January 3, 2023 — University Hill Commercial Area Management Commission Regular Meeting

Transcript

Captions from City of Boulder YouTube recording.

[0:00] Our roll. Call. Okay, I am officially recording. and it is Tuesday, January third, 2023. Good afternoon. Everyone Welcome to the University Hill commercial area management Mission meeting. that will call role peril. La Corey Here. Trent Bush here. and Rockwell here. Andrew Shoemaker. He will be joining us later. and I will hand it back over to our chair for the procedural items. Okay, the minutes from the November eighteenth meeting at our and our retreat. and everyone have an opportunity to read through. Does anyone have any changes?

[1:01] No, just something. I dates the term dates. But let's wait, and you should say those are now correct. I think they're not correct in the print out that you received here today. Thank you. Thank you for bringing that to my attention. I think i'm mine. I'm sorry. Okay, on the website. 2020, but i'll I'll yeah, I think mine said 2026. Still off. I think yours did say 2026 double check it. Okay. Okay. No other comments. Anybody want to all in favor being on to housing participation. We have any members from the public other than

[2:03] Jake and Matt. And just okay, zoom no public participation like this consent agenda moving along. Does anyone have any questions? on the consent agenda. Okay. that is, instead. All right. Chris. Here we've got an efficient meeting today. I'm gonna share my screen on my computer here once again. I'm just gonna keep you all preview of the community vitality work plan for 2023 specifically the advice to our district vitality work area and the University called district. So let me

[3:01] my screen up. Oh. all right. c. I. There we go. So we are using smart sheets platform to manage all of the work plan in the department, and the city is also using this platform. It's similar like money.com it's good project management software that can interconnect with other departments making see in real time where folks are at in their project planning. So this is a summary of all of the items on the district vitality work plan. I just wanted to highlight for 2023 work plan items that are gonna have relevance for the health area. Of course we're continuing eco-pass program and the lead on that and making sure that the programs running effectively and efficiently. no anticipated to change the program, but just ongoing management fast.

[4:00] we are doing some work. on exploring other Tdm possibilities. Not just for the University Hill area, but other districts that we manage through partners like commutify to explore other ways how we encourage folks to access our special places and encourage them to use other modes of transportation. So we are looking into things like Vm: Well, that's These are this virtual wall. If it has resources available to users to explore other options. So more information to come on that continue work with b cycle. we do have the the bicycle station on the hill. and looking to extend that program with that and let's see for you, Jen, specifically. as we discussed the retreat. we have it in our work Plan item for this year to re engage the violation, revitalization working for the commercial side. So all the work that was done

[5:02] like 2,000. 16,015. Bring that back up again, and I am going to share the good news we just heard today that you and I has ordered us to bring for our our tap work, so we just kind of stay so very excited to be able to to leave that into work. Plan for 2,023 Hopefully folks may will see the the new landscaping flower bets and and tree planter wells that have gone in, so we'll be working in the spring to get those landscape and looking next. let's see moving down. we also have identified arpa dollars and council is provided tens of approval of those dollars is going to be part of our just to base in February for a number of Hello! And still have impacts on the hell. We have more resources for outdoor dining. We're anticipating many more restaurants. in downtown, and possibly university, of applying for more expansions and department spaces for outdoor dining.

[6:09] we have dollars identified for commercial area activations for specifically targeting revitalization activity. with our our special events team for the hill area and places in the downtown that are not performing as well as we would have anticipated. post covid Compared to other parts of the setting, and the hill is an area where we're targeting those resources for more activation. to bring more people and more economic activity. we are continuing to support the hill boulder and Jake is here with us. We have, we. Last year we provided them, and it additional $10,000 beyond what we had traditionally been providing. So up to $20,000 a year for the jigs work. with the Merchants Association. So that's continuing in 23

[7:04] website. Yeah, that's all interconnected. Okay. we know that we've had challenges in recruiting for not just this commission, but the Boulder Junction specifically. So we're going to continue to work to develop this group and and hopefully attract good commission numbers for folks who are rotating off. Okay, yeah, I there, there's some names out there. I think everyone's really excited about. So. and also you're going to hear some more today from Theresa about some district petitions. We have a number of properties that we're looking at. petitioning into not just camps, but also Boulder Junction. we've mentioned in the past. That part of the pleasant street parking lot was never in the district, and now that it's no longer owned by the city or the district. we need to get that part.

[8:01] And so Theresa is about to share some more information about that process. It's. It's underway now. and we'll be working with Jennifer Pinson on the on the update to the economic sustainability strategy and the hill, of course, very important commercial district, and in our broader economic vitality conversations. So I want to make sure that we're here, including the hell in those conversations as well. Similarly, we have our our work with the C real estate center on the development of an affordable commercial pilot program. Right now we have some resources identified in downtown in the Cajun budget for some affordable commercial pilot projects. We're working with a team of students to see you. They're helping to develop some proposals for us to consider how to use those resources based on their research of other cities that have affordable commercial programs. And so. presuming that we are successful with those pilots those are things that could have impacts and and possibilities for

[9:05] as well. So that is the really high level roll up. We have, of course, other things going on in our parking and access. we're Gary, You've heard a lot about amps, and that work is continuing with our performance based pricing and neighborhood access management. But I really wanted to hone in on what we're sending right now, specifically for the hill and our work plan as it currently stands. Any questions from the Commission's Commissioners on our No, I I I have a question i'm not sure where to plug it in, but the work that it's being done at the intersection of college. and if that work is the reason that most of the pedestrian lighting in the commercial district is not working.

[10:10] That is good to know I I was going to work previously. I walked around and uploaded the picture. but there are a lot of lights out up there, and I like to see it was, and and it's been constant over the past year, I would say but I wasn't sure whether excel was in in that big pit on college, or what the work? What's related to? All right, i'll ask Lane to make note of that issue and make sure that we get that. I mean, I can. I'll be up there tomorrow night, and I can go around but that's the last night. It's hopefully tomorrow.

