorneys at Law were awarded the RFQ contract commencing on May 12, 1992 for the Medford Urban Renewal Agency's Attorneys to serve as general legal counsel, with Daniel C. Thorndike acting as principal attorney, continuing until notification of termination is made by either the Agency or Contractor.
The Agency's decision to extend the contact has been based on Daniel C. Thorndike's familiarity with the City's urban renewal plan and programs and their implementation, tax increment financing and Mr. Thorndike's availability (physical location and proximity to the Agency).
With this new contract, the "Scope of Services" has been modified, but remains within the original scope. The decision to contract with Daniel C. Thorndike, Attorney continues to be based on the same criteria. It should be noted that, under Section 38.3 (A) of the Agency's adopted Administrative Regulations Relating to Contracting and Purchasing, there is no formal selection process required if a contract is for legal services.
The Agency's Attorney is responsible for providing professional legal services for the Agency, including the preparation of legal documents, rendering of legal opinions, and the representation of the Agency in civil proceedings. Daniel C. Thorndike, Attorney will follow the usual and customary practice to make findings, provide opinions, make factual presentations, and provide professional advice and recommendations.
The contract for the Agency's Legal Services Consultant terminates simultaneously with the termination of the Agency.
Bill Dames inquired whether Dan Thorndike had reviewed the contract. Staff reported that Mr. Thorndike has reviewed his contract but he noted that he has an obvious conflict of interest regarding this particular contract and cannot provide a formal opinion.
Dick Entinger inquired as to who determines the amount of insurance limits for contracts. Staff reported that the City's Risk Manager does.
Dick Entinger inquired whether the City's Risk Manager approved Article XVI. (1) Commercial automobile bodily injury and property damage liability insurance covering owned, non-owned, rented, and hired autos. The combined single limit for bodily injury and property damage shall be not less than $500,000. "Medford Urban Renewal Agency and its officers, employees and agents while acting within the scope of their duties as such" shall be named an additional Insured.
Staff reported that the City's Risk Manager was sent a copy of the contract requesting his approval of Article XVI. Robert Calkins, City of Medford Risk Manager, responded stating that it "looks good to me".
MOTION: It was moved by Bill Dames to approve Resolution No. 09-06-06 authorizing an updated Personal Services contract between the Medford Urban Renewal Agency and Daniel C. Thorndike, Attorney at Law for services as general legal counsel to the Agency. Claudette Moore seconded the motion.
VOTE: The following Board members passed the motion with an affirmative vote: Eric Stark, Chris Corcoran, Jim Kuntz, Dick Gordon, Bill Dames, Skip Patterson, Claudette Moore and Dick Entinger. The motion passed.
IX.
Comments from City Council Representatives
Councilman Corcoran stated that he had no comments.
Councilman Kuntz stated that he was available for the meeting on Monday afternoon, June 29, 2009 regarding the Downtown Fire Station.
Skip Patterson reported that he would not be available for the meeting on Monday afternoon, June 29, 2009 regarding the Downtown Fire Station, but check with all parties to see if Tuesday would be convenient.
There was no comment from Councilman Dick Gordon.
X.
Comments from Board
Jim Kuntz inquired whether the Board wanted to further discuss where the money would come from for the New Markets Tax Credit.
Staff reported that they will propose as part of The Commons DDA renegotiations that the $50,000 come from those funds.
Chris Corcoran stated that the DDA would not be renegotiated before the urgency is going to pass. The decision for the expenditure should come fairly soon, from his understanding.
Bill Hoke replied that the sooner action is taken on the expenditure, the sooner the results may be. The quicker The Commons gets off the ground the quicker they would get the money from the investments.
Skip Patterson inquired of the Board their consideration of $50,000 for the New Markets Tax Credit application.
Bill Dames stated that he thought the Agency could commit to one-third of the $25,000 to $50,000. Claudette Moore agreed.
Eric Stark inquired whether the Agency is committing $25,000 of the previously committed funds to The Commons. Skip Patterson stated, in his opinion, that is exactly where the money would be taken from. Eric Stark stated that if that is the case, then why not commit to $50,000. If they are going to agree that it's part of the previously committed funds to The Commons, our part of the $14.1M, we will just agree to the $50,000.
Claudette Moore replied that when Lithia does their grant application it will look stronger if Medford Urban Renewal Agency put in the $50,000.
Chris Corcoran inquired whether it was permissible, under the DDA, if it is going to be rewritten, to make the motion that the $50,000 is going to be reimbursed. Initially the $50,000 is going to have to come from someplace else.
Skip Patterson inquired if the funds could be similar to a note.
