Impact fees for new residential development

Lisa kunz

05/15/2008 - The May 6^th Central City Council meeting was called to order by Mayor Schmalz at 7:00 pm. Present were Alderman Chip Wiman, Alderman Ron Spain, Alderman Ron Engles and Mayor Buddy Schmalz. Also present were City Manager Lynette Hailey, City Attorney Linda Michow, CDD Brooke Svoboda and City Clerk Wendy Heffner

  Mayor Schmalz declared a Conflict of Interest for voting purposes with the Dostal Alley liquor license renewal. Alderman Chip Wiman declared a conflict with the Historic Preservation grants voting. Both Schmalz and Wiman left the area when votes for the respective agenda items were called.

  The Consent Agenda was moved to be approved by Alderman Engels to include the regular bill lists dated April 24 and May 1, 2008 and the minutes of April 15, 2008. Alderman Spain seconded the motion and the motion was carried unanimously.

Public Forum

  Mickey Rosenbaum from Century Casino and Joe Behm from Fortune Valley each expressed their thanks to the staff for the work entailed in the planning and execution of the traffic/signage action plan. Rosenbaum also stated Century would contribute financially to the traffic and signage plan on the evening’s agenda. Available for review was a detailed plan, with 20 legal size photo copies of the current signage and the proposed changes. 

  The plan detailed the proposed increase in the capture rate from the Central City Parkway. Also discussed was the lettering that will be used for the new signs and the locations for the proposed new signage.

Fortune Valley Modification of Premise (Liquor Authority)

  During the last meeting it was asked that a representative from Fortune Valley be present at this meeting to further the understanding of the Council regarding the modification of the liquor license. Joe Behm was present to explain the changes. Behm stated that FV had in the past had events on the rooftop that exactly replicated the events that would fall under the proposed modifications. In addition, Behm explained the changes would only be in effect during the actual event. The current signs stating the limitations regarding alcohol would still be in place and in effect. During the initial discussion of the proposed modification, Mayor Schmalz had questioned how the changes would affect the automobiles parking on the top floor of the garage. At this meeting, FV stated that in no way would the modifications change the liability Fortune Valley had for the rooftop parking.

  Alderman Engels moved to approve the modification, Alderman Spain seconded and the motion carried unanimously.

Dostal Alley Annual Renewal of Liquor License

  As Mayor Schmalz had declared a Conflict of Interest on this item, Mayor Pro Tem Wiman was at the helm during the vote. Alderman Engels moved for approval, Alderman Spain seconded and the motion carried unanimously. After the vote, Mayor Schmalz rejoined the Council.

Adoption of Financial Policies

  The Governmental Finance Officer’s Association (GFOA) and Generally Accepted Accounting Principals (GAAP) recommend that municipalities establish financial policies that promote financial stability and facilitate proper financial management. In accordance with these recommendations, staff has prepared a comprehensive set of financial policies in line with all GFOA and GAAP standards. The policies recommended for adoption cover areas of: Investment, Budgeting, Revenues, Expenditures, Fund Balances and Reserves. If adopted, these policies will be used in all aspect of financial management and oversight and will be included in the annual budget as an addendum. Alderman Wiman moved to adopt Resolution 07-08 – A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL ADOPTING THE CENTRAL CITY FINANCIAL POLICIES.  Alderman Spain seconded the vote and the motion carried unanimously.

Water Plant upgrades circuit boards

  The circuit boards that need replaced at the Water Plant were bid at $38,500. These circuit boards will no longer be available after the year 2011. Accordingly, the staff researched new technology and found that the present system could be upgraded for $16,400. Alderman Wiman moved to approve the proposal to change the boards to the upgrade model for $16,400. Alderman Engels seconded and the motion carried unanimously.

Traffic/Signage Action Plan

  In April, Council asked staff to work with business owners on developing a striping and signage plan that would promote the existing parking opportunities in Central City. As was apparent by the voluminous work product produced at the meeting, the staff worked long and hard to prepare the Council with options for the action plan.

  All proposals by staff would be temporary with a six-month review period. Also, Alderman Engels asked for some kind of success meter to gauge if the change in signage results in an increase in visitors stopping in Central City. Both Fortune Valley and Century Casino agreed to monitor cars in their garages to determine if there is an increase in vehicles parking in the Central City casino parking garages. Among the proposals were: A banner to be positioned in front or near City Hall welcoming visitors to Central City and advertising the free parking; a new sign to be positioned near Century Casino advertising Century Casino parking next left and Fortune Valley Parking ahead (please note that the casinos have agreed to financially participate per the recommended funding allocations as requested by staff); special banners to be hung from existing poles advertising free parking entrance ahead; placing new parking signs where incoming traffic will more readily see the signs; installing delineator posts and thermoplastic arrows in the street near the Fortune Valley parking garage; installing special banners indicating parking garage entrances; changes in the current Fortune Valley Valet parking sign; better lighting on Gregory Street to enhance the view of the parking available at Fortune Valley; and a banner as visitors come off the Central City parkway advertising 1,200 free parking spaces in Central City. Alderman Wiman moved to approve the signage and striping plan as presented, with the exception of an alternative option on the placement of the Welcome to Central City banner, Alderman Spain seconded and the motion was carried unanimously. Changes will be visible soon in Central City’s signs.

Impact fees for new residential development

  This Ordinance is concerning the imposing of impact fees on new residential development. Alderman Wiman wanted to know if this ordinance would affect a homeowner who wanted to add an apartment to an existing home. It was explained that yes, in that instance the impact fee would be applicable. Alderman Engels asked again how many other cities along the Front Range have impact fees. Staff responded that numerous cities responded that they currently have impact fees. Alderman Wiman moved to approve the amendment to Ordinance Article VII, Mayor Schmalz called for a vote and the motion carried unanimously.

2008 Historic Preservation Grant Program

  There were 42 requests for grants. A detailed spreadsheet was distributed that provided the staff’s review, evaluation and basis for all grant categories. At the April 22, 2008 work session, it was the consensus of the Council to fund the residential grant applications up to the budgeted $150,000 and not to fund the Rockwall, Non-Profit and the Commercial Grant requests. The City Rockwall funding remains in effect in the event of emergence repairs. Alderman Wiman declared a conflict of interest and left the Council. Alderman Engels moved to approve the Historic Preservation Commission’s recommendation for funding the residential grants.  Alderman Spain seconded and the motion carried unanimously. A detailed report of the grants is available at City Hall.

City Manager Weekly Update

  The City of Black Hawk would like to work with the City of Central on potential financing at the William Russell Park. In addition Black Hawk would like to study the safety of the swings and padding under the play set. If the cities can come to an agreement, the park could be considered a community park as opposed to a city park. Also at issue was the 4^th of July celebration and the traffic problems associated with the holiday. Manager Hailey stated that Casey would be blocked this year and a posted officer would only allow a limited number of cars onto Casey Street. The health of Central’s Fire Chief Gary Allen was inquired about. It is reported that Chief Allen is dong better and is on light duty.

City Council Comment

  Mayor Schmalz would like to have a discussion regarding the gaming initiative that will be on the November ballot.  May 15 was suggested as the date for the meeting. Casinos will be invited, along with any other interested parties. The first portion of the meeting would be Council, the second portion would be an open forum with a Town Hall discussion. All are invited to attend May 15 at 6:30 pm.