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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1991-05-06 HRA Regular Meeting • MINUTES OF THE EDINA HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY MAY 6, 1991 ROLLCALL Answering rollcall were Commissioners Kelly, Paulus, Rice, Smith and Richards. CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS ADOPTED Motion was made by Commissioner Paulus and was seconded by Commissioner Rice to approve and adopt HRA Consent Agenda items as presented. Rollcall: Ayes: Kelly, Paulus, Rice, Smith, Richards Motion carried. *MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF APRIL 15, 1991 APPROVED Motion was made by Commissioner Paulus and was seconded by Commissioner Rice to approve the HRA Minutes of April 15, 1991. Motion carried on rollcall vote, five ayes. 50TH & FRANCE SKYLIGHT CANOPY DESIGN APPROVED: BIDS AUTHORIZED Executive Director Hughes reported that on February 19, 1991, HRA/Council awarded contracts for the 1991 improvements to the 50th & France area. At that time, staff advised the HRA that several miscellaneous items had not been included in the streetscape bids. Those items included improved street signage, seasonal banners, and a skylight canopy to be constructed over the alley east of Belleson's. With respect to the skylight canopy, staff advised the HRA that the estimated cost for this work was • $80,000.00. This estimate was based upon the anticipated cost of replacing the existing fiberglass canopy with a tinted laminated glass. Following the streetscape bid, staff met on several occasions with the owners of the buildings which adjoin the alleyway in question. These owners include Lund's, who owns the Belleson's building as well as the Peterson Edina Mall, and France Avenue Partners, who are the owners of the building on the east side of the alleyway. The building owners have asked that the City consider a more expansive skylight canopy system than that originally envisioned. In particular, they suggest that the skylight canopy be extended westerly from the alleyway to the westerly edge of the Edina Mall building. This would provide a canopy over the rear entrance to Belleson's as well as entrances into shops proposed for the Edina Mall building. This expansion would nearly double the area to be covered by the skylight canopy. In addition to the expansion, a more aggressive design has also been advocated which would be more complimentary to the designs of the adjoining buildings and the shopping environment which is desired. The design changes have resulted in a substantial increase in the estimated cost of the skylight canopy. Based on preliminary pricing, the estimated cost of the expanded system would be $275,000.00 to $300,000.00. This represents a substantial departure from the design and estimate presented to the HRA previously, and staff felt it necessary to secure authorization for the proposed upgrade prior to proceeding to final design and project bidding. Director Hughes explained that, as originally designed, the proposed skylight canopy was to be funded in a manner similar to all other public improvements as part of the • 50th & France project, i.e. , 80 percent would be financed through tax increment financing and 20 percent would be assessed to all commercial properties at 50th & H. R.A. MINUTES - 5/6/91 Page 2 • France. In consideration of the expanded skylight canopy project, the adjoining building owners have agreed to accept a special benefit assessment equal to 50 percent of the total cost. Based upon the above estimate, the City's share would be between $137,000.00 and $150,000.00 (subject to the 80 percent/20 percent TIF/special assessment formula described earlier) . It is proposed that the extra benefit assessment borne by the adjoining building owners would be spread over the same terms as the basic assessment. Staff would recommend authorization of the preparation and bid solicitation for the expanded skylight canopy. Director Hughes advised that Klaus Freyinger, architect for Lund's improvements projects and part owner of the building on the northwest corner of 50th & France, was present to speak to the project. Member Smith questioned the public benefit to the overall 50th/France area of the proposed skylight canopy. In response, Director Hughes said the benefits are twofold. The reason for the initial canopy is maintenance and safety. The City's experience with narrow alleyways has been that they are prone to wind, weather and the accumulation of snow/ice. The expansion could provide some unique and attractive public areas for outdoor dining, etc. It also could suggest the start of a long-term design theme for the 50th & France area that could be applied to other areas. In particular, the alleyway along the Edina Theater would be suitable for a similar type of canopy, if and when the shops to the west are redeveloped with a larger building. In response to questions of Member Paulus, Director Hughes said the assessment for the original project was estimated at approximately $2/square foot of floor area • throughout the 50th & France area. The special benefit assessment would approximate an additional $1/square foot of floor area. The cost of the skylight canopy is driven up by added area coverage and the design (added height, volume and vertical element) . If the property to the west of the Edina Theater were to redevelop, it is expected that such major redevelopment would produce additional increment to cover costs if the canopy design were expanded to that alleyway. Judgement would have to be reserved until then because the laws relating to tax increment financing could change. Member Smith asked what the private benefit would be to the adjoining properties. Director Hughes recalled that when Lund's presented renovation plans for their properties, the plans showed retail storefronts along the blank wall of the Edina Mall. The creation of those storefronts under canopy would be the principal amenity from a private standpoint. Member Rice asked about the durability and maintenance of laminated glass and also if staff felt the 50/50 cost split was appropriate. Director Hughes said the glass would be weatherproof/hailproof. If there was malicious damage to the canopy the actual repair would be the City's responsibility. However, it would be considered extraordinary maintenance and the cost would be assessed back to the 50th & France properties on an annual basis. As to the cost split, Director Hughes said he felt that was appropriate and reasonable. Mayor Richards then called for public comment on the skylight canopy project as proposed. No comment or objections were heard. • Commissioner Smith made a motion to authorize final plan preparation and bid solicitation for the expanded skylight canopy as presented. Motion was seconded by H.R.A. MINUTES - 5/6/91 Page 3 • Commissioner Kelly. Rollcall: Ayes: Kelly, Paulus, Rice, Smith, Richards Motion carried. *BID AWARDED - CHAIRS - CENTENNIAL LAKES PARK CENTRUM Motion was made by Commissioner Paulus and was seconded by Commissioner Rice for award of bid for chairs for the Centennial Lakes Park Centrum to recommended low bidder, REM Supplies, at $8,250.00. Motion carried on rollcall vote, five ayes. *CLAIMS PAID Motion was made by Commissioner Paulus and was seconded by Commissioner Rice to approve payment of the following HRA claims as shown in detail on the Check Register dated 5/6/91, and consisting of one page totalling, $123,990.97. Motion carried on rollcall vote, five ayes. There being no further business on the HRA Agenda, Chairman Richard declared the meeting adjourned. Exe r ctA i e Director •