[11:00] Yeah, no, that's the way. And when I would say over the summer I there were 18 lights out in the district. It's the entire corner. It's the entire, but it's also down, through, down, down the way down Thirteenth Street. Not the old lights are working. I don't know if you noticed the other night when I was up there. The old fixtures A couple of those are working, but it seems that almost all of the new fixtures we're not working. and this is not the first time. Okay? So we'll work with blame to make sure we get a steps. That why and what the plan is, maybe there is a plan outage, or the construction that we don't that you don't know about right now i'm saying you have any additional, particularly before they dub the whole. That intersection.

[12:03] I think 2 of the 4 lights in that intersection we're not working, and that's for somebody who drives up there at night. It's a little scary with all the pedestrians, and we're not being able to see properly. Safety issue up there. All right. Well, thanks for that. Heads up, and then i'll still go round and do the entire thing again. Okay, so you did do that, and you haven't got any I've done it twice before. I did not do it. And were you receiving responses? the first time now the second time? yes, and I don't know why they keep it. It's pretty. It seems very regular that they they they're out. I don't know if you I just said that right. But

[13:03] just just recently I mean, I love the lights. that's a better for all right. Well, thanks for that, because it certainly inquiry. There's a great place to for anybody, if you, if you're hearing those types of issues, certainly recommend the use of the app to get actually Take this concern back and do that if the land is working right all right. Well, that i'm going to hand it over to Teresa to talk about the 2023 bucket, and there was a request of the retreat that we have a regular budget update at our meetings. So we're working on that. when Theresa has. I just wanted to follow up on a couple of specific questions that did come up during the retreat regarding the investments that we have with the sale of the so I did confirm with our Controller City that we are a part of a 400 million dollar investment poll. And so we are being. We were receiving that pooled investment interest into the You did fund and salary. Yeah, so that's all going really Well, our investment advisors insight investments

[14:24] right now. The year to day return as well, but 1 6, but it's given a big caveat that there's a lot that's baked into that. so it's not a direct percent return. But it is being managed in a very prudent professional manner to make sure that we you did are receiving the benefit of that investment. As it sits, and we're working for it's clients to use it. in addition, we are pulling together a report that we're able to prove to you all. so every time that we need this commission my proposal to you all is to be able to bring in an up to day kind of year to date. Look of where we see today how it compares to the budget

[15:06] of our operating expenses personnel expenses where we stand with our C. I. P. Dollars, as well as the revenue that we've received to be able to give that snapshot at at each meeting, and that way we're not to depend on. Oh, that's the fine which it comes together. So that's our proposal to you if that's appropriate in your mind as a giving you context for the budget. Yeah, I mean, from my standpoint that makes a lot of sense to be seeing where we are month to month. That would be great. It's. It's definitely an improvement from where we've been, so so we'll look to start that in our march meeting. and that way we've got hopefully. By then we'll be able to see the close out of 22 to kind of get a sense of where we ended, and then the first couple of months here in the New Year. And then what is it possible to look at a comparison with 2,019

[16:05] just in terms of. We used to receive a sales tax report for the district with the district it's generating on a month monthly basis. And I think that helps us also focus on the health of the businesses with sales, tax revenue and the admission tax revenue that the district is generating, especially going forward when the Hill Hotel comes online, and I know that we won't be receiving the sales tax revenue into the district for quite some time. Right? It's going well, and you have that doesn't come, I mean not yeah, but just the sales tax revenue. As an so it certainly sales you as a member of the health of the commercial district that makes sense, and we choose any in the finance Department does provide that that information is available just matter of just because you're in that your inboxes that is public information. That is really, if I

[17:10] okay, bye month, and and so, my! I can look with Joel and see if we can include that in the report that I, or even if just an initial email goes out with the link. We can kind of check into that on a regular basis where to find it. So we're not. You know we get those reports, too. So if it's really easy for us, and I don't see why we wouldn't be because it would be great to to see Sales tax revenue. Come out after that hotel. Get us in and see what if the intended impact is great. Okay. alright, anything else on?

[18:00] Got it? No, I think just the revenue from maybe a 2,019 to 2022 comparison for the parking revenue. I know that we've had the loss of that the Pleasant Street lot. But I just think having a little more data to to look at when we move into 2023 to see how far down we've gone we can celebrate the ups hopefully. It's more people are coming into the district. I do that. I just flip today. Fourteenth Street produced about a $30,000 more in 2022 than it did in 2021 which is, you see? Well, parking Rates went up by a quarter per hour. and we've seen parking behavior returning across all of our

[19:05] part of 2021 as well. so great. And we are, you know, for the Department. These are numbers that we look at, not for one specific area, but we are working on a quarterly report. and that might be some of these things that, too, right? So there's the district fund that we want to manage that, you know, and make sure that we're reporting out to you all as the stewards of the representatives that are in charge of Keep track and make sure that we're You're being prudent and thoughtful in the use of those dollars. And then there's the broader work that we do that you all are interested in in your roles, in the community and in the commercial district that we monitor for all for all of our program. So we might end up separating the 2, because I we want to make sure that we're not created just to you. Did, or you can't see specific the product. that we're gonna want to make sure that we're thinking about the overall operation. But

[20:06] I think so. Just for district information. I did receive an email that a planned expansion from illegal piece into it's not going to have because of. I think, landlord 10 and improvements upgrades that need to happen, for I think them too excited to to move into that space. So that's disappointing, because that would have been a very easy expansion to. bring more. Bring more to the hill. Sad. I think, upstairs. Maybe Jake can talk a little more, but they were planning on taking over that space and maybe creating a

[21:07] So a little. A smaller music venue side there. So and Jake, if I yeah, yeah, I can hop in on that. I I got an email from. Can you guys all hear me. Okay. Yeah, I got an email from the owner founder, Pete Turner. in response to an outreach about the album space, and he said. the hill is zoned separately from the rest of boulder, and is significantly more restrictive. We've determined that we're unable to pursue the expansion at this time unless the city of Boulder levels, the playing field for businesses on the hill. so I think you know it's hard to get. The relevant permits. Sounds like they were maybe anticipating a more of a like life entertainment function. But I thought it was scary, not wanting to do 10 and improvements. But it is all about licensing.

