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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-20-2009 Council Economic Development CommitteeAGENDA City of Iowa City City Council Economic Development Committee Tuesday, January 20, 2009 8:00 a.m. Lobby Conference Room City Hall 1. Call to Order 2. Consider approval of the December 16, 2008 Economic Development Committee meeting minutes 3. Discuss/action on a sign permit application concerning Pepperwood Plaza 4. Committee time 5. Adjournment draft MINUTES CITY COUNCIL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE DECEMBER 16, 2008 CITY HALL, LOBBY CONFERENCE ROOM, 8:00 A.M. Members Present: Regenia Bailey, Connie Champion, Matt Hayek Staff Present: Wendy Ford, Jeff Davidson, Tracy Hightshoe, Michael Lombardo Others Present: John and Leah Lee, Brenda Pearson (Englert President), Paul Burns (Englert incoming President), Bill Thomasson (Englert Finance Committee Chair), Beth Bewley -Randall (Executive Director Englert), Jeff Charis-Carlson (Press -Citizen) RECOMMENDATIONS: Champion moved to approve the CDBG Economic Development Fund application as recommended by staff for Atlas Home Service, LLC; seconded by Hayek. Motion carried 3-0. Champion moved to grant the request of $50,000 annually to the Englert Theater for three years, with annual reviews; seconded by Hayek. Motion carried 3-0. CALL MEETING TO ORDER: Chairperson Regenia Bailey called the meeting to order at 8:00 A.M CONSIDER APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE OCTOBER_ 13, 2008 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING: Champion moved to approve the minutes of the October 13, 2008, Economic Development Committee as presented; seconded by Hayek. Motion carried 3-0. CONSIDER CDBG ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FUND APPLICATION: Atlas Home Service, LLC Hightshoe stated that they received a CDBG application for this home -based business, and that this is the first home -based business they will have considered. This is a "handyman" type of service that started in the fall of 2006. She briefly touched on the history of Atlas Home Service LLC, stating that they have been quite successful to date. She also stated that the company now has a web site. Hightshoe noted that this business is eligible as a microenterprise. She continued to fill the Committee in on the details of this assistance, noting that in 2009 the business hopes to rent some commercial space. The owner spoke to the Committee, stating that they are working on furthering the image of their business, and that they are looking to move out of their home, as they do have a location in mind. Champion stated that she really likes this application and feels this is exactly the kind of business they need to be helping. Hayek asked about the bank loan that the owner has, and she explained the details of the loan briefly. Hayek stated what some of his concerns are, adding that he believes this is a very good application as well. Champion moved to approve the CDBG Economic Development Fund application as recommended by staff (staff recommendation was included in meeting packet) for Atlas Home Service, LLC; seconded by Hayek. Motion carried 3-0. CONSIDER ENGLERT THEATER ANNUAL FUNDING REQUEST: Davidson noted that Members have a letter regarding the Englert Theater's request of $50,000 in annual funding, for three years, renewal each year. He noted that in discussions with Englert Economic Development Committee Meeting December 16, 2008 board and staff members, it became obvious that they were talking about funding that is clearly different than the standard annual "aid to agencies" funding. Davidson noted that the $50,000 would be used to support the Englert in its operations. Davidson continued, stating that the theater is an asset to the downtown and is in line with the goals for the downtown area. He noted that staff met with the Englert recently and were very impressed with the operations and financial management there. Davidson noted that the timing for this request is not good, considering budget constraints, but that staff does support the request at this time of $50,000 per year for three years, and that this be renewable based on an accountability report that would be submitted in November of each year. Bailey asked those in attendance from the Englert to introduce themselves. Hayek noted for the record that he previously was a Member of the Englert Board of Directors; and Ford noted