Off the radar meetings

ERA's $400,000. · Off the radar meetings

Watch out. About four members of the ERA and the Mayor are making plans to empty the ERA coffers before they sunset. The meetings are posted but they are not at City Hall and not well announced. There is one today at noon. This feels very sneaky to me...

$400,000.

Hum... I too saw a sign about a meeting at Angie's
I just checked the City's official web site tells me that there is NO official meeting in their agenda until the 22nd of July.
So why are they having meetings that aren't listed on their agenda.
So whats up with that?
SO is this the Angie's meeting and if they are going to discuss City business then it has to be an official meeting ? Correct? If this is a "meeting" then why aren't all the board members going?
We know that our new mayor can't be trusted and she doesn't respond to direct questions or even fix things she knows are wasting the city's money supply? So, anything she is involved in I thin is sneaky.

City Watcher · Mosey down to the board

I'll go look at the bulletin board and get the exact wording but someone should go find out what is going on with those guys! I can't make the meeting, can anyone go watch what's up with ERA today at noon?

Saturday 12PM ERA Meeting · Meeting Posting (notice the fine print at the bottom)

Notice of Public Meeting Attendance by Members of
The Edgewater Redevelopment Authority
Mayor McNulty
Community Business Leaders
Plaque Presentation

July 19, 2008
12:00 PM
Edgewater Inn
5302 W. 25th Avenue
Edgewater, CO 80214

This meeting may result in three or more members of the Edgewater Redevelopment Authority and the Mayor being gathered together in a location where public business will be discussed.
The meeting is subject to change upon 24 hour notice.
Posted July 18, 2008

Guest

What’s up with the ERA?

The ERA offered grant money to ALL the local businesses for a couple of years. To say thanks for doing something to improve our community they bought people lunch, presented them a plaque and said, ‘hey let us hear your thoughts on how to make this a better place’.

If you have an idea for how to use the money maybe you got their meetings and say something.

Guest · ERA

The ERA has been using money generated by the Marketplace to gentrify 25th Ave. for years now. They have had a little success and they have spent a lot of money on some pretty dumb things, like the murals that are chipping away. The rest of the city doesn't get the benefit of any of that money because it is all ear marked for 25th, under the ERA. I think they tried. I don't think they should keep spending the money simply because they have it to spend. I think its time they accept the fact that the ERA is ending and give the remainder of the money back to the City.
I was told once, by the Chair of the ERA, the only area the ERA dealt with was 25th.
It's time we spent our economic development money in parts of the city that are actually economically viable and productive for the City. That's my idea. Give the money back.

Blight fixer · intentions well noted

My dear guest, I just wanted to point out those things you might have forgotten or missed. Remember, we always push the cart with the horse. We still have another two decades and another 6.4 million to spend on the beautiful center. Why would you ever want to see people (let alone the citizens) enter that handsome building? That would put an end to all the fun and complaining (that could really suck for some).
Let us see the future...The drywall goes in, four years pass by, the colors for the paint, carpet and some wallpaper are chosen. Next year 2016; there is an unbelievable snow storm; unfortunately one of the downspouts was blocked by a family of squirrels (they couldn't be removed, from a previous ordinance that passed in 2013 that protected local wildlife) and in the event the entire basement flooded and the those in charge did not carry the correct insurance. Some more time passes (no one has been inside but, the contractors and the powers that be). We have now moved on to 2020 however, the powers have know noticed the drapes no longer match the carpet...and this is very bad. We finally get the drapes replaced and set a time for grand opening however, a new plan has just been intoduced to replace the facade that is no longer in line with the current times. Oh, yes this would be bad since 2028 we are expected to see extremely harsh wheather conditions this year.

City Watcher · Watchful waiting

I, like many of the residents of Edgewater, would like to see 25th finally succeed in becoming a commercial destination. Although posted meetings with only a portion of the ERA present, "discussing business" doesn't seem appropriate let's, for the moment, assume that is because during the day there are only a few ERA members available to discuss business and they are in all earnestness trying to get some work done for the City that will benefit us all.
Let's also assume that when they have something substantial to present to us, we will be notified and we can all go down and learn about the fruit of their labor and maybe we will love it. Maybe, just maybe they have something really good to share with us.
I'm going to keep an open mind and a little faith in my heart until I have reason to believe otherwise.
My intention in noting these meetings on the TS was to alert residents to the fact that the meetings were happening, not neccesarily to cast a long, dark shadow of doubt.