[22:09] Yeah, it was about the desire to have it be a live music space with alcohol, and it's about. Yeah, yeah. Well, that will be part of the conversation. for our ula tap work before we get to to Jake on your other hill updates. I want to pass over to Teresa to walk through our process for petitioning in the Hell Hotel parcel. and then it was part of the Yes. Yes, Chris mentioned that we we just have a parcel that we that it currently is outside of the you. It boundary so to clean up a lot of things. especially for the county assessor, and looking at the town taxi implications for the Hill Hotel as a whole, and the hills been a great or the hotel partners been a great partner and come to the table, and instead of that they're willing to petition into the district. And so again, it will right now, as it stands. That parcel is actually sitting outside of the district, and so it has a different tax rate. So it will help bring just a lot of continuity to a number of entities.

[23:22] and so right now we're in the process of just putting that petition together. It's a fairly simple, straightforward document, explaining the interest and intention of the help of 2 partners to petition into the district. staff will be working behind the scenes to gather database information for all of the electors and the different property owners within the district. This is. and notice we'll go out to each of them, and then in our March meeting. We'll have a public hearing that we will consider the petition and get any public comment or feedback on that, and then from you all, the commissioners will provide a recommendation to city council to either accept or deny that petition for inclusion. then it will go to city council on their consent agenda to formalize the ordinance that will allow the property into the district boundaries, and then we'll take it back.

[24:12] I recorded update it through our J. As folks and through the counties. so that will become a a part formally of the you. It boundaries. So at this point we'll be working to get that noticing out Get that petition fully signed. and it will look forward to coming back to you in March for that public hearing. It's just partly it's just one of our so does that alright. And and I misspoke sorry about the sales tax. It's. It's more about the mill, Levy, for the property tax. and that would then be part of the district. That's how that participates in the district. Exactly. If we were not successful in positioning this parcel in, then it means that on a portion of the Hill Hotel proper you know their their total building.

[25:12] they wouldn't be text lower on a portion of it so really just needs to translate into it. it's a significant amount of money, but that's it over time. so the action item for us as commissioners is to just create a recommendation for city council. And is there a deadline? That that letter happens? We'll do it formally in the meeting with the formal vote, and it'll be recorded as part of the process. And then we will be ready for or Council. Okay, Great. So presuming that you all, though, to accept the petition. All right. Great. thank you for that. I

[26:00] I know I read that in the packet, and i'm like what? All right. moving forward, Jake. Thank you. Thank you so much for joining us today. with up to your your updates. Great Yes, I've got kind of a lot today. I will try to go slow, feel free to jump in with any questions. I'm gonna share my screen here. No, i'm not. Looks like I cannot do that. We can help you in just a moment. Okay. Now you should be able to share your screen Alrighty. Let's see It's it's thinking about it.

[27:05] all right. It's not work. I'm just gonna i'll send this to everyone after it's just a word document. so we've got some updates on the district I wanted to mention. Couple of businesses are completely moved out now, boss, Lady Pizza Rosenberg's sherries, and little piece of my heart. boss, Lady Pizza is the only one that I was able to do kind of full outreach with They She mentioned a rent hike from the landlord as the number. One reason they left number 2, reason being safety concerns for the employees specifically at night surrounding homelessness on the hill. Rosenberg's sherries just sounds like it wasn't as profitable as they wanted it to be. A little piece of my heart. I didn't really get a clear clear reason on that one, but they have other locations in the State.

[28:04] we do have a new business coming in. The Ginger pig started at Ray back 2,016. They have a location in Denver, and they'll be moving into the La Chosa spot right next to a cafe. Ion. and then I do know that people are moving into the in is free space, but I do not know who but I saw furniture being moved in there today so hopefully. That's exciting. Cheryl already mentioned. We talked about illegal. P. It's not expanding. and then I do want to bring up some hill. Businesses have been frustrated with the winter construction that's been going on that's already been talked about. there was kind of some stuff going around on social media about from the hill businesses about this being a kind of crunch time end of year for businesses, and that

[29:03] they were pretty unsatisfied with the pedestrian access and the the kind of lack of signage around these construction projects. but I will add the caveat that most hill businesses are closed during the CEO winter break. So those are district updates. i'll give a few updates about the Hill boulder our organization. So we just launched our new website. same URL the Hill boulder.com we got help from downtown boulder and Arpa funds from the city. That was super great. we're using the city light platform, which is what downtown boulder uses really good for district maps and kind of way finding So we're excited for that. We think it's going to be good, especially when the hotels come going to be really good for kind of you know, getting tourists acclimated to the hill and understand what what there is to offer for them.

[30:04] Along with that we are doing an illustrated map we've partnered with a cu environmental design Student. we've got a so she's almost done with that and we will have it on our website, on social media and printed at and hopefully available at the visit. Boulder Saint Julian kind of whereas tubs in the city. any questions or anything so far. Okay, so we've got a couple of partnerships with the Hill hotels that we're looking forward to. we've got free conversations on the books for January and February the first being ally improvements. We're hoping that the Hill Hotel developers will be able to pitch in some money to help with specifically the alley that's gonna run right into the Hill Hotel. So the alley behind the fox and behind

[31:01] Cafe Ion second project is cohesive way finding signage. So we're trying to work with downtown boulder and the city to make sure that signs put up around the hill. Around the 2 hotel sites will be cohesive with the ones that are down on the Pearl Street district. and we'll help. You know Tourists and non- tourists find their way around the district. the third project is the Thirteenth Street Creek Path connection which we've heard a lot about but Haven't been involved in the conversation yet. So we're looking forward to, you know, getting involved with that, and understand more about what that'll mean for the hill to have that new bike path, pedestrian path connection last thing I want to give an update on is our 2023 work plan with the arpa funds that we've received. So first we'll continue district marketing, which includes our website, social media, blog, and public newsletters.

