TIF #1 Board of Directors Minutes - 12/21/2006 Gl)r p - + t n .fix,_
Tax Increment Financing Boar OIECEIVED IN
CITY CLERK'S OFFICE
MINUTES Date Q3-O(- )C 1
DECEMBER 21, 2006 By Pe, Time 8:45-a
Members:
Susan Plies, Chairman •
Bruce Harris •
James Welburn •
Charles Elmore, Council Liaison •
David A. Clark, Director of Community Development •
Karen Gagne, Planner III •
Others Present:
Larry & Vicki Karr, applicants/authorized agents for The Original Casa Manana
Cynthia Laney, Brian Walser, Rowena Jackson, Andy Lee - VISIONS/Downtown Wichita Falls
Development, Inc.
Absent:
Ann Bishop •
• Al Flack, Jr. •
The chairman, Ms. Plies, called the meeting to order at 3:35pm and asked Board members to
introduce themselves along with staff and visitors.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Mr. Welburn introduced a motion to approve the minutes of the July 7, 2006 meeting,
seconded by Mr. Harris. The minutes were approved unanimously.
TIF FUND STATUS UPDATE
Mr. Clark provided a report on the status of TIF #1 looking at the 2007 budget projections. He
explained the funding allocations during the past fiscal year (2006) and the projected
encumbrances for 2007, including the annual request for staff funding assistance for
VISIONS/DWFD, Inc. and the Coliseum debt service bond commitment. The TIF #1 Fund
receives income from the taxing entities annually in May.
Councilor Elmore inquired about the funding status for The Pumpjack Diner project and if funds
were reimbursed to the City. Mr. Clark explained, a condition of the contract stated "...in the
event the Contractor(owner) sells the said property and/or structure within five (5) years of the
execution date of this contract all funds awarded shall be reimbursed to the City of Wichita
Falls' Tax Increment Financing Fund." The Pumpjack Diner contract was executed in
111 November 2004. Members and staff discussed the diner project and the improvement to
corner of 9th & Broad Streets. Mr. Harris asked what would occur if the buildings were moved
to another location/city? Mr. Clark stated if and when that situation arises it will be addressed
by City Council. He added the manner in which recent newspaper coverage of The Pumpjack
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Diner's closure and TIF Fund implications was an unfortunate situation. The Times Record
News did print a front page retraction regarding the misinformation in the Thanksgiving edition.
Ms. Jackson commented that whenever the elevated highway was constructed it negatively
impacted businesses below on Broad and Holiday. Councilor Elmore commented that isn't
necessarily the case as IHOP was only a block from the diner's location and it remains busy on
a daily basis.
REQUEST FOR FUNDING — ORIGINAL CASA MANANA at 609 8th STREET
Chairperson Plies, requested Mr. Clark provide an overview of the application for funding
assistance. Mr. Clark explained the applicants have a total projected cost of $183,764 which
includes interior remodeling (ie. new kitchen facility, ductwork, etc.), facade rehabilitation and
signage improvements. Staff referred Board members to the photos in the application
depicting the current facade and a plan drawing of the new exterior design. Mr. Clark informed
members the Landmark Commission had previously reviewed the application in November
2005 and endorsed the proposal with minor design modifications that were incorporated into
the current application. He clarified that if the applicants were recommended to receive a TIF
allocation it would be on a reimbursement basis upon completion of the project. Mr. Harris
referred to the application where it included Area B & C for renovation but no indication of Area
A? The applicant and authorized agent, Mr. Larry Karr, indicated Area A is the Shoe Shine
Parlor facade that was added to the original project and not listed on the plan drawing. He
noted the new facade (Area A) would look similar to the colors & design for Area B & C. Mr.
Karr provided some background regarding the extent of renovations including: replacement of
60-yr old wiring, HVAC, plumbing and fixtures in conjunction with moving the kitchen to a
former storage area, and upgrading the exterior signage and facade.
1111 Ms. Plies and Mr. Harris commented the project would really improve the 600 block of 8th
Street and the downtown core. Upon completion of Casa Manana's renovations, with the
exception of Defoor's (original Zales building), the entire block of 8th Street between Indiana
and Ohio will be updated. The Chairperson requested staff comments and Mr. Clark
responded the project appeared reasonable and when completed will continue to visually
improve the downtown core. Mr. Welburn commented he was familiar with the business for
many years and had no further questions regarding their proposal for TIF assistance.