Paranoid, maybe · ERA's $400,000. Meeting Tonight!

If the ERA returns the 400K they have to the general fund Edgewater will be able to afford a City Manager. If they let the business people spend it on crosswalks and banners and image consultants and other frou frou for 25th we might not have enough money for a City Manager!

The opponents of the Charter would love that, right?

There is a meeting of the ERA tonight. Go down there and tell them you want the money returned to the general fund or all this talk about transitional provisions in another thread might just become an exercise if futility! If you can't attend the meeting write, call or e-mail someone on ERA TODAY!

(geez, you've got to watch these people all the time!)

Guest

Thank you Paranoid, this is what I consider to be a very productive post. I hope people will take heed. Regardless of how you feel the money should be allocated, you have got to speak up! Tonight’s, the night - 7:00pm - make time.

Guest · Re: intentions well noted

Paranoid, maybe · ERA Meeting Tonight 7PM City Hall

This is what we are talking about. The ERA is sunseting and they have $400,000. in their budget that they could give back to the City. There is a group of 25th Avenue business people who are trying to convince the ERA to buy them marketing consultants, and a lot of other very expensive stuff (in short, to spend the 400K) instead of returning it to the City.
The City desperately needs the 400K so if these business leaders are successful it could jeopardize our hiring a City Manager per the new Charter.
ERA is deciding what to do with the 400K and they are meeting tonight at 7PM at City Hall. I understand these business leaders are meeting at City Hall at 5PM, courtesy of the Mayor.
So, this is a call to action. Please contact members of the ERA and tell them what you would like them to do with the money. I hope to have contact information posted here soon so that if you can't come to the meeting tonight you can still voice your opinion. If you don't say something the ERA may give away the money we need to hire a City Manager.

Parked on 25th

I think it is important to understand that asking ERA to allow this money to flow into the general fund doesn’t mean that Edgewater is not ‘business friendly.’ Without the much needed professional management of a city manager this city has very little to offer anyone. Our businesses need a city manager as much, if not more than any other segment of our community.

Guest · ERA Contact Information

Posted: Tue Jul 22, 2008 12:22 pm Post subject: ERA Contact Information

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Kate Cooke kate_e_cooke@yahoo.com

Frances Sgarletti fhcolostar@aol.com

Pauline York paulyrk11@aol.com

Nelson McNulty nelson.council@comcast.net

Shaylisa Hurte shaylisa@gmail.com

Rob White robwhiterealtor@comcast.net

Cheryl Archuleta carchuleta@edgewaterco.com

if anyone has better information for contacting them, please, post it, thank you!

Guest

If you are going to sing - SING LOUD!

Tell it to these guys too:

David Cooke 303-445-1730 dcooke@edgewaterco.com

William Bossert 303-237-4946 wbossert@edgewaterco.com

Kent Johnson 303-238-3478 kjohnson@edgewaterco.com

Joan Martin 303-233-1425 jmartin@edgewaterco.com

Andrew Bertapelle 303-847-7050 abertapelle@edgewaterco.com

Adam Gardner 303-257-9011 agardner@edgewaterco.com

Jamie McElhany 303-205-9336 jmcelhany@edgewaterco.com

Bonnie McNulty 303-232-4301 mayor@edgewaterco.com

anyone go to the meeting · era meeting 7/22

Did anyone make it to the meeting who could share what transpired?

Many of us would like to know if there is news as the meetings and minutes don't seem to be posted anywhere???

Guest

It wasn't a meeting, it was an awards ceremony. Big deal.

To be or not to be · Looks like a meeting to me

EDGEWATER REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
REGULAR MEETING
TUESDAY, JULY 22, 2008
7:00 p.m.
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
AGENDA
The public is invited to speak at all points noted on the agenda. Additionally, public
comment will be allowed on agenda items at the discretion of Chair.
1. Call to Order
2. Roll Call
3. Pledge of Allegiance
4. Approve Agenda
5. Approval of the Minutes –June 24, 2008
6. Approval of Bills for Payment: June 2008
7. Public Input on Agenda Items
8. Unfinished Business: None
9. General Business
A. Review and approve grant applications, if any
B. Discussion with Jackie Pickett of Jeffco re: ERA projects
C. Discuss and possibly take action on Memorial Park and parking lot renovations
D. Discuss and possibly take action on intersection improvements and handicap parking spots along
25th Avenue
E. Discuss and possibly take action re: document storage
F. Discuss and possibly take action on banners for light poles
G. Discuss and possibly take action on water leak
H. Discuss function for presentation of plaques to grantees
I. Discuss any other 2008 projects
J. Council report
K. Mayor’s update
L. Discuss Agenda items for next meeting
10. Public Comments
11. Commissioner Comments
12. Adjournment
Posted 7-18-08

Guest

Okay, let’s get this whole thing in perspective.

