HomeMy WebLinkAbout11066RESOLUTION NO. 11066
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PRESIDENT OF CITY COUNCIL TO EXECUTE AND
DELIVER AS SPONSOR FOR THE HARP FOUNDATION AN APPLICATION TO THE
DEPARTMENT OF LOCAL AFFAIRS FOR STATE ENERGY AND MINERAL IMPACT
ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FUNDS TO ASSIST IN FUNDING VISITOR SERVICE
ENHANCEMENTS AT THE HISTORIC ARKANSAS RIVERWALK OF PUEBLO
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF PUEBLO, that:
The President of the City Council is hereby authorized to execute and deliver the attached
application requesting State Energy and Mineral Impact Assistance Funds as sponsor for the
HARP Foundation, to the Department of Local Affairs to partially fund Visitor Service
Enhancements at the Historic Arkansas Riverwalk of Pueblo. Other than the responsibility for the
administration of any funds awarded, City shall assume no obligation under any grant award,
financial or otherwise.
INTRODUCED July 23, 2007
APPROVED: a
ESID NTof City Council
ATTESTED BY:
CITY CLERK
BY Randy Thurston
Councilperson
R,es , l ( 0 6(P
D
p
Background Paper for Proposed
RESOLUTION
AGENDA ITEM # °
DATE: JULY 23, 2007
DEPARTMENT: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT /JERRY M. PACHECO
PLANNING DEPARTMENT/ JERRY M. PACHECO
TITLE
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PRESIDENT OF CITY COUNCIL TO EXECUTE
AND DELIVER AS SPONSOR FOR THE HARP FOUNDATION AN APPLICATION TO
THE DEPARTMENT OF LOCAL AFFAIRS FOR STATE ENERGY AND MINERAL
IMPACT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FUNDS TO ASSIST IN FUNDING VISITOR
SERVICE ENHANCEMENTS AT THE HISTORIC ARKANSAS RIVERWALK OF
PUEBLO
ISSUE
Should the City Council submit an Energy and Mineral Impact Assistance Fund
application to the Department of Local Affairs requesting financial assistance to help
fund $795,558 for Visitor Service Enhancements at the Historic Arkansas Riverwalk of
Pueblo?
RECOMMENDATION
Approve the Resolution.
BACKGROUND
This $315,532 request will help fund $795,558 for visitor service enhancements at the
Historic Arkansas Riverwalk of Pueblo which includes remodeling the current
boathouse into a regional visitors center, providing visitor way finding /direction
signage, and constructing a pedestrian bridge that will be designated as an avenue to
recognize regional veterans while providing additional pedestrian access to the next
phase of the Riverwalk. The project is the continuation of a heritage tourism initiative
for the Southern /Southeastern Colorado region. The goal of the Riverwalk is to
encourage visitors to discover not only Pueblo, but also the Southern /Southeastern
Colorado region thereby providing economic stimulus to those communities. The
recent groundbreaking for the third phase of the Riverwalk, known as Gateway Park,
the addition of the Professional Bull Riders Headquarters on the Riverwalk, as a well as
three other private development projects will bring additional visitors to the Riverwalk.
The Riverwalk currently estimates visitation at 200,000 annually. It is anticipated that
attendance at the Riverwalk could double in 2008.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
The HARP Foundation will be required to provide the $395,090 match. This match
includes in kind contributions, funds from individuals, foundations, and state and
federal agencies. Depending upon the source of the funds awarded by the Department
of Local Affairs, these funds mayor may not be exempt from TABOR. There is also a
provision within the Department of Local Affairs' contract that requires, should the City
be required to refund any money under TABOR, the return of the grant funds to the
Department of Local Affairs first.
Rev. 11/06 STATE OF COLORADO #
(For Use by State)
Department of Local Affairs
ENERGY AND MINERAL IMPACT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM APPLICATION
Public FacilltiesirPublic Services/Community Development Projects
(Refer to back page for application filing infomnation)
A. GENERAL AND SUMMARY INFORMATION
1. Namelrltle of Proposed Project: Visitor Service Enhancements at the Historic Arkansas Rivenvalk of Pueblo.
2. Applicant: City of Pueblo - Sponsor
(In the case of a mufti - jurisdictional application, name of the "lead" municipality, county, special districts or other political subdivision).
