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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1987 Eligin Metropolitan Exposition Auditorium MINUTES ELGIN METROPOLITAN EXPOSITION AUDITORIUM AND OFFICE BUILDING AUTHORITY MARCH 9, 1987 Members Present : Delvin Johnston, Walter Cordin, Ed Kelly, Christian Schock, Charles Kaltenbach Members Absent: Ronald Pavlik Staff Present: James J. Cook, Patricia Andrews The meeting was called to order at 7 :40 a.m. by Chairman Delvin Johnston. Approval of Minutes Charles Kaltenbach made a motion, seconded by Ed Kelly, to approve the minutes of the February 9 , 1987 meeting. Approved. OLD BUSINESS Discussion of the Former Woolworth Building Jim Cook stated that the City' s Corporation Counsel voiced concern regarding the possibility of this Authority being given control of the former Woolworth Building for the purpose of marketing and selling. The Authority was created under state statute for the development of exhibition halls, civic centers, auditoriums, etc. and, therefore, the City Council cannot change or alter any of the responsibilities named in the statute. The Council hoped to use this Authority as an advisory group responsible for issuing and reviewing RFPs for the building but the state statute prohibits this function. Mr. Cook further stated that downtown redevelopment responsibilities could possibly fall more heavily on the Greater Downtown Elgin Commission. When openings occur, members of this Authority could possibly be placed on the membership of the GDEC. Chairman Johnston suggested keeping this Authority intact for the present with members also serving on the GDEC to help in the redevelopment of the downtown. Copies of a draft RFP for the Woolworth Building were distributed and Mr. Cook asked for comments. The RFP will be presented to the City Council for their review on March 11th. Mr. Cook asked for Authority suggestions on a minimum price for the building. After discussion, the Authority suggested setting the minimum price of $42 ,000, which is one-half the appraised value of the building. egh (2) Minutes Elgin Metropolitan Exposition Auditorium and Office Building Authority March 9 , 1987 Page 2 of 3 Christian Schock made a motion, seconded by Charles Kaltenbach, to recommend to the City Council a minimum asking price of $42 ,000 for the former Woolworth Building. Approved. Discussion of Illinois Arts Council Grant Pat Andrews stated she has been working with Diame Ramsay of the Elgin Area Convention/Visitors Bureau, Susie Richardson of the Hemmens Auditorium and Nancy Epping of the Elgin Public Museum, in the preparation of a survey to be sent out to arts groups in the area to determine their needs. If Elgin receives a grant , it would be used to fund one-half of the fees for design of a building. A planning group has been formed to determine if the Crocker Theater could meet the building needs. If the building is acceptable, Al Griffith, the new owner of the Crocker Theater, would finance 50 percent of the design fees with the remaining 50 percent coming from the grant . The survey will be mailed shortly and the deadline for grant application is May 15th. Staff will determine if the Authority or the GDEC should properly apply for the grant . Miscellaneous Jim Cook stated that some type of urban renewal authority should be formed in Elgin even though funds are not readily available at the present time. The legal powers would be in place for future use. He added that the City needs to acquire property and place it back in the market place in order to rebuild the downtown. Successes with the former Woolworth Building and Crocker Theater would encourage revitalization of the area. Ed Kelly questioned the workings of the facade program in the downtown area and asked if there was any control over how participants remodeled their building facades. Pat Andrews stated that a rendering must be submitted to determine the suitability before a loan is granted. Jim Cook suggested that the program could go in one of three directions: 1. Let owners do what they want . 2. Create an architectural commission and set up standards as to what can be done. 3. Tell owners what they must do. r . Minutes Elgin Metropolitan Exposition Auditorium and Office Building Authority March 9 , 1987 Page 3 of 3 Mr. Cook added that a good downtown commission could determine the above matters. Del Johnston recommended consideration of Sharon Jakle to fill the vacant position on the Authority. The next meeting date was set for 7 :30 a.m. on April 6th at First Federal Savings and Loan. There being no further business before the Elgin Metropolitan Exposition Auditorium and Office Building Authority, the meeting was adjourned at 8:45 a.m. Respectfully submitted, kijX0) fa_th Andrea M. Paetsch Recording Secretary r MINUTES f ELGIN METROPOLITAN EXPOSITION AUDITORIUM AND OFFICE BUILDING AUTHORITY JUNE 22, 1987 Members Present: Delvin Johnston, Ed Kelly, Ron Pavlik, Walter Cordin, Christian Schock Member Absent : Charles Kaltenbach Staff Present : James J. Cook, Patricia Andrews Guest : Frank Halsey The meeting was called to order at 7 : 35 p.m. by Chairman Delvin Johnston. Approval of Minutes Walter Cordin made a motion, seconded by Ron Pavlik, to approve the minutes of the May 11 , 1987 meeting as presented. Approved. OLD BUSINESS Discussion of Woolworth Building