HomeMy WebLinkAboutDowntown_TIRZ_Board_Agenda_11_2_2020_3621Notice of Meeting for the
Downtown T I RZ B oard
of the City of Georgetown
Nov ember 2, 2020 at 11:00 AM
at Virtual
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Regular Session
(T his R egular S es s ion may, at any time, be rec es s ed to c onvene an Exec utive S es s ion for any purpose
authorized by the O pen Meetings Act, Texas G overnment C ode 551.)
A Disc ussion on how this virtual c onference will be c onducted, to inc lude options for public c omments and
how the public may addres s the C ommis s ion – Dale R os s , C hair
B R eview the minutes fro m the July 29, 2020 Do wntown G eorgetown Tax Inc rement R einves tment zone
(T I R Z) Board Meeting – Danella Elliott, Board Liais on
C Disc ussion and possible ac tion to amend the Downtown G eorgetown T I R Z P roject and F inanc ing P lan
to includ e p ro jects o n a temporary o r permanent b as is to s upport the Do wntown area cons is ting but not
limited to Tras h S ervic es P ilot p ro gram to provid e trash ambassador services, Downto wn Dining
Expansion to provide barric ades and other improvements to expand spac es available for downtown
dining inc luding sidewalk and related work, and other programs to s up p o rt and improve the pedestrian
ac tivity, arts and c ulture, entertainment, d ining and sho p p ing experience in downto wn area – Laurie
Brewer, Assistant C ity Manager, Kim Mc Auliffe, Do wntown Development Manager and Teresa
C hapman, Environmental S ervices C oordinator
Adjournment
Ce rtificate of Posting
Page 2 of 26
I, R obyn Densmore, C ity S ecretary for the C ity of G eorgetown, Texas, do hereby c ertify that this Notic e of
Meeting was posted at C ity Hall, 808 Martin Luther King Jr. S treet, G eorgetown, T X 78626, a plac e readily
acc es s ible to the general public as required by law, on the _____ day of _________________, 2020, at
__________, and remained s o posted for at leas t 72 c ontinuous hours prec eding the s cheduled time of said
meeting.
__________________________________
R obyn Dens more, C ity S ec retary
Page 3 of 26
City of Georgetown, Texas
Downtown T I RZ Board
November 2, 2020
S UB J E C T:
Dis cus s ion on how this virtual conferenc e will be conduc ted, to include options for public comments and
how the public may address the C ommission – Dale R oss, C hair
IT E M S UMMARY:
F IN AN C IAL IMPAC T:
.
S UB MIT T E D B Y:
Danella Elliott
Page 4 of 26
City of Georgetown, Texas
Downtown T I RZ Board
November 2, 2020
S UB J E C T:
R eview the minutes from the July 29, 2020 Do wntown G eo rgeto wn Tax Inc rement R einvestment zone
(T I R Z) Board Meeting – Danella Elliott, Board Liaison
IT E M S UMMARY:
F IN AN C IAL IMPAC T:
.
S UB MIT T E D B Y:
Danella Elliott
AT TAC H ME N T S:
Description Type
Draft Minutes - 7.29.2020 Meeting Backup Material
Page 5 of 26
Downtown Georgetown TIRZ Minutes
July 29, 2020
Page 1 of 4
The Downtown Georgetown Tax Increment Investment Zone (TIRZ) Board met virtually on July 29, 2020
at 2:00 p.m.
The City of Georgetown is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If
you require assistance in participating at a public meeting due to a disability, as defined under the ADA,
reasonable assistance, adaptations, or accommodations will be provided upon request. Please contact
the City Secretary's Office, at least three (3) days prior to the scheduled meeting date, at (512) 930-3652
or City Hall at 808 Martin Luther King Jr. Street, Georgetown, TX 78626 for additional information; TTY
users route through Relay Texas at 711.
Consistent with Governor Greg Abbott’s suspension of various provisions of the Open Meetings Act,
effective August 1, 2020 and until further notice, to reduce the chance of COVID-19 transmission, all City
of Georgetown Advisory Board meetings will be held virtually. Public comment will be allowed via
teleconference; no one will be allowed to appear in person.
