Thursday, May 1, 2008, 2:30 p.m.
Community Development Committee
City Commission Room, Fargo City Hall
Agenda
1. Approval of the February 21, 2008 minutes
2. 2008 Storefront Rehab application review
3. Update on the Gladys Ray Shelter
4. Other Business
5. Adjourn – Next meeting: May 20, 2008
Meeting Minutes
Present: Linda Coates, Linda Klebe, Lynn Fundingsland, Pat Zavoral, Steve Stoner, Tim Mahoney, Dave Anderson, Cassie Skalicky, Dan Mahli, Jim Gilmour, Monica Graber, Nate Bailly, Dawn Mayo
Chair Linda Coates called the meeting to order.
Item 1. Approval of February 21, 2008 Minutes
(2:30 p.m.) Tim Mahoney moved to approve the February 21, 2008 minutes as presented. Second by Linda Klebe. All Members present voted aye and the motion was declared carried.
Item 2. 2008 Storefront Rehab Application Review
(2:35 p.m.) Dan Mahli updated the Committee on the amount and status of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds budgeted for storefront rehab projects. He stated 30% of the CDBG grant, over a 3 year period, can be dedicated to storefront projects. He reiterated that each applicant’s project is tied to an architect. He explained $80,000 budgeted for an elevator in the US Bank parking ramp is not being used and the Committee could pull the funds from that fund for storefront projects. He stated that would make a total of $155,000 available.
Planning Director, Jim Gilmour stated demolition of the Native American building will pull $10,000 from the total $155,000 available, leaving $145,000 for storefront.
Mr. Mahli mentioned the storefront rehab program requires a 2:1 match. He stated with Community Development approval, applications that pass the environmental review and slum and blight requirements will go before the City Commission. He added that 608 and 610 Main Avenue have not been reviewed by the Historic Preservation Commission, and is on the next HPC meeting agenda. The application for 121/123 Broadway has been withdrawn.
Dave Anderson, Downtown Community Partnership, asked if the 121/123 Broadway application was withdrawn because of the conclusion given at the Historic Preservation meeting.
Brian Berg, Zerr Berg Architects, responded that the addition of an elevator to access the skyway at 121/123 Broadway needs more research. He added that the owner is also looking at other design improvements that could be brought into the project.
Swanson Properties
A presentation on the Swanson Properties was given by Brian Berg. Mr. Berg stated all the buildings are in need of significant renovations. He stated the plan is to strip the paint from all the buildings, give the buildings new storefronts and glazing, replace the windows, replace sills, recreate the storefronts to the original condition, and re-expose the lintel. Mr. Berg stated the owner, Mr. Swanson, is willing to make a substantial investment towards these projects. Mr. Berg also displayed drawings.
Pat Zavoral asked whether this project would be done without the storefront funding. Mr. Berg answered that Mr. Swanson realizes the buildings are in need of a facelift and he is having a difficult time renting the spaces. He added Mr. Swanson would go forward with this improvement project at some point in the future, but the incentive is helping to make a strong project happen this summer.
Dan Mahli asked if there is anything in the works regarding a roof drain between 117 Broadway and the sanitary sewer connection. Jim Gilmour stated that this is one area engineering is working on to reduce the amount of storm sewer drainage. Brian Berg stated there are plans to look at the interior and address drainage, but nothing is in the works for this summer.
216/218 Broadway, Johnson Block
David Shultz, representing 216/218 Broadway, presented the proposed scope of work. He explained there would be work on the storefront, restoration of the upper façade including patching and tuckpointing, and restoration and replacement of some windows. He stated the current windows have been in-filled. He said the intent is also to clean the lower façade and install new copings at the ground level. He stated the work is pending approval of the application. He noted the first floor has been opened and the owner is looking for tenants. He said an office and rental apartments will be in the upper level.
214 Broadway
Herman Novak, JLG Architects, presented the proposed scope of work for 214 Broadway. He stated JLG Architects occupy the lower floor and work is being done inside. He mentioned the building was a freestanding building built in 1894 and the plan is to bring it back to the original design. He stated the brick will be repainted, the storefront will be replaced, transom windows will be installed, and the iron post will remain in position.
608/610 Main Avenue
Kerry Peuser, Michael J. Burns Architects, Ltd., stated the applicant is interested in renovating the storefronts, replacing the windows and entry doors, and recreating exterior details that were represented in historical photos. He stated the windows had been replaced years ago. He mentioned the footings on both sites can be reused.
Chair Coates indicated that this project doesn’t involve as much detailed restoration, but strives to create a look that evokes a particular time period. Dave Shultz stressed that requirements are held accountable to the Secretary of Standards. He stated this project fits the neighborhood and is worthy of recognition. Jim Gilmour stated a lot of historic elements are gone and it is not known what is underneath. Mr. Peuser clarified that restoration of the brick and stone would be recreated as close to the original as possible.
14 8th Street South
Don Kounovsky was not present, so Dan Mahli presented Mr. Kounovsky’s storefront proposal. He stated Mr. Kounovsky is requesting funding to install painted metal sheathing in the sign band area, install a sign board and lighting fixture, and add base sheathing material below the storefront windows.
Application review
(3:10 p.m.) The Committee agreed that the storefront rehab projects presented are an improvement to the downtown area and will benefit the public. Tim Mahoney moved to approve the following storefront rehab applications. Second by Steve Stoner.
117/119 Broadway - $15,000 (storefront)
115 Broadway - $15,000 (storefront)
113 Broadway - $15,000 (storefront)
109/111 Broadway - $15,000 (storefront)
216/218 Broadway - $15,000 (storefront)
214 Broadway - $15,000 (storefront)
14 8 St S - $ 2,300 (storefront)
610 Main Ave - $15,000 (storefront)
608 Main Ave - $15,000 (storefront)
324 7 St N - $10,000 (demo)
121/123 Broadway - Withdrawn
515 3 Ave N - Withdrawn
301 Broadway - Withdrawn
417 Main Ave - Denied
317 Roberts St - Denied
Total recommendation - $132,300
Mr. Mahoney asked the Committee if the drain issues need to be considered in the motion. Pat Zavoral mentioned the City needs to get as much storm drain out of the area as possible. Mr. Mahoney added a stipulation to the motion that storefront owners address drain issues in their buildings. Second by Steve Stoner. All members present voted aye and the motion was declared carried.
Item 3. Update on the Gladys Ray Shelter
(3:19 p.m.) Dan Mahli updated the Community Development Committee on the Gladys Ray Shelter. He stated the shelter is open and staff is working to connect individuals with permanent housing. He mentioned the shelter is serving approximately 20 individuals per night. He noted that one individual was placed in permanent housing yesterday. Chair Coates stated the shelter has been furnished by donations and she has spoken with the Homebuilders Association Care Foundation about building bunk beds for the facility. Mr. Mahli stated the detox center should be open in about in late June.
Item 4. Other Business
There was no other business was presented.
Item 5. Adjourn – Next meeting
The next meeting is scheduled on June 19 at 2:30 p.m.
The meeting adjourned at 3:24 p.m.