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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCRC-03-13-02CRC Meeting, March 13, 2002 1 CARMEL REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION Meeting March 13, 2002 President Rick Roesch called the meeting to order at 5:09 p.m. Commission members present were Ron Carter, Luci Snyder and John Koven constituting a quorum. Also present were Mayor Brainard, Les Olds, Kelli Hahn, Steve Engelking, Kate Weese, Stu Hirsch, Larry Pearson from F C Tucker Realty, Trent Newport and Lance Stahley from Crossroads Engineers. Phyllis Morrissey present as staff support. Karl Haas arrived at 5:16 p.m. Brian Shapiro and Chris McComas arrived at 5:30 p.m. Minutes Mr. Koven moved the minutes from the February 19, 2002, meeting be approved as mailed. Following a second by Mr. Carter, the motion was unanimously approved. Mr. Koven moved the minutes from the February 28, 2002, meeting be approved as mailed. Following a second by Mr. Carter, the motion was unanimously approved. Report from the Mayor Mayor Brainard reported Jim Thomas from AMLI, had a potential developer for the major retail section of the City Center site. AMLI might partner with this developer. Mayor Brainard is trying to get a meeting set up with Jim Rogers from Cinergy to “cut through the bureaucracy” to determine the cost of moving the utility lines. Mayor Brainard reported there are three companies interested in building offices in City Center. He has recommended to Muldoon’s owners that if they are serious about relocating in City Center, they hire a lawyer to talk with Mr. Haas. It was noted a proposition for Parcel #9 had come in. Report from the Director Mr. Engelking reported the demolition is virtually complete on Parcel #5. The floor tile from the Sitzmark building contains asbestos. The demolition of the brick building on Parcel #8 is nearly complete. Demolition of the metal building will be started next week. On the federal grant money, we’re working with the HUD office in Washington to determine what percentage of the money actually spent on the reflecting pond park site actually qualifies for the money they would be giving us. We’ve been asked to break down the cost of labor and materials. Since it is being identified as a park feature, this would include the reflecting pond itself, the greenspace, the walks, and the Monon Trail and potentially the amphitheater and other two facilities that are foreseen as being one large park facility. CRC Meeting, March 13, 2002 2 Mr. Engelking distributed a list of economic details on the Shapiro project, noting the different costs involved and where the money would be coming from. He explained the different scopes of work. Mr. Roesch noted we will attempt to get reimbursement for some of the costs from the insurance company on the contamination issue. Brief discussion followed. Report from City Engineer Ms. Weese explained the drainage issues on Parcel #5 and other nearby areas affected. Discussion followed. Street Department employees will be able to do the work. We will be cutting through some of the Fire Department parking area. On Parcel #8, Cinergy has given us a cost estimate of $70,530 + 20% to relocate their power lines on that property, putting them along the edge of the streets to coincide with our road improvements. Ms. Weese also has to talk with Time Warner about their cables which are on the Cinergy poles. Mr. Carter asked if independent contractors could be hired to move the utility lines. Ms. Weese replied since the lines are owned by Cinergy this would not be likely. We are looking at different types of traffic signals for the Fire Department exit onto Range Line Road, coordinating it with the existing signal at Gradle Drive. Ms. Weese introduced Trent Newport and Lance Stahley from Crossroads Engineers, noting they have been working closely with CSO on some of the City projects. They will be consulting with Ms. Weese on City Center projects and will be available at meetings to answer questions about the progress of construction. Report from DOCS Liaison Ms. Hahn’s written report was sent with the packets last week. The model in the lobby was discussed. It was suggested that more up-to-date drawings be displayed along with the “older” model. Mayor Brainard discussed the current legislature’s and IACT’s “opinion” of the future of TIF districts and property tax issues. Ms. Hahn asked for input from the Commission members. Mr. Roesch noted we will need to make some decisions on the recovery of costs