In the case of a multi- jurisdictional application, names of other directly participating political subdivisions:
If applying on behalf of a non -profit corporation, the eligible local government must assume responsibility for the
administration of any funds awarded. Name of the non -profit corporation: The HARP Foundation
3. Chief Elected Official On the case of a multi - jurisdictional application, chief elected official of the "lead" political
subdivision):
Name: Judy P. Weaver Title: President, Pueblo City Council
Mailing Address: 1 City Hall Place: Pueblo, Colorado 81003 Phone:
E -mail Address: Fax:
4. Designated Contact Person for the Application:
Name: Steven Meier Title: Senior Planner
Mailing Address: 211 E. D. Street: Pueblo, Colorado 81003 Phone: 719 — 553 - 2252
E -mail Address: smeieriMpueblo.us Fax: 719 — 553 - 2359
5. Amount requested: $315.532 Does the applicant jurisdiction have the al ilfy to receive and
spend state grant funds under TABOR spending limitations? Yes X No If no, please explain.
7. a. Local priority as assigned by county -wide impact team Of applicable), or if more than one application from the
same local government (e.g., 1 of 2, 2of 4, etc.).
Brief Description of Proposed Project (loowordsorles y The Historic Arkansas Rivetwalk of Pueblo seeks to
B. DEMOGRAPHIC AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION
1. Population
a. What was the 2000 population of the applicant jurisdiction? 102,121 (2000 Census)
b. What is the current estimated population for the applicant jurisdiction? 104.169
(CurrenUmost recent lottery distribution estimate is acceptable.) What is the source of the estimate?
Colorado Dept of Local Affairs State Demoaraphv Section
c. What is the population projection for the applicant in 5 years? 110.000
What is the source of the projection? City of Pueblo Dept of Community Development
2. Financial Information
(Provide for all municipalities, counties, and political subdivisions directly participating in the application and for
any entity on whose behalf the application is being submitted. Attach additional sheets if necessary).
Entity Name
CITY OF PUEBLO
❑
❑
a. Assessed Valuation (Year 2006 )
$641,493,350
b. Mill Levy /Annual Revenue
15.633/$10,028,466
I
I
c. Sales Tax Rate ( %) /Annual Revenue
3.5 %/$45,130,000
d. Long -Term Finance Obligation,
by Type /Amount
Capital
Lease/$347,735
GO /$8,120,000
COP/$338,160
e. Annual Budget (relevant fund)
Fund❑ General
Year_2006
Total Amount
$66,850,206
Fund Cash Balance (as of 1 /1 / 0Y
$16,442,000
f. Water] (water projects only)
Tap Fee
Avg. Monthly User Charges❑
Number of Taps Served by Applicant
Fund Cash Balance (as of 1 /l /
g. Sewer[] (sewer projects only)
Tap Fee
Avg. Monthly User Charges[]
Number of Taps Served by Applicant
Fund Cash Balance (as of
❑ For fund most relevant to application (e.g., General Fund, Sewer Fund, etc.).
❑ Use only in the case of multiiurisdictional or on-behalf-of applications to provide the requested information for other directly
participating entities.
❑ Not required if not relevant to application.
V Divide sum of monthly residential revenues by number of residential taps served.
2
C_ PROJECT BUDGET & FUNDING SOURCES
PROJECT EXPENDITURES
PROJECT REVENUES
Project Budget Line Items:
Total
Impact
Other Funds Requested or Committed
(Examples: architect, engineering,
Cost
Assistance
equipment, construction etc.)
Amount
Source
Unit Cost
Status'
Remodel HARP Boathouse
$245,468
$25,000
In kind
Design
Committed
$25,000
CSU -
Applied
Pueblo
Committed
Way Finding Signs
$50,090
$ 50,090
C -DOT
Local
Don.
Committed
Pedestrian Bridge
$500,000
$100,000
El
Pomar
Committed
Found.
$195,000
Harp
Committed
Found.
TOTAL
$795,558
$315,532
$395,090
. e.g., committed, in application stage, etc.
D. RELATIONSHIP TO ENERGYIMINERAL IMPACT. The statutory purpose to the Energy and Mineral Impact
Assistance program is to provide financial assistance to "political subdivisions socially or economically impacted by the
development processina or enemy conversion of minerals and mineral fuels This section of the application is
intended to provide an opportunity for the applicant to describe its energy /mineral impacts, both direct and indirect, and
the relationship of application to those impacts.
