Laserfiche WebLink
Committee member Martinez noted under "Article III - Powers and Duties" to allow <br />not just policy conversations but have the flexibility for Council or staff to include <br />specific developments or projects for discussion; also requested under "Article V, <br />Section A - Regular Meeting" that meetings be held "at least" quarterly. <br />4. RFQ/RFP FOR CITY OWNED PROPERTIES DOWNTOWN <br />Planning & Building Agency Executive Director Jay Trevino noted staff at Council <br />direction looked at assets in downtown with potential for either development or <br />reuse. Two city-owned sites were identified, which include the parking structure <br />located at Third Street and Broadway and the YMCA building located at Civic Center <br />Drive and Sycamore Street. Mr. Trevino provided background information and <br />history on both properties, rehabilitation and replacement costs, and discussed <br />shared parking. Kathleen Head of Keyser Marston provided information on land and <br />building value analysis, development scenarios, participation and financing options <br />(Economic Development ordinance). Mr. Trevino recommended proceeding with a <br />Request for Qualifications (RFQ) followed by a Request for Proposals (RFP). He <br />noted that a shared parking analysis could be incorporated into the environmental <br />document. <br />Committee member Martinez noted the need to look at other opportunities and be <br />creative on the iconic YMCA building and see what others have done with historic <br />buildings. <br />Chairman Sarmiento noted the properties are underutilized and underperforming and <br />are becoming an attractive nuisance, adding it may be the right time to introduce a <br />use we are not currently looking at. <br />Ben Grabiel, S.A. Historical Preservation Society member, inquired why the YMCA <br />property has been vacant for so many years. Chairman Sarmiento noted the lack of <br />funding and resources. <br />Committee member Benavides noted the idea is to figure out a more creative <br />solution with the intent to go out publically to draw an interest. <br />Brian Hendricks inquired if the RFQ will provide direction on what the Council would <br />like to see developed at the properties. <br />Chairman Sarmiento noted the committee would try to narrow the scope but not <br />narrow it to the point where it's limited. <br />Mr. Trevino asked the Committee for direction on the general range of uses for the <br />properties, noting that staff will first release the RFQ to gauge the interest and <br />qualifications of the teams and then let the City Council evaluate the list of teams. <br />The Council-preferred groups would then be asked to submit detailed proposals. <br />Acting Executive Director/Community Development Agency Sandra Gottlieb noted <br />as part of the RFQ, financials would be provided to learn the financial capabilities of <br />the developer. <br />Development & Transp. Council Committee Minutes June 4, 2013