that she is a current Member of the Englert Board of Directors. The discussion began with Champion stating that she does not believe it is unusual for a municipal government to support a theater, and that her only concern is obligating the City to pay out $50,000 a year for the three years. She added that she would certainly consider the request on a year-to-year basis, but does believe they need to be cautious due to budget cuts. Bailey asked questions regarding the financial forecast for the Englert, and how other similar theaters are operating. Bill Thomasson addressed some of Bailey's financial questions, noting that they have presented these same reports to their bank. The discussion continued, with Beth Bewley -Randall noting that during the first four years, the Englert concentrated on programming and finding their niche in the market. Now that they have found it and are managing operations with very respectable margins, the Board believes it is time to improve on fundraising and financial development to fortify the Theater's future. Bailey asked about the fundraising portion of the Theater's budget, and why this has dropped. Bewley -Randall explained the costs and revenues associated with the year's fundraiser — a Randy Newman concert and that while revenues were high, costs were also high. The 2009 numbers reflect a different fundraiser with more conservative aspirations. The Friends of the Englert campaign was mentioned, as well. Hayek stated his thoughts about the request, noting that he understands Champion's concerns but he believes this is something where the asset of having the Theater means'something. Bailey suggested they talk about what accountability measures they would want to see, if they do approve this request. Bewley -Randall stated that they have updated their ticket program and can track more information about their patrons, which will help in generating report data. Paul Burns noted that they have the capability of tracking most anything the Committee might be interested in. Bailey noted that the main interest is in getting people to come downtown, not only to the Englert, but also to the many restaurants and other businesses downtown. Brenda Pearson noted that they have been working on a concept around partnering with restaurants where an Englert ticket combination would offer a show and a meal. The discussion continued with various ideas about accountability and partnerships shared. Bailey noted that measurements such as attendance, Englert parking ramp discount uses, restaurant increases, that type of data, would give some measurement of what is happening downtown. She stated that she believes they need to come up with as many quantitative measures as possible, given that this will be an investment for the City. Hayek stated that he agrees the timing is bad, given the budget situation, and he questioned if Champion would be interested in more than a one-year commitment. Bailey asked that they get a motion on the table so they can further discuss this. Champion moved that they grant the annual request of $50,000, reiterating that she believes this needs to be done on an annual basis. Hayek then stated his concerns, asking for more clarification of the Englert's budget process. Bailey stated that she would support the three-year, request, that she believes this is an investment for the City. She believes they need to invest now in order to keep the downtown thriving. It was noted that the annual $50,000 would come through the Economic Development Division budget from a biannually funded $200,000 budget line Economic Development Committee Meeting December 16, 2008 reserved for business development. Discussion continued among the Members, with all agreeing that this is an important investment for the City. Hayek then asked Lombardo if he had anything to add. Lombardo stated that he agrees that this is an important economic development move, and that this would be a good investment. Bailey reiterated her concern that they come up with some definite measurements for this request. After further discussion, Champion amended her motion to the three-year request. She noted that they need to have this discussion at the Council level, as well. Champion moved to grant the request of $50,000 annually to the Englert Theater for three years, with annual reviews; seconded by Hayek. Motion carried 3-0. STAFF TIME: None. COMMITTEE TIME: None. ADJOURNMENT: Hayek moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:50 