A group of business/property owners have begun to organize with the hopes of making Edgewater a better place.

The ERA has some unencumbered funds from the Marketplace TIFs that may end up in the City’s General Fund if ERA doesn’t use them by the end of the year.

The business group decided to approach ERA with ideas in hopes of committing some of the money to improvements primarily along 25th Ave.

So far there has been nothing but a bunch of people kicking around ideas. That’s it. You all know that money is spent through a very public processes around here. If you want to know what’s going on, or have a say in how your taxes get spent GO TO THE MEETINGS! Other wise just sit back, enjoy the ride and see what happens. Who knows, you might like it.

Guest · Remember this one? “Edgewater - You had to be there”

By the way: Kate Cooke, the Chair of ERA did an outstanding job of making sure the board did not commit to a $270,000plus project without making sure the general public had ample opportunity to weigh in.

The issue was legally posted and on the agenda:

D. Discuss and possibly take action on intersection improvements and handicap parking spots along 25th Avenue

They could have moved forward...

Grumpy · Site & needs to invest in their own

What is wrong with the city specifying those funds to go to something like, oh, a new fire truck, or towards a police station?

I don't like the idea of investors coming along and trying to use city funds for their investments. If David Taylor (Site 7 Investments) wants to buy properties on 25th, that's fine. But to do so and then try to coerce the city into improving them is another thing.
He tried this with the old King Soopers lot. Somehow he has the ear of the mayor, and she's taking to his schmoozing very well. Once again, the people - and council - need to rein her in.

Guest

What do you mean rein her in? She did anything but help some business people start talking to each other. What’s to rein in? She can’t do anything, she’s the mayor. ERA controls their money, council controls the City’s money. So she facilitated some communication. What’s wrong with that? She’s also posted everything - you were as invited as anyone else. There were some citizens, a council member and ERA members all at the meeting. There are no secrets here.

Devon Barclay · Blight fixer - you're right on!

Hey Blight fixer - I enjoyed your allegory totally. Is that based on projections for the Heritage center? It IS on 25th.

blight fixer · Information

Yes, that would be the same property. I don't necessarily like to be sarcastic however, I've read the history and how long have we owned that property now. I recently had visitors in town and drove bye the encredible PIECE of architecture and told them what I knew. Their responce was why. I was speachless. Is there any way to find every dime that has now gone into this wonderful dream. Or can we quite counting and just wake-up??

Devon Barclay · better judgement fails...

OK, I'd sworn I wasn't going to post another word on here for awhile. But I've just skimmed this thread, and have some words I'd like to share (and apologies for joining late).

First, ERA is here for one reason: to help us develop, economically. 25th is a main road where that business development (and, with it, our tax base) can develop. It's a good place to spend the money. Take a drive up 32nd, west, 'til you rock into Golden. Enjoy the beer fumes as you pass by Coors. Turn right on Washington St.

It's magnificent. If you're not a little awestruck, you don't like this place (Colorado) much (IMHO). They've made their history a real draw. And it shows. And the good restaurants, boutiques, and attractions have followed. It's a model we can look at.

If we could do the same here, even on a smaller scale, and draw in people from outside our borders, we'd be doing OK by the people of this town and making things better.

Now, there are other things to spend money on from that 'magical' $400k. A City Manager, absolutely. A Tree Plan that in 10 years will raise our property values and ensure public safety - you bet. Youth programs that will clean up our streets and build a cohesive community? Oh yeah. But once we spend the money, what will keep all that going?

The fact is, none of these things are Either-Or. Good businesses, good schools, good neighborhoods, good neighbors, good programs, and good management all go together. The real question is, how do we use the money to get the whole package?

The answer is (I think?): bit by bit, by staying plugged in and moving slow. The City is in momentous times - I, for one, would be more than happy to see the money put in the General Fund while we sort out our other business, and then, under professional direction and advisement, move forward smartly. Only, however, if the public passion and investment we read here finds its way into that process - perhaps in Chambers?

