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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCRC-08-16-05CRC Minutes, August 16, 2005 1 CARMEL REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION Meeting, Tuesday, August 16, 2005 The meeting was called to order at 7:08 p.m. by President Ron Carter. Commission members Bill Hammer, Rick Sharp and Bob Battreall were present constituting a quorum. Also present were Mayor Brainard, Les Olds, Karl Haas, Dan Moriarity, Lesley Rogers Barrett, Kelli Lawrence, Craig P. Williams, David Schwarz, Chris McComas, David Stirsman, Evan Lurie and Tim Campbell. Phyllis Morrissey as support staff. Approval of Minutes Mr. Hammer moved for approval of the minutes of July 19, 2005. Following a second by Mr. Battreall, the minutes were approved with three in favor. Mr. Sharp abstained. Bid Openings Two bids ($2,455,000 each) were received for Parcel 12: One from Hearthview and one from Pedcor. Two bids ($890,000 each) were received for Parcel 16: One from Mayer Najem and one from Pedcor. One bid was received for Parcel 21 from Lurie, LLC for $50,101. Mr. Carter asked the bidders on Parcels 12 and 16 to return to the next CRC meeting on September 20 to present their bid and give their overall proposal to the Commission. Motion made to this effect by Mr. Sharp. Following a second by Mr. Hammer, the motion was unanimously approved. The bids will be taken under advisement. For Parcel 21 the bid will be taken under advisement and be reviewed at a special meeting on September 6. Mr. Carter thanked the bidders. Questions should be directed to Mr. Olds. Discussion with Architects Mayor Brainard reported that architects on a “short list” were considered for the Performing Arts Center. He noted there has been very few concert halls built in the United States in the past two decades. From that short list, Mr. David Schwarz and Mr. Craig Williams [both from David Schwarz Architects] were invited to tonight’s meeting. Mr. Schwarz described his education, professional background and various projects he had completed. He distributed a book about his work to commission members. He noted the work his firm has done with historical preservation and the importance of creating a sense of place in existing neighborhoods and promoting pedestrianism and a sense of community. Mr. Schwarz said he would like to “design the best possible building for this community in this year at your budget. That’s what the process would be with us. We are really CRC Minutes, August 16, 2005 2 excited about this. This is a great project.” He commended the group for the work done so far and said it is very exciting to have the opportunity to possibly be part of that. During the question period, Mr. Sharp asked Mr. Schwarz if he thought the building should blend or “pop”. Mr. Schwarz said the commission had an important decision to make: “as to what makes a landmark and how much of a landmark do you want this building to be.” He said this is a really complicated question and that it is a community decision, not an architect’s decision. Mr. Williams showed photos of the Nashville project, Severance Hall. He noted it has no back, which is what Carmel’s PAC will also be like. Iconography was explained, using symbols meaningful to Carmel and donors. Nashville’s time length from date of hire to date of substantial completion is four and a half years, which took a lot of discipline from a people, spreading out the risk and the responsibility of meeting that schedule among the design team, the client, the contractor. There will be a three month period from substantial completion to the first public concert at Severance Hall. Mr. Schwarz said for the completion goal to be attained, “you would have to be amongst the best disciplined clients we’ve ever had.” He also strongly recommended that the “client spend some time in other concert halls to become better educated because it’s a lot easier to talk if you’ve seen them. There are also a lot of choices to be made, which are best not made by us, but by you. They aren’t better or worse, they’re just different.” Mr. Williams pointed out the number of options presented on different projects. Mr. Schwarz invited the commissioners to see Severance Hall, “Nothing speaks like seeing a building in person. I am in Nashville at least twice a month.” Mr. Schwarz and Mr. Williams were thanked for their presentation. [Mayor Brainard out at 7:55 p.m. and returned at 9:01 p.m.] Mr. Sharp moved the CRC authorize the Executive Director to pursue preliminary contract negotiations with the David Schwarz firm. Seconded by Mr. Hammer. Brief discussion followed. Call for the question. The motion was unanimously approved. Report