A.M., seconded by Champion. Economic Development Committee Meeting December 16, 2008 Council Economic Development Committee ATTENDANCE RECORD 2008 NAME TERM EXP. 1 cn N co w M w -4 N o o °i co o w Regenia 01/02/10 X X x X X X X X X X X Bailey Matt 01/02/10 X X X X X X X X X X X Hayek Connie 01/02/10 X X x x X X X 0/E X X X Champion Key: X = Present 0 = Absent O/E = Absent/Excused CITY OF IOWA CITY MEMORANDUM To: Economic Development Committee From: Jann Ream Date: 1/13/2009 Re: Pepperwood Plaza signage Per the amended development agreement with Southgate and the City concerning Pepperwood Plaza, the EDC is required to review any sign permit application for a proposed sign that does not meet the criteria of the approved sign plan. A sign permit application was received 1/12/2009 for a facia sign for a new business — The Chocolate Box". The application and dimensional drawing is attached along with the approved sign plan criteria. The sign plan requires signage to consist of dimensional channel letters. If the letters are larger than 12 inches, then they must be illuminated. If the letters are less than 12 inches then they can be flat surface mounted letters such as neon letters or cut metal panels with illumination from the rear. If a business has a graphic logo, it can be allowed as an internally illuminated cabinet style sign as long as it is in conjunction with individual channel letters. The purpose behind these criteria was to bring cohesion to the overall signage of the individual tenant spaces at Pepperwood Plaza and to create signage that would add interest and graphic features to the design of the mall. Signage was specifically listed in the seven design standards listed in the development agreement. The concept was to disallow the standard illuminated plexiglass box with glued -on vinyl graphics as the entire sign. Goodwill, Tuesday Morning, Hancock Fabrics, Slumberland, Stuff Etc., Rene's Ceramic Cafe, Totally Spoiled Salon, Stylez 4U, Ace Cash Advance, Fitness Express, Sherwin Williams and The Rack are all businesses that installed new signage that met the criteria of the sign plan. The result is that the overall signage at Pepperwood Plaza is graphically interesting and has helped create a more visually attractive development. Taco Bell, as a national franchise, was able to utilize item #8 of the criteria in order to use the signage required by the Franchisor. The proposed sign is a simple illuminated cabinet style sign with vinyl graphics and as such is not a sign that can be approved per the design plan unless EDC does so. Perhaps the proposed cabinet could be made much smaller and act as a graphic logo in conjunction with the "Chocolate Block" done in internally illuminated channel letters mounted on a raceway. If you have any questions, please contact me at 356-5120. i PEPPERWOOD PLAZA PROPOSED SIGN CRITERIA September 8, 2004 Existing Tenant signs are approved, as designed, upon reattachment to the new perforated metal sign facade. 2. Sign letters shall be mounted on the perforated metal sign facade above the canopy. 3. Letters greater than 12" in height shall be illuminated, three dimensional channel letters. 4. Letters less than 12" in height may be flat, surface -mounted channel letters illuminated with neon or similar technique, or they may be cut from the metal panel and illuminated from the back. 5. No letters shall extend beyond the top of the building facade. 6. Graphic logos may be internally -illuminated, cabinet -style sign if used in conjunction with channel letters. 7. Directional signage that is mounted to the building facade may be internally - illuminated, cabinet -style signs, but must not exceed 4 square feet in area. 8. All signage shall comply with the above criteria unless the Franchisor requires an alternate style of signage. In this circumstance, the Franchisor must provide staff with a letter, explaining why the approved signage criteria cannot be met. The Developer shall submit all exterior changes or new construction requiring a building permit for review and approval by the City Council Economic Development Committee. The City Council Economic Development Committee will review the project using the following criteria within twenty (20) working days of receipt of the design plans by the Director of Planning and Community Development: 1) Pedestrian walkways should, to the extent possible, be separated from vehicular traffic through the use of trees, landscaping, raised curbs, and decorative pavers. 