After additional discussion among Board members, the Chairperson restated the applicant's
request for $23,764 for renovations and facade improvements to the Original Casa Manana
and called for a motion. Mr. Harris introduced a motion that the TIF #1 Board recommends
funding $23,764 of the Original Casa Manana's renovation/facade improvement project. Mr.
Welburn seconded the motion. The Chairperson called for final discussion, there being no
comments. The motion passed unanimously. Mr. Karr thanked the TIF Board for their review
& consideration. Mr. Clark informed the applicants that the recommendation would be
forwarded to City Council for final determination and a contract prepared for signature.
INTRODUCTION OF MS CYNTHIA LANEY, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR DWFD, INC.
Mr. Clark introduced Ms. Cynthia Laney who was recently hired as the Executive Director for
Downtown Wichita Falls Development, Inc. Ms. Laney provided an overview of her past
involvement with economic development and Main Street programs while at the City of
elk Seymour and Pittsburg (Camp Co.), Texas. Most recently, she worked with the Pittsburg City
11/ Manager on special projects, zoning, tourism and main street program activities. She
expressed an appreciation for the opportunity to move back to the Wichita Falls area. The
Chairperson and Board members welcomed Ms. Laney to the community.
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•
Ms. Laney updated Board members regarding the organization's activities. She noted their
new office location at 824 Indiana (corner of 9th & Indiana) and expressed appreciation to
Wilson Office Furniture and Ms. Guy Dunn for donating desks, chairs and file cabinets for the
new office. She highlighted the progress on the membership drive & database update along
with improvements to the organizations' existing stationary. Staff is working with B & C
Printing to develop a uniform stationary and downtown logo along with adding website and
phone information. The existing stationary will be converted to notepad paper. Staff will begin
working with Mr. Doug Beck to revise the website and upload photos on the site, membership
contact information and an on-line newsletter. Ms. Laney also reported the Christmas meet &
greet event was well received by the Board & membership and plans will be developed to host
an annual membership event timed with the membership drive.
Ms. Laney stated they are working with City planning staff to implement a downtown
beautification plan to landscape and improve key locations. Mr. Clark added this project is still
being developed and property owners must be contacted and a commitment obtained for
maintenance of the trees being installed. Currently, a plant list & locational map are being
developed and the goal is to advertise for bids during the winter and plant in spring 2007. Mr.
Clark commented this project will hopefully be presented to the Board to consider for TIF
funding assistance. Board members inquired about the potential to have the city plant trees in
the identified areas downtown. Mr. Clark explained the Parks Department primarily orders
and/or grows trees for the City's use in medians, replacements in parks and on city property.
The City's selection of tree species is limited coupled with the specimens being very young.
Mr. Lee updated the Board regarding the redevelopment of Austin school site and the TX
• Electric building at 9th & Scott Streets. He noted that the mural proposal would be presented
to the Hotter'n Hell Hundred Board later this month to consider placing the winning entry on
their building on Scott Street. Mr. Lee commented that both the CMAX/Film Festival and City
Lights events were a success and the next event is St. Patrick's Day. DWFD Inc. Board
President, Mr. Walser inquired if the TIF #1 Board reviewed the ability to use TIF Funds to
assist with paying for the Executive Director's moving expenses? Mr. Clark stated that he
discussed the issue with the City Manager and it was deemed acceptable in this situation to
use funds for moving expenses because the organization was without a person in that position
for 2-3 months.
TIF PROJECT STATUS
Mr. Clark briefly updated the Board about the Holt Hotel project — noting it is 100% occupied
and the ground floor commercial spaces are being finished out with drywall to assist in their
marketing potential. Mr. Harris inquired if any retail were scheduled for move in? Mr. Clark
responded not yet but the building financing didn't include the ground floor units.
OTHER BUSINESS &ADJOURN
Ms. Plies called for discussion of other business, there being none called for a motion to
adjourn. Mr. Harris motioned to adjourn, seconded by Mr. Welburn. The TIF Board
unani p sly appr d th motion to adjourn at 4:37 p.m.
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SUSAN PLIES, CHAIRMAN [ATE
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