Board Members Present City Staff Present
Mayor Dale Ross, Board Chair David Morgan, City Manager
Rachael Jonrowe, Councilmember, District 6 Laurie Brewer, Assistant City Manager
Rusty Winkstern, Downtown Business Owner Wayne Reed, Assistant City Manager
Aaron Adams, Chair, Main Street Advisory Board Kim Mcauliffe, Economic Development Program Manager
Karen Soeffker, Downtown Business Owner Michaela Dollar, Economic Development Director
Leigh Wallace, Finance Director
Eric Johnson, Facilities Director
Ray Miller, Public Works Director
Britin Bostik, Historic Planner
Cari Miller, Tourism, CVB Manager
Nathaniel Waggoner, Long Range Planning Manager
Travis Baird, Real Estate Services Manager
Trish Long, Facilities Supervisor
Mayra Cantu, Management Analyst
Shirley Rinn, Executive Assistant to the City Manager
Sabrina Poldrack, Contract Administrator
Board Members Absent Guests Present
Mayor Ross called meeting to order at 2:01 p.m. When the roll call was initially done it was determined
that a quorum of the members were present via videoconferencing: (Mayor Ross, Jonrowe, and Adams)
MINUTES
Downtown Georgetown Tax Increment Investment Zone (TIRZ) Board
of the City of Georgetown
July 29, 2020 at 2:00 PM at Virtual
Page 6 of 26
Downtown Georgetown TIRZ Minutes
July 29, 2020
Page 2 of 4
Regular Session
(This Regular Session may, at any time, be recessed to convene an Executive Session for any purpose
authorized by the Open Meetings Act, Texas Government Code 551.)
A Discussion on how this virtual conference will be conducted, to include options for public comments
and how the public may address the Commission – Dale Ross, Chair
Mayor Ross provided an overview of the virtual meeting logistics. Brewer provided the staff
introductions to the Advisory Board. No guests were present at the meeting.
Legislative Regular Agenda
B Review the minutes from the August 1, 2019 Downtown Georgetown Tax Increment
Reinvestment zone (TIRZ) Board Meeting –Mayor Dale Ross, Chair
Motion by Mayor Ross, second by Jonrowe to Review the minutes from the August 1, 2019 Downtown
Georgetown Tax Increment Reinvestment zone (TIRZ) Board Meeting. Approved 3-0 (Winkstern and
Soeffker absent)
C Presentation of the annual financial report for the Downtown Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone –
Laurie Brewer, Assistant City Manager
Brewer provided a presentation to provide an overview and update of the TIRZ’s FY20 Year End
balance and a Budget update for FY21. She told the Board that update is required by state law as well
as city ordinance.
Soeffker arrived at 2:13 p.m. and during her introduction, Winkstern let Mayor Ross know that he had
been in the meeting since it started, but his mute button had been on.
Brewer also provided a brief overview of the proposed projects for FY21 and would provide more
detail later in the meeting.
There were questions regarding the $150,000 budget for maintenance expenses as well as how the
$10,000 Administrative Fee was calculated. Brewer explained that that this maintenance allocation
was utilized for expenses related to downtown benches, trash cans, electrical work, tree replacement,
enhanced landscaping, art, etc. She also explained that there was not a specific formula for the
administrative fee calculation, but that it was based on a percentage of the fees that are charged by
the Williamson Central Appraisal District and Williamson County to the City for collections of the taxes
as well as on the estimated amount of staff time that is utilized to administer TIRZ projects and to do
administrative work for the TIRZ. She indicated that in the past that these fees have not been
collected, but that we are now going back to all the TIRZ Boards with an administrative fee included
in the budget.
Page 7 of 26
Downtown Georgetown TIRZ Minutes
July 29, 2020
Page 3 of 4
D Discussion, presentation and possible action to recommend projects – Laurie Brewer, Assistant City
Manager
Brewer provided a more detailed listing of the proposed projects for FY 21. She provided an overview
of the plans, policies, and studies that have been implemented over the years to guide the work and
how the City works in conjunction with Downtown stakeholders and partners on projects that take
place downtown.
She told the Board that there are 32 types of projects that are eligible for TIRZ funding in the
downtown area. She indicated that while the revenue has gone up, the city continues to focus on
smaller projects or portions of larger scale projects that can be done in coordination with other
departments, such as Public Works or Systems Engineering.
She went over, in detail, the projects that have been completed or worked on this past fiscal year, as
well as provided a detailed overview of the projects that are planned for the future. She also
mentioned that while the Downtown Parking Garage Project is on hold for now, the important thing
that came out of that project was the process related to the collaboration that took place with the
City’s Downtown stakeholders and partners to gain feedback on the project.
Brewer told the Board that the next step will be for the City Council to consider approval of the
proposed FY21 Downtown Georgetown TIRZ Budget.
The Board Members indicated that they thought the presentation was well done and the projects
were great and there were also positive comments about accessibility improvements downtown and
the efforts to enhance the outdoor spaces. Brewer clarified that the 32 eligible types of projects are
not listed in any particular order of importance as priorities always shift , so it is just a comprehensive
list of eligible types of projects that the TIRZ funds can be used for.
