Metropolitan Redevelopment Agency Commission

AGENDA Tuesday, June 15, 2021 - 4:00 P.M. The regular meeting of the Metropolitan Redevelopment Area Commission will be held in the Executive Conference Room, 800 Municipal Dr., Farmington, NM 1. Meeting Called To Order 2. Approval of the May 18, 2021 Meeting Minutes 3. Update on the Harvest Food Hub – (Erin Havens) 4. Community Gardens in the MRA – (Doug Dykeman) 5. Discussion Regarding Developing a Plan for Downtown Alleys – (Beth Escobar) 6. New Business and Real Estate Update – (Warren Unsicker) 7. Upcoming Events – (Warren Unsicker) 8. Fiscal Year End Summary (MRA Fund, Grants, etc.) – (Warren Unsicker) 9. MRA Staff Updates – (Warren Unsicker) 10. Business From: a. Floor b. Chair c. Members d. Staff 11. Adjournment ATTENTION PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES: If you plan to attend the virtual meeting and will need an auxiliary aid or service, please contact the City Clerk’s Office at 599-1101 prior to the meeting so that arrangements can be made.  MINUTES Metropolitan Redevelopment Agency Board of Commissioners – May 18, 2021 Held in the Executive Conference Room at 800 Municipal Dr., Farmington NM Members Present: John McNeill, D.D.S. - Chair Jill Tanis – Vice Chair Doug Dykeman – Commissioner Elizabeth McNally - Commissioner Members Absent: Greg Mills – Commissioner Staff Present: Julie Baird Warren Unsicker Beth Escobar Elizabeth Sandoval Others Present: None 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 20, 2021 Minutes A motion was made by Vice Chair Tanis and seconded by Commissioner McNally to approve the minutes of April 20, 2021 as amended. This motion passed 4-0. 3. Adoption of a Resolution Setting and Establishing a Regular Meeting Day, Time and Place for the MRA Board A motion was made by Commissioner McNally and seconded by Vice Chair Tanis to approve the resolution setting and establishing a regular meeting day, time and place for the MRA Board. This motion passed 4-0. 4. Update in Status of Plantings on Main Street Warren Unsicker, Director of Economic Development, stated that the Parks Department was unable to attend this meeting and they would have more details at a later date. Mr. Unsicker stated that there are some irrigation issues that are being addressed, as well as some bedding that needs to be acquired. 5. Update on Harvest Food Hub Mr. Unsicker provided the update stating that the Food Hub is a partnership with the City of Farmington and San Juan College. The City of Farmington was able to provide upward of 1  $100,000 to renovate the facility in Phase I of this project, the dry and cold and freezer storage area. Construction of Phase 1 is complete and the area is able to be utilized for the Food Hub. A kitchen director has been hired and planning of Phase II is underway for the kitchen side of the building. Chair McNeill stated that it was his understanding that the Food Hub would be providing food baskets for people who sign up for them online on their website. Vice Chair Tanis asked what was in the food baskets. Mr. Unsicker stated that fresh locally grown produce that is seasonal are in the food baskets. Planning Manager Escobar stated that this year the Food Hub is offering local beef. Chair McNeill asked Ms. Escobar if she was able to find that information on the website. Planning Manager Escobar stated yes, the information is available on their website. Chair McNeill asked if the food baskets had to be preordered. Planning Manager Escobar stated yes, you would order on a Tuesday and pick up on Thursday afternoon. Mr. Unsicker stated that the website is sanjuancollege.edu/harvestfoodhub. 6. Presentation on “Does Your Brand Still Measure Up?” Mr. Unsicker presented the following PowerPoint presentation: The Heart of Farmington -A Mainstreet Brand What is a brand? • Level 1 - Logo/2D • Emblem • Style Guide • Level 2 – Sensory • Mascots • Amenities • Level 3 – Experiential • What do people associate with our Downtown? • Events/Geography/Markets/Layout Focus on Level 3 • Clean-up - Ensure a clean and well-kept main street • Maintenance • Signage • Develop guidelines for how our brand is USED on signs, and be CONSISTANT • Develop Style guide • Wayfinding and welcome signage • Event and seasonal • General guidelines (already in ordinance) Beautify Downtown (Check) 2  • Art in Alley/public art • Site furnishings • Rehabilitation • Facades • Sculpture • Sidewalk/trees/utilities • Water features Vacant Store Fronts • Keep them vibrant • Use vinyl (temporary and inexpensive) • 3D Objects • “Pop-ups”, temporary art exhibits • Vacant lot Audio/Visual • Movement • Movies in the park • Projection • Light • Keep storefronts illuminated to encourage “window shopping” after hours • Draws people in • Music Destination Creation • What is our destination attraction? • Examples: • Interactive art exhibits • Museums • Art installations What draws and KEEPS people here? • Unique attractions • Fun events • Art • Creative store design • Outdoor seating • Parklets • Thank them on the way out… Buy-In • Bring people/businesses on board • Don’t get bogged down trying to please everyone Vice Chair Tanis stated that the timing of the presentation was perfect because Main Street is complete now and we are into the next steps of keeping it going and making downtown a destination place, keep people coming and continuing with events. Mr. Unsicker stated that he has heard from new residents of Farmington that the renovation of downtown, putting the care and intention into downtown, is a sign that a community is on the rise. 3  Chair McNeill stated that the presentation was about respecting your brand at all levels and the retailers specifically, that retailers bought into the brand, respected and maintained it. Chair McNeill suggested that all our downtown retailers should see this presentation to understand all the elements that are talked about regarding retailer involvement. Chair McNeill also stated that he feels that we have lost a bit of presence downtown, with Sherry Roach and Michael Bulloch no longer in their previous positions. Mr. Unsicker stated that the Main Street stakeholder meetings are still taking place and there is still communication with the retailer’s downtown, keep them apprised of events and funding opportunities. Mr. Unsicker stated that he is very much in contact with the downtown merchants and that has not been lost. Chair McNeill asked Mr. Unsicker if merchants are attending the stakeholder meetings regularly and asked if the MRA could be kept appraised of the dates and times of the stakeholder meetings, possibly having one member attend to let merchants know that the MRA is available to them. Mr. Unsicker stated yes attendance is good and he would let the board know of when the meetings are being held so one member could attend. Chair McNeill asked Planning Manager Escobar if projecting signage was permitted downtown. Planning Manager Escobar stated that projecting signs do need a permit to make sure they are constructed properly and there are no safety issues. 7. Discussion of an Initiative for a Clean Downtown Neighborhood Vice Chair Tanis stated that she would like to talk about an initiative for a clean downtown, starting with her own experience and observations of trash downtown, especially after the reopening after the construction downtown. Vice Chair Tanis then stated that she has been in contact with some of the downtown merchants and property owners who have complained about the trash downtown, whether the receptacles in the alley are not big enough to handle the trash. An example was one merchant who has a big dumpster behind their building had someone come and dump food type items in their dumpster, which then overflowed and the wind blew all the trash throughout the alley. Vice Chair Tanis stated that she knows it is going to take involvement and conversations with a lot of people, merchants, property owners and people who are involved with the City. Vice Chair Tanis stated that her observation has been that there is a complaint, something should be done about it, and someone should do something about it. Vice Chair Tanis stated that she thinks that it is a partnership among the tenants, business owners and merchants and the City and Waste Management could be a partner to help resolve certain situations. Vice Chair Tanis stated that she would like to attend the stakeholder meeting and meet some of the people there and start the conversation. Vice Chair Tanis referred to the Front Porch Initiative brochure and stated that it has really good topics and is a good guide to use. 4  Vice Chair Tanis stated that she would like to take on the initiative for a clean downtown. Chair McNeill asked Mr. Unsicker if there are educational sessions offered at the stakeholder meetings. Mr. Unsicker stated that they have not recently but he has been making the group aware of existing educational opportunities. Vice Chair Tanis asked Mr. Unsicker when the stakeholder meeting is held. Mr. Unsicker stated the next meeting will be at 9:00 am on May 27, 2021 and will be held via Zoom. Vice Chair Tanis stated that Nicole Wilcox, Wilcox Property Management, is big on being able to use popup properties and encourages the use of windows to promote products and services. 