Minutes November 18, 2004 - Project Area Committee No. 2

Called to order at 4:13 p.m. by Chair Johnson

Present:

Scott Dowds, Walt Johnson, Jane Reifer, Mike Ritto, Steve Rose, Brian Williams

Absent:

Rick Crane, Christine Fighera, Mike Hurst, Robert Zerrenner

Public:

Dorian Hunter, Judith Kaluzny, Paulette Marshall

Staff:

Rob Zur Schmiede

1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF MEETING ON SEPTEMBER 16, 2004

   Motion by Steve Rose, second by Scott Dowds - Approved. Chair Johnson asked for Chair nominations to be placed on next agenda.

2. FOX UPDATE

   Committee member Jane Reifer provided an update on fund raising efforts and Fox Foundation activities staff recruitment, restoration timetable, etc. In response to a question regarding escrow from Paulette Marshall, Reifer responded that escrow would close in late January. Dorian Hunter asked if the Agencys seismic loan program was still available and if the Fox Theatre was eligible. Agency Executive Director Zur Schmiede said the Agencys loan programs, including seismic loans were still in place and the Fox project would be eligible. Funds would need to be included in the FY 05/06 budget and the loan approved by the Agency Board of Directors.

3. AMERIGE COURT UPDATE

   Executive Director Zur Schmiede provided an overview of the status of the Amerige Court project. In response to a question concerning project timing from Committee member Jane Reifer, Mr. Zur Schmiede explained that the negotiation agreement was for a period of one (1) year from early November and that the primary discussion underway concerned determination of the limits of the site, that is, which privately owned parcels (if any) would be included in the project. In reply to questions from Paulette Marshall and Dorian Hunter, Mr. Zur Schmiede explained that the public would be involved in project preview at the concept, schematic and design development stages of project design. He committed to an open, public review process,

4. COMMITTEE MEMBER COMMUNICATIONS

   Mike Ritto announced Winter Festival was scheduled for December 4, 2004 from noon to 6 p.m. Brian Williams announced the Centennial event was scheduled for Saturday, November 20, 2004 from 8 to 11:30 p.m.

   Jane Reifer asked that a public comment period be added to the Agenda prior to adjournment.

5. OTHER BUSINESS:

   Executive Director, Zur Schmiede mentioned recent problems concerning the condition of downtown trash enclosures and staff efforts to come to grips with the issue.

6. ADJOURN -

   Meeting was adjourned at 5:15 p.m.