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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