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,~,1~.~ 1CITY OF ST. JOSEPH
Administrator
Judy Weyrens
Mayor
wv~w. cityo(stjoseph.com
Al Rassier Date: February 18, 2009
Councilors Memo To: EDA Members
Steve Frank City Administrator Weyrens
Bob Loso
Renee Symanietz Memo From: Cynthia Smith-Strack, MDG, Inc.
Dale Wick
RE: EDA 2009 CIP Requests
Background:
At the January meeting, Chairperson Wick requested an agenda item regarding 2009
projects included in the Capital Improvement Program be addressed at the February
meeting. Attached is a summary of approved Capital Improvement Program requests. The
summary was approved by the City Council in mid-December of last year and is based on
the EDA drawing down its fund balance as opposed to an additional allocation from the
City's general fund. Following is an explanation of the proposed 2009 projects:
1. "LET'S GO DOWNTOWN" REVITALIZATION PROJECT
PURPOSE & BACKGROUND
The goal of this effort is to create an identifiable destination area of local and regional interest by
promoting a sense of place and ambiance in a united, revitalized and viable core of the City. The
effort is framed in the context of a national renaissance in downtowns and re-emergence of
traditional neighborhood design driven by a desire to reconnect with the building blocks of
community including: shared history, hometown pride, and small town atmosphere.
The project has been operational since 2005. One of the core principles of this effort has been and
will continue to be this is a long-term endeavor that must be supported by the community and its
leadership. Much progress has been made, but a greater portion of the effort remains.
As you may be aware, the work group chairpersons discussed moving onto the next phase of this
process. A celebration of progress was held and a downtown project work plan prioritization survey
was mailed to all work group participants. Results of the survey centered on the following goals•
/ Installation of planters, benches and trees on both sides of the downtown streets.
/ Defining a small, public space possibly incorporating a /ountain, an information kiosk, benches,
small gathering space, and plantings to address the linger' deficit Such an area could provide a
respite for shoppers, an area for picture-taking for weddings, public space for 4~ of July
festivities/performances, andan area forholidaydisplays.
PROPOSED PROJECT COSTS
The EDA requests $20,000 in 2009 for the establishment of gathering space(s) within the
downtown which may include: benches, a fountain, a kiosk, plantings, etc.
2. BUSINESS fA~ADE GRANT OR LOAN PROGRAM
PURPoSE & BACKGROUND
CITY OF ST. JOSEPH
w~x~w. cityo(stjoseph.com
In 2008 the EDA/Council pursued a pilot grant program relating to enhancing facades within
business districts. The goal of the effort was to promote facade and public landscape
improvements consistent with design guidelines approved by the City in 2007.
The BFA grant program currently provides matching funds up to $1,000 for reimbursement of
architectural, drafting, or design services in conjunction with commercial exterior facade
improvements and/or landscaping viewed from public rights of way. The BFA grant has generated
numerous requests for information, however, only two applications have been reviewed and
approved thus far in 2008.
Those inquiring about the BFA program indicate their interest would be stronger it the proceeds of
the program cou/d be used for actual facade improvements versus architectural services.
The EDA would like to convert the program to a matching grant (or loan) for actual ta~ade
reconstruction costs, to a maximum of $2,000 per property owner (grant) . The locus of the
program in 2009 would be within the Central Business District to leverage "Let's Go Downtown"
efforts.
PROPOSED PROJECT COSTS
The EDA requests $10,000 in 2009 for redefinition of the BFA grant program. The ClP allocation
would fund five (5) pilot projects.
In the event five pilot projects were not proposed for the downtown, the program could be
expanded to include existing structures within the commercial area adjacent to Hwy. 75 or the
industrial district.
3. CONVERSION Of SINGLE fAMILY STUDENT RENTAL UNITS W/THIN THE CBD TO
PARK/NG AND/OR M/Nl-PARK
PURPOSE & BACKGROUND
The College of St. Benedict and St. Johns University are implementing a four year on-campus
residency policy. The policy will result in vacancies in single family detached dwellings currently
rented by college students. The City estimates in excess of 100 such units could become vacant.
Several of the rental homes are clustered within the Central Business District.
The Comprehensive Plan Update (currently on going) is expected to embrace a need for additional
parking and green space within the Central Business District.
The pending rental home conversion appears to provide an opportunity for the City to obtain
property for conversion to public parking and public parks/trails.
PROPOSED PROJECT COSTS
The EDA requests $30,000 in 2009 for.• (a) identification of potential parcels suitable for public
parking and/or park usage within the CBD, (b) creation of a public parking policy including funding
of such a provision, and (c) purchase of first rights of refusal for properties if identified as crucial to
the provision of public parking and/or park usage within the CBD.
Action:
Review of 2009 EDA CIP projects and direction is kindly requested.