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11.05.19 UHCAMC Packet UNIVERSITY HILL COMMERCIAL AREA MANAGEMENT COMMISSION November 5, 2019 4:00–6:00 p.m. Broadway Conference Room, 1777 Broadway AGENDA 4:00 p.m. Roll Call Staff 4:00-4:05 Approval of the Aug 6, 2019 and Sept 3, 2019 Meeting Minutes Board 4:05-4:15 Public Comment 4:15-5:00 Matters from Staff • Review 2020 Meeting Schedule o January 7, 2020 o March 3, 2020 o May 5, 2020 o July 7, 2020 o September 1, 2020 o November 3, 2020 • 2020 Commission Focus Matrix Review • 2019 UHCAMC Retreat Review 5:00-6:00 Matters from Commissioners Board • 2020 Commission Priorities Discussion • Letter to City Council: Next Steps 6:00 p.m. Adjourn Attachments: - August 6, 2019 and September 2, 2019 Draft Meeting Minutes - 2020 Commission Focus Matrix - 2019 UHCAMC Retreat Notes Commission Members Lisa Nelson, Chair Term ends:2020 Robin Luff First Term: 2021 KC Schneider Term ends: 2022 Cheryl Liguori Term ends: 2023 2019 Commission Priorities 1. Seek funding to replace the aging UHGID streetlights 2. Support the Hill Hotel project 3. Continue to pursue strategies to address transients 4. Continue to pursue Alley Plan implementation 5. Collaborate with CU programs and organizations. Upcoming Meetings December 1, 2019 Staff Liaison Sarah Wiebenson, Hill Community Development Coordinator wiebensons@bouldercolorado.gov UHCAMC Charter The University Hill Commercial Area Management Commission (UHCAMC) is appointed by the Boulder City Council under B.M.C. Section 2-3-20 to advise on parking and related improvements in the University Hill General Improvement District (UHGID). The five members must consist of three district property owners and two at-large members. All must be residents of the City of Boulder. 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 June 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 12th 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 2 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 if there 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 3 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 CITY OF BOULDER, COLORADO BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS MEETING MINUTES UNIVERSITY HILL COMMERCIAL AREA MANAGEMENT COMMISSION MEMBERS, STAFF, AND INVITED GUESTS PRESENT: BOARD MEMBERS: Nelson, Schneider, Luff (left at 5:01), Liguori (absent) STAFF: Dammann, Wiebenson, Wagner PUBLIC: none PERSON PREPARING SUMMARY: Rachel Dammann, 303-441-4191 TYPE OF MEETING: Regular Meeting September 3, 2019 Meeting called to order at 4:10 p.m. Roll Call: Completed Approval of the August 6, 2019 Minutes Nelson had one change under Public Comment. Approval was tabled for quorum since Luff wasn’t at the June meeting Public Comment • None Matters from Staff: Presentation: New City Sales Tax System Wagner presented on the new City sales tax system to UHCAMC for an opportunity to provide input on the proposed policy changes. It will go live in February 2020. It is the same system the State uses and is intended to be less labor intensive than the current system. Business licensing will be integrated into the portal. September 13 is deadline for comment, with a request for approval going to Council in October. They will beta test the new system in November and are looking for businesses to participate. The program is called Boulder Online Tax, “BOT.” They will be able to email 13,000 users in their system. They will include inserts in tax returns to promote the program and changes. Proposed Policy/Code Changes: They looked at best practices across many cities. The current business licenses don’t expire unless you move or change business type. Finance is proposing a two-year term business license that would align with the timing of state renewals on odd years. If you renew on time, there is no fee. This applies to any business that has a business license. The current code says the CMO can deny a license if it violates the Land Use Code. They are proposing to change the requirement to compliance with the “Boulder Revised Code.” The changes would also clarify the word “vendor”; define tax due date as postmark date; and eliminate mailing of tax returns. Code charges for late filing would be 10% penalty and 1% interest per month. These would apply across the board and not depend on individual situations. Pleasant Street Sale Update Wiebenson updated the commission that a Letter of Intent to purchase the UHGID Pleasant Street parking 2 lot was still being negotiated and presented the latest Hill Hotel studies. Council had asked for two studies in April; an economic impact study and a parking projection analysis. The economic impact assessment looked at three areas of impact: fiscal to the city, overall economic, and spill-over effects into the UHGID commercial area. The assessed the impact of four scenarios: hotel use, affordable housing, status quo, and office. The hotel would have the largest one-time impact, the largest spillover effects and would be the second highest impact for multiplier effects. Office use was the largest overall economic impact, however there are no proposals for an office use. The parking demand projections looked at parking demand both during construction of the proposed hotel use and after hotel construction was complete. The analysis assumed 100% occupancy in the study to determine maximum parking impact under both scenarios. The analysis found it would be necessary to relocate 30 employee permit holders. During construction, utilization of the entire district would be at or close to capacity. After construction, additional public parking spaces constructed by the hotel would help alleviate overall district parking. Problems would remain, however, after 7:00 pm when hourly fees for parking in the district end, and neighboring residents use the spaces to park overnight. Presentation: Citywide Retail Study Findings and Next Steps for the Citywide Retail Strategy Wiebenson reported the findings and feedback from Council on the retail study. It examined the current retail base and its performance; how Boulder’s retail performs relative