Metropolitan Redevelopment Agency Commission

A G E N D A Tuesday, June 11, 2019 - 4:00 p.m. HQ, 119 W. Main Street Farmington, NM 1. Call to Order 2. Approval of the May 14, 2019 Minutes 5 3. Discussion and Recommendation on pursuing a Certified Local Government, CLG 4. Main Street Complete Streets Update – Sherry Roach 5. Downtown Farmington Update – Michael Bulloch Business From: a. Floor b. Chair c. Members d. Staff 6. Adjournment ATTENTION PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES: The meeting room and facilities are fully accessible to persons with mobility disabilities. If you plan to attend a meeting and need an auxiliary aid or service, please contact the City Clerk's office at 599-1101 or 599-1106, prior to the meeting so arrangements can be made Farmington MRA Commission, Certified Local Government Interview Certified Local Government: Albuquerque Person Interviewed (and contact info): Leslie Naji Interviewer: John McNeill Date: May 19, 2019 Questions: 1. Community involvement in drafting the ordinance – support/opposition from the public/business. Leslie was not in her position at the time the CLG designation was made. 2. Once the CLG was established: Was it embraced by the public: by business? How well is it working? She is not aware of any opposition at the time the CLG designation was adopted. She sees the CLG designation only as a positive with no negatives. 3. What were the original goals for establishing the CLG? Was it largely to protect existing historic properties? OR Mostly a vision for future development? The initial goals are unknown to her, but the requirements for compliance from the SHPO (Karla) are actually helpful in keeping up to date with with work load. 4. Could these goals be achieved by zoning, building inspection or similar ordinances? Unknown to her. 5. What has been the economic impact of the CLG: largely beneficial? Just Okay? OR burdensome? Leslie is a City employee and she handle other du=es beside the CLG. She also has a background in development and can usually act as the “professional” for historic designa=ons. Therefore the only cost is that por=on of her usual salary to cover this duty. She is so busy processing applica=ons from the exis=ng overlay zones that there is no =me to inventory and consider adding addi=onal zones that she feels should be added. 6. Were you successful in receiving Historic Preservation Grants? If so, do you regard these as useful, successful, of limited value, or not worth the effort. The grants from the state are very helpful, especially when they need to hire a consultant to cover topics outside her exper=se (comple=ng surveys, research certain nomina=ons) or when she does not have the =me to complete them herself. Some grants are worth $1500 to $2000 but require matching money which is some=mes difficult to get from the municipal government. It is important to note that staff =me and cost are considered as part of the match for most grants. 7. With regard to maintenance of the CLG relationship with SHPO and NPS: Compliance with rules and reporting is - easy, tolerable, or considered a burden? Her biggest problem is not complying with the SHPO and NPS requirements, but rather keeping the surveys and historic designa=ons up to date. It is a constant educa=onal effort to keep property owners appraised of their property’s status and to be sure they understand the  significance and benefits of historic designa=on. This becomes a real problem when a property’s ownership changes and the new owner is not aware of the designa=on and the CLG has liXle way of tracking the ownership change. 8. What is the yearly expense to maintain the CLG? As mentioned above, she is the staff person for what is known as the Landmark and Urban Conservation Commission. The Albuquerque City Councilors have sustained this effort by contributing funds form their annual discretionary budget allotment from the City.  Certified Local Government Findings What are the advantages to joining the CLG Program? • Technical assistance (more robust) o CLGs receive technical assistance in historic preservation through training, information materials, statewide meetings, workshops, and conferences. • Direct participation in the National Register nomination process o CLGs participate with the State Register of Cultural Properties and the National Register of Historic Places by reviewing local nominations prior to their consideration by the state Cultural Properties Review Committee; • Eligibility to apply for annual grant funds o Upon certification, local governments become eligible to apply for federal historic preservation grants; o State is allocated approximately $80,000 a year for the state’s 10 CLGs (Currently a 50/50 matching fund) • Establishing a local community policy towards historic preservation; o Establishment of a local ordinance / preservation commission that provides greater control over local preservation concerns  The ordinance guidelines can be either