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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1988 Elgin Metropolitan Exposition Auditorium MINUTES ELGIN METROPOLITAN EXPOSITION AUDITORIUM AND OFFICE BUILDING AUTHORITY FEBRUARY 8, 1988 Members Present: Delvin Johnston, Ed Kelly, Ron Pavlik, Sharon Jakle, Walter Cordin, Christian Schock Staff Present: Pat Andrews, Ross Ricks The meeting was called to order at 8: 10 A.M. by Chairman Delvin Johnston. Approval of Minutes Ronald Pavlik made a motion, seconded by Sharon Jakle, to approve the minutes of the November 23 , 1987 meeting. Approved. OLD BUSINESS Discussion of a Redevelopment Corporation Pat Andrews reported a task force for the formation of a rede- velopment corporation will be appointed by the City Council on Wednesday, February 24th. Initially, members will consist of representatives of three City commissions as well as City Council appointments. The City Manager and Corporation Counsel have received bylaws from other cities involved in development corporations and are in the process of drafting a set for Elgin. A meeting of the task force is scheduled for Friday, February 19th, at the Valley Bank. Discussion of Possible Projects Ed Kelly stated that when this Authority was originally formed, local organizations who use the Hemmens Auditorium were invited to appear and address their needs. One of the suggestions was the expansion of the exhibition area. At the time, it was decided there was no need. Since that time, there has been a tremendous increase in the use of the Hemmens. Mr. Kelly suggested the need for added exhibi- tion space should again be addressed. A task force could be set up to do a complete inventory of what the use is and decide if there are any short and long term remedies to the shortage of space. Mr. Kelly added that the Hemmens building was not designed for some of its present activities and booking is also becoming a problem. The possibility of expansion of the present facility or building an additional facility could again be explored. Minutes Elgin Metropolitan Exposition Auditorium and Office Building Authority February 8 , 1988 Pat Andrews stated that small theater groups have a problem with finding suitable facilities and several groups have considered the use of the Crocker Theater. Ross Ricks stated that the City' s Parks Department plans to develop a master plan for the Hemmens from the ground floor up. This task will be completed by the fall of 1988 . He will share the plan with the Authority when it is completed. He added that evenings and weekends are a prime time for Hemmens use, but weekdays are also becoming more popular. Adequate parking is a very real problem for groups using the facilities during the week. Ed Kelly suggested bookings for the use of the Hemmens should be handled in October when the weather is warmer instead of Janu- ary, when people have to stand outside in cold temperatures. Pat Andrews suggested the parking problems at the Hemmens could be addressed by the redevelopment corporation. NEW BUSINESS Introduction of Ross Ricks Del Johnston introduced Ross Ricks , the Parks Director for the City. Mr. Ricks informed the Authority that each area of the Parks Department will be developing a master plan which in turn, will be developed into one overall departmental master plan. Mr. Ricks and Mayor VanDeVoorde recently went to Springfield to present a grant application for the extension of the River Trail from Prairie Street across the Riverside Parking Deck and under the Chicago Street bridge, then along the Post Office , the Hemmens Building and the river behind Elgin Salvage. If the grant is accepted, Walton Island will become a major considera- tion for improvements . OTHER BUSINESS Woolworth Building Update Pat Andrews stated no closing has taken place yet on the Woolworth Building. A letter has been sent to Ron Halsey, the prospective purchaser, informing him that if a contract is not signed by the end of February, the City may consider him in default. r Minutes Elgin Metropolitan Exposition Auditorium and Office Building Authority February 8 , 1988 Ron Pavlik asked why the purchase is being delayed. Ms. Andrews stated the prospective purchaser' s application for financing was