Downtown Development Authority
Meeting
April 10, 2003
Attending: Randy Bierlein, Judy Keller, Wayne Bronner, Art Loeffler, Bill Mossner, Gary Rummel, Jerry Blohm, Leone Koester, Mike Galsterer, Al Zehnder
Absent: Bud Anscomb, John Benson, Dave Johnston
Guests: Raymond Bergdolt (Grandpa Tiny’s Farm), Chris Sutorik, Wally Bronner and Bob Spletzer (Bronner’s), Betty Jerome (JW Electric), Marilyn & Erv Banes (Frankenmuth Jellystone), Jamie Furbush (Frankenmuth Chamber), Gary Zeilinger
(Z-wool), Tim Sullivan (Black Forest), Dennis Bierlein (Frankenmuth Laundromat.)
Also attending were Charlie Graham, Randy Braeutigam and Sheila Stamiris.
There was no public input.
Greater Weiss Street Area Streetscaping Project. Stamiris reviewed the history of this project and general goals. She qualified that she had met with many property owners about the project as proposed by MC Smith. The budget presented in March 2003 was more than twice the original proposal and benchmark. She qualified that the "total budget" could be no more than the DDA could capitalize. Bond Counsel Joel Piell submitted a letter to Stamiris citing that he estimates that the DDA can bond for $1.37 million in fiscal year 2003-2004.
The original project looked at the "Greater Weiss Street Area" without exact bounds. The MC Smith proposal designs streetscaping for Weiss from the Bronner Corner north to Heritage Park. It also includes a lighting program for Jefferson due to its importance for circulation and linkage between the Weiss and the Main Street commercial district.
Stamiris and Treasurer Jerry Blohm looked for alternate ways to finance the project. With the DDA’s approval, they recommend:
Funding the Jefferson Street project (lighting and irrigation for light poles)as its own project, independent of the Weiss Street project; it is intended that the DDA keep this in the scope of its projects due to its importance (estimated cost of $238,000) and
Assessing the cost of new sidewalks 100% to the property owner as is City policy; (the cost for new sidewalks is estimated at $50,000) and
Applying any excess from the MDOT grant for Main Street (as approved by MDOT) to the project; estimated value $115,000, and
Recommending closing the curve at the intersection of Jefferson and Weiss and funding the cost through the DDA as a function of "circulation and infrastructure." The costs to "close the curve" should be borne by the public (DDA), not as a part of the general project; (the cost to close the curve is estimated at $95,000) and
Including all properties along Weiss (City and Township) who would benefit from the proposed improvements and therefore should participate financially in the project; (increase front footage from about 8,000 lineal feet to 12,000 and from aggregate value of $18 million to $22 million; (the base to "share" the special assessment is increased therefore the cost per front foot and cost per $1000 in SEV is reduced); the "deferred assements" and their annual debt service would be provided by the DDA (about $76,000 total) and
Funding the proposed "arch" at the entry to Weiss as a "public project" benefiting the city as a whole (cost estimated at $114,000) by the DDA.
Stamiris recommends that "most" of the project be built as MC Smith recommends. In her proposal, some estimates are reduced to pull the project in line with the DDA’s maximum ability to finance the project. If the recommendation is approved, elements may be designed with an eye to a.) invest in less (i.e. less square footage) or b.) use different materials (scored concrete in platz in place of brick). The elements proposed for the project include:
Roadside Arch;
Boulevards (from Bronner corner to River Place driveway);
Platz Areas;
Entry Sign at List;
A traditional intersection with platz;
Sidewalks on East Side; and
Lighting (using photocell technology).
Based on Smith’s estimates adjusted for budgeting purpose, the cost for the total project is estimated at $1.782 million. In consideration of "other revenues" proposed as part of the project ($384,638), the net amount to finance is $1.398 million. Under the established formulas for DDA/property owner special assessment at 75%/25%, the cost to the DDA is $1.048 million to property owners $350,000. (Total DDA investment is estimated at $1.364 million including basic plan, annual deferred payments for township and residential properties, costs to "close the curve" and payment for the roadside arch.)
Blohm qualified that the original cost per lineal foot estimated in May 2002 was $39.49 for "on Weiss" property owners; the adjusted cost per lineal foot estimated by this plan is reduced to $26.97. While the project is greater in scope, the other revenues and expanded project base mostly reduce the participation by property owners located "on Weiss".
Stamiris circulated a spreadsheet of "ESTIMATED" assessments on property owners in the area and stressed that, indeed, the pro forma is ESTIMATED.