binding or advisory  The preservation mandates can by either by owner consent or mandatory  Must be approved by council and will be citywide Funding opportunities: Individual grant awards for the CLG Grant Program are estimated to be between $5,000 and $24,999. All awards will be paid on a reimbursable basis only. The grantee must have the necessary financial resources available to fund and complete the total project. NMHPD will then reimburse the grantee for eligible project costs. These costs may be included in the local match. Eligible matching costs include: - Project costs paid by the grantee during the project period; - Project costs financed with cash contributed or donated to the grantee by other non-federal third parties, including other public agencies, institutions, and private organizations and individuals; - Project costs represented by services and personal property, or use of these, contributed or donated by non-federal third parties during the project period. New Mexico's nine Certified Local Governments (the City of Albuquerque, The Village of Columbus, the City of Deming, the City of Las Vegas, the County of Lincoln, the City of Santa Fe, the Village of Santa Clara, the Town of Silver City, and the Town of Taos) are eligible to apply for grants.  Certified Local Government Findings How to get certified? • Certification happens jointly through steps by local, State, and Federal Governments: 1. Contact your State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) and ask for the CLG Coordinator. They will assist your community in understanding the requirements and application process. a. Once a preservation ordinance and preservation commission have been established meeting the requirements outlined above a community may request certification, in writing, to HPD. The application for certification should include a copy of the preservation ordinance, a list of commission members, commission members’ resumes, how the commission will be staffed, a draft Certification Agreement, a CLG checklist, a Request for Certification, and list/maps of designated historic properties. 2. Submit completed application to the SHPO, who will approve and forward to the National Park Service (NPS). a. Once HPD reviews the application and finds it complete and that it complies with program requirements the application will be sent to the National Park Service for their review and certification. 3. Certification occurs with NPS approval and written notification to the State and the Local Government. What are the responsibilities of a CLG? 1. Establish a qualified historic preservation commission. 2. Enforce appropriate state and local legislation for the designation and protection of historic properties. In most cases this is done in the form of a local ordinance. 3. Maintain a system for the survey and inventory of local historic resources. 4. Facilitate public participation in the local preservation program, including participation in the National Register nomination process. 5. Follow additional requirements outlined in the State of New Mexico CLG Manual. What are design guidelines? Design guidelines are a set of criteria established for a designated historic district that outline how buildings shall be treated when construction projects are being considered. Communities that are not ready to adopt an ordinance may opt for a less comprehensive approach by developing guidelines for voluntary use. While good examples of design guidelines are available in other communities a community considering design guidelines should develop guidelines that reflect the architecture and design elements in its own community.  MINUTES Metropolitan Redevelopment Agency Board of Commissioners – May 14, 2019 Commissioners Present John McNeill, D.D.S. - Chair Jill Tanis – Vice-Chair Doug Dykeman Elizabeth McNally Greg Mills Commissioners Absent None Staff Present Isaac BlueEyes Michael Bulloch Mark Hathcock Shaña Reeves Sherry Roach Karen Walker Warren Unsicker Bart Wilsey Others Present Judy Casselberry Erin Havens 1. Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 4:00 p.m. by Chair John McNeill, and there being a quorum, the following proceedings were duly had and taken. 2. Approval of the April 16, 2019 Minutes A motion was made by Commissioner Dykeman and seconded by Commissioner Tanis to approve the minutes of the April 16, 2019 meeting. The motion passed unanimously 5-0. 3. Proposed Bike Lane Changes – Isaac BlueEyes and Mark Hathcock Isaac BlueEyes, City Traffic Engineer, with Mark Hathcock, Associate Traffic Engineer, presented a PowerPoint presentation on Accessible Improvement Ideas for on Street Bikeways. Mr. BlueEyes explained the current bike lanes and the proposed changes. The proposal for Miller Avenue will consist of restriping the lanes. Tucker Avenue will have two flashing beacons at the Main and Tucker crossings. There is a proposed new Animas Park shared use path as well. These proposals were approved by City Council and funding is available. 