This is our chance to make City history! Let's stop being such a bunch of whiners and do something with the opportunity we've got. We've got a lot more of the same dreams than a casual reader would think, reading how we fight over pennies in this town.

Farmer Scott · Move and shake.

You have my full support!!! I will speak to those that have less than this thinking. We will see if those that are truely "all about Edgewater" show-up or are they only in it for themselves.

GOOD JOB DOWNUNDER!!!

Guest · Re: better judgement fails...

25th question

I would love to see 25th grow up to be a great 'downtown' street. But I have to ask where all this growth is going to go? We really don't have a lot of buildings that would support such growth.
Hey Karen - are you going to move for retail? How about the other service type businesses? Are they going to move elsewhere for retail businesses to move in? I don't think so. So, we may have the occasional empty storefront, but it's hardly a retail friendly area.
Is Site7 seeing this problem? Is anyone really seeing this problem?

Devon Barclay · ...City Manager job duties

I'd agree with both of the above! Let's hope that one of the main functions of the new City Manager will be working with Jeffco and directing our grantwriting department to tap into exactly those resources.

We DO have some buildings that are ripe for redevelopment. The cop shop, for one, if it ever gets moved to a permanent home. Lots of houses - which, if you check out 32nd in Highland, gradually converted to retail pretty well (though they're now slowly getting scraped for bigger storefront operations now). There are a couple of vacant lots. And... Dare I say it? - the Heritage Center, whatever it eventually turns into. And then there are the now mostly abandoned old City buildings, that we currently use mostly for document storage.

As new things move in, I'd imagine that the service-type businesses would gradually move off 25th and be replaced by retail type businesses, as costs go up and it becomes more economical to be situated elsewhere (as they don't rely on walk-in traffic). It's not an overnight process. It's something that's going to take some long-term vision, careful planning, and the sort of streetscape improvements that make 25th LOOK like it's suited for that sort of new life.

Karen Hing

Karen Hing · Side Note

Side note: These are the current businesses that don’t sell taxable products on 25th.

Edgewater Beauty Salon
Affordable Driving Academy
The new tenants of the plumbing building (the biggest, nicest building on the strip)
Denver Elevator
Westco Dog grooming
The Salon (new place where the skateboard shop used to be)
Rich Luna
Martial arts studio
The Design Shop

Do you really consider all of these people to undesirable?

25th question

My point exactly, Karen. All of the untaxed businesses are good people. So what do you do? Make a zoning requirement that shuts out these good people? And where will they go that isn't space needed for tax revenues? To a different city? Doesn't sound like a good idea to me.
This is what you would call a conundrum.

Guest

Of course we are only talking about sales tax revenue, correct?

Guest

Technically, sales tax is paid by the consumer, not the business. What difference does it make if the consumer is here because they came here to work or to shop? A healthy economic environment requires a balance of residential, service companies and retailers. I think Edgewater is too quick to discount anything that isn’t retail.

For example, if not people working close by who is going to use the Edgewater Inn’s lunch buffet? We’ve already seen that the residences around here can’t afford or justify eating out enough to support all of our restaurants, let along any new ones.

Usually service type business come to a community first. After more and more retailers see the potential of serving these office workers they become interested in opening shops in the area. You have to give the retailers a reason to come. The money spent by Edgewater citizens isn’t enough. Pretty sidewalks, flowers and banners aren’t enough. We need consumers. What better way to get them here than to make them show up because this is where their paycheck is?

Guest

I am hoping that with the new business at 20th and Depew and on Sheridan, 25th will soon follow.

icicle kid

I believe this city will be amazing. So many businesses will come in over the next few years we will be skating circles around ourselves in wonder at the impact of the Ice Ranch in combination with our new Target.

Off the radar meetings

Mosey down to the board

Meeting Posting (notice the fine print at the bottom)

ERA

intentions well noted

Watchful waiting

ERA's $400,000. Meeting Tonight!

Re: intentions well noted

ERA Meeting Tonight 7PM City Hall

ERA Contact Information

era meeting 7/22

Looks like a meeting to me

Remember this one? “Edgewater - You had to be there”

Site & needs to invest in their own

Blight fixer - you're right on!

Information

better judgement fails...

Move and shake.

Re: better judgement fails...

...City Manager job duties

Side Note