[32:06] We will continue our business support and retention efforts that includes our business newsletter, our resource pages for businesses on our website. and one on one outreach to existing potential and outgoing businesses on the Hill third community partnerships and outreach. so we'll do. We'll be working with Jennifer Pinsono to do some surveying and more collaboration with downtown boulder and other groups. and finally we'll be looking for other funding sources for the hill boulder, including potentially moving to a paid membership model for the hill for the whole boulder which would offer businesses more benefits from if they. if they agree to be part of a paid membership program. So those are my updates. Any questions, any comments?

[33:02] The new website looks great. I'll share my screen. If you haven't seen it, i'll share the share screen. Just thank you. That's great guys. Jake. Do you have thoughts on events through the summer months. not currently, but I am hoping to. So i'm gonna apply for an arts and culture, Grant. and that. So I I haven't come up with a plan for that yet. But I hope that we can get some money and and some events. Yes. okay. Oh, and I I assume there will probably be some further discussion with both Matt and Justin, who are on the call with some of those funds that we've identified to be able to promote through our but different activations, including areas on the hill so definitely more information forth coming on that

[34:04] Jake the illustrated map is that could it be something that's like an annual effort, or it it it, it would seem that it will be updated from time to time. So what's the plan there? Correct? Yeah, we will have to update it. It's primarily supposed to be kind of pedestrian way, finding less about. You know this exact business is in this exact location. more about You're on this corner. This is how you get towards. You know the district. This is how you get towards Chatauqua. This is how you get towards Pearl Street. but it will have businesses labeled, and I we have an agreement with the artist. again, who's a Cu architecture student that we can come back to her for updates? for a very low. low cost and do. Yeah, we'll probably do

[35:00] annual or by annual updates to that. Thank you, Jake. Have you had any property owners engaged through the Hill Boulder? And So I've gotten some email engagement for sure. I don't. I would say we don't get a lot of engagement other than that. But I I do. I do exchange emails with some property owners from time to time. But our it would seem that kind of our our base skews more towards business owners in terms of who's engaging. Okay. this is all really helpful. Thanks, Jake. That's awesome work. I'm really excited about the website. Really is step in a positive direction. I did want to mention one additional thing. in the partnership with with downtown bowler is the investor program we have approached cu

[36:02] asking them for additional resources for expansion of the investors on the health They've in turn suggested that they might be willing to contribute even more than what we'd approach them to maybe expand ambassadors into the evening hours for night time safety improvements. We'll see how they respond to that proposal, but at least we're hopeful that they will certainly contribute to an extension of the the regular investor program. so you'll be able to play in the not too distant future. See additional and the investor activity on the home with the Would students be part of the Ambassador program or just the the Ambassador program as it is now with hire any more people hiring more people. Yeah, that would be great. I was just gonna add that I I have heard that the Hill businesses Aren't seeing a huge ambassador presence or at least

[37:08] i'd say I've I've spoken with, or I've emailed with maybe 5 or so business owners who weren't aware that the ambassadors even came to the hill. So I think that would be great probably later hours would mean more. You know. Restaurants are seeing them actually up there on the hill. Right? All right. Any more questions for Jake. Thanks, Jake. All right. Do you have anything more you want to share on Fortune Street outside the I think at this time I think i'll be looking forward to our kick off meeting with you, Alli, and getting that. Yeah. So the March meeting will have a a meteor update. And Andrew. Welcome. I don't know if you were listening in what I announced we did receive the Ui tap grant we just heard today.

[38:05] and so we will be working with the Urban Land Institute in this conversation around reimagining the Fourteenth Street lot, and how that fits with the broader context of other transformations on the hill. So, looking forward to sharing more with you all in March, and not related to Fourteenth Street, but projects on the hill. we did successfully complete the first. I guess i'll call it one of the landscaping project. That's all that works been complete, and so we'll be coming back in the spring to actually plant the trees, but it's a to get that all taken care of, and we'll look forward to getting some nice things around probably in the April of a timeframe. and we have on here the Hill Hotel timeline update. I know we heard a little bit from Jake. I'm not sure I didn't. I don't know that I that on the agenda wanna make sure if there's anything else that we wanted to share on that.

[39:00] I think it during our agenda setting meeting that was a request to just continue to get updates seems to be moving along, and I don't know that or are we still looking at the end of 2023 beginning of 2,024 as the Q. 1, 2,024, as as I know I know that there's been a delay. I see. Jake turned his his camera. I'm not sure he has more context on what they're sitting, but I know the product. It's. It's just made it or end up 2023. It's now that delayed into 2,024 Yeah, that's correct so the hill hotel was delayed till I think spring 24 is the new estimate. and then I did want to point out that you know, on our new website. If you go to the features tab the features. Section that's kind of like our blog posts. there's a

[40:01] There's a little article there about with the the most up to date, timeline and links and photos and stuff of of both hotel projects great. And I've been hearing that the CEO is anticipating groundbreaking this month. we'll see if that actually happens for the the conference center with the completion date in 2,025. Do we know anything more about the or it's? It's made gotten changed because of the we had been concerned about the traffic flow, and nothing. It's been so, that is all. So the the Conference center is going to be kept separate from the conversation around connections from the downtown to the conference center into the hill, so that's gonna continue. And and there are a lot of city departments that are involved in that conversation. and university as well. So I know that it's it's certainly a priority for many

[41:03] and so as soon as there's work, you know, in that wrong moment, I will certainly make sure that you all are included in the touch points long way, because there's a lot of books that are really interested in that particular topic. All right. Well, that concludes matters from staff. We have a couple of items that we listed on matters for commissioners based on the joint agenda setting meetings. So I think it a check in on how we've described the 2023 priorities. as well as an exploration of alternative revenue streams that you know at the retreat.

[42:05] I think the priorities that we talked about are not are just a little more targeted than the priorities from 2022. I do think that an urgent priority for 2023 is unfortunately it's that that piece of the alleyway that connects the the entrance of the Hill Hotel to the event street. and I know that the property on there for the a on building is interested in joining the conversation there, but from what I understand there there are no dollars that

[43:04] that can be contributed from the city to make any improvements in and alleyway that one specific section of that now. And why wouldn't, since there are no funds, I think it's a prior where we have. We have resources. we spent chunk of change on the landscaping and we could always approach city council if we have a plan. I think that I would probably point to the Ui. That process is our next step to a vision Where? What are our highest priorities for investment on the health. probably in addition to Fourteenth Street and And this rises to the top of that in that conversation. Then, understanding what the you know, what is the investment, and whether it needs to come from the district. I mean the city build stuff all the time. Right? it it helps if there is a dedicated.