turned down by one financial institution and he is in the process of arranging a loan at another institution. At present, the prospects are positive. Miscellaneous Items Pat Andrews stated the computer store located on the mall is undergoing a facade improvement. Walter Cordin suggested Ms . Andrews investigate the renovation of the Crocker Theater using Block Grant funds. The next meeting of the Authority was scheduled for Monday, April 4th, at 8:00 a.m. at First Federal Savings and Loan Association. Adjournment There being no further business before the Elgin Metropolitan Exposition Auditorium and Office Building Authority, Sharon Jakle made a motion, seconded by Ed Kelly, to adjourn the meeting at 8:50 a.m. Approved. Respectfully submitted, Lf) / joUtiA et:5J, .. Andrea M. Paetsch Recording Secretary r MINUTES ELGIN METROPOLITAN EXPOSITION AUDITORIUM AND OFFICE BUILDING AUTHORITY APRIL 4 , 1988 Members Present: Delvin Johnston, Ed Kelly, Ron Pavlik, Sharon Jakle, Walter Cordin, Charles Kaltenbach Members Absent: Christian Schock Staff Present: James J. Cook, Jennifer Becker The meeting was called to order at 8: 00 a.m. by Chairman Delvin Johnston. Approval of Minutes Sharon Jakle made a motion, seconded by Ron Pavlik, to approve the minutes of the February 8 , 1988 meeting. Approved. Introduction of New Staff Liaison Chairman Johnston introduced Jennifer Becker, Administrative Assistant to the City Manager, who has assumed the duties of staff liaison to the Authority. OLD BUSINESS Discussion of a Development Corporation Chairman Johnston inquired if any Authority members had any suggestions for changes in the Development Corporation by-Laws which were distributed with agenda packets. No changes were recommended. Jim Cook stated the City Council has already approved the by-laws but a method for changes has been included in the document. Copies of the by-laws have been circulated among the Development Corporation Task Force members for their review. The Task Force will serve as the Corporation board until a permanent board is appointed. The group will meet in the near future to discuss the incorporation papers. Woolworth Building Jim Cook reported a modified agreement has been worked out between the City and the purchaser whereby he will pay the City the purchase price on a monthly basis over a 22 month period. The structure will be ready for occupancy approximately 18 months after the agreement is signed. If he defaults on pay- ment, all improvements will belong to the City. The purchaser plans to come before the Authority in the near future with final plans. The City Council will formally approve the agreement on April 13th, with possession to take place approximately May 1st. VY/) Elgin Metropolitan Exposition Auditorium and Office Building Authority April 4 , 1988 Page 2 NEW BUSINESS Block Grant Funding Jim Cook reported the Greater Downtown Elgin Commission has submitted a proposal to the City Council for $100 ,000 in block grant funds to purchase the Suds Laundry building. The property would then be available for use by the Development Corporation, if it is formed. The Council will consider all Block Grant requests on April 5th. Coach Yard Relocation Ed Kelly reported that Metra will be meeting with neighborhood groups on April 13th to discuss the possible relocation of the rail yard to an area south of National Street. The purpose of the meeting is to inform the neighborhood what would occur and the impact the move would have on the area . Neighbors will also have an opportunity to express their views and opinions. Del Johnston asked if the Authority could meet with Metra for a preview presentation. Ed Kelly will attempt to arrange the meeting. Mr. Johnston offered the use of the Valley Bank meeting room for the event. Date for Next Meeting The next meeting of the Authority will be at 8 :00 a .m. on Monday, May 2nd, at First Federal Savings and Loan Association. Adjournment There being no further business before the Elgin Metropolitan Exposition Auditorium and Office Building Authority, Sharon Jakle made a motion, seconded by Charles Kaltenbach, to adjourn the meeting at 9 : 20 a .m. Approved. Respectfully submitted, Pthcbttek 711 i)&si Andrea M. Paetsch Recording Secretary r MINUTES ELGIN