8. Discussion of Trash in the MRA and the Concept of Compactors Replacing Dumpsters Chair McNeill presented to the following PowerPoint presentation: Compactors for Downtown Alleys Improving Appearance and Appeal Why Compactors • Health & Safety • Esthetics • Usability and Accessibility • Space • Building Protection • Accountability and Accounting Comparison to Dumpsters Health and Safety Dumpsters: • Are often difficult for merchants to access and use • Must be physically wheeled into position for overhead dumping • Are often used as shelters • Must be individually inspected before dumping • Abet criminal activity (hiding places and access to upper levels of buildings) 5 • Attract vermin and scavengers • Vast majority are unlocked Dumpster Downers • Clutter and unsightliness • Damage to buildings • Offensive odors • Incompatible with Arts & Culture District • Distracts from Art in the Alleys • Illegal dumping • Noises and pollution • Blowing litter and trash Practicality • Dumpsters encroach on driving space affecting deliveries and turning maneuvers. • Dumpsters require frequent maintenance which is often deferred. • Frequent servicing leads to damage to public infrastructure, pavement and asphalt damage, and potholes. • Billing and shared use is confusing and inconsistent especially when owners and users change. The Problem: How many dumpsters and trash carts does one alley need? Does this look safe and inviting? A common problem that leads to a plethora of issues 6 Emptying compactors does not require moving the receptacles: Constant moving of dumpsters leads to damage of buildings in our historic district: One compactor for the entire block will fit in this space. We would still need a grease tank for restaurants and carts for recycling. "GET RELIGIOUS ABOUT PICKING UP GARBAGE ON A REGULAR BASIS. GET EVERYONE ON BOARD." – Lyn Falk 7 Before: After: Dr. McNeill passed out the following handout: 8 9 Commissioner Dykeman asked if there was a grease tank for each restaurant. Chair McNeill stated that there is not, only restaurants that accumulate enough grease are provided a grease tank and are paid for filling the tank for recycling from a company out of Albuquerque, NM. Chair McNeill stated that the locations of compactors around the city are located at major businesses, such as Walgreens and San Juan College. Commissioner McNally asked if the compactors come in a range of configurations and sizes. Chair McNeill stated that they do come in a range of capacities and sizes and that the footprint of the compactor does not change much between the sizes, but do require dedicated electricity and a pad to place the compactor on. Commissioner McNally asked if we had any local statistics for people being in dumpsters and has it been a significant problem within the city. Chair McNeill stated that people have been found in the dumpsters but have never ended up in the trash trucks. Commissioner McNally asked if someone might be able to crawl into a trash compactor. Chair McNeill stated no, that compactors are locked and to access the compactor you would have to have a key. This also helps with illegal dumping. Commissioner McNally asked if Waste Management now offers recycling accounts for commercial business. 10 Chair McNeill stated that they do. Commissioner McNally asked if the downtown businesses practice recycling with Waste Management. Chair McNeill stated that he is not sure but he could ask Waste Management. Commissioner McNally stated that it would be great to educate the downtown business to recycle if they can. Commissioner McNally asked if Waste Management had any specific programs or support for dense downtown areas. Chair McNeill stated that compactors are offered for trash and recycling, stating that a recycling compactor could be shared for that use. Chair McNeill also stated that he spoke with Dan Darnell, who is with Waste Management, and Mr. Darnell stated that there is no data that gives an economic reason that compactors are better than trash receptacles. The only thing that could be surmised is that if you can take trash and compact it to a 4 to 1 ratio, you would probably need fewer dumpsters. Cooperation and a fee status established that is fair to all users would be needed. Commissioner McNally stated that compactors may decrease the number of dumpsters but may decrease the number of collections, which might be financially beneficial. Julie Baird, Assistant City Manager, stated that