[44:06] and I know that in the conversation around these topics, back in 2,000. 16,015. There was the concept of the downtown development authority. So using, you know, taxi financing and possibilities, especially in light of that, we're anticipating property. Values are going to go up on the hill with the new hotel with the Conference center. it does. The the concept of a downtown development authority. could be a financing mechanism that allows us to do things like how we improvements, or whatever the top priorities are. I think, even in visioning what is needed to make it enticing. It is a start of conversation. And the the process for that, and and what we're able, you know

[45:00] what? As a district we're able to consider what we're not able to consider. But I think, getting creative, and what's going to be fresh and enticing in that in that area. what are the restrictions that you know we shouldn't even consider? Yeah, because I I don't know the answer to that question. Obviously, we'd love to have you know I a walkable space that's not that holds, and all of that. But that is the domain of the city. it is, it is public right of way, however, transportation and mobility intends to not do any alley maintenance. We do have a nicer alleys in the downtown and in the university of those some of them are. because there have been investments from you know, through and capital investments from the district, or bonding initiatives that you know these allies should be maintained at a higher level.

[46:07] For these right reasons, and this is not the first time we talked about this particular alley. We do have the the alley way. Yeah. So it's certainly. You know that that Regan and Theresa's team are aware of that plan, and so i'd say that should be an informing document to this next conversation we're having with the tap grant work that among others, like the reinvestment strategy from 2,015. That should be an informing document. So we're not starting from scratch. We've done so much of this. We have these conversations before right? And have you? yes, we you guys, are the Alli improvement. Oh, the actual plan! I want to say that they was in a packet about a year ago. We have, like an overview of some of those plans they ever saw anything on. Every yeah.

[47:08] if they could also just mention right? The hotel possibly has interest. I think you, unless I miss her. How do? How do those things become? That's a really good question. I'm struggling so. The city does not have a good mechanism for private parties to invest in public infrastructure. and part of that is philosophical sense of. Should wealthy neighborhoods be able to pool their funds and make, you know, have a nicer park than other parts of the city, because they have access to resources, they can pull together and make those things happen. So that's it's certainly it's a the topic that's come up before in different contexts. that said, there are other mechanisms like a a a general obligation bond that for like, if we're doing a citywide capital bond

[48:07] program where we're doing capital improvements in all areas of the city. Alleyway improvements certainly could. And you really should be a part of that conversation, and that could be a place for something like that. or alternatively, if there are dedicated funding sources like a downtown development authority where where there is, you know a a general agreement that this area is gonna have specific planning source to do things like alley improvements or other capital projects, and that then that would be a good fit. Is there a way to understand where the public right of way in terms of you know space where the public right of way ends, and how much is it? 5 feet? 6 feet? that goes into private property where we can engage property owners to do? I don't know

[49:06] greenery sculptures for art or or something that and that can be done without without the you know city having to be involved where we can figure out some creative solutions. Well, we're trying to get the alley improved. My biggest fear is that it's going to look the way it looks now when the hotel opens, and time is ticking. And what kind of document is there that let's this? No. If we have any ground to work with? that is something other than a mural, because we're we're pretty

[50:05] mirrorled out. I think, and something a little different would be really nice on that. and it's certainly not a new topic for us, and I too, haven't year old out. so is any Matt of Matt will never be. But how do we find out back to my original question. Is there is there I hey? Is it going to find a location certificate for every property to figure out where public right of way starts. Well, there's there's a standard alley right away, so that it's not like the the line is jagged. Those properties. It's a straight line. It's the same one and all it

[51:08] i'm, you know albums, and that's weird because it's a a little bit theater, and harder to know exactly where it is. But but next to Alice I mean that that building goes right up to the property line, and then, however wide the alleyway is, it's a straight shot. Everything else is is private property, of course. Then there's land use considerations that other departments haven't interest in what happens on private property, and how that's developed doesn't mean that we can't get across. Get over those hurdles. Yeah, even understanding what those hurdles are is probably before we get. you know, get our creative choices flowing. So go ahead, Matt. Yeah, Sorry. I was just gonna mention. You know we've been working to streamline the process for proposing works of public art.

[52:07] you know, if if there is actual private property space, then that's a a different matter all together. But for the public right of way. We we do have a process, and we can pretty succinctly get the area and the dimensions and and a process, together with the Boulder Arts Commission to in. You know, install what would essentially be donated works of art in those in those spaces. So the first step, i'd say is, we'll plan to resurrect the alleyway plan as part of this broader. We want to make sure that all this previous work is not lost, and we're not starting from scratch these conversations. so that we can then use that process to prioritize what are the most important projects that we should be pursuing and some really around dollar amounts

[53:02] associated with those projects so that we can start planning about. How do we? How do we get them done so. I don't envision that we're going to be rebuilding the alleyway or the end of 2,023. But it's quite possible that this process could lead to some capital investment by 2,024. We' to make sure that that doesn't that we continue to bring that that that part of the broader conversation forward. in this broader work. Yeah, I I would echo some of what Cheryl saying there, particularly knowing that what jig just shared around having the new partner in the hill. you know. Develop this, Whoever who's what's the name of that Development Company? it's gonna be managing it. Well, I think it's called the Hell partners. Yeah, they're they're new partners, and if they're interested in helping, make sure that that entry way that their property is up to stuff. It'd be great to

[54:09] help them understand. What are the hurdles involved and what can and can't be done? So they don't get frustrated right out of the gate, and then we've lost them. We've lost them, maybe, you know, for a while. if we have the opportunity, let's make make it as easy as we can to give them a kind of a punch list. This is what we can do in the short term and this is what we'll we'll all working on for like a longer term engagement. Yeah. Even the big cement flower pots that maybe the city has in there in there, you know. that are not being currently used. and flowers are can cover up a lot. you know, flowers and green, or you can cover up a lot, and even if it's as simple as

