TIF #1 Board of Directors Minutes - 06/19/2000 RECEIVED IN
CITY CLERK'S OFFICE
Date J/n J(.0
Tax Increment Financing Board By Time 1'
MINUTES
June 19, 2000
Members:
Ben Filer, Chairman * Members
Debbie White
James Welburn *
David White
Absent:
Ruth Terry * Member
Staff:
David A. Clark, Director of Community Development * Staff
Bill Sullivan, First Assistant City Attorney
Guests:
Daniel Ahern Marvin Groves Lou Murdock
Sammie Askins Rick Graham Jim Pettyjohn
Brenda Beavers Rowena Jackson Mike Pollard
Robert Bina Andy Lee Ben Valdez, Jr.
John Dietricson Jon Miles Smith Walker
Guy Dunn Catherine Miles
Randle Forcher Patty Morrison
Christy Graham Clarence Muehlberger
I. Introduction
Mr. Filer called the meeting to order at 3:10 p.m. and had people in the room introduce
themselves.
II. Approval of April 13, 2000 Minutes
Mrs. White moved to approve the April 13, 2000 minutes. Mr. White seconded. The
minutes passed with a unanimous vote in favor.
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III. Request for Funding Assistance
Mr. Clark reported that the current cash balance in the TIF fund is $210,173.00 and that
the figure considers some new money, commitments subtracted for the coliseum,
Heritage Society, and Radisson Hotel, and a remaining balance in the completed
Railroad Museum gate project. He further noted that the fund now accumulates with an
additional amount of approximately $190,000 per year, but that $105,000 per year has
been committed for coliseum funding. New improvement projects take approximately
two years before their increased assessment enters the TIF account.
A. Zone Expansion Request from R.C. Graham to Include Half Block West of
Travis St. between Seventh and Tenth
Mr. Clark gave a brief description of the proposed expansion and distributed photos.
He had sent information to both Wichita County and WFISD and heard from both,
neither expressing objection. It was noted that David White would abstain from voting,
since he owns property in the proposed expansion area.
Rick Graham explained his intent to invest in the vacant building at 907 Travis and
adaptively reuse the budding for apartments. He anticipates a $300,000 project and if
included in the district, may seek funding assistance for site improvements. Christy
Graham noted their recent investment in the LaSalle Crossing Apartments.
Debbie White made a motion to recommend the expansion, seconded by James
Welburn. The motion carried. (David White abstained)
B. Funding Request from North Texas Visions of Wichita Falls, Inc. and
Downtown Wichita Falls, Inc. for a Three Year Commitment of $50,000
Annually to Assist with Program Administration
Following an introduction of the proposal from Dave Clark, Andy Lee elaborated on the
other funding sources. He noted that the organization had a cash balance of $35,000
and pledges for that amount annually. The corporation has formed a 501 C3 entity and
is seeking foundation support and optimistic about raising an additional annual
commitment.
Mr. Clark stated that the City has a reluctance to fund operations. If the Board should
consider the request, he gave a recommendation that the amount be $20,000 per year,
for a period not to exceed three years, and that annual funding be subordinate to
potential project funding. He noted the importance of the obligation from downtown
property owners to participate in the cost of enhancing the value of their own interests.
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He also acknowledged the significant improvements that many of the people in the
room had accomplished in the downtown area.
Andy Lee and Rowena Jackson spoke about the importance of continuing commitment
for marketing of the area to assure long term improvements. Mr. Lee also spoke about
the budget levels for downtown operations in other Texas cities.
Mr. Clark noted the investments of the taxpayers in the last five or six years (around
$30,000,000) with MPEC, the sidewalk and alley improvements, the Library, Park
Central, Kemp/Kell depot, etc.
Mrs. White asked questions about the ability to raise the remainder of the money and
long range plans. She also asked about a job description for the proposed coordinator
and the time expectations for them to have to spend on fundraising. Mr. White
expressed the opinion that the future of the area and the needs for development
suggested that the entire amount requested be funded. Mrs. Jackson expressed a
belief that this would be the best use of TIF funds.
Mr. Welburn proposed a $20,000 three year commitment with no clause to subordinate
funding. Mr. Filer further questioned what the qualifications of the coordinator would
be. Mr. Clark repeated his earlier explanation that the coordinator would need to be
working at implementation of the TIF plan, since that is a major factor in the eligibility for
funding. This is still consistent with the goals of the Visions organization.
After additional discussion, Mr. White made a motion to table this item, so that
additional information can be assembled. Mrs. White seconded the motion and it
passed unanimously. Information requested by the TIF Board from Visions include: a
list of Board members; budgets for the last two years and how funds were spent;
specific tasks for the coordinator; qualification requirements for the coordinator.
C. Funding Request for Sidewalk Improvements and Handicap Ramps along the
Street Frontage of the Maer-Heyerick Building on Ninth
Jon Miles gave a brief explanation of requested sidewalk and ramp improvements and
some general information about future plans for the building. He had obtained a price
of $25,250 for the concrete work. Discussion ensued about other sidewalk work in the
downtown area, the nature of funding, and the responsibility of the adjacent property
owners.
Mr. Filer made a motion to table the item, requesting additional information on funding
from other sources. James Welburn seconded the motion and it passed unanimoously.
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IV. Adjourn
The meeting adjourned at 4:45 p.m.
Ben Filer, Chairman Date
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