we are headed in the right direction by gathering information. The businesses, tenants and residents downtown will either want to get onboard with this program or not. They will need to see the benefit of the program, which could be many, cost, trash, cleanliness or discouraging the use of trash receptacles as shelters. The role of the MRA Commission is to explore that and put that data together for Council. First thing will be to get what the opinion is of the businesses, tenets and residents downtown. There does need to be some survey mechanism to gather this data from the downtown businesses, tenets and residents, but we may need to have a public meeting before the survey, not really knowing which would come first at this time. Questions for the MRA Board are: is this something we want to continue to explore, is this the right time and do we want to go ahead and do a public meeting. Ms. Baird stated that she is still unclear as to if the compactors are leased or purchased, electrical needs to the compactors, and infrastructure costs and funding source for the compactors. Chair McNeill stated that at the present time all the compactors within the city are privately owned and serviced by Waste Management. Chair McNeill stated that Mr. Darnell, with Waste Management, had said that he did not know of this type of application in a municipality but he did know that major trash generators find it beneficial and Waste Management does service those compactors. Chair McNeill then stated that based on the leasing or owning the compactors there are different maintenance options as well. Chair McNeill asked Planning Manager Escobar if she had any comments. Planning Manager Escobar stated that she would start with what the ultimate goal is with the alleys downtown and is there anything that addresses turning the alleyways into public space. Chair McNeill stated that since the pandemic started and business having to use their backdoor access the attitude of access from both sides of their buildings has changed dramatically. Chair McNeill stated that one downtown business owner had expressed how his business had increased with carryout business and the use of his back door, which have 11  been the best year he has had since starting his business. What is the ultimate goal is a great question that business owners should answer. Planning Manager Escobar added that input would also be needed from the City of Farmington, since the alleyway technically belongs to the city and also what the impact would be from closing off alleyways. Chair McNeill stated that perhaps a trial base program might be beneficial, also partnering with Waste Management to see if this is something they might be interested in, input is certainly needed. Commissioner McNally asked if a conversation with Dan Burton could be had about the alleys and trash with business and property owners. Chair McNeill stated that he could reach out to Mr. Burton. Vice Chair Tanis stated that as she starts to visit with downtown business owners about the trash initiative, maybe she could get some informal feedback on how they use their alleys and what they use for trash disposal. 9. Update on Changes to UDC and How They Might Affect the MRA Planning Manager Escobar presented the following PowerPoint presentation: Revision to the Unified Development Code of the City of Farmington The Unified Development Code  The regulatory document for public and private development in the City  Current version adopted 2007  Contains regulations regarding zoning, land use, development standards and subdivisions  Provides authority for review and decision making  Outlines administration and procedures Highlights Article 2 – Use Regulations  Adopt regulations regarding fowl  Administrative review required if issues arise  12 bird maximum – any more requires an SUP  Roosters are not permitted  Allow retention of existing setbacks for replacement manufactured homes  Adopt regulations for small cell wireless in historic district  Add regulations for mobile food units to align with Municipal Code  Allow separate electric meters for apartments and guest houses  Clarify regulations regarding Accessory Structures  Maximum allowance based on lot coverage Chair McNeill asked if downtown upper story residents apply for a meter, do they then get a trash poly cart for their trash and could they then refuse the poly cart and use the dumpsters of the downstairs business owners. 