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2003-12-10 SRA MinutesSRA Minutes December 10, 2003 Page 1 of 3 MINUTES OF THE BOARD MEETING OF THE SALEM REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY HELD ON DECEMBER 10, 2003 A regular meeting of the Salem Redevelopment Authority (SRA) Board was held in the third floor conference room at the City Hall Annex, 120 Washington Street, on Wednesday, December 10, 2003 at 6:00pm. Chairman Robert Curran called the meeting to order and on roll call, the following members were present: Conrad Baldini, Michael Brennan, Michael Connelly, Robert Curran, and Russell Vickers. Joseph Walsh, Executive Director of the SRA, Tania Hartford, Economic Development Planner, and Valerie Gingrich, Clerk were also present. Minutes Mr. Brennan motioned to approve the minutes from the meeting held on November 12, 2003. Mr. Baldini seconded the motion. Motion passed (5-0). New Business 1. Executive Director’s Report Mr. Walsh, Executive Director, distributed a memo to the board members, which requested that they inform the Department of Planning & Community Development by noon of the day of the meeting if they will not be attending. REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY PROJECTS 2. 18 Crombie Street Mr. Walsh distributed a revised copy of the Request for Proposals (RFP) for the Purchase and Rehabilitation of 18 Crombie Street for Affordable Housing. He noted that the copy g iven to members in their meeting packet had a few minor errors regarding dates for submittals. Mr. Walsh stated that the RFP included a request for a description of the method of turning over the house to an eligible family once the restoration was complete, as requested by the board. He explained that an organization, such as Habitat for Humanity, would redevelop the property for an income eligible family. Mr. Brennan commented that there could be two sales in the process, one from the SRA for one dollar and a second from the organization to the homeowner. Mr. Walsh stated that that is the reason the RFP requests details on the method of transfer from the organization to the homeowner. Mr. Brennan asked the price Habitat for Humanity sells the home s they construct or rehabilitate. Mr. Walsh replied that Habitat has a formula that they use based on the number of hours the homeowner contributes in “sweat equity.” Mr. Curran inquired as to who would pay the $5,000 that is required in the RFP. Mr. Walsh stated that the developer would pay the amount into an escrow deposit account, but the RFP does include the caveat that the deposit can be waived by the SRA. SRA Minutes December 10, 2003 Page 2 of 3 Mr. Brennan confirmed that the structure would be affordable for fifteen years, and inquired as to what would happen if a family disposed of the house prior to those fifteen years. Mr. Walsh stated that the house would remain affordable for the fifteen years and it would be included in the deed. He further stated that Habitat for Humanity actually has an even longer deed restriction on their houses. Mr. Vickers asked for some clarification as to what exactly is meant by “affordable.” Mr. Walsh replied that “affordability” is based on the income of the prospective homeowners, which is defined by the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) and is included in the RFP. Mr. Vickers commented that the board members will need to consider the restriction when doing the Land Disposition Agreement (LDA). Mr. Brennan commented that perhaps the short period of time that developers have to respond to the RFP could limit the number of proposals that are submitted. Mr. Walsh replied that there is a possibility that the timeframe could limit the number of proposals, but in this case the rehabilitation is straightforward and several organizations have already expressed their willingness to submit a proposal. Mr. Brennan commented that the wording “The SRA desires...” in Section III, Item D of the RFP should be changed to “ The SRA requires...” Ms. Hartford stated that the change will be made to the RFP before it is released. Mr. Walsh informed the board members that a temporary construction fence will be installed around the home, following the property lines, and the cost would be approximately $1,000. Mr. Connelly motioned to release the RFP as amended. Mr. Brennan seconded the motion. Motion passed (5-0). Mr. Vickers motioned to approve the expense for a fence to be placed around the property at 18 Crombie Street. Mr. Connelly seconded the motion. Motion passed (5-0). 3. Old Salem Police Station Mr. Walsh requested that the board go into an executive session to begin the discussion of the Old Police Station. Mr. Baldini motioned to enter into executive session. Mr. Brennan seconded the motion. Motion passed (5-0). EXECUTIVE SESSION Mr. Baldini motioned to end the executive session. Mr. Brennan seconded the motion. Motion passed (5-0). Mr. Walsh informed the board members that the designated developers were very close t o an agreement with Citizen Bank for the necessary funding for the project and they expect a letter of commitment by next week. Mr. Walsh stated that the developers are very aware of the drop-dead date on December 31, 2003, after which they will lose their status as designated developer. Mr. Walsh stated that the developers scheduled a meeting with the Mayor and Citizens Bank, but it had SRA Minutes December 10, 2003 Page 3 of 3 to be cancelled due to the snowstorm. Mr. Walsh stated that he would keep the board posted as the process continues. Mr. Connelly asked if the current developer loses his status could anyone of the SRA’s choosing take on the project. Mr. Walsh affirmed and stated that the permits do not expire and a new developer could take up the project as permitted. DEIGN REVIEW BOARD RECOMMENDATIONS 4. Passage to India (157 Washington Street)—Consideration of DRB recommendation for proposed illumination and amendment to sign design. Ms. Hartford explained the proposal, which includes two light fixtures to illuminate the existing sign and the addition of a border to the existing sign. Ms. Hartford added that the light fixtures will be raised to comply with the DRB recommendation, as they have already been installed and are currently lower than what was recommended by the DRB. Mr. Walsh informed the board members that he has met with the owner of the building, Mr. Cliff Boyle, and he does plan to make improvements to the entire facade. Mr. Baldini motioned to accept the DRB recommendation to approve the proposed signage. Mr. Vickers seconded the motion. Motion passed (5-0). OTHER BUSINESS 5. Meeting Schedule—Review and approval of 2004 Meeting Schedule of the Authority. Ms. Hartford stated that the draft of the meeting schedule for 2004 was included in the meeting packet and all meetings are scheduled to be held on the second Wednesday of each month at 6:00pm. Mr. Curran commented that his only request would be to change the meeting on April 14 to April 7. Mr. Baldini motioned to approve the schedule as drafted with the exception of changing the April 14 meeting to April 7. Mr. Brennan seconded the motion. Motion passed (5-0). There being no further business, Mr. Connelly motioned to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Vickers seconded the motion. Motion passed (5-0). Meeting stands adjourned. Respectfully submitted, Valerie Gingrich Clerk