2) All parking islands should be curbed and landscaped with vegetation. 3) To the degree possible, the presence of the building(s) should be strengthened so that it is more visible from Highway 6. 4) The use of color, materials, mass, signage, lighting and other architectural features should enhance the retail/commercial environment and result in a more vibrant and visually attractive development. 5) Awnings and signage should be integrated into the overall design concept. 6) All vertical (roof) extensions and sign panels should have a finished appearance from all sides. 7) Material used within five feet, measured vertically from grade, should be durable and resistant to damage. Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EFTS) is not recommended. Any proposed new construction on the Development property shall be subject to approval by the City Council Economic Development Committee before the issuance of any building permit. Any proposed signage on the property will be reviewed within seven (7) working days by Housing and Inspection staff for conformance with the Pepperwood Plaza Proposed Sign Criteria dated September '8, 2004. If said proposal meets the Sign Criteria, a sign permit will be issued. If, in the opinion of staff, the proposal does not meet the Sign Criteria, the proposal will be forwarded to the City Council Economic Development Committee for review and approval under the sign criteria. 2. The parties hereto acknowledge and agree that only the reviewing body and specific guidelines for review as outlined in this First Amendment to the Agreement for Private Development by and between the City of Iowa City, Iowa and Southgate Development Company have been modified by this Amendment, and all other terms and conditions outlined in the Agreement for Private Redevelopment shall continue in full force and effect. (SEAL) DATED this _ day of A o✓e ru be r , 2008. CORPORA CITY, IOWA SEAT C:6 ) SIGN APPLICATION & PERMIT S\ kCity of Iowa City q LOCATION OF SIGN ZONING DISTRICT Permit No. Permit Date,„_ Fee Application Date OWNER OF PROPERTY .-A address phone # � OWNER OF BUSINESS SIGN TYPE OF SIGN ❑Off Premises 10,+On Premises BUILDING SIGNS ❑ Awning ❑ anopy cla Vndow ❑ Other NON -BUILDING SIGNS ❑ Directional ❑ Drive Thru Menu ❑ Free Standing ❑ Monument ❑ Other �l Prod Gct�1u , 4 . ., . ," —A -7—YL address SPECIAL SIGNS CI Going Out of Business ❑ Special Event (30 day permit) PROVISIONAL SIGNS ❑ Barber Pole ❑ Common (Free-standing) or Monument) ❑ 2`d (free-standing) or (Monument) ❑ Time & Temp ❑ Other DESCRIPTION & PLACEMENT OF PROPOSED SIGN BUILDING SIGN ❑ Size Wa.4fadu Height feet Width feet Area sq. ft. ❑ Total Area of Sign Wall (y 0 0 feet ❑ Total Area of (Awning) or (Window) feet NON -BUILDING SIGN ❑ size Height feet Width feet Area sq. tt. ❑ Lot Frontage feet ❑ Sign Set Back from Property Line feet ❑ Height. Above Grade Top feet Bottom feet ADpITfONAL INFORMATION E,/ Illiution 7ernal ❑ External O None ❑ is An Electrical Permit Required? Y No THIS SIGN PERMIT WILLN OT BE ISSUED WIHTOUT THE FOLLOWING ATTACHMENTS: 1. Plot plan (non -building signs only) 2. Dim ensloned drawing sign T)j q 2-4 Nta ) phone # LICENSE # _ FOR OFFICE USE ONLY TOTAL BUILDINGQSIGNAGE ❑ Allowed ` sq. ft. ❑ Existing sq. tt• ❑ Proposed ❑ Remaining sq. ft. COMMENTS: A. Sign inventory (building signs orgy) 5. Dimensioned drawing of a sign wall showing existing sr�ge and Placement of proposed sign (building signs only) . (A good photograph may be accepted In lieu of this drawing.) THIS SIGN WILL WITHSTAND 30 LBJSQ. FT. WIND LOADING. Signature of Registered Engineer, Architect, orAuthorixedAgent I hereby certify that I have read and examined this application and know ft same to be true and corect. All provisions of laws and ordinances governing this type of work will be complied with whether specified herein or not. The granting of a permit does not presume to No authority to violate or cancel the provisions of any other slats or focal law regulating construction 4he peffrmance of oclinstrotion., I SIGNATURE OF APPLICANT TE) SIGNATURE OF BULDNG OFFICIAL i "HE FITTOPAGE BOX IM AC110SAT TO PRINT A SCAL E PRINT If,, Tj jjS PFIRM ONTO AnTWORK PAGE THE ME t"aSjW.,'$1Z0,VToV1T:.PAPE.R AND VALL NOT DE TO SCALE - UNCHECK T. LR (3-1- I - I*Ilj : :14 INIM d 3'IV3S V INIM d 01 IM80HOV f43 *X09 a oVd oj,jj.j -141 X' A [13tiln * 31V' 0S 01 go Ion JJIM MV U3dVd. 11-4 01. 02-19 t43-:-Ig SVjj 01NO Sit-flud Stl43. -fl