1 Mr. BlueEyes explained a focus on four additional areas for bike lanes. These areas include a road diet along Sullivan Avenue between 20th Street and 30th Street and a road diet between Main Street and San Juan Boulevard, narrowing lanes on 20th Street between Sullivan Avenue and Carlton, Bisti Bay Connectivity, and Main Street Connectivity. The total cost for the bike lane changes approved by City Council, said Mr. BlueEyes, is $23,250. 4. Discussion and Recommendation on Project Priorities for the Implementation of the MRA Plan a. Develop a questionnaire for existing business owners in the Animas District Commissioner McNally said she is interested in working with Commissioner Tanis to put together an inventory on the existing property and business owners in the Animas District. Chair McNeill referenced Bobby Kimball, City GIS Supervisor, as someone who should be able to help with the project. b. Develop better understanding and eventual map of available/future utilities within the Animas District Commissioner McNally said she would like to have a better understanding of the utilities and infrastructure within the Animas District in terms of phone lines, fiber optics, buried cable, storm sewer, and water supply. Ms. McNally said she would like to have this information to have a better idea of what is currently available and what can be done. Commissioner Tanis agreed with Ms. McNally as it would help with the promotion of the Animas District in terms of locating businesses in the area. Ms. Tanis said she would like to educate property owners on what is happening in the MRA and how to involve them in what is going on in the community. Chair McNeill asked Ms. McNally and Ms. Tanis to team up and work on these projects. Dr. McNeill said he and Ms. McNally will be meeting with the temporary City Planner, Cindy Lopez, to discuss possible changes that can be made in the Animas District to help promote the area after the completion of the Complete Streets Project. Chair McNeill noted MRA projects that are currently in the process of implementation such as the bike trails and connectivity, the food hub, the transit center which is waiting on funding, and the CLG, Certified Local Government, which will be discussed by Commissioner Dykeman. Commissioner Dykeman presented a handout summarizing a CLG survey that was conducted in Las Vegas, NM, Los Alamos, NM, and Santa Clara, NM. Discussion ensued with those municipalities concerning the feasibility and benefits of a CLG. The municipalities recommended working with SHIPO, the State Historic Preservation Office, Mr. Dykeman asked that more discussion be continued at next month’s meeting to look into pursuing a CLG for Farmington. Chair McNeill suggested having city staff look into the possibility of a CLG for Farmington. Dr. McNeill’s understanding was that a professional consultant would be 2 required to research historic designations and work on applications for these designations. The Commissioners agreed to have Warren Unsicker, City Economic Development Director, look into the next steps to pursue a CLG. 5. Discussion and Recommendation for a Fence for the Palmer House Bart Wilsey, Gateway Museum Director, discussed three proposals for a 6-foot wrought iron fence to be placed around the Palmer House located on N. Allen Avenue across from the Civic Center. The need for the fence, said Mr. Wilsey, is to protect the building. The Commissioners recommended the first illustration listed in the May 14, 2019 Agenda Book. The recommendation was unanimous, 5-0. 6. Discussion and Recommendation to Apply for EPA Recreation Economy for Rural Communities Grant for Main Street Warren Unsicker said the Recreation Economy for Rural Communities Grant would allow the evaluation and examination of the downtown MRA District, particularly the Animas District. It would help to utilize and integrate outdoor recreation and find ways to connect downtown to the river area as well as attract manufacturing. Mr. Unsicker said the grant would bring in people from the EPA, Environmental Protection Agency, to provide work sessions and give insight on the implementation of the next steps to move forward. Mr. Unsicker asked the MRA Commissioners for their recommendation to City Council to apply for the grant. There was a unanimous consensus of recommendation from the MRA Commissioners, 5-0. 