on the contamination site and start the process. Financial Report Mr. Roesch noted any information for the financial report be given to Ms. Mielke. CRC Meeting, March 13, 2002 3 Attorney’s Report After a brief discussion Ms. Snyder moved the CRC allow Mr. Haas to send an offering circular for Parcel #4. Brief discussion followed. Mayor Brainard asked about any previous agreements made with First Indiana. Mr. Haas did not feel we were under any obligation at this point. Mayor Brainard wasn’t sure that was their thinking and he asked Mr. Haas to contact them with the offering circular also. Following a second by Mr. Carter, the motion was unanimously approved. Mr. Haas has had a preliminary discussion with Muldoon’s attorney about their possible relocation. Sherwin Williams has made a claim for relocation assistance of $15,000. Mr. Haas noted we would probably have some obligation toward this if we accept federal money for any part of City Center. He noted this is in addition to other claims Sherwin Williams has made. It appears that Goodyear is taking steps to reopen their business. Ms. Snyder moved the CRC proceed with the condemnation suit against Goodyear. Following a second by Mr. Koven, the motion was unanimously approved. In response to a question from Mr. Koven, Mr. Haas said the money would be paid when we take possession of the Goodyear property. We can’t take possession until we pay the money. Shapiro’s and adjacent areas’ drainage issues were noted and discussed at length. Mr. Olds pointed out that in the RFPs which have gone out, the CRC is responsible for storm water detention. Following this discussion, Mr. Carter moved the CRC take care of drainage costs as noted in the RFPs for Parcel #5 but relook at future RFPs. Following a second by Mr. Koven, the motion was unanimously approved. Report from the Architect Mr. Olds presented a layout with a maximum density of 140 townhomes on Parcel #2 [8.55 acres], with the buildings facing the street, reflecting pond or park. (It was noted that residential doesn’t pay into TIF districts.) If the townhomes were built instead of offices on this parcel, the estimated difference in sale price of the parcel would be $8,000 less. Discussion followed. Mr. Roesch expressed concern about how much property will be sold around the reflecting pond, how soon building would occur, and uniformity of the design. Mr. Haas said these details could be taken care of in the deals which are made. CRC Meeting, March 13, 2002 4 Mayor Brainard noted he has been told by many developers that it is very important to have the area mixed use. Further discussion followed. Mr. Olds explained the new proposed master plan, noting the changes made. He pointed out the many uses, different parking areas, traffic flows for vehicles and pedestrians. This plan eliminates the underground parking garage which was estimated to cost $4,000,000. Parking issues were discussed. Further discussion followed. It was decided this plan would be taken to the development community. Reflecting Pond This is moving at full speed. We are trying to get the brick which matches AMLI and that is proving difficult. Parcel #5 Demolition A change order to Brandenburg is needed in the amount of $14,925 to haul out the contaminated materials from the Herrigan property. They have not taken out the foundations or the floor slab; that will be done by SESCO. We will get a credit for the part which SESCO has to do. Discussion followed. Mr. Olds reminded the members that disposal of contaminated materials was not part of the original bid package. The specs were done long before the contamination became an issue. Ms. Snyder moved the CRC approve payment for the incremental charges of $14,925 to remove asbestos from the Herrigan building. Following a second by Mr. Carter the motion was approved with three in favor. Mr. Koven opposed. Ms. Weese requested approval to request Cinergy bury their utility lines at a cost not to exceed $70,000. CRC members requested Ms. Weese gather more information and come back to the next meeting with it. Mr. Roesch expressed concern for the way the engineering firm of Paul I. Cripe “dropped the ball”, noting their work was slow and incomplete. Mr. Olds requested approval to get the documents out on the work on the contaminated portion of the Shapiro site. This will cover the installation of paving area, underground drainage that goes with it, curbs, islands, street lighting for Range Line Road and Fire Department Drive, the landscaping and the construction of the three