12 Planning Manager Escobar stated that could be done now, there were no prior restrictions on metering upper story residential because it’s a permitted use. The building owner would control utilities through their lease. Article 5 – Development Standards  Allow for reduction in parking requirements based on Director’s review  Requires Planning Review for resurfacing of parking areas  Allow for gravel driveways with a 10-foot concrete apron for replacement of mobile and manufactured homes  Increase requirements for landscaping in parking areas  Require incorporation of irrigation best practices  Require first flush capture for new construction  Encourage rainwater harvesting to supplement landscape irrigation  Update regulations for construction in flood zone to align with new FEMA regulations  Adopt new street classification and design standards Article 5.8 – Signage  Entire Section 5.8 has been revised to align with recent court rulings  Temporary sign category addresses all non-permanent signs  Temporary signs are allowed in specific public locations  Allow portable signs  Adopts regulations for murals – MRA review required for murals in the district Section 5.10 – Outdoor Lighting  Applies lighting code to all new development, not just those adjacent to residential uses (Staff will work with existing businesses to encourage compliance)  Update allowed lighting sources to include LED  Establish a range for light color temperature – between 4,000 – 6,000 Kelvin Article 6 – Subdivisions  Add language regarding what constitutes a lot-of-record  Remove requirement for Summary Plat Article 8 – Administration & Procedures  Remove the requirement for title report except in certain cases  Add acceptance of lot consolidation through warranty deed or recorded legal survey  Make SUP’s transferable for residential uses  Allow time limit for SUP’s to be set through conditions of approval Article 9 – Nonconformities 13   Eliminate prohibition to rebuild or restore non-conforming use Article 11 – Definitions  Add definition for Loan Companies: Companies offering same day, ‘over the counter’ loans to customers based on collateral such as tax refunds and auto titles. Loans are issued at an interest rate regulated by the state and significantly, higher that federally set interest rates. Adopted by City Council March 9, 2021 Effective April 5, 2021 10. Update on use of ARP (American Rescue Act) Funds by the City of Farmington Mr. Unsicker apologized to the board for the misunderstanding of what the board was referring to as an IRS fund. The funds have been coming from different sources for different purposes. Some of the funding came from the Restaurant Recovery Act, Entertainment Venue Act, but also educating downtown merchants on the different funding sources available while meeting regularly to discuss the available grants. Commissioner McNally asked if it was possible to get a list of downtown merchants who received assistance. Mr. Unsicker stated that he would check with the Legal Department to see what information could be released. MRA Staff Updates Mr. Unsicker stated that a $5,000 NM Resiliency Grant had been received that the NM Arts Council will serve as the fiscal agent of. This grant is specifically for assisting businesses that would like to host outdoor spaces in front of their businesses, which they would then apply for a 50% matching grant. Mr. Unsicker stated that the city did not receive the EPA grant that was applied for the Miller and Pinon Project. Out of the 429 applicants, only 154 applicants received the grant. Mr. Unsicker stated that there are a few upcoming events downtown, the first Makers Market would be held on June 3, 2021, the First annual 2X2X24 Race, a fundraiser race for Sexual Assault Services, that is 24hours long, will start the evening of June 4, 2021 and will end the evening of June 5, 2021, and will be ran 2 hours on and 2 hours off, a loop from Wall to Auburn, with staging at Orchard Park. Mr. Unsicker stated that the Downtown Coordinator position is still in process, more information to come. Chair McNeill stated that he would still like to see the Downtown Coordinator position be a full time position that includes a budget. 11. Business from Floor – There was no business from the floor. Chair – There was no business from the Chair. Members – Vice Chair 14  Staff – There was no business from Staff. 12. Adjournment A motion was made by Commissioner Dykeman and seconded by Vice Chair Tanis to adjourn. The motion passed 4-0. The Metropolitan Redevelopment Agency meeting was adjourned at 5:49 p.m. __________________________________ _______________________________________ John McNeill, Chair Elizabeth Sandoval, Administrative Assistant 15