Bronner opened the discussion for the guests at the meeting. Discussion topics included:
Wally Bronner: Asked about lights. Stamiris qualified that the light pattern is similar to that on Main between Jefferson and the River. The selected pole and fixtures are also the same and will be painted liberty blue.
Raymond Bergdolt: The "on Weiss" lineal frontage for Grampa Tiny’s Farm is incorrect and much less than 1400 ft. Stamiris qualified that this number will be verified and was received from the township.
Dennis Bierlein: Does not feel that the "laundramat" should be an "on Weiss property." Stamiris placed him "on Weiss" due to the new corner. She will review when the survey is completed and new design plans in place.
Wayne Bronner asked about the intersection. "What is the opinion?"
Dennis Bierlein: Driveway as designed in concept plan does not adequately service the business. Betty Jerome added that the new parking arrangement is not adequate either. Stamiris will confer with the architect as survey is complete and new plan developed.
Wally Bronner: Asks what the criteria was to build the curve when built. There was discussion and consensus that the curve was built for M83 and changed to one-way when M83 was moved to Main Street. Other input: Judy Keller reporting that during her service as Council rep, funds were not committed to remove curve, although the goal was there. Bob Spletzer commented that this is an area of "near misses." "Safety is an issue."
Chris Sutorik: Feels the roundabout is a "nice amenity; but unnecessary. "The four way corner is good."
Erv Banes: Comments that to eliminate the curve, must be sure to make the right hand turn the proper radius to provide for wide turns by trucks and other vehicles.
Gary Zielinger: Corner must accommodate semi’s during construction.
Wally Bronner: Wants proper planning to be assured that the "tight" turns at Tuscola and Main are not repeated.
Without further debate or voiced dissension, Wayne Bronner stated there was consensus to removed the curve and build a traditional intersection. He then asked about the boulevards.
Jerry Blohm: Relayed the positive experience of his suburban residential area outside of Chicago: boulevards adequately maintained traffic, provided a safety zone for turns and improved general look of the area.
Marilyn Banes: Advises to take caution to design the boulevards to allow for carriages. Bob Spletzer agreed.
Raymond Bergdolt: Commented that the Weiss Street carriage company would be using another of Tiny’s farms for housing and would not likely work Weiss Street. The taxi concept was not successful and to his knowledge will not be continued.
Without further debate or voiced dissension, Wayne Bronner stated there was consensus to build boulevards on Weiss. Other discussion continued:
Judy Keller: Is there a sign of any significance for Heritage Park at Jefferson and Weiss? A sign is of great importance.
Wally Bronner: Be sure location of entry arch is appropriate so as to not be blocked by State Highway Sign. Can the state highway sign be relocated closer to the bridge (before the turn to Weiss?)
Judy Keller: Why is the arch located on Weiss at the entry? If the intent is to mark the "portal" to Weiss Street, we need a significant visual cue to turn before here. The location of the arch will be ‘after the fact." If the arch is to be DDA funded, we can delay any action on the arch and consider better alternatives such as a sign at Heritage Park entrance.
Erv Banes: Prefers a traffic signal at Weiss and Main and is not sure if the arch answers the "identification need" for Weiss.
Mike Galsterer: Voice that he is not in favor of the arch as entry to "Frankenmuth.". The North End sign is "understated", not garish. "What about a similar sign at the south entry?"
Marilyn Banes: Signage into Heritage Park? The arch on Weiss at Main won’t draw people into Heritage Park.
Erv Banes: Temporary signs should not be allowed and need to be addressed.
Bob Spletzer: What happened to the last discussion of an entry sign?
Gary Rummel: If an arch is located on Main (M83), we must have highway and state approvals.
Wayne Bronner: There are two projects here: an entry sign to Heritage Park and an entry sign to Weiss Street. The arch is something to consider in coming years.
Jamie Furbush: What about an alternative plan in lieu of an arch?
Chris Sutorik: With the Silent Night Chapel, we already have a community landmark located there. Would the arch take away from that?
Wally Bronner: Suggests an entrance pedestal with flowers and a possible model for all entrances to the City. Wally also asked about the color of the light poles and suggested that as "Weiss" means "White", should we consider white poles?
The general discussion with property owners was received by the board. Wayne Bronner acknowledged that there seems to be consensus among property owners to move ahead with the basic project and thanked all businesses for "stepping up to the plate for their financial contribution to the project."
The meeting returned to regular order.
