2004-11-16 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.
MINUTES
(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 20%
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 8-10%.
Chair Johnson requested that the Commission be advised if the
contingency exceeds more than 10%.
Special Meeting Community Improvement Commission
November 16, 2004
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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 20%
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 (PSBA), 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
November 16, 2004
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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
November 16, 2004
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