to neighboring communities and peer communities nationwide; whether the current retail base meets the needs of Boulder residents and employees; and what challenges Boulder retailers face. The report is posted to the city’s website, along with a five-page summary of input from council on next steps. Next Steps: look at retailer challenges, look at unmet needs, continue to monitor trends. Staff will develop a strategy and return to council later in the year, with implementation expected to begin in 2020. Matters from Commissioners: Board Retreat Planning October 1 from 4-6 pm at Gaku Ramen’s upstairs space, including a happy hour with Hillanthropy awards and recognition for former UHCAMC members. Available Hill Reinvestment Strategy Funding Nelson would like funding for the UHNA newsletter printing. Remaining funds could go toward supporting a pop-up concept for empty retail spaces. Wiebenson said she would work with UHNA to get a printing cost estimate. Meeting adjourned at 5:30 p.m. Next Meeting: October 1, 2019 APPROVED BY: UNIVERSITY HILL COMMERCIAL AREA MANAGEMENT COMMISSION Attest: Rachel Dammann, Secretary Lisa Nelson, Chair 2020 District Focus (Subject to New Council Priorities to be Determined at January 17-18, 2020 Council Retreat) BJAD – P BJAD – TDM DMC UHCAMC Community Vitality Strategic Plan Update X X X X Budget X X X X CIP X X X Placemaking Pearl Street Inventory/Refresh X Hill Hotel & area infrastructure revitalization X Access-Related Wayfinding & Infrastructure X X AMPS Implementation X X X X Parking Pricing X X X Curbside Management X X X X Micromobility X X X NPP evolution X X TDM solutions & strategies (incl. EcoPass) X X X Economic Resilience X X Retail Strategy and Implementation X X Small Business initiatives X X 1 Wiebenson, Sarah Subject:Notes from the 10/1 UHCAMC Retreat: Draft 2020 Priorities Decisions  Economic Vitality/Marketing – No further funds should be spent on creating events hosted by The Hill Boulder until there is additional foot traffic and a greater diversity of Hill customers. Hard to attract desired retail mix without catalytic change (quality potential tenants are put off by lack of parking, transients, all-student customer base). Will be good if hotel reduces square footage of commercial space in the district. Focus instead on advocacy for things like the hotel project and council engagement. Move the needle with: hotel, 14th Street parking garage, improved lighting, cleanliness and landscaping.  Capital Improvements/Maintenance – Keep working on lighting improvements (i.e. replacement of UHGID poles, alley fixtures); landscaping improvements; garage on 14th Street. Safety and cleanliness are key. More power-washing.  Street Trees - Replacement of infected Ash trees is not necessarily desirable. Some retailers do not like trees in front of stores – blocks signage. Remove the dying trees in the fall, and spend next 4-5 months planning for what should replace. Do not spend $117k on tree replacement and grates. Explore alternative, less expensive approaches to replacement, as with hotel (i.e. time spent on planning resulted in a less expensive, better project).  2020 Schedule – Meetings should be every other month; with additional as needed. Past five years of building relationships through regular meetings has benefited revitalization efforts. Lack of applicants to serve on the commission is less reflective of the required time commitment than of frustration with return on time investment as far as progress with hotel, etc.  Parking and Access – Focus should be on reinvesting a portion of the proceeds from the sale of Pleasant Street lot (if approved) to attract a development/operator partner for a garage on 14th Street; in general, funds should go toward investments that generate more revenue for UHGID to pursue fund sustainability. CU Parking is interested in discussing possible partnership. Need to expand employee permits, either in CU conference center garage or on 14th Street. Should also look at alley improvements, particularly improvements to the “connector alley” to attract visitors from the future hotel site (if approved) into the historic core. If employee permit opportunities are expanded, can reduce the number of cars parked in the alleys. No need to spend money on resurfacing the alleys until progress is made on shared trash enclosures (to remove existing dumpsters from the public ROW). A special assessment to fund alley resurfacing would only be attractive if city deeded adjacent alley ROWs to contributing property owners. There was no support for a shuttle service/gondola to downtown. Does not benefit Hill businesses or the district. Should focus on improving walkability from hotels instead.  City Council – 2020 priorities letter to council should include a request that council reinstate a liaison to UHCAMC, and a request that council members consider speaking more positively about the Hill. References to the Hill as a “dump” or as dangerous and dirty only reinforce negative perceptions and keeps broader community away, despite progress being made. Assignments  Woulf will continue to work toward cost estimates for electrical improvements to support the replacement of the aging UHGID light fixtures and removal/irrigation of street trees. Staff will not request an adjustment to base to replace the trees. Community Vitality will work with Forestry to provide UHCAMC with a map of which trees need to be removed at the November meeting and an estimate for irrigation improvements.  Wiebenson will look into dedicating the remaining $10,000 in 2019 Hill Reinvestment Strategy funds toward concept designs for a less costly solution to improved landscaping where trees are removed, possibly extending the aesthetic of the Hill Event Street onto 13th Street. If completed in time, concepts will be presented at the November UHCAMC meeting as part of the tree removal discussion.  Wiebenson will confirm that representatives of UHGID owners serving on UHCAMC would also need to be a Boulder resident. Yes, all commissioners, even those representing a UHGID owner, must reside within the city of Boulder.