[55:01] Thank you. Flowery Walkway, with some some of the resources that already exist that aren't being used. we could. I know watering the pots becomes an issue, but we can figure out a solution to that. or it would be great. But well making it walkable as a whole other thing. I mean that's that's like that's a lot of the capital improvement potentially the alley that's next to Als behind half-est Well, come on in is I think, a little bit better shape than the one that's on the fox. That that alley is practically the unwatable little over the winter. But so that that would probably likely be more of a longer term project at that initial alleyway right there right near the hotel. I think it's low hanging fruit for easier improvement. And then, you know, maybe

[56:06] facilitating a partnership that continues to the future at the hotel. So i'm certainly hearing that as a of priorities, and but maybe I would. I would offer that it should not necessarily be focused in on alleyway, but pedestrian connections. Yes. I think the the continuing to foster a productive relationship with Cu remains on the priority list. Andrew, did you? When you looked at the priority conversation in the packet. Did you, did anything jump out of you as something that's missing.

[57:01] I did first, being late. but you know the one thing that that and and i'm not on the hill nearly as much as as as some of you. But but whether we, you know, clean up the alley, you know, do something with the alleys which i'm, of course, all for or or whatever we do. It seems like neglect and and you know, just inability to clean and just basic services. defeat whatever whatever we do and part and degrade what we've got, and if we're worried about making a good impression when you know when the hotel opens and making the place inviting to the public is, and obviously it's a funding issue and part for us, you know, cleaning the sidewalks and whatnot. But is there something there that needs to be a priority to make sure that the hill

[58:03] is clean and inviting as opposed to just capital improvements. I think, where that landed was, you know, funding sources. Right? the diversify revenue streams Number 5 there. I'm going to a city staff to help with the issue is on the hill. And is there any you know, Chris, I I throw this out to you. But given the given the state of affairs and obviously concerns about the hill, I mean, I can tell you in the other groups that i'm in. The students are very upset about the safety issues, and part of it is, you know, that it all all ties together. Right?

[59:05] It is you know, with this hotel coming up. is there any? Even though we've got these funding issues with the city? It's just these basic services. Is that something where we can make a plea or a request? And maybe i'm out of order here in terms of what what question was asked of me. But but is there any way to sort of front and center that? And say, you know, at least for the time being. We understand that we're in a wait and see. Approach and let's see what happens with the revenue from the hotel, and we, you know we we're. We're exploring other funding options, and and a lot of that is a remain to be seen. I feel like we're treading water right until the you talk to the guys that you know Talk to see you. And they say, Well, it's all going to be good when the conference center and the hotel are in. It's all gonna work. It's all gonna work itself out and I think a lot of people feel that way. But we're treading water until then.

[60:01] and we and so the question is. is there any way to get us some water wings to help us out while we're treading water? So thanks for the question. I'd say that certainly by the part of our conversation. For instance, I don't know if you're here. I was discussing where you have a support from See you for more ambassador, the ambassador to sidewalk, meaning they do some basic maintenance. It's not. It's not what we need. It's not the level at which we needed. but we're trying to spread the resources as far as we possibly can and it and I think it as shows indicating that the conversations more about these revenue streams. What do you think about the the 1 point, 7 mills? What is our? What was our revenue, or or participated in this year $34,000

[61:00] in the in the grand scheme of of this this realm of work that that does not get you very far. And the things that we're talking about here. we certainly do approach city council and and continue to be successful in arguing for a general fund transfer. We're hoping to get a proposed additional transfer. in 2024 because parking revenues are returning. We do tie that ask to parking dollars that are coming in on street. Those are general fund revenues. But but since they are in the district, we do look to those as well. They issue also is that we have this money in the bank, and it's only going to go so far. And so this it's more about the priority. We've spent a little bit of money on this landscaping project, but has felt to make it look a little bit better. Around Thirteenth and Pennsylvania. We have significant priority and and a magnifying glass on Fourteenth Street.

[62:04] and we want to make that as successful as possible. We have we. The landscaping work was originally designed to be all of Thirteenth Street, from college to Pennsylvania, and the money just not going as far as it used to. So i'd say that you know challenges. There's no lack of things that we know. We we think we should be working on to make sure the hell can be as successful as possible, but our appetite. it continues to be a lot bigger than our stomach when it comes to how to pay for these things we do have some money. We are continuing to seek additional support and other monies. but. as you said, Andrew, the it's one thing to contemplate a capital project. But then you got to maintain the thing. And so, I'd say, we already have challenges with some of the capital improvements actually on Thirteenth Street, let alone adding the alleyways to that.

[63:02] I'm not saying it's impossible, I think, that it's. What cool? This next conversation is more around. How do we prioritize all of these needs? and get a complete dollar amount right? What's the what is the total cost? Not just for Some sort of Alley project between President and Pennsylvania. What is the total round dollar amount for all the priorities and things that we think are important on the hill. It's not just till them, but also maintain them and perpetuity. What is that dollar amount? And that'd be working towards that that dollar now? And that's really the conversation we want to be having as part of this imagining what's next for the the South Anchor, Fourteenth Street of pulling all these different ideas and prairies together. then deciding what's our roadmap or and timeline for taking the steps from? I can do them all at once.

[64:00] but we need to start somewhere. Well, I don't. I don't think our priorities and capital improvement requests have changed in the past 4 years. We've all been. We need to be cleaner. We need to be safer, and we need to prepare for to look good for when the hotel open. So I I I think we're all we've all said. Those are priorities over the past number of years. I will say that when we have seen greater activity and improvement on the hill. There was engagement with the hill folder. we had someone working with us at, you know. Saturday mornings out there planting pots and planting the

[65:04] exit, the the the greenery where people come under the tunnel. clean up all of that. And J. Maybe we can figure out a way to get Get the stakeholders mobilized again. This screen to to bring some of those activities back to the fraternity. So it's already. So It sounds like we we need to mobilize the district and the stakeholders in the district. in tandem. With what assistance we can get from the city in order to make a difference in the district in time for new visitors and new businesses, hopefully to to want to be on the hill.