from Developer Chris McComas gave a brief history of his project [the parcel between Shapiro’s and Flagstar Bank]. He stated they have received an offer from a group represented by Midland Atlantic who is requesting a new sign. They are co-listing it with Ross Reller. The group is made up of two local individuals who are very committed to the project. “We are in the middle of their 90 due diligence period so the end of September we will look to begin that closing.” The purchasers have engaged Advocati [Chris’s architecture firm] to continue with the project to make sure it is built per the original documents. This will provide a consistent point of contact and there won’t be any disconnect about what the commitments were or how the design is supposed to go forward. CRC Minutes, August 16, 2005 3 The wall has been painted the same color as the bricks. Engledow has been engaged to maintain the building pad. Mr. McComas confirmed they have a buyer for the property. He has not been given an okay to release the names of the tenants at this point. He said he did not know when construction would begin. Discussion followed. Mr. Haas pointed out the different options for the CRC if the project does not go forward. Mr. McComas will return to the September CRC meeting. Report from Architects and Engineers Dan Moriarity reported the majority of the underground piping has been installed on both the lot adjacent to the fire department and the area where the future Monon Green road will go. Questions had been raised about the construction and design for the underground detention. Russell E. Spiars, a professional engineer from Woolpert, sent a letter assuring the CRC of the design. Mr. Sharp noted the importance of getting our City professional staff involved in the Commission’s function, particularly on projects the City will end up owning. Mr. Olds will begin meeting on a regular basis with Mike Hollibaugh and Mike McBride to discuss and get input on projects. Mr. Moriarity stated he is also available via phone or email at any time for questions or concerns. Anticipated completion of the stormwater detention area is the next two weeks, excluding the area Cinergy is using. Streetscape and Veterans Plaza The punch list is now in Gilliatte’s hands. CSO is working with them to get it done. One area of concern is the ponding. “They’ve told us they’ll comply with the punch list to get that completed.” Cinergy Mr. Carter explained to Lesley Rogers Barrett, reporter from the Star, the frustrations the CRC and other City agencies have in dealing with Cinergy and their lack of cooperation on any and all City projects, as far as moving their utility lines. He gave some particular instances. Brief discussion followed. Parcel 13 Foundations have been started. An old diesel tank was discovered and removed from the site. Environmental Forensics removed surrounding dirt and it was tested and pronounced clean. Cost of this clean-up will be around $16,000.00. CRC Minutes, August 16, 2005 4 Parcel 16 There was asbestos in some of the houses. Permission has been received from IDEM for removal and this will be done. 31 E. Main has been demolished. Demolition will start August 24 on 41 E. Main. On 40 First Avenue SE, papers have been filed with IDEM in case there is asbestos. Parcel 12 G & S Excavating was the low bidder and they are waiting to start demolition as soon as the City gets ownership. Parcel 5 Cinergy relocation has been delayed because of the easement problem with Mohawk Place. Staking is expected to take place in the next few weeks. Asphalt removed from the parking lot will be reused. Deeper borings, up to 80’, are being taken to determine what Pedcor’s support piles need to be. Parcel 21 There is a roof leak on the old Arts Council building. This is being checked and will be fixed. CAC has requested corbels be added on the west side of the building. The quote for making these is $7600. [These two sides are more visible since the building was moved.] Discussion followed. No action was taken on this request. Parcel 19 Gateway punch list has been received. Power has been connected. Old Town A map of suggested placement for seventeen arts district signs was distributed. Discussion followed. These signs will be installed and then a decision will be made whether more need to be ordered. Performing Arts Center Mr. Moriarity assured the commission that if CSO gets the opportunity to help and support Mr. Schwarz with the PAC process, his personal role would be to make sure it goes well with the commission, noting what an important project it is for the community and his firm. The architect from CSO who would be assigned the project was the lead on the Historical