Minutes of the February 2003 meeting and notes of the March 2003 meeting. Minutes and notes were approved; Keller moved and Rummel seconded (minutes) and Blohm moved and Loeffler seconded (notes.)
There was no financial report. Accounts payable for month ending March 25, 2003, were approved.
Greater Weiss Street Area Project. Stamiris circulated the letter from Bond Counsel Joel Piell. It is noted that if the project is delayed one year, Piell expects our ability to bond will exceed $2.5 million. Bronner highlighted the last paragraph about the term of the DDA and qualifies that Piell says the DDA will sunset when all debt requirements of the DDA are retired or when all the objectives (maintenance) of the DDA Development Plan are satisfied. "This is very important."
Other discussion included:
About the Heritage Park Sign:
Heritage Park is the most important asset the City owns and there is no sign. Rotary (and others) are making a significant investment;
We can compliment the Rotary project; and benefit their project;
Let’s leave the arch money there and decide after we bond. Let’s bond for more than we think we need and build when we know our sign project.
About the Frankenmuth Entry Sign:
Would like a Frankenmuth sign for both sides of M83.
Would we hire Mike Smith for this?
North end sign is nice, but not dramatic.
Let’s make it a project and begin working with the highway department.
About the process:
We have money in future years; we can plan new projects now.
Good news to "have extra" – let’s use it to finish our projects on Main Street.
Bronner asked about a Heritage Park information sign. There was more discussion:
Location of sign? Northwest Corner? Triangle Park?
What will the Sign show and will anyone see it in Triangle Park? This location not felt as the "best" location by all.
Is this "Welcome" sign a duplicate effort?
Who will change the signs? Parks & Rec runs the parks.
Need to exhibit a sense that "I have arrived" at Jefferson & Weiss.
Expense for digital sign may be extreme. (Bronner’s & Lodge have not invested to date) What is the cost for the sign at the High School? It was and is controversial.
We have time to make this decision; let’s get ideas and come back to the discussion.
What about an arch, located just north of intersection with a changeable letter sign?
Stamiris is asked to discuss this with Mike Smith and to get an idea from him about Heritage Park signage and "City of Frankenmuth" entry signage.
The board approved
Moving forward on the streetscaping design/construction and finance plan as proposed including initiating bonding processes for the DDA (at the maximum capability) and property owners,
Preparing final designs and bid documents (with the exception of any arches) for a project with estimated cost of $1.668 million and with intended construction Spring 2004,
Identifying appropriate alternates for inclusion in the bidding process should we have an opportunity to do "more" not "less" and
Initiating conversations with Smith about signage at a.) Heritage Park and b.) Entry to Frankenmuth.
Zehnder moved; Blohm seconded.
Projects. All arrangements are in place for the mast arm project at Main and Jefferson to be completed; we wait for the contractor. Helm Electric is shooting for firing up the system by Good Friday, April 18. The Chamber restroom project is underway; bids are very good and the Chamber is able to install a family restroom.
Old Business. Stamiris extended the deadline to Gary McClellan for the project to allow time for him to find a suitable ADA compliant solution. The DDA has stated in prior communications that if the project is to be paid for by the DDA, it will be ADA compliant. A letter of endorsement for the Rotary project was submitted. As the board had already approved the continued levy of the 2 mills in its budget, the City approved the renewal of the millage at the April meeting. Graham has requested removing the "no left turn" sign at the Frankenmuth River Place entrance as a test.
Upgrade to irrigation system. Stamiris outlined a proposal to upgrade the irrigation system between Jefferson and Tuscola to reduce staff (Ginny) programming time, to add capacity should the section between Genesee and Tuscola be completed, and to improve general operations for a cost of about $3000-$3500. The board approved. Galsterer moved; Zehnder seconded.
Keinath Fountain. Stamiris is getting alternate finish package costs for the completion of the project including an alternate "tile" version and a "black coating" to compare for cost.
Rummel feels strongly that the fountain must be finished nicely.
Graham had three comments:
May 6 is the Public Hearing Dates for renewal of Phase 1, 2 and 3A special assessments.
The City has hired URS to complete a traffic study for each of three intersections at Main/Genesee, Genesee/Franklin and Main/Schlier. Members are encouraged to participate in the charettes on April 30.
The Township has agreed to participate with the City on the Master Planning process. The City is initiating the process now.
Bronner emphasized the significance of the analysis provided by Bond Counsel Joel Piell regarding the sunset dates of the DDA and the DDA’s ability to provide for debt service and maintenance.
The meeting adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Sheila Stamiris, Director