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HomeMy WebLinkAbout98-109 Resolution No. 98-109 RESOLUTION ADOPTING AN AMENDED STATE STREET FACADE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ELGIN, ILLINOIS, that it hereby adopts an amended State Street Facade Improvement Program dated May 8, 1998 for the improvement, renovation and restoration of buildings to the original architecture of the building, a copy of which is attached. s/ Kevin Kelly Kevin Kelly, Mayor Presented: May 13, 1998 Adopted: May 13, 1998 Vote: Yeas 5 Nays 0 Attest: s/ Dolonna Mecum Dolonna Mecum, City Clerk May 8, 1998 CITY OF ELGIN STATE STREET FACADE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM Introduction The City of Elgin has committed itself to revitalization of its center city. This commitment manifests itself in implementation of the Center City Master Plan, a blueprint for redevelopment of Elgin's center core area. A vital component to the success of this redevelopment effort is the involvement of private property owners. The City hopes to encourage private investment in commercial buildings of the area through a program which offers financial incentives to businesses to improve the appearance and quality of their storefronts . The State Street Facade Improvement Program is designed to promote improvements to storefronts in one of the City' s important gateway areas. Under the program, property owners or business owners within the target area are eligible to apply for grants to be applied to the cost of improving their storefronts or building facades . These grants are provided in recognition of the positive impact that individual facade renovations can have on the overall appearance and quality of their storefronts and the area in general . Target Area A map indicating the program' s target area is presented as Exhibit A. The building for which assistance through the State Street Facade Improvement Program is sought must be located in the target area. Type of Assistance Property owners or business owners who make improvements under this program will receive a grant which will match dollar for dollar the private investment in that project. A maximum of $25,000 in public funds is available per project. It is not the purpose of the program to finance ongoing improvements which may be considered part of the building' s regular maintenance. Each eligible improvement will be funded by the program only once. However, the applicant may present the project in phases with completion scheduled within two years . Each phase shall involve facade improvements not included in any other phase of the project. Rebates may then be approved for each phase, the total of public funds not to exceed $25,000. A. "$3,000 Facade Improvement Incentive" Applications submitted between May 26 and August 24, 1998 may be eligible to receive the first $3, 000 of any approved project without the aforementioned matching payment requirement. Projects which complete approved improvements may receive a rebate for an amount equal to the cost of improvements up to a maximum $3,000. Approved improvements exceeding $3,000 may receive an additional dollar-for-dollar match for project costs above $3,000, as provided herein. Ownership Eligible applicants may be the owner of a commercial building or the owner of a commercial business in the target area. Business owners who are tenants of a building for which improvements are planned must provide written consent from the building owner for all proposed improvements . Eligible Improvements The program is geared to facade improvements ranging from minor repairs and painting to complete facade renovation. All improvements must be compatible with the architecture of the building. Eligible improvements include brick cleaning and tuck pointing, window and/or door replacement, awnings, restoration of original architectural features and other improvements visible from the street and have a positive appearance of the building. Sandblasting of brick will not be funded under the program nor will the program participate in any project which includes sandblasting. Roof repair will not be funded under the program. Awnings and canopies may be used as a design element if those features are compatible with the original building design and complement the building' s architectural features. Construction and/or repair of mansard roofs and fixed shingle canopies will not be an eligible cost under the program. Landscaping is an eligible activity under the program. Detailed architectural design work is an eligible cost under the program. All facades generally visible from a public right-of-way, including front, sides and rear of building, are eligible for the State Street Facade Improvement Program. Ineligible Improvements The following improvements are ineligible under the Elgin Facade Improvement Program: 1. Additions to existing structures . 2 . Interior remodeling (except window display areas) . 3. Roof repairs/replacements . 4 . Purchase of furnishings, equipment, or other personal property which does not become a part of the real estate. 5 . Construction or repair of mansard roofs . 6 . Improvements completed or in progress prior to notification of approval . 7 . Repair or creation of features not compatible with the original architecture. Restrictions 1 . Applications received by the City after August 24, 1998 shall not be eligible for the $3,000 rebate described above. Mailed applications must be postmarked no later than August 24, 1998 . 2 . The aforementioned $3,000 rebate may be applied only one time per building on which approved improvements are made. 3 . Participants are not obligated to proceed with improvements beyond those covered by the initial $3,000 when receiving the $3,000 unmatched payment provided for herein. 