Proposal Pat Andrews introduced Frank Halsey of Halsey Construction Co. , the submittor of the office use proposal for the Woolworth Building. Walter Cordin told Mr. Halsey the Commission has some concern regarding the exterior appearance of the building. Mr. Halsey stated he is willing to work with Charles Kaltenbach in selecting a design for the front of the building. Jim Cook inquired if Mr. Halsey has a time frame in mind for initiation and completion of renovation work on the building. Mr. Halsey stated he hopes to begin work in the late fall with completion in the spring of 1988 . Mr. Halsey stated the Renz Counseling Center is tentatively committed for rental space in the building and two other state agencies have expressed interest . He would also be willing to rent to private industry but prefers longterm leases. Mr. Halsey has received numerous questions regarding the safety of the second floor of the building. He feels the building is structurally sound throughout and articles will be printed in the local newspaper stating the building is well constructed and the second floor is safe and sound. As present , he does not plan to rent the second floor, but it will be renovated. j Minutes Elgin Metropolitan Exposition Auditorium and Office Building Authority June 22 , 1987 Page 2 of 3 . Jim Cook stated he would like a reversionary clause in the sales contract to prevent Mr. Halsey from buying the building on speculation for sale at a later time. Mr. Halsey stated he would have no objection to such a clause as he has no intention of selling the building as he wants rental income from the property for the next five to ten years . Walter Cordin suggested staff be involved in the preparation of a sales contract , noting the forementioned items. Mr. Halsey agreed to contact Mr. Kaltenbach regarding the exterior facade of the building. OTHER BUSINESS Miscellaneous Walter Cordin suggested the City condemn the building next to the open space on the mall (the former Tree House ) and demolish it to create a wider area of open space. Jim Cook stated the property is owned by the First National Bank and they may want to use it for expansion of their present facility. He did agree, however, that the mall must be opened up to remove the dark tunnel effect . Del Johnston reported that at their last meeting, the Greater Downtown Elgin Commission decided to conduct a survey of downtown businesses to determine what types are in operation as well as their future plans and needs. It was decided that businesses already located in the downtown would receive preferential treatment regarding improvement loans over new businesses. Ron Pavlik requested a copy of the Comprehensive Plan to determine what the boundaries of the downtown encompass. Del Johnston reported the GDEC discussed the formation of a corporation to purchase buildings on the mall for rehabilitation and resale. Profits could be used to purchase additional buildings for sale. The group plans to form subcommittees to study various options in the area. Jim Cook reported there is money available in Block Grant funding this year for improvements in the National, Villa, Wellington and Lake Streets area as well as Michigan Avenue. This area needs to be cleaned up and improved. r Minutes Elgin Metropolitan Exposition Auditorium and Office Building Authority June 22 , 1987 Page 3 of 3 •Del Johnson stated the Authority needs to decide how it can best become involved in the redevelopment of the downtown. The Authority could work in tandem with the GDEC or a new group could be formed consisting of members of the Authority and GDEC. The City Council and staff would need to define and identify how they want the new group to function. Pat Andrews agreed to bring information on local development corporations to the next meeting. Ed Kelly suggested hiring a consultant to determine what other downtown areas have done. Walter Cordin suggested extreme ideas are needed for redevelopment of the downtown area. A group with extremely opposite ideas could form, rank ideas in order of importance, and work out a plan from a combination of extremes. Traditional ideas have not worked in the downtown area and imagination is needed. Del Johnston agreed to speak with Jim Cook to determine how much f" public help can be used to redevelop the downtown, what funding is available from the City, and any ideas staff may have. At present , there is one vacancy on the Authority. Ron Pavlik suggested Sharon Jakle as a replacement and Mr. Johnston stated any other suggestions would be welcome. The next meeting date was set for Monday, July 27th, at 7 : 30 a.m. at First Federal Savings and Loan Assocation. There being no further business before the Elgin Metropolitan Exposition Auditorium and Office Building Authority, the meeting was adjourned at 8:45 a.m. Respectfully submitted, yjird'ucc Andrea M. Paetsch Recording Secretary MINUTES ELGIN METROPOLITAN EXPOSITION AUDITORIUM AND OFFICE BUILDING AUTHORITY JULY 27, 1987 Members Present : Delvin Johnston, Ed Kelly, Ron Pavlik, Walter Cordin, Christian Schock, Charles Kaltenbach Members Absent: None Staff Present: James J. Cook, Patricia Andrews The meeting was called to order at 7 :40 a.m. by Chairman Delvin Johnston. Approval of Minutes The minutes of the June 22 , 1987 meeting were approved as presented. OLD BUSINESS Discussion