1. Explain how this project is directly or indirecdv related to energy /mineral impacts, including whether it mitigates
any adverse impacts.
A visitors' center at the Historic Arkansas Riverwalk of Pueblo is a natural extension of the current
effort to develop a comprehensive heritage tourism plan for Southeastern Colorado. Providing
visitors with easy access to RV parking, as well as Pueblo's central geographic location, helps
capture visitors to Southeastem/Southem Colorado. The visitors' center at the Riverwalk will offer
itinerary planning and regional event information that will solidify relationships in the region and help
mitigate the impact of the loss of jobs through the downturn in the energy /mineral industry by
providing economic stimulus to disadvantage counties located in Southeastem /Southem Colorado.
Twelve counties have been involved in developing a heritage tourism plan. Those counties have
been impacted for well over a century by energy development in Colorado. The Arkansas valley has
historically been significantly affected by the up and down sides of coal, steel, rail, oil, and gas
development.
2. a. What direct energy /mineral impacts are being experienced by the applicant? Examples of direct impacts
include: road /bridge /culvert damage, fire protection/emergency medical services, dust suppression,
sound /visual mitigation, weed control, economic boom/busts and other direct physical, social or economic
impacts.
Established in 1881, Rocky Mountain Steel Mills (then known as the Colorado Fuel and Iron Company) helped to
build the American west by providing affordable steel and iron to the western territories and the nation's expanding
rail systems. An economic downturn in the steel industry devastated the community of Pueblo when the steel mill
went from an 8,000 member worts force to a 1,000 member work force. Today, Rocky Mountain Steel Mills (RMSM)
is a Specialty Product Mini Mill that produces the finest steel products available, including rail, seamless pipe, rod
and coiled reinforcing bar. In 2006, Rocky Mountain Steel Mills announced an expansion of their rail mill operation.
That announcement was followed by the sale of the mills to a Russian steel fine that is looking to further expand
their product line.
In addition, Xcel Energy has begun the expansion of their coal fired generating facility which is scheduled to go on
line Fall 2009. The expansion of the Comanche Generating Plant will double the size of the plant.
b. What types and amounts of local funds and resources are being used by the applicant to address
direct energy /mineral impacts? Examples of funds and resources include: road and bridge funds,
Highway User Trust Fund allocations, industry assessments or contributions, sales or property taxes,
staff time, etc.
Half -cent sales tax fund for economic development. Two of the firms locating on HARP received incentives
through this fund.
3. List energy /mineral activities (past, present and future) affecting the applicant. Be as specific as possible by listing
company names, locations, production levels, employment levels, etc. Include not only production projects (e.g., oil,
gas, carbon dioxide, coal, molybdenum, gold, etc.), but also processing, transmission (e.g., oil /gas pipelines, electric
transmission lines, etc.), transportation (e.g., roads, rail lines, etc.) and energy conversion facilities (e.g., coal and
gas -fired electric generating facilities).
Rocky Mountain Steel Mills went from an 8,000 - member work force to a 1,000 - member work force during the
turbulent 1980s. Subsequent strikes further crippled the mill. Today, the mill is operating with an
approximate 800- member work force.
East -West rail lines through Pueblo were abandoned and coal shipment east/west through Pueblo were
consequently eliminated. Furthermore, the 12 counties impacted by this project through the development of
visitors center include some of the most economically distressed communities in the state including the
communities of Lamar with the loss of the Neoplan Plant, the community of La Junta with the loss of a pickle
plant, the community of Pueblo with higher than the statewide average unemployment, the San Luis Valley
with a struggling economy, and Huerfano County with a devastating fire two years ago. All of the counties
have suffered through the drought affecting agriculture, ranching and commerce as well as devastating snow
storms this season that have crippled many communities with road closures that affected all avenues of
transportation.
4. Are energy /mineral companies that impact the applicant jurisdiction aware of and supportive of this request?
Yes X No Attach supporting documentation when appropriate.
E. OTHER PROJECT INFORMATION
1. Why is the project needed? What are the specific goats of the project?
The project is the continuation of a heritage tourism initiative for the Southem /Southeastem Colorado
region — a region often overlooked in the overall tourism industry of Colorado. This project will help
Riverwalk visitors discover Southem/Southeastem Colorado. The Riverwalk currently estimates visitation
at 200,000 annually. The recent groundbreaking for the third phase of the Riverwalk known as Gateway
Park, the addition of the Professional Bull Riders Headquarters on the Riverwalk, as well as three new
private development projects, will bring additional visitors to the Riverwalk. It is anticipated that
attendance at the Riverwalk could double in 2008. It is expected that annual visitation will steadily climb.
