09-13-89 Development Comm Minutesr,
City Development/Safety Committees
September 13, 1989 7:00 AM Lighterside Restaurant
Attending: Chairman Wayne Saverud, Noel Furlong, John Gunnerson, Clare
Hafferman, Sandy Schindler, Ed Gallagher, Mike Baker, Ad Clark, Ross Plambeck,
Architect Ken Williams, and Brent Coles and Gary Hawkins of Hawkins & Associates.
Review Police Department Bid: Chief Ad Clark gave the basic plans and reasons for the
need of changes proposed, all of them for safety, and he added there are no 'frills' to this
project. Ken Williams gave a detailed report and cost breakdown of the project, also
adding that though the low bid came in at 100% over estimated cost, it is a very modest
project and the needs justifies the overage. There was lengthy discussion of all areas of
the project and the need for them as well as the costs. Ed stated there is a
Redevelopment Fund line item that Is for eligible activities, with council approval, that
could be used to help cover costs. Committees agreed since there is some time (45 days)
before a decision has to be made, there needs to be another meeting scheduled, a
walkthrough of the Police Department by all committee members, so they can see where
the proposed changes will be, etc. A meeting for this walkthrough was set for September
19, 1989 at 7:30 AM.
Griffin Field Offer: Wayne read the letter sent to Mayor Kennedy and the 'Option to
Purchase' that was sent along with a $500.00 check. The 'Option' is for six (6) months.
Brent Coles and Gary Hawkins, developers from Boise, Idaho, presented their offer to
the committees for Griffin Field and stated they are also working with Glacier Park Co.
• for their 11 acres. Their project will be an open shopping center. They discussed their
plans and answered committee members questions concerning the project. They were
not at liberty to disclose their major tenants at this time, but hopefully soon. They did
say they have two major anchors as well as some smaller ones. Mr. Hawkins stated
that his company are 'keepers', in that out of 24 major developments they have sold
only two (2). They feel their development will enhance the Kalispell downtown area.
Marketing studies have shown Kalispell, and particularly the Griffin Field/BN
properties as a prime location for this development. They estimate their project to be
between $6.5 and $8.5 million real estate value. They plan to start the project as soon as
weather allows next year and have tenants in by August 1990. Last year they did
$28,000,000 in new construction and most all construction was 150 to 180 days from
start to finish.
There was lengthy discussion by those present of putting the property back on the tax
roles, enhancing/taking away from the businesses in the area, the Loading Dock
property and the possibility of selling that to the owner, as well as the possibility of
remodeling Bill Martin's property (Manions).
Councilmen Gunnerson and Schindler had to leave early.
Wayne stated that state law says that any offers should be 90% of market value and the
Hawkins offer at $180,000 is only 77%. Mr. Hawkins said they were prepared to change
their offer to $211,500 immediately. Wayne also told the developers that the City has
an Architectural Review Committee that reviews all plans and makes sure all
requirements are met. Mr. Hawkins said they understood that and agreed.
Noel Furlong moved to recommend to council to accept the six (6) month 'Option to
• Purchase', Clare Hafferman seconded, motion passed.
O'Neil Parking Lot Bid: The bid that came in on O'Neil's was much too high so the
project was referred back to public works and this committee. There is no proposal
from PWD yet, but the project will be done 'in-house' with the use of subcontractors.
Councilman Roger Hopkins is going to move to reject the bid at the next council
meeting.
Change of Parking Commission Status: Wayne read a memo from the Parking
Commission to the Mayor and Council dated August 9, 1989, asking them to take
whatever steps necessary to change their status to 'Advisory Board' so that non -city
residents may be appointed members. Noel Furlong moved to ask the City Attorney to
prepare the necessary documents and then proceed, Clare Haffennan seconded, motion
carried. It must be established later under which department they will function, CDD,
Police Dept, etc.
Ross reported on the recent audit on the Southwest Project by Gus Byrom of the
Department of Commerce. It went very well, Gus was very pleased with all records, etc.
Ed and Noel discussed with those present the public hearing on the Tax Increment
District Expansion that was held Sept. 12, 1989 in Council Chambers. The City/County
Planning Board voted unanimously for the expansion which includes a 10 block area
around Flathead High School. October 16, 1989 at the City Council meeting there will
be a public hearing and the council will vote on the expansion.
Noel Furlong stated, for the committee and the record, what a good job Ed Gallagher has
done with Hawkins and Associates on this proposed Griffin Field project.
Meeting adjourned at 9:30 AM