of the Woolworth Building Charles Kaltenbach reported on his discussion with the proposed purchaser, Frank Halsey, regarding options for exterior rehabilitation of the building. At this time, it would appear that KDK is a firm tenant for offices on the first floor of the building. Walter Cordin expressed concern about use of the exterior overhang and retention of the exterior characteristics of the facade. It was agreed that drawings will be needed to evaluate any proposed exterior rehabilitation work. Staff reported that a draft sales contract is under preparation by the City' s Legal Department . The draft contract will be provided to the Authority for its August 24th meeting. On a motion by Walter Cordin, with a second by Ed Kelly, the Authority concurred to move ahead with the sale of this building. Membership The topic of the vacancy on the Authority was discussed. On a motion by Ron Pavlik, with a second by Charles Kaltenbach, the Authority agreed to recommend Sharon Jakle to fill the present vacancy. Cgi ) Minutes Elgin Metropolitan Exposition Auditorium and Office Building Authority July 27 , 1987 Page 2 of 2 Discussion of Possible Projects Walter Cordin opened discussion with a review of the planning sub-committees formed by the Greater Downtown Elgin Commission. Walter discussed the purpose of the sub-committees, the existing Central Business District plan and the philosophy and means of the development of an innovative plan especially suited to the Elgin downtown area. Discussion ensued regarding the downtown and potential development/redevelopment projects. Walter Cordin invited the Authority to submit ideas for the downtown to the Greater Downtown Elgin Commission. Discussion then revolved around the potentials for the creation and funding of a development corporation. Staff is to provide information regarding development corporations for the August 24th meeting. Also requested was a map of the Elgin Central Business District . The next meeting date was set for August 24th at 7 :30 a.m. at First Federal Savings and Loan Association. The meeting was adjourned at 9 :00 a.m. Respectfully submitted, Patricia A. Andrews Administrative Assistant r MINUTES ELGIN METROPOLITAN EXPOSITION AUDITORIUM AND OFFICE BUILDING AUTHORITY AUGUST 24, 1987 Members Present: Delvin Johnston, Charles Kaltenbach, Ronald Pavlik, Walter Cordin, Christian Schock Member Absent: Ed Kelly Staff Present : Patricia Andrews The meeting was called to order at 7 :40 a.m. by Chairman Delvin Johnston. Approval of Minutes Walter Cordin made a motion, seconded by Charles Kaltenbach, to approve the minutes of the July 27 , 1987 meeting. Approved. OLD BUSINESS Update on Woolworth Building Pat Andrews reported that the City has received a draft copy of the sales contract from Frank Halsey and all controls suggested by the Authority were included. A closing date will be provided in the near future. The City is ready to proceed with the sale of the property. Downtown Ideas Subcommittee Del Johnston and Walter Cordin were selected by the Greater Downtown Elgin Commission to chair two sub-committees for the purpose of coming up with ideas for improvement of the downtown area. Mr. Johnston' s sub-committee has met once to date and the general consensus is to open the mall to through traffic. Chuck Kaltenbach, a member of Mr. Johnston ' s group, feels a whole new approach to the mall is necessary. Mr. Cordin' s sub-committee has not met yet . Christian Schock was asked to participate in the group. Authority Appointment Del Johnston stated Sharon Jakle will be appointed to the Authority at the City Council meeting on August 26th. c'1,r1(, 4 ,) r Minutes mow, Elgin Metropolitan Exposition Auditorium and Office Building Authority August 24 , 1987 Page 2 of 3 Downtown Redevelopment Corporation Walter Cordin suggested that the Economic Development Commission and the Greater Downtown Elgin Commission form a joint redevelopment corporation. Mr. Cordin will introduce the idea to the the two groups at their next meetings. Mr. Johnston and Mr. Cordin will inform Howard Miller, Chairman of the GDEC, of the idea before it is presented. NEW BUSINESS Redevelopment Along Kimball Street Pat Andrews stated staff has been considering a possible redevelopment concept along Kimball Street between Brook, Grove and North Streets, as well as the Gail Borden Library parking lot . Grove and Brook Streets would be closed to traffic, and a parking lot could be placed between Water and North Streets to serve the Library, the Hemmens Auditorium and the Appellate Court . Office space could be erected along Kimball Street between Brook and Grove as well as the present Library parking lot. Possible funding for such a project could come from TIF and GDBG funds as well as bonds. Chuck Kaltenbach suggested the concept be extended to include the north side of Kimball Street . Pat Andrews stated the north side of Kimball is not in the downtown plan at present but the plan could be revised to include it . Christian Schock stated the Gail Borden Library may be planning to expand its facilities using part of the present parking lot. Also, patrons of the Library may not want to walk across the street for parking. Ms. Andrews stated that Grove Street would be closed to traffic and the proposed parking lot would probably offer more parking spaces than the present