Staff inquired as to how soon the application requires the money. Bill Hoke stated that no one has given him a definitive date, but from his understanding, action needs to be taken. Staff inquired whether the Agency needs to make a commitment by July or write the check by July. Mr. Hoke did not know the answer but stated that he could have an answer to Staff tomorrow, Wednesday June 24, 2009. Staff stated that if a commitment was made right now, then the Board should discuss where the money would come from.
Dick Entinger stated that under the assumption that this is going to be part of the renegotiated DDA, we do have funds available from the incentive money for Bella Vita which does not appear that we will need that money in the next 60 days. He is not happy with this, but in his opinion, this solves the problem. It is about development. He would rather take the money from there instead of personnel or the façade grant program.
Claudette Moore stated that the Board can commit to giving $50,000 to the New Markets Tax Credit application, and asked if we have to decide tonight, exactly where that's coming out of the budget. Chris Corcoran and Dick Entinger both stated that the Board has to make a commitment. Claudette Moore: "Can't we say it is going to come out of the commitment for The Commons?" Dick Entinger: "The DDA is not going to be renegotiated in time for us to get the check written."
MOTION: It was moved by Jim Kuntz that $50,000 be taken out of the Bella Vita contingencies and commit it to the application for the New Markets Tax Credits. Chris Corcoran seconded the motion.
Dick Entinger stated that he wants to make sure that the $50,000 New Markets Tax Credit from the Agency is part of The Commons renegotiated DDA so that we can get reimbursed.
Staff inquired whether the commitment needs to be made tonight; whether we have some time to talk it over with our legal counsel, think about it and take it to our next Board meeting to make this decision. Skip Patterson stated that the next Board meeting is July 14, 2009.
Claudette Moore stated, "Lets do it and then at the next meeting we can make another motion to take it from there to put it over here, from this bucket to that bucket."
VOTE: The following Board members passed the motion with an affirmative vote: Jim Kuntz, Eric Stark, Dick Gordon, Chris Corcoran, Dick Entinger, Claudette Moore, Bill Dames and Skip Patterson. The motion passed.
The Board directed Staff to include the $50,000 into The Commons renegotiated DDA. After that is complete then the Board will make another motion to take it out of The Commons and put it back into the Bella Vita contingency fund. Eric Stark stated that the direction should be discussed on Friday, June 26, 2009 at The Commons meeting. Staff requested clarification of the direction. Claudette Moore stated that the direction is to include the $50,000 in the renegotiated DDA.
Bill Dames stated that in his opinion, direction should be given to Staff to work with the City on their requests for proposals in regards to the Bella Vita project so that dual RFPs are not created.
MOTION: It was moved by Bill Dames to authorize the Executive Director to draft some requests for proposals for the development of Bella Vita. Claudette Moore seconded the motion for discussion.
Bill Dames stated that in his opinion it is important to give the Executive Director direction to get involved in whatever process is going on so that we are not crossing purposes, plus we have our experience on the Bella Vita project. Dick Entinger agreed.
Chris Corcoran stated that at this point he does not see that it is necessary. He said that Mr. Dyal stated during the June 9, 2009 Board meeting that at this point in time there have been some developers that have responded to the City's inquiries on a number of projects and they bit on the Bella Vita. Now the City is simply putting out the RFP's to determine the level of interest, and as this proceeds then the MURA Executive Director will be brought into the discussion loop. At this point in time there is nothing to do.
Skip Patterson stated that since there is a 60 day hold on the Fir Street Streetscape Project, the Executive Director should be involved in the process sooner than later.
Bill Dames stated that the Agency has a history of the project site. The experience there should not be lost.
Claudette Moore stated that possibly the City Councilmembers present could remind City Staff to keep the Executive Director and the MURA Board involved.
Jim Kuntz stated that the message would be relayed.
Bill Dames withdrew his motion and Claudette Moore withdrew her second.
Dick Gordon stated that he understands where Mr. Dames is coming from. In his opinion, it does seem like the City has taken over Bella Vita and it was abruptly done. It does need to be a MURA project. On the other hand MURA has had 5 to 6 years to find a developer and nothing has happened. Of course the economy has not helped matters either. The City has several leads at this point.
Claudette Moore stated that the City of Medford and MURA are partners. We should be working together. The transparency can only be done basically on a Staff level so that we know what is going on. Communication should be better between the City and the Agency.
Skip Patterson stated that the Agency is a tool for the City of Medford. Our assets are open to their cue.
XI.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 8:25 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:
James L. Patterson, Acting Board Chair
6.23.2009 Agenda
No agenda.