METROPOLITAN EXPOSITION AUDITORIUM AND OFFICE BUILDING AUTHORITY MAY 2, 1988 Members Present: Delvin Johnston, Ed Kelly, Ronald Pavlik, Sharon Jakle, Christian Schock, Walter Cordin, Charles Kaltenbach Staff Present: Jim Cook, Jennifer Becker The meeting was called to order at 8 :00 a .m. by Chairman Delvin Johnston. Approval of Minutes Walter Cordin made a motion, seconded by Ed Kelly, to approve the minutes of the April 4 , 1988 meeting. Approved. OLD BUSINESS Discussion of a Development Corporation Jim Cook reported that incorporation papers were filed on April 21st for the creation of a development corporation. A certifi- cate should be issued in the next week or two. Members of the board of directors should be appointed by the City Council at the second meeting in May. Mr. Cook suggested the Chamber of Commerce appoint their members at the same time. Woolworth Building Update Jim Cook reported the paperwork for the sale of the Woolworth Building is underway and will be presented to the City Council for formal approval on May 11th. Miscellaneous Information Jim Cook reported the Land Use Committee denied a planned use for the coach yards by a 6-1 vote. The issue will probably be scheduled for City Council consideration at their second meeting in May. The next meeting of the Authority is scheduled for June 6 . During the summer months, meetings will be held as necessary. Adjournment Charles Kaltenbach made a motion, seconded by Christian Schock, to adjourn the meeting at 8 : 15 a.m. Approved. Respectfully submitted, J )-(P‘.ceva j Andrea M. Paetsch Recording Secretary ),-1(-77 ) MINUTES elk METROPOLITAN EXPOSITION AUDITORIUM AND OFFICE BUILDING AUTHORITY OCTOBER 10 , 1988 Members Present: Ed Kelly, Ronald Pavlik, Sharon Jakle, Walter Cordon, Christian Schock Members Absent: Delvin Johnston, Charles Kaltenbach Staff Present: Jim Cook, Jennifer Becker The meeting was called to order at 8 : 10 a .m. In the absence of Chairman Delvin Johnston , Ronald Pavlik was appointed Chairman Pro Tem. Approval of Minutes Sharon Jakle made a motion, seconded by Walter Cordin, to approve the minutes of the May 2 , 1988 meeting. Unanimous approval . OLD BUSINESS Discussion of Possible Projects Jim Cook reported that during an Elgin Development Corporation Executive Committee meeting, discussion took place regarding the development of South Grove. If the Harris Properties project does not go through, a major developer is interested in building an office complex on the entire 22 acre site. The complex would consist of approximately 500 ,000 square feet of office space and employ between 4 ,000 and 5 ,000 people. Although some Authority members felt this type of use would be the best for the proper- ty, a development of this size could create some logistic problems , especially in the area of traffic in the downtown. Harris Properties is scheduled to appear before the City Council on Wednesday, October 12 , to present their final proposal. If their proposal is rejected by the City Council, the Authority may be called upon to function in some capacity if the office complex development is pursued. A poll was taken of all members present to determine if the Authority should work with a devel- oper to aid in financing a project, if the opportunity should present itself. All agreed the Authority should assist, if necessary. Jim will inform the Authority of the outcome of Mrs. Harris ' s meeting with the City Council. Ron Pavlik inquired as to the status of the Suds Laundry build- ing. Jim Cook reported the City Council has authorized staff to make an effort to acquire the building. As soon as the apprais- `" als are received, the City plans to attempt to purchase the property. ):-.7(5r-) Metropolitan Exposition Auditorium and Office Building Authority October 10 , 1988 Page 2 Ed Kelly inquired as to the status of the Woolworth Building. Jim Cook reported that at present, the owner is negotiating with possible tenants. Adjournment There being no further business before the Elgin Metropolitan Exposition Auditorium and Office Building Authority, Walter Cordin made a motion, seconded by Ed Kelly, to adjourn the meeting at 8 : 30 a.m. Unanimous approval. Respectfully submitted, Q, ))1 , dtCif Andrea M. Paetsch Recording Secretary t r