IF Downtown Development Corporation (IFDDC)

Idaho Falls Downtown Development Board Meeting held March 1, 2022 at 9:00am in the Arts Council conference room. Those in attendance: Jake Durtschi, Kevin Cutler, Brandi Newton, Tasha Taylor, Greg Crockett, Kasi Nelson, Antonio Meza, Chip Langerak, Shanon Taylor, Emily Fitzpatrick, Anas Almassrahy, Bud Cranor, Lisa Farris, Councilman Jim Francis, and Ralph Panttaja (owner of the Earl Building). Staff – Mala Lyon and Juan Hernandez Introductions – Bud Cranor is the new Chief of Staff with the Mayor. The city is still looking to find a replacement for Dana who was the Economic Development Administrator. Ralph Panttaja is the new owner of the Earl Building in the 500 block of Park Avenue and looks forward to being involved in the downtown. Minutes of the February 1, 2022 meeting reviewed; Kevin Cutler motioned to accept, Tasha Taylor seconded; board approved. Financial report – Brandi – there is construction going on that is affecting the Broadway parking lot so the revenue is down there; waiting for the new Executive Director to be hired so we can look at money making events and grant opportunities; Antonio asked what has the BID money that was collected last year been spent on? We had all the new planters and sideway work done before. Jake said you must look at the different budgets - we now get $60,000 from the BID and we had 1.5 million that one year to do the sidewalks, new trees, planters and all the rest. Improvement now will be small in comparison. Greg said we can go to the city if we have a need for a project as they hold in reserve some of the BID taxes collected. Was the BID expanded to include Cliff Street? No, there are two classes of BID members those that live in the BID boundaries and pay into the BID are Class A and those that pay a separate BID fee to be included and be Class B members, like the Vogue on Cliff Street. Chip said artwork is still in the plans, but it was a good thing we didn’t do the crosswalk art as it would have all been torn up this summer. Brandi motioned that the financial report be approved; Antonio seconded, and board approved. Tasha reported that there are 3 qualified candidates so far for the Executive Director position, and they hope to do interviews this week. Two are from out of town. Jake – the water main replacement construction will be starting soon at Park Avenue and A Street with the goal of it taking 12 weeks to complete the project. They have promised to maintain access to businesses. If anyone has sidewalk or waterlines that need replacing this would be a good time to get that work done. The State will be redoing Broadway and Yellowstone. We do not have dates on that, but they are to keep one lane of traffic open. Bud suggested we contact Public Works to see if they know a time frame. The new water tower construction will start this summer and be a 2 year project. Jake will be attending meetings to represent the downtown as that moves forward. Elections – we do not have someone nominated for the Vice President position; Steve Fischbach was asked and is thinking about it. Greg request that a copy of the by laws be sent to him to review. Councilman Jim Francis – an edge system was approved so that retail businesses can be along F Street; south of Pancheri behind Candlewood suites development approved; Impact fees that will be paid up front by the developer were approved – these fees will helped pay for a new fire station that will be needed on the south and north sides of town due to growth. These fees will not be assessed for a remodel only new construction. A Greater Idaho Falls Transit (GIFT) person has been hired. Anas – this is a good time to talk about the design and improvements of crosswalks. Chip said he had several meetings with the street department about faded signs and they were replaced. Talked to I.F. Power about lamp poles that were not working, and they have been fixed. Crossing Broadway at night now is you push the crosswalk button, and the lights change right away to stop the traffic. It takes time to get these types of problems in front of the right people so they can be addressed and fixed. Greg said we need to make sure the city traffic engineer is on top of the pedestrian traffic, so it is safe. Lisa – we have $19,000 left for new projects and we will need the IFDDC to make a request for the 2022 funding. Parking committee reminder – the deadline is March 15th for you to talk to the people you were assigned to. Brandi said she had a good discussion with Les Schwab and it brought home the diversity of businesses we have downtown and what their parking needs are. Adjourned at 10:00am The next board meeting will be held April 5, 2022 Respectfully submitted Jill Hansen, secretary and Mala Lyon