Adjournment
Motion by Mayor Ross, second by Jonrowe to Adjourn.
Meeting was adjourned at 2:43 p.m.
Date:
Mayor Dale Ross
Board Chair
Attest:
Date
Danella Elliott
Page 8 of 26
Downtown Georgetown TIRZ Minutes
July 29, 2020
Page 4 of 4
Board Liaison
Page 9 of 26
City of Georgetown, Texas
Downtown T I RZ Board
November 2, 2020
S UB J E C T:
Dis cus s ion and pos s ible ac tion to amend the Downtown G eorgetown T I R Z P rojec t and F inancing P lan to
inc lude projec ts on a temp o rary or p ermanent basis to sup p o rt the Downto wn area c o nsisting b ut not
limited to Trash S ervic es P ilot program to p ro vide tras h amb as s ad o r s ervic es , Do wntown Dining
Expans ion to p ro vide b arricades and o ther improvements to exp and s p ac es available fo r downto wn dining
inc luding sidewalk and related wo rk, and other programs to s up p o rt and imp ro ve the pedes trian activity,
arts and culture, entertainment, dining and s ho p p ing exp erienc e in downto wn area – Laurie Brewer,
As s is tant C ity Manager, Kim Mc Auliffe, Downto wn Development Manager and Teres a C hapman,
Environmental S ervic es C oordinator
IT E M S UMMARY:
At the O cto b er 13, 2020 C o unc il meeting, C o uncil vo ted to move fo rward with the s taff rec ommendation
of a light ambassador p ro gram as a pilot program fund ed through the Downto wn T I R Z fo r o ne year (up to
$100,000).
T his typ e of s ervic e is no t s p ecific ally inc lud ed in the P rojec t and F inancing P lan, and s taff
recommendation is to amend the projec t lis t to inc lude additional projec ts and s ervic es .
F IN AN C IAL IMPAC T:
.
S UB MIT T E D B Y:
Danella Elliott
AT TAC H ME N T S:
Description Type
Pres entation Pres entation
Page 10 of 26
DowntownSquare Solid Waste Services
Downtown TIRZ Board Meeting
November 2, 2020
Page 11 of 26
Amending Project and Financing Plan
•Both the TIRZ board and the Council have recently
indicated their general support of using TIRZ funds for
one-time assessments and pilots, specifically the
sanitation ambassador program.
•This program does not presently clearly fit into one of the
approved projects in the TIRZ project and financing plan
–Legal requirement of the TIRZ
•Asking board to review the proposal initially considered in
July to use TIRZ funds to pilot a trash ambassador
program and formally recommend including this program,
along with related programs, into the TIRZ project and
financing plan
2Page 12 of 26
Current and Proposed Project List
1.Construct additional surface and structured parking
2.Re-configure on-street parking to maximize number of spaces
3.Install additional landscaping around existing surface parking lots
4.Develop a master landscape and streetscape plan
5.Expand pedestrian amenities throughout zone to include: bike racks,
benches, trash cans, lighting, public restrooms, public art, pedestrian
crossing systems
6.Develop a festival street on 8th Street
7.Construct new City and County offices and facilities within the zone
8.Develop additional small parks within the zone
9.Develop an “Old Jail Park” on the site of the historic jail
10.Establish a downtown arts district
11.Construct and outdoor performance space
12.Add public art along sidewalks
13.Create a scenic overlook for the San Gabriel Rivers
3Page 13 of 26
Current and Proposed Project List
14.Create pedestrian ridges across the San Gabriel Rivers
15.Bring all sidewalks into compliance with Downtown Master Plan sidewalk
hierarchy
16.Install brick crosswalks
17.Install pedestrian controlled street crossings
18.Create bike routes
19.Build a direct connection from Austin Ave. to the San Gabriel River Trails
20.Improve pedestrian access to Blue Hole Park
21.Improve pedestrian links from parking lots to the Square
22.Construct a pedestrian path from Southwestern to the Square
23.Create a public transit shuttle service to downtown
24.Create additional downtown housing units
25.Create a downtown hotel and convention site
26.Create a wayfinding signage program and install signage
27.Improve signage along trails 4Page 14 of 26
Current and Proposed Project List
5
28.Bury overhead utility lines
29.Replace and upgrade water and sewer lines
30.Build a regional water quality system for the zone
31.Make Austin Ave. more pedestrian friendly
32.Converting public buildings and land in the zone through economic
development projects for private commercial establishments such as
restaurants, retail facilities, wineries, and similar establishments,
including related public improvements and renovations
33.Projects on a temporary or permanent basis to support the
Downtown area consisting but not limited to Trash Services Pilot
program to provide trash ambassador services, Downtown Dining
Expansion to provide barricades and other improvements to
expand spaces available for downtown dining including sidewalk
and related work, and other programs to support and improve the
pedestrian activity, arts and culture, entertainment, dining and
shopping experience in downtown area
Page 15 of 26
REVIEW AMBASSADOR PROGRAM
6Page 16 of 26
Overview of Ambassador and Concierge Service
Service
Options
Blocks
Included
Estimated
Cost
Dumpster
Removed
Est. # of
Days
Longevity
Part-time
Ambassador
38, 39, 40,
51, & 52
$100,000 Block 38 3 days 3 –5 years
Enhanced
Ambassador
38, 39, 40,
51, & 52
$200,000 Block 38 5 days 5 –7 years
Concierge 38, 39, 40,
51, & 52
$300,000 + Block 38,
39, & 40
7 days Indefinite
•Ambassador Service is based on number of days and hours
•City can scale up or down as needed
•Weekend Ambassador is minimum service level
Page 17 of 26
Downtown Square Potential Service Delivery
Proposal:
•Change from Shared
Dumpsters to
Ambassador Program
or Concierge Program
on 5 blocks:
•38, 39, 40, 51, and 52
•Pilot Program for 1
year
•Benefit is reduction in
overflow of dumpsters
and cleaner
environment.
