2004-07-20 Special CIC MinutesMINUTES OF THE SPECIAL COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT COMMISSION MEETING
TUESDAY - - - JULY 20, 2004 - - - 7:27 P.M.
Chair Johnson convened the Special Community Improvement Commission
meeting at 8:17 p.m.
ROLL CALL - Present: Commissioners Daysog, Gilmore, Kerr,
Matarrese and Chair Johnson - 5.
Absent: None.
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(04 -037) Minutes of the Annual Community Improvement Commission
Meeting and the Special Joint Community Improvement Commission and
Housing Authority Board of Commissioners Meeting of June 15, 2004.
Commissioner Gilmore noted that she was present at the June 15,
2004 meeting.
By consensus, the minutes were approved by unanimous voice vote -
5.
AGENDA ITEM
(04 -038) Recommendation to adopt the Community Improvement
Commission budget for Fiscal Year 2004 -2005.
Commissioner Daysog requested due diligence reporting on catalyst
projects funded by bond proceeds.
Chair Johnson inquired whether using tax increment is better than
using bond proceeds.
The Development Services Director responded in the affirmative.
Chair Johnson inquired why the employee well -being and productivity
initiative and the customer service initiative are mentioned, to
which the Executive Director responded that the initiatives provide
guidelines on how business is conducted Citywide.
Commissioner Matarrese stated that $711,213 in tax increment
represents an 80% increase from prior payments; increased costs are
emanating from the State in every area including development.
Ed Clark, West Alameda Business Association (WABA) President,
requested the Commission to ensure that the West End receives
sufficient funds to complete important projects; thanked the
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July 20, 2004
Commission for approving the strategic plan; encouraged the
Commission do everything possible for the Webster Street
Renaissance Project.
Chair Johnson requested an update on the catalyst project and
vision plan for Webster Street.
The Development Services Director responded the strategic planning
process is currently under way; process will identify short -, mid -,
and long -term goals; the positioning study provides a focused
review of what is unique and special about Webster Street and its
future; the streetscape project received only one bid which was
significantly higher than the estimate; specifications and a
competitive construction market resulted in a higher bid; the
project will go out to bid again.
Commissioner Daysog inquired whether the specific plan was for the
Webster Street project and the catalyst project.
The Development Services Director responded a specific plan follows
particular planning laws and is designed for a particular area.
Commissioner Daysog inquired whether the positioning study
addresses the sentiments of the businesses and stakeholders, to
which the Development Services Director responded that the study is
a combination of sentiments, business type assessment, and future
niche analysis.
Commissioner Daysog inquired whether the specific plan would result
in a timetable, to which the Development Services Director
responded a timetable could be accomplished without a specific
plan.
Commissioner Matarrese stated there seems to be an opportunity to
draw people toward only one end of Webster Street; inquired what
would be considered a catalyst project.
The Development Services Director responded that there is a need to
have a focal point that stimulates and increases Webster Street's
growth.
Commissioner Kerr stated that having focus on how new developments
would benefit Webster Street is encouraging; new development
benefits should come to existing business districts.
Commissioner Daysog stated that Webster Street stakeholders have
expressed interest in specific types of Catellus projects such as
grocery stores; the City needs to think at said level.
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July 20, 2004
Donna Hitchens, The New Zealander business owner, urged funding for
strategic planning.
Chair Johnson inquired when implementation schedules would be
available.
Sherri Stieg, WABA, responded there should be something definite by
September; the niche study would be completed in October.
Doug DeHaan, Economic Development Commission (EDC), stated the EDC
had concerns about whether there would be enough money for a
catalyst project; keeping focus on Webster Street is important;
there are opportunities to take care of many businesses at once.
Commissioner Kerr moved approval of the staff recommendation.
Commissioner Gilmore seconded the motion, which carried by
unanimous voice vote - 5.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Chair Johnson adjourned the
Special meeting at 8:48 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
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July 20, 2004