The goal of the Riverwalk is to encourage visitors to discover not only Pueblo, but also visit the entire
Southem /Southeastem Colorado region thereby helping provide economic stimulus to
Southem /Southeastem Colorado communities.
2. How were the cost estimates arrived at? Have preliminary architectural /engineering studies been completed?
What additional design work must still be completed? (Attach preliminary engineering reports, architectural
drawings, cost estimates, detailed project budget.)
Initial cost estimates were developed by Design Studios West for the Veterans' Bridge project and shade structure
design. HGF Architects developed the preliminary plans for the Boathouse remodel. Final design work needs to be
completed for the Veterans' Bridge project and the boathouse remodel.
3. a. Describe local commitment to the project, including local fees or regulations altered to ensure project success,
local taxing efforts to address continuing development and maintenance needs, and local citizen support.
Describe any in -kind contributions, by type and value, in support of this project.
Currently over 900 veterans have contributed to the Veterans' Bridge project. In addition, the local Veteran's Council
has pledged their support to rally veteran organizations to participate in the project. Fundraising for the project has
included a pancake breakfast, donor solicitation at various community events including the Colorado State Fair, Boats,
Blues and BBQ, and Rollin' on the Riverwalk.
In kind contributions have been received from a local architect who designed the boathouse remodel and an interior
designer who is helping to develop the layout of the visitor's center.
b. Was the cash value of the in -kind contributions calculated into the Project Budget (C)? Yes X No
4. What other funding alternatives have been explored?
Grants have been developed for the project including a grant to the FJ Pomar Foundation which was approved
in December 2006. Grant research and development continues to the Anschutz Family, the Qwest Foundation
and the AT&T Foundation as well as special event planning, direct public solicitation and corporate cultivation.
5. Has the applicant jurisdiction been subject to any refund under TABOR or statutory tax limitations? Has the
applicant sought voter approval to keep revenues above fiscal spending limits? Yes X No
If yes, please explain.
When required the City has sought voter approval to keep revenues above fiscal annual spending limits. Only once
has the City not received voter approval. In 2003 a broad based citizen initiative to remove the City from TABOR
spending limits failed.
S. If the applicant jurisdiction is classified as an enterprise under TABOR, will acceptance of a state grant affect this
status? Yes _ No X Please explain.
7. If the project is funded, what on -going operational obligations will be incurred? What is the applicant's plan for
addressing these additional costs? (Attach a detailed budget showing annual operating revenues and expenses,
by amounts and sources.)
Operational obligation for the boathouse would fall under jurisdiction of the current boat operations budget as
funded by the HARP Authority and its sponsoring organizations — including the City of Pueblo, the County of
Pueblo, the Board of Water Works, and the Pueblo Water Conservancy District. Attached is the FY 2006 Boat
Operations Budget.
8. When do you expect the project to start? Fall 2008 When will it be completed?
Winter 2009
5
9. indicate below whether any of the proposed project activities:
a. Will be undertaken in flood hazard areas. Yes _ No X List flood plain maps/studies reviewed in reaching
this conclusion. Describe alternatives considered and mitigation proposed.
b. Will affect historical, archeological or cultural resources, or be undertaken in geological hazard
area? Yes _ No X Describe alternatives considered and mitigation proposed.
c. Create or fail to address any other related public health or safety concerns? Yes _ No X
Describe.
To the best of my knowledge and belief, the statements and data in this application are true and correct.
'�� ""�' ?
-f�
Sign ure, Chi lected 011
Judy P. Weaver
Name (typed or printed)
President of the City Council
Title
July 23, 2007
Date
Please submit one original and three conies to
Bret Hillberry
Department of Local Affairs
1313 Sherman Street, Room 521
Denver. CO 80203
Also submit:
► 1 copy to the local Council of Governments or Regional Planning Commission
► 1 copy to the local county impact (prioritization) team (d applicable)
Attachments List (check and submit if applicable; one set per application):
► Preliminary Engineering Reports
► Architectural Drawings X
► Cost Estimates X
► Detailed Budget
► Map showing location of the project