[66:02] There's a real opportunity to be on the hill, too. because we're hearing that athletics is turned a particular corner. you know we're we're hearing of season ticket. you know. See tickets being sold at a rate that haven't been sold in 2030 years, and so where will people go on their way to the game or after the game. They're gonna be up on the hell. So there's a real opportunity here to leverage traffic from the dead company stuff that's happening in July, and then also moving towards excitement in the fall. and so that I I agree with you. There may be a constituency kind of groundswell that we can take advantage of as well. So it's not just all the backs of both. Hey, City Boulder, solve this problem entirely. Well, it's. It's say that again, this process in this conversation about leveling the planning appeal for this commercial district relative to other commercials districts. There is a role in the city in that conversation of is now the right time to to

[67:08] we think some of those restrictions, and can we incorporate into the process, and that is very much the work of the city. and something that I I know we want to make, and that will help right if we're able to remove some of those barriers for folks who want to take the risk to take advantage of a new era of sports fandom and boulder and make that happen on the hill. yeah. And the condition of the albums on the Hill building I don't see changing in the next year. so depending on how quickly we can move with. Maybe that is a number one priority to get those layered restrictions removed.

[68:01] Is, is there a. Because he will go into that space? But that was the question. I mean, we can we talk to him? And you have to understand the licensing. It will make your license the buildings, and really bad, she I mean. I'm happy to call he and talk with him. Are there other things we should be. Tell me to to to Ted's point with the expectation that those you know again, that's a this is a a fall away. But With that significant increase traffic I'm I'm. I'm concerned that we're going to lose all those people just down to Pearl Street. Right. I mean. We only have so much capacity right now with the with the you know, with the sink and cafe a on, and the corner, and other other spots.

[69:03] you know, and and people are not going to build yet until those hotels come. People are not going to take risks, probably, yet it's early. Rosenberg's is a good example. Right They came. They came too early. and and so. But is there a way to take up the slack on those big game weekends. and and I don't know if that tax revenue well, let me just throw out an idea whether it's food carts, or some other way to activate the the the event street, and assuming that all those revenues will come to the district, then, from a tax standpoint, I don't know if they do, or they don't know how that works from a sales standpoint, if it's temporary but anyway, it should we be exploring those kinds of things as stop gap measures until we have a more firm, diverse anchor set of anchors on the hill. One of the things that I brought up Andrew, I think in our last meeting

[70:01] was, Would the city be willing? I know that the admission tax goes to the general fund right? Because the occupation tax goes to the Cvd. Or a physical or whatever that phones those activities. But if, say. the only place on the hill that generates admission taxes the fox. Is there a way to temporarily divert admission tax to add a couple more street cleanings, or you know something like that, especially before the Dead and company weekend, because right now there's only 2 street cleanings a year that are in the Budget, and one is before graduation, and one is before home coming.

[71:09] but we we need more than that, and i'm not even sure that those actually happen last week. I mean last last year. because I just hired a private company to do us and boss ladies because it was just so disgusting. but I I don't know who would we appeal to for a temporary 2, 3 year diversion of admission tax from the general fund to go into the the you did because sales tax doesn't come to us, and can you clarify for me when when the hotel is built? And i'm getting all the various stages of the Hill Hotel funding city

[72:03] thing. the mill levy it. That's not going back to to repay any loans from the city anymore, because there was no law. So the Mill Levy is now going into the district in a way that the original conversation did not have the male levy going. I wasn't part of those original conversations, but Originally there was going to be a parking structure city on a parking structure component to a project that would have translated into some debt service. and so, since there was no parking garage it included in the project that Yes, it's my understanding that. But yeah, there will. There is no an increase in district funding through that property tax. you know. Is is there a temporary diversion with a pay back down down the road so that we can get the district

[73:07] looking a little better. I know it's not probably a big amount of money. But I I I don't know. I'm just trying to think creatively about that. There is, I mean, that is what the district is created. Right is leverage. anticipated revenues to pursue a capital project that could you know, back in 1,970, it included purchasing some parcels to provide. Where Where does the capital project? What what dollar amount makes it a capital improvement. It's just the city have a that. It's it's not necessarily. Don't know. But yeah, I mean, typically it's going to be over 50,000, and that's what triggers the formal procedure of process.

[74:01] I was just curious, but the challenges that over time, right as you build something, use dollars to build something, and then you have to maintain that something. And So it's one thing to have you know. Pass a mill, Levy, and you don't own anything yet. You know. Leverage those dollars, you bond against them to build something or buy something. And now you have to maintain that something. And so this is the challenge of if we issued that issue debt to the level of the anticipated revenue. But you know there's got to be our anticipated revenue in the district right now is is almost nothing, and we we have an asset that we need to maintain. And we are talking about leveraging the the resources that we have accumulated over the past 50 years to build something there. at Fourteenth Street. And if that's if that's the top priority of these of those dollars, then we need to be really thoughtful. We're not going to necessarily let ourselves

[75:03] in the space where we have it, any capacity in the existing melody to issue that against, say, the admission tax. We want to borrow back from the general fund $25,000, and it gets us 3 more street. we're not. I'm not. I mean i'm not talking about a Fourteenth Street 1 million. I'm talking about low level. I would say you know when it comes to that level of I mean, we're a half a 1 billion dollar a year corporation. When you think about it. So it's trying to get. Yeah, i'd say we could just. We can ask. We can go to city Council and say, hey, we need to double our maintenance budget, and it's gonna need to come from a general fund, because the district doesn't and they and make it what I mean does I? I mean, I think

[76:02] that's a good ask. It certainly should be on the way it it to stop along the way, and I will say it would be awesome if, even on the you know, if we can have one central location of where all the studies, the intercept studies, the this, that that all you have to do is look at them if we can have them all in one place, because one of the it's 30, 30, 30, 30, 30, and I I don't need to be. Flip it about it. But, If we, because our biggest concern is people, will not want to come to the hill once we build it, they may not come. and so we're we're desperately trying to get ahead of that which we can all see coming as clear as day. I and I've