7. Main Street Complete Streets Update-Sherry Roach Sherry Roach said the Main Street Complete Streets construction project is progressing. Storm water issues are being addressed. Some of these issues may be costly to design and to complete due to various constraints. The offsite signage to divert truck traffic from Main Street will be finalized soon based on the Traffic Assessment Report. Ms. Roach said the Crime Data for April is similar to last month. Crime is at a minimum in the MRA District. Police will be on foot, bike, and in vehicles downtown. During the summer, park rangers will also be patrolling the parks. Ms. Roach mentioned a recent seminar on Developing Commercial Properties in the Downtown Area. The seminar was well attended. Topics discussed included historic preservation and historic tax credits, restoration, and remodels. The result was to inspire property owners on what they can do with their vacant spaces to make them more attractive to potential customers. Ms. Roach noted a handout from the Village of Santa Clara, a PowerPoint presentation on Historic Tax Credits, and a questionnaire from the New Mexico Historic Preservation Division. Ms. Roach mentioned a Survey Monkey survey on the City’s Facebook page asking citizens what they would like to see in the downtown area. Commissioner Dykeman suggested opening the downtown theater. 3 8. Downtown Farmington Updates Michael Bulloch said there will be a Community Visioning meeting for the Harvest Food Hub and kitchen on May 30, 2019 from 5:30-7:30 at 119 W. Main Street to discuss a commercial kitchen incubator. Judy Casselberry said Erin Havens is the Project Manager for the Food Hub. She said San Juan College was given a $565,000 grant to be used over five years to provide funding for people and equipment for a Food Hub. Ms. Casselberry is asking the City for help in providing the space for the commercial kitchen. Currently, said Ms. Casselberry, the group is looking at the building previously used by The Roof. Erin Havens said the Food Hub would be used as an aggregation and distribution center for local produce so farmers can bring their produce to a central location. The local produce can be used by schools, restaurants, and local industries. The idea is to pilot a program this summer. Ms. Casselberry said that people would be able to test their product with a retail element that would be open to the public. There has also been discussion on a commercial garden. Mr. Unsicker said the City is discussing issues that need to be addressed to provide for the needs of the Food Hub. Mr. Bulloch said the next ACD, Arts and Cultural District, Team meeting is scheduled for June 12, 2019. A follow up meeting will be scheduled with Michelle Negrette from New Mexico MainStreet to discuss the Economic Transformation Strategy. Farmington did not make it into the semifinals for the America’s Main Street contest. Approximately $18,000 was requested from the AARP grant for the Breezeway Plaza Project. AARP is expected to respond by the end of June. Mr. Bulloch said he is trying to obtain wood pallets to build chairs, benches, and planters for the plaza. The existing concrete planters on Main Street may be used as part of the design for the Breezeway Plaza. Mr. Bulloch said he and Ms. Roach were at the Downtown booth for the Farmington Convention and Visitor’s Bureau Daycation event last Friday. A prize package was put together from local businesses. San Juan Country Club was interested in partnering game nights with Game Changers. The New Mexico Resiliency Alliance just opened its 2019 Resilient Communities Grant cycle. Proposals are due by June 3, 2019. In addition to their $5,000 grants, they will award up to $10,000 to two communities with a 50% required match. Mr. Bulloch said the Secret Garden project for $5,000 is being discussed. A match would come from Karen Ellsbury and Patrick Hazen. Other options were discussed concerning proposals related to Economic Vitality. Mr. Bulloch said the secret Garden could be a catalytic economic development project. 4 The Commissioners and staff discussed the possibility of 505 Cycles opening his business in the downtown area. The Downtown Makers Market begins Thursday, June 6, 2019 and runs through the end of October. The Summer Art Walk is June 14, 2019 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Ms. Roach said she is discussing the possibility of demonstrating the road diet approved for the Complete Streets Project during the Art Walk. 9. Business from: a. Floor – There was no business from the Floor. b. Chair – Chair McNeill asked to have the June MRA meeting moved to June 11 as he will be unavailable on June 18 for the regularly scheduled meeting. The Commissioners agreed to move the June meeting to June 11, 2019. The change will be advertised for the public. c. Members – Commissioner Dykeman asked what was happening at 401 Auburn Ave. Karen Walker said there is a zone change request for that property. The petition is being handled by Helen Landaverde. Chair McNeill asked that it be brought to the attention of Ms. Landaverde that the MRA Commissioners would like to hear about any changes to properties in the MRA. d. Staff – There was no business from Staff. 10. Adjournment: A motion was made by Commissioner Tanis and seconded by Commissioner Mills to adjourn. The Metropolitan Redevelopment Agency Board of Commissioners meeting was adjourned at 5:52 p.m. ___________________________________ ____________________________________ John McNeill, Chair Karen Walker, Administrative Assistant 5