facility. Del Johnston inquired how the foregoing plan would benefit the downtown. Ms. Andrews replied that a blighted area would be removed and could cause a spin-off effect , encouraging the improvement of other areas. The Authority's overall reaction to the concept was positive but the group is concerned about the reaction of the Gail Borden Library. r Elgin Metropolitan Exposition Auditorium and Office Building Authority August 24 , 1987 Page 3 of 3 September Meeting Date The next meeting of the Authority was scheduled for Monday, September 28th, at 8:00 a.m. , First Federal Savings & Loan Association. There being no further business before the Elgin Metropolitan Exposition Auditorium and Office Building Authority, Walter Cordin made a motion, seconded by Ron Pavlik, to adjourn the meeting at 8:45 a.m. Approved. Respectfu ly submitted, Aft COLO- f(i.th Andrea M. Paetsch Recording Secretary r MINUTES ELGIN METROPOLITAN EXPOSITION AUDITORIUM AND OFFICE BUILDING AUTHORITY NOVEMBER 23, 1987 Members Present : Delvin Johnston, Charles Kaltenbach, Ed Kelly, Ron Pavlik, Sharon Jakle, Walter Cordin, Christian Schock Members Absent: None Staff Present : Jim Cook Approval of Minutes Walter Cordin made a motion, seconded by Ron Pavlik, to approve the minutes of the September 28, 1987 meeting. Approved. OLD BUSINESS Discussion of a Development Corporation Jim Cook reported that consideration of the formation of a development corporation began primarily as a result of discussions regarding the raising of funds for redevelopment of the downtown. As a result , members of the Economic Development Council, the Greater Downtown Elgin Commission and this Authority met to discuss how a development corporation could be created for the purpose of purchasing and selling property. It was decided the corporation would be a city-wide, non-profit entity consisting of two or three representatives from each of the three above-mentioned groups as well as one member from the City Council. The development corporation would have the capacity to handle funding for various projects by generating money, issuing bonds and selling and purchasing property. The group would have the authority to meet and negotiate with prospective developers. At present , School District U-46 owns property on South McLean Boulevard which they do not plan to use. They are permitted by law to sell the property to a governmental agency for the original purchase price. If they sell it privately, all funds must be returned to the State. This land could be passed on to the development corporation to be used as an economic development package. Profits from the sale could be used for redevelopment in other areas such as the downtown, the Kimball/Grove area and the Michigan Avenue triangle. Jim Cook also reported that some of the Elgin Mental Health Center property may become available for development in the future. A development corporation could aid in marketing the site . )4(tO Minutes Elgin Metropolitan Exposition Auditorium and Office Building Authority November 23 , 1987 Page 2 of 3 Del Johnston stated each of the three groups involved in the discussion of the formation of a development corporation need to convey their approval to the City Council via a joint letter signed by the chairmen of the groups. Ron Pavlik made a motion, seconded by Charles Kaltenbach, to recommend to the City Council that a development corporation be formed consisting of two members of the Economic Development Council, two members of the Greater Downtown Elgin Commission, and two members of the Elgin Metropolitan Exposition Auditorium and Office Building Authority, as well as one representative from the City Council. Approved. Jim Cook stated the issue would probably come before the City Council at their second meeting in December. If Council approves, the City' s Legal Department would write a document and the group could be in place by February 1st . Miscellaneous Jim Cook reported that the plans for the development of the Clock Tower Plaza have been submitted to the City and the legal requirements have been met to begin construction. Work is expected to commence in the very near future. Harris Properties will begin negotiations for a development contract with the City in the next four to six weeks and, hopefully, a contract will be in place by the end of 1987. The Woolworth Building sale is moving according to schedule and closing should take place shortly. Jim also reported that redevelopment of the Michigan Avenue triangle is critical to the South Grove area. Parking needs to be provided to the Courier News to retain the business in Elgin. A developer is presently looking at the neighborhood to identify the houses on the block worth saving. Funds have been allocated by the City Council for a needs study of the area. December Meeting The next meeting of the Authority was scheduled for Monday, December 28th, at 8:00 a.m. at First Federal Savings and Loan. Minutes Elgin Metropolitan Exposition Auditorium and Office Building Authority November 23, 1987 Page 3 of 3 Adjournment There being no further business before the Elgin Metropolitan Exposition Auditorium and Office Building Authority, a motion was made by Walter Cordin, and seconded by Ed Kelly, to adjourn the meeting at 8:50 a.m. Respectfully submitted, *obit& m . P6. Andrea M. Paetsch Recording Secretary • elk