4 . Applications and administrative procedures of the State Street Facade Program apply to applications for and approval of the $3,000 facade improvement incentive. The Facade Improvement Application Process Application and Administrative Procedures 1 . Merchants or property owners can obtain the State Street Facade Improvement Program guidelines and application form from the Director, New Century Partnership For Elgin. The completed application should be submitted to the New Century Partnership Director for processing. If more applications are received than current funding levels will allow, the City reserves the right to prioritize the applications on the basis of the location of the project, the extent of the work, the level of private funding, and the relative impact of the proposed improvements on the area. 2 . The applicant will meet with the New Century Partnership Director, the Historic Preservation Specialist, and the Rehabilitation Specialist to discuss the proposed improvements . Staff will provide suggestions on improvements to be made, provide lists of architects, contractors, and/or product manufacturers . These suggestions do not constitute a recommendation, but merely a list of resources . 3. Design drawings will be reviewed by the New Century Partnership Director, the Historic Preservation Specialist, and the Rehabilitation Specialist. The design will be reviewed considering the following: 1) The compatibility of the proposed improvements with the overall architectural design goals for the area; 2) The relationship between the proposed improvements and the general character of the streetscape and other buildings in the area; 3) The overall impact of the improvements on the appearance of the building; 4) The relationship between the improvements and the original architecture or historic significance of the building or area; 5) The recommendations of the City staff and/or the architect regarding any of the above and compliance with City codes . 4 . After the design is approved, and if no further architectural or engineering plans are required, the applicant may begin to solicit bids from contractors of his or her choice. 5. After the applicant has received at least two bids for each of the approved work items, the applicant shall notify the New Century Partnership Director as to the contractor selected, the contract amount, and the anticipated date of construction. Copies of all bids and proposals shall be submitted promptly to the New Century Partnership Director. 6 . Upon City review and approval of the bids/contractor, a Facade Improvement Program Agreement will be drafted and will require that all improvements must be completed within 180 days of the date of the Agreement, unless otherwise authorized by the City. 7 . Required building permits must be obtained before the work begins . Questions regarding permit requirements should be directed to the City' s Department of Code Administration. 8. After all necessary permits have been issued, work may proceed. All change orders must be approved by the program staff. 9 . Upon completion of the project, copies of all bids, contracts, invoices, and waivers of lien must be submitted to the New Century Partnership Director. City staff will inspect the work for compliance with City codes and conformance with the design plans approved for this project. 10. If all of the requirements listed above are satisfied, a check will be issued from the City to the applicant for the rebate amount. Note: Payment will be issued only upon completion of all work items as originally approved. Major changes or elimination of certain items in the approved design plan must be approved by a City staff review team. Correspondence All questions and comments regarding this Program shall be directed to: Director, New Century Partnership For Elgin City of Elgin 31 S. Grove Ave. Elgin, IL 60120 847-931-5945 STATE STREET BUILDING IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM APPLICATION FORM 1 . Applicant (Name) Home Address (Street) (City) (State) (Zip) (Phone) 2 . Building or establishment for which the rebate is sought: (Street Address) Applicant is : Owner Tenant If tenant, what is term of lease? 3. Facade to be improved: Front Side Rear 4 . Proposed use of program: Canopy/Awning Signage Windows/Doors Exterior Lighting Painting/Tuck Restoration of Architectural Features Brick Cleaning Landscaping Other (please specify) 5. Statement of Understanding. A. The applicant (undersigned) agrees to comply with the guidelines and procedures of the State Street Building Improvement Program and the conceptual design and outline specifications as agreed to by the applicant and the application review team. B. The applicant understands that the applicant must submit detailed cost documentation, copies of building permits, bids, contracts and invoices and contractor's final waivers of lien upon completion of the approved improvements . Applicant Signature If the applicant is other than the owner, the following line must be completed: I certify that I, the owner of the property at do authorize the applicant to apply for a rebate under the State Street Building Improvement Program and undertake the approved improvements. Date (Owner Signature) --------------------------------------------------------------- FOR OFFICE USE ONLY Date Application Received: Application Fee Paid: Yes No If Yes, Check Cash Application I .D. Number: Rebate Approved: Date Total Estimated Project Cost Percent Applied for Rebate Total Amount of Rebate Rebate Denied: Date Reason (Program Coordinator) Return To: New Century Partnership For Elgin 150 Dexter Court Elgin, IL 60120 STSTFAC.ADE/NCPFAC.ADE Committee of the Whole Meeting April 22 , 1998 Page 2 Proposal Award for Architectural/Engineering Services for YWCA of Elgin Facility Improvements Councilman Walters made a motion, seconded by Councilman Schock, to award the contract for architectural/engineering services for the YWCA facility improvements to Sutter & Schroeder Architects in the amount of $18 , 800 . Yeas : Councilmembers McKevitt , Schock, Walters, Yearman and Mayor Kelly. Nays : None . Sale of Golf Course Dog Councilman McKevitt made a motion to sell the golf course dog to Jim Vogt for $1 . The motion and second were withdrawn. Councilman McKevitt made a motion, seconded by Councilwoman Yearman, to sell the golf course dog to Jim Vogt for the sum of $170 . 