Block 51 Block 52
Page 18 of 26
Current Status vs Desired Status
Current status without
Ambassador Service
Block 40 on 9.7.2020 (behind
the old City Hall) at 4:00am
Desired status with
Ambassador Service
Block 40 on 9.28.2020 (behind
the old City Hall) at 4:00am
Page 19 of 26
•Utilizes current contract; quick start up
•Add full-sized landfill/recycle enclosure on Block 39
•Removes dumpsters on Block 38; leaves dumpsters on Block 40
•Remove sidewalk receptacles except Big Bellies
Light Ambassador Program: Resources
Block 38 Block 39
Page 20 of 26
Light Ambassador Program: Responsibilities
•On-Duty Friday through Sunday; approximately 30 hours
•Includes Block 38, 39, 40, 51, & Block 52
•Keep shared dumpsters from overflowing
•Sweep and pick up litter from around dumpsters
•Assist businesses with getting bags into dumpsters
•Empty receptacles on sidewalks (Big Bellies)
•Collect litter from sidewalks and streets
•Report maintenance & upkeep concerns or challenges weekly
•Data and photograph documentation (before and after pics)
•Safety and security: report suspicious solid waste activity
Page 21 of 26
Service Blocks
Included
Estimated
Cost
Dumpster
Removed
# of
Days
Longevity
Light
Ambassador
38, 39, 40,
51, & 52
$100,000 Block 38 3 days 3 –5 years
Enhanced
Ambassador
38, 39, 40,
51, & 52
$200,000 Block 38 5 days 5 –7 years
Concierge 38, 39, 40,
51, & 52
$300,000 + Block 38,
39, & 40
7 days Indefinite
All options
•Remove dumpsters from Block 38
•Prepare for full concierge service
•Include litter collection, sweeping, emptying receptacles
•Ability to scale up and/or down
Cost Comparison:
Ambassador and Concierge
Page 22 of 26
Council’s Feedback from October 13
•Move forward with a light ambassador program as a pilot
program
•Fund through Downtown TIRZ for one year (Up to $100k)
•Ongoing assessment throughout pilot program
•After the one year pilot, transition costs to downtown
business customers
•Transition costs over a three year period to allow businesses
to adjust to new rates
•Long-term:
•Evaluate need to enhance ambassador services based
on trash demands
•Consider a concierge program as needed
Page 23 of 26
Requested Action from TIRZ Board
•Recommend approval to the City Council to amend the
Downtown Georgetown TIRZ Project and Financing Plan to
include:
–Projects on a temporary or permanent basis to support the
Downtown area consisting but not limited to Trash Services Pilot
program to provide trash ambassador services,Downtown
Dining Expansion to provide barricades and other improvements
to expand spaces available for downtown dining including
sidewalk and related work, and other programs to support and
improve the pedestrian activity, arts and culture, entertainment,
dining and shopping experience in downtown area
14Page 24 of 26
Next Steps
•Council Approves TIRZ change (ordinance) -November
•Council Approves contract amendment with TDS for
Ambassador Program –November
•Goal to implement ambassador program as soon as possible
for holiday shopping season
15Page 25 of 26
City of Georgetown, Texas
Downtown T I RZ Board
November 2, 2020
S UB J E C T:
IT E M S UMMARY:
F IN AN C IAL IMPAC T:
.
S UB MIT T E D B Y:
Danella Elliott
Page 26 of 26