Society building in Indianapolis and one of the lead architects on Circle Center and on the Ball State Music Building. He invited the CRC to visit the new building at Ball State, noting its acoustical excellence. Update on Properties In addition to the report as mailed by Mr. Olds, the following questions were raised: Mr. Hammer asked if Mr. McComas’ group sells to another group at a substantially higher price than what they paid the CRC for the property, is there recapture. Mr. Haas said no. CRC Minutes, August 16, 2005 5 Monon Trail Mr. Sharp asked if the central core was still open on the Monon while the detour is in place. It is at this time, but will not be much longer. Safety is an issue, but it was noted it would be beneficial for the public to see what is going on during the construction phase. Discussion followed. Parcel 5B west and Parcel 5C west Mr. Haas reported conforming bids were received for these two parcels from Pedcor. Mr. Hammer moved the CRC accept the bids. Following a second by Mr. Sharp, the motion was unanimously approved. Financial Matters Revised Budget At last meeting a forecast sheet was distributed. Mr. Olds presented a revised budget. At the end of the next quarter, a review will again be made. Discussion followed. Mr. Sharp moved the CRC accept the budget revision dated July 19, 2005. Following a second by Mr. Hammer, the motion was unanimously approved. Approval of Invoices Total invoices submitted is $1,311,506.91. Mr. Sharp moved for approval of the invoices in this amount. Seconded by Mr. Hammer. Mr. Sharp asked if expenses for the PAC were being tracked so that those expenses can be recaptured. Mr. Olds assured the CRC this was being done. The motion was then unanimously approved. TIF Paperwork Mr. Carter said he had received papers for his signature which verified the Council’s desire to remove the TIF replacement amount off of the property taxes. Other Business Mr. Carter stated he felt it was time for members of the commission to be assigned to work with boards and other commissions to be their point of contact, to be the person they know they can go to with specific questions, or CRC members can come to them and make presentations. Mr. Carter will continue to be the liaison with the Parks Board. He recommended the following assignments: Rick Sharp, Plan Commission Jerry Heniser, Clerk-Treasurer Bob Battreall, Council (when in town) Bill Hammer, BZA (overall spokesperson as it involves the BZA) Old Business Bike Racks Mr. Olds reported that on behalf of the commission, twenty bike racks have been ordered to be placed in the Arts District and some in the City Center area. CRC Minutes, August 16, 2005 6 Old Town Grants Parking agreements must be in place before grants can be awarded. This is being pursued. Signs will need to be placed around the area. Mr. Hammer recommended employees be required to park in more remote areas. Agreed. Veterans Way Street Mr. Olds asked for comments on the layout of the proposed street which would be between the fire department and the police department buildings. This layout has been given to Mike McBride, Mike Hollibaugh, Chief Callahan and Chief Fogarty for their comments and criticisms. Mayor Brainard asked about the turning radius, noting it does away with the geometry of our Georgian Colonial square. Mr. Olds replied that this was done to prevent people going straight south rather than around the fountain. Mayor Brainard said he didn’t think the Board of Works would approve it like this. Mr. Olds said that is why he is asking for everyone’s input. Discussion followed. The other question is whether it is a CRC project or a City road project. Fire Buffs Fire Station After a study was done about the accessibility of the old Fire Station, it was determined it would cost $40,000 to make it ADA compliant. This would include construction of a handicapped restroom. The Fire Buffs will be asked for more information regarding hours of opening, number of volunteers, and how they propose to make it part of the Arts District. Mr. Olds will ask them to have a presentation at the next CRC meeting. Arts District Mr. Olds reported he gets calls daily about the units on Parcel 13. Meetings are being held with each of the interested parties. Next Meeting will be Tuesday, September 6, 7:30 a.m. Next regularly scheduled meeting will be Tuesday, September 20, 6:30 and 7:00 p.m. Other Mr. Sharp asked about the preliminary parking studies sent in the packets. Mr. Olds said it was an initial study and just information at this point. Adjournment Mr. Sharp moved for adjournment. Following a second by Mr. Hammer, the motion was unanimously approved and the meeting was adjourned at 9:23 p.m.