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2004-11-16 Special CIC MinutesMINUTES OF THE SPECIAL COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT COMMISSION MEETING TUESDAY- - NOVEMBER 16, 2004- -7:25 P.M. Chair Johnson convened the Special Meeting at 7:37 p.m. Commissioner Daysog led the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL - Present: Commissioners Daysog, Gilmore, Kerr, Matarrese and Chair Johnson - 5. Absent: None. M T T\TT T'T' F..q (04 -069) Minutes of the Special Joint City Council and Community Improvement Commission (CIC) Meeting and the Special CIC Meetings of November 3, 2004. Approved. Commissioner Kerr moved approval of the minutes. Commissioner Matarrese seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous voice vote - 5. AGENDA ITEM (04 -070) Discussion of funding options for the historic theatre rehabilitation, new two -story cineplex and 350 -space parking structure and request to confirm the Executive Director's recommended funding strategy. The Development Services Director provided a brief presentation on the project funding strategies. Commissioner Daysog noted having a good contingency is important inquired whether the company restoring the old movie theatre has historic restoration experience. The Development Services Director responded that Architectural Resources Group (ARG) would develop the construction documents and has a good reputation in historic renovation. Commissioner Daysog inquired what the argument was for the 200 construction contingency, to which the Development Services Director responded that there is a comfort level in keeping the contingency at 20% because of the project's early stage; as the project moves forward, the contingency could be lowered to 8 -100. Chair Johnson requested that the Commission be advised if the contingency exceeds more than 100. Special Meeting Community Improvement Commission 1 November 16, 2004 The Development Services Director stated that an update could be provided when the Disposition and Development Agreement is considered. Commissioner Daysog stated that he was concerned with the 200 contingency; costs were not nailed down when bonds were issued. Commissioner Matarrese inquired what the impact would be for separating out the historic restoration contingency versus having a smaller contingency and holding monies that would have been in the contingency unallocated. The Development Services Director responded the contingency concern is more of a rising construction cost factor; currently staff is trying to anticipate unit price costs for the future rather than allow for design differentials. Commissioner Matarrese stated that the estimate should be based on a more conservative scenario, which would allow for a smaller contingency. Chair Johnson stated that she would hate not to allocate funds and then have to find money elsewhere. Robb Ratto, Park Street Business Association (PSBR), thanked the Community Improvement Commission for making the project the number one priority in the downtown area. Chair Johnson stated the Council and Community Improvement Commission have requested a two -year completion date on the project. Commissioner Kerr stated the project is very big in terms of money; Proposition 1 -A provides some comfort against raids on redevelopment funds; the Legislature has never paid attention to Article 16 of the State Constitution; stated that she will abstain from voting; there should be more surety on the status of redevelopment funds. Commissioner Matarrese stated the project is a top priority for downtown; the City needs to move forward; that he appreciates the caution and fiscal responsibility exemplified and does not want to mistake proceeding carefully with slowly. Commissioner Matarrese moved approval of the staff recommendation. Commissioner Gilmore seconded the motion. Special Meeting Community Improvement Commission 2 November 16, 2004 Under discussion, Chair Johnson stated that many people in Alameda do not think that the project is going forward. Commissioner Daysog stated the project is important for moving Alameda forward as well as revitalizing Park Street; stated it is important to move forward prudently; working closely with the historic preservation community is important. On the call for the question, the motion carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Commissioners Daysog, Gilmore, Matarrese, and Chair Johnson - 4. Abstention: Commissioner Kerr - 1. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Chair Johnson adjourned the Special Meeting at 8:00 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Lara Weisiger, Secretary Community Improvement Commission The agenda for this meeting was posted in accordance with the Brown Act. Special Meeting Community Improvement Commission 3 November 16, 2004