unit trash enclosure, and pump station building for the environmental cleansing (Scope 8 work). Mr. Koven asked if bidders are requested to notify us of any omissions or problems with the specs. Mr. Olds said this requirement was already in the specs. “We truly make an effort to eliminate any of these problems, but when you dig in the ground, for instance, you could come across an oil tank which no one knew was there.” CRC Meeting, March 13, 2002 5 Ms. Snyder moved the CRC grant Mr. Olds authorization to get the bid packages ready [for work to complete the portion of the Shapiro project for which CRC is responsible]. Following a second by Mr. Carter the motion was approved unanimously. [Mr. Carter left at 7:15 p.m.] Mr. Koven expressed disappointment because so much of the Kroger parking lot was still left in place at this time. Mr. Olds explained the specs, noting the last section to be left in place was because of the “rights of the Goodyear property”. Mr. Koven said he still felt too much of the parking area had been left in place. Mr. Olds said Shapiro’s needed more staging area than what was along Range Line Road. Mr. Koven: I don’t ever recall get to vote on what was left in and taken out. Mr. Roesch noted Mr. Olds had consulted with him. Mr. Olds apologized to Mr. Koven noting from now on he would have everyone look and sign off. Some of the remaining parking lot demolition has been paid for, but a remobilization charge will be applied. Reports from CRC Members Ms. Snyder met with Mr. McComas about the landscaping for Shapiro’s. “I picked what I like, but because what we choose will be the prototype for everything north of us, I thought it would be good if he came here and asked everybody their opinion.” Ms. Hahn recommended that Scott Brewer, the City Urban Forester, also be shown the plan. Mr. Koven thanked Stu Hirsch, reporter from the Indianapolis Star, for his work in the past, noting he is being transferred to the Avon area. Approval of Invoices Mr. Engelking said one invoice was mistakenly listed and should be deleted. It was to CSO Architects for $3,110.98. Mr. Koven asked for clarification on two utility bills. Mr. Engelking said they were close out bills for the Herrigan property. Ms. Snyder asked about the Weihe Engineer bill. “Does this survey show all the utilities, all we need to know? Were we pleased with this survey?” Mr. Engelking responded that it was complete, less expensive than another quote and was done expeditiously. Ms. Snyder moved the CRC approve invoices in the amount of $345,352.63. Following a second by Mr. Carter, the motion was unanimously approved. Old Business CRC Meeting, March 13, 2002 6 Mr. McComas distributed different plans for the landscape and streetscape in front of Shapiro’s. He reminded the Commission of the importance of these choices because this is the first of the parcels on Range Line Road. Option A had on-street parallel parking with a 10’ sidewalk right beside the street and no safety edge. Option B has 18’ sidewalks which include an 8’ raised planting bed and a small edge by the street. The beds, planted with street trees, would have a wide edge around them which could be sat upon. This is the only way trees can be included right along the street, because of all the utility lines running underneath. Mr. McComas pointed out the importance of an “edge” between the sidewalk and street because of the speed and amount of traffic. Mr. Olds noted on-street parking would slow the traffic down which would be of benefit to the businesses there. Mr. Koven expressed concern that all the on-street parking would be used by merchants and employees rather than customers. Discussion followed at length. City Utilities should also be kept informed about what the plans are. Ms. Hahn said the City Engineer will need to be consulted, especially about the on-street parking. Mr. McComas said he and Mr. Olds would list the details used for the Shapiro project for reference on future projects. He asked Commission members to email him with comments on the streetscape options. Commission needs to decide whether to use bricks or stamped concrete (by good contractors) and the importance of selecting a smoother pattern without deep grooves. A combination of bricks and concrete could be used. Mr. Koven noted electrical outlets needed to be placed in the raised beds. Adjournment Mr. Koven moved the meeting be adjourned. Following a second by Ms. Snyder, the motion was approved and the meeting adjourned at 8:08 p.m. The Executive Session was cancelled.