75, which represents one-half the cost of the dog plus the cost of neutering. Yeas : Councilmembers McKevitt , Schock, Walters, Yearman and Mayor Kelly. Nays : None . Councilman Gavin arrived at 6 : 25 p.m. Spartan Meadows Alcoholic Liquor Sales Councilman McKevitt made a motion, seconded by Councilman Walters, to approve an amendment to the Class G liquor license to allow for the sale of alcohol on the Spartan Meadows golf course . Yeas : Councilmembers Gavin, McKevitt , Schock, Walters, and Mayor Kelly. Nays : Councilwoman Yearman. State Street Facade Program Councilwoman Yearman made a motion, seconded by Councilman Walters, to approve the New Century Partnership recommendation to increase the benefit to the program participant by providing a $3 , 000 grant to property owners for making approved exterior improvements . Yeas : Councilmembers Gavin, Schock, Walters, Yearman and Mayor Kelly. Nays : Councilmember McKevitt . Overtime Parking Fines Discussion was held regarding the public ' s vehement reaction to the $25 fine for overtime parking, which was enacted when all parking was made free . It was the consensus of the Council to revert the amount of the fine to $10 and to encourage employers to strongly urge their employees to use long-term parking facilities rather than using the one-hour on-street parking. Councilman Gavin made a motion, seconded by Councilwoman Yearman, to reduce the overtime parking fine from $25 to $10 . Yeas : Councilmembers Gavin, McKevitt, Schock, Walters, Yearman and Mayor Kelly. Nays : None . Agenda Item No. ' City of Elgin April 10, 1998 TO: Mayor and Members of the City Council FROM: Joyce A. Parker, City Manager SUBJECT: State Street Facade Program PURPOSE The purpose of this memorandum is to present to the Mayor and members of the City Council a request from the New Century Partnership to amend the State Street Facade Program. BACKGROUND The City Council approved the establishment of the State Street Facade Program as a means to encourage the rehabilita- tion or restoration of properties in the State Street gateway area. The program was suggested in a report submitted by the State Street Task Force, a group appointed by the City Coun- cil . The task force recommended a facade program providing the following benefit : a. $3 , 000 grant to property owners for making approved exterior improvements . The grant would be distributed in the form of a rebate upon completion of the work, and b. a dollar-for-dollar match of expenses for additional facade improvements (up to a maximum of $25, 000 in public funds) . The City Council considered the task force recommendation and decided to adopt only the second recommended program benefit, i .e . , dollar-for-dollar match. A budget of $169, 000 was established for the program. At a later date, the City Council voted to apply $46, 000 of those funds to the Walton Islands improvement project, leaving $120, 000 for the facade program. To date, none of those funds have been expended. Since the program has been offered, there have been three applicants and four inquiries made by interested property owners . However, the applicants have delayed participation in the program until the grant issue is reconsidered. State Street Facade Program April 10, 1998 Page 2 COMMUNITY GROUPS/INTERESTED PERSONS CONTACTED Property owners submitted a petition to the City Council dated December 1, 1997 . New Century Partnership For Elgin sent the attached letter to the City Council dated March 19, 1998 . FINANCIAL IMPACT Funds totalling $120, 000 were originally budgeted in February, 1996, Account No. 275-0000-791 . 78-99, Rehabilitation Grants, as a result of reprogramming 1995 Riverboat proceeds . The entire amount is available for the program. A budget adjust- ment will be necessary if there are any 1998 expenditures. . LEGAL IMPACT None . ALTERNATIVES 1 . Approve the request by New Century Partnership to amend the program to increase the benefit to the program participant . 2 . Maintain the program as it currently exists . 3 . Reallocate the funds toward other public improvements in the State Street area. RECOMMENDATION New Century Partnership requests that the Elgin City Council amend the State Street facade program to provide greater benefit . Re ectfully submi ted, J ce Parker City Manager dkn/dkm • , (�pjCEHI(UAY We promote the development and enhancement of the economic,commercial,social,recreational PRRI NERSN�p and governmental services and amenities of the Center City and its surrounding neighborhoods. March 19 , 1998 Mayor Kelly and Elgin City Council 150 Dexter Court Elgin, IL 60120 RE : State Street Facade Improvement Program Dear Mayor Kelly and Elgin City Council : At its March 18 meeting, the New Century Partnership Board of Directors approved a recommendation to request that the City Council amend the provisions of the State Street Facade Improvement Program to increase the benefit to participants . Specifically, the Board would like the program benefit to be as follows : 1 . $3, 000 rebate on approved exterior improvements to any property owner requesting, plus : 2 . the opportunity to take advantage of an additional dollar-for-dollar rebate on approved improvements if the property owner wished to undertake a larger project. Under this scenario, a property owner may receive the $3, 000 rebate (no private matching funds required) and proceed with no further improvements to the building. However, if the owner wishes to undertake a larger project, he/she can receive a dollar-for-dollar rebate on the project costs above $3, 000 . The Board would further suggest that the opportunity to apply for this $3, 000 cost rebate be limited to a ninety-day period. The Board feels that this approach will encourage property owners in the State Street area to take advantage of a resource which have, to' date, not been utilized. It is requested that this by placed 'on the agenda of the April 22 Committee of the Whole meeting. Thank you for this opportunity to input. Sincerely`, Tr'�es ith M. DiFulvio id ent 31 South Grove Avenue • Elgin, Illinois 60120 • (847) 931-3945 • FAX: (847) 931-5610