08.06.19 UHCAMC Minutes r
CITY OF BOULDER,COLORADO
BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS MEETING MINUTES
UNIVERSITY HILL COMMERCIAL AREA MANAGEMENT COMMISSION
MEMBERS,STAFF,AND INVITED GUESTS PRESENT:
BOARD MEMBERS: Liguori,Nelson, Schneider,Luff(absent)
STAFF: Dammann,Wiebenson
PUBLIC: Blackwood
PERSON PREPARING SUMMARY: Rachel Dammann,303-441-4191
TYPE OF MEETING: Regular Meeting August 6,2019
Meeting called to order at 4:15 p.m.
Roll Call: Completed
Approval of the.lune 4,2019 Minutes
• Liguori motioned to approve minutes. Schneider seconded.All in favor.
Public Comment
• Nancy Blackwood gave the UHNA update. She will send the UHNA minutes to UHCAMC once
they are approved.They are concerned about potential apartment development on 121'and
Aurora. Working with HRWG Neighborhood group addressing Uni Hill housing issues. Weiant is
organizing a Hill block captain list.Wiebenson recommended IFC who may be willing to help
communicate those efforts for their Fall project.HRWG-N is working on improving
neighborhood communication.UHNA will print a newsletter this summer.Blackwood asked for
an update on Harbeck House.Bowden said they did an RFP for a broker for the Harbeck House.
Blackwood reported the public art installation in Beech Park is not progressing.UHNA is
disappointed that although the project had a lot of public input,Planning deemed it an accessory
structure that only allows a maximum of twenty feet,so the project has been shut down.Bowden
said she thinks Councilmember Brocket asked for Council to review Planning's review process
regarding public art.
Matters from Staff:
Use Table Changes Update
Wiebenson reported on the Use Table update.The University Hill General Improvement District has now
been excluded from the office use update.
Wiebenson said there are two new tenants coming to the Hill--an Indian restaurant across from Gaku and
a chicken place in the old Illegal Pete's space.
The public hearing for the Land Use is on August 27th.Nelson suggested Schneider invite property
owners to go to the meeting to support the Hill's position,or write an email to Council prior to the
meeting.
Hill Event Street Skateboard Mitigation
Wiebenson said that two business owners have complained about the lack of signage at the Event Street
to communicate to skate boarders.The new signs will look like the ones on Pearl Street. Staff will also
install deterrents on the poles to make them less attractive to skateboarders.The liquor fencing has been
approved. It is the same kind used for Band on Bricks on Pearl Street.UHGID maintenance will deliver
and pick up the fencing for events.The event host will need install and take down. Irrigation is not
working properly on the Event Street.
Hill Hotel Update
Wiebenson reported that Council asked staff in April to provide two studies to make a decision about the
sale:the economic impact study would look at if the sale of the land would provide the impact we expect.
That study and the parking demand study will go to Council next Wednesday n an information packet
(IP).Wiebenson said the parking study does look at a vibrant,full occupancy scenario. It also looks at
impacts during construction.The land appraisal remains confidential. If Council does not have further
questions, staff will wrap up the term sheet and move forward with a public hearing. Schneider is
concerned that as a UHGID land owner,he does not get to know the appraisal amount. Staff reiterated
that it is Council's authority as the UHGID board to make the decision of the sale price. Schneider feels
that he knows the history of the area,and the value,better than Council.Liguori suggested a letter to
Council as a property owner. Schneider requested staff to check with CAO about restrictions for UHGID
land owners to know about the appraisal.
Nelson asked how the UHCAMC commission will know the outcome of Council's decision from the IP.
Wiebenson said the IP will be made public when the Council packets go out.The item is not on the
council agenda. Liguori asked if there could be a consideration of negligence and that Nichols may walk
away because Council was not able to make a decision.Bowden said we have a 4-4 vote from Council on
record. Wiebenson talks with Nichols every week and they are still interested in proceeding.
UHCAMC expressed concern about the length of time it is taking to make a decision.
Schneider pointed out that some of the tenants have moved out already without city help and some tenants
have gone out of business.
Liguori asked ifthere is an update on the University conference center.Wiebenson said the developer
takes control in January 2020 and the Starbucks building has been taken down.
Nelson said it appears that the City does not seem to want to help a community in dire condition.
Wiebenson asked about distributing the Hill video. The original intent was to gain grass roots support for
the project prior to the public hearing.Bowden said if Council schedules an action as a result of the IP,
staff will tell UHCAMC.
Matters from Commissioners:
Commissioner Recruitment
Wiebenson reminded the commission that there is still a vacancy on the commission.Liguori reminded
that Soifer represented a business owner and a restaurant. Liguori asked what kind of representation
would add to the commission and recommended someone with a fresh perspective.Liguori will check
with Heinritz.
2019 Hill Reinvestment Priorities
Wiebenson reported that the HRWG has some money left in the working budget. She offered funding for
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the printing of the neighborhood newsletter. In regards to the lighting project,the wiring of the poles is
not in good condition.UHGID spent$15,000 evaluating the wiring.The lighting control center will cost
$32,000 to construct and Wiebenson asked the commission if a portion of the Reinvestment fund could be
used for the lighting control center. It has to be rebuilt in order for the lighting project to move forward.
The other option would be to ask CU to pay toward that project since they wont make a payment in leu of
taxes for the Meininger building and their lot. Liguori recommended making the ask. Schneider and
Nelson concurred.
The next meeting will include the citywide retail study and economic impact study.
There is concern about quorum on September 3. Staff will check with Luff since Liguori will be absent.
Wiebenson said BizWest is doing a profile on the Hill.
Bowden invited the commission to provide input into the city retail needs.
Wiebenson said power washing will be done before school starts.Community Vitality will also
implement a maintenance schedule rotation which should benefit everyone with improved service.
Schneider asked about the pilot light pole. Wiebenson said the funds have been going toward the wiring
issue right now. Bowden emphasized that we should figure out the entire situation before we start piecing
things together.
Meeting adjourned at 5:58 p.m.
Next Meeting: September 3,2019
APPROVED BY: UNIVERSITY HILL COMMERCIAL AREA
MANAGEMENT COMMISSION
Attest:
Rachel Dammann, Secretary Lisa Nelson,Chair
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