[77:08] yeah, and I hear you and I I do certainly not following on deaf ears, and I would, though also offered that there have been incremental improvements over time between. so it's not. We're right. It's not. We're in the Consolidated trash and closures, and say that back with the pilot program, so that have that is food that an improvement that we got behind that alley? And and there have been joint efforts by property, owners and businesses. And you know I everything doesn't I? I'm hoping that everything doesn't have to be at a an ask that, said such a high level. You know that we can't get there. so we're talking about a business that doesn't want to expand in a way that makes total sense and can impact the vibrancy that's already there, and they won't do it because

[78:18] of the layer restriction, and the only layered restrictions in the entire state. honest, very small district. we do see improvement with Cu, and and that's you know that's always going to be a priority there. Our neighbor, and what they do impacts us. you know. I'm just not sure where to go other than to Ask for ways that we can creatively impact. You know one of the things that's the biggest issue in the district. It's mentioned before that, you know. See you obviously we're talking about the investor

[79:03] somewhat about to be on. I mean, they have a sounds like the student reaction right now. It's also very negative to the help. Does that go into the same realm of taking care of an alli, or can can there be a component from you side maintenance cleaning if it's not that much funny? And again, just being creative on it? I mean, of course, the city. It's the cities. and it should be saving from everybody. But students also have a very or to you as a clean and safe, and you know, but it's not like they're gonna take money out of their budget and put it into the city's budget that's gonna I don't know. I don't know the intricacies of how all this works, and still trying to kind of figure out if we could take the cleaning budget and out of

[80:07] out of and and move it into the hill boulder and have it managed. And I the hill boulder based on what we saw on the streets, and when and how or if it could be a privatized in in some respect with the money that's in the budget. But I don't think that that was a workable solution, and that is going back probably 8 years ago, when we started talking about that. I don't know, Andrew, if you recall any of those conversations about how to take. You know that budget, and see if we can through the hill boulder. Stretch it a little further. and I don't want to get completely off track, because I know that we have one more agenda Item: what is it? About 5, 20

[81:07] else? Oh, okay. although they've kind of been combined, but so I have some. I hope I wasn't part of those conversations I have so with this in my head that are telling me Why, that was probably a non-starter back, you know, 8 years ago. There are certainly some some possibilities that we're already doing it a little bit with the Ambassador program, and the world has changed a bit. in some realms since that was maybe roached. And so we can certainly explore that again. That's in very street cleaning machine that was stored somewhere that was available for that purpose. I mean. Yeah, I I I don't. Yeah, we we have Sarah, Sarah

[82:05] endeavor some help. One we did at one time we we rented space from 4 star properties. I had stuff in there, and that's yeah. We don't have that space anymore. So I'm: not. So. We have a lot of headwinds in terms of bureaucracy in terms of brand issues with what the hill represents to the public that uses that area students in particular. Now we've lost them to the last couple of years. and it seems to me that Well, what we need is a certain amount of creative thinking, along with some local well, to be able to do some things. we're talking about what Cheryl's kind of presenting there is like. Can we borrow against ourselves in order to do something, so that when we have the opportunity and we know it's coming to have new visitors see the hill and enact with the hill in a way that isn't what the current state is.

[83:05] what would that look like? I think many of these conversations are kind of hinge on a relationship with with Council. I think a lot of what we're talking about here could be really helped by having Council understand what these issues are, and understand how urgent they are. and one of our priorities in 22, I think, was trying to improve council relationships. I think we made some progress on that there's a lot more progress that we made there, and i'm wondering out loud for all of us to kind of ponder, and maybe even discuss. What can we do to do that? How how do we get council? Understanding the urgency of the issues on the hill, and why this can't just to kick down the the road another year. or even 6 months. Frankly, we. We need to be moving on this sooner, so that we can actually hit the iron when it's hot in late summer and fall as we turn the corner towards this hotel.

[84:05] Andrew. So if you, if you wanted to make an impact on Council and really and we've tried to get them up for Tours, and that's work to some of you know the the neighborhood stuff has. I think, the last time we had it up they cleaned right before they came. So they the place looked really nice. That was, Everybody was shocked. And the most important, the most important thing you could do is take video footage of stuff that we don't like and have people sign up to speak at city council meetings every every every city council meeting show a little bit of footage, explain the problem and do it over and over again for about 6 weeks in a row, and it will be front and center on their mind. That is the most important thing you could do. Do you? Do you agree, Andrew, with what i'm talking about there, or am I missing. How important that would be if if if they were to see the state of affairs.

[85:06] and here from people who are there, and if we can enlist students and and have various people not just the same faces show up and say. i'm concerned about my safety. I'm concerned about health and welfare. I'm concerned about about appearances. This is a really important time, for the University has made an investment in a football program we've made investments in hotels. We've made investments on reinvigorating the hill. and then someone to come in from time to time and explain the economics of the district. Right now. There is nothing we could that no phone call to any city Council Member would be as an impactful as doing that over and over again. several several months in a row. because it's not just the city council. It's the public, and they see the city council hearing the message, and all of a sudden people all start to get it.

[86:10] So I would suggest that that's maybe not the work of an Advisory Commission Council. But certainly would not prohibit, or suggest that she shouldn't you know, in your own time do what you feel like is necessary to get the attention that you need. I would suggest that Staff's work plan for the hill in 2,023 is by my station pretty aggressive. We're so delighted to have gotten this tough Grant work is going to be beginning going to be beginning imminently on that and we'll be providing you all with an opportunity to both influence and form and then recommend to council top priorities of that work that can include a lot of the things that we've been discussing today, and that will be going to counsel but a and I understand the idea I mean, you know

[87:07] of of. You know what what's in you? Camc's role and and not but and obviously the hell Boulder, for example, could do a lot of the coordinating that I do for the things I just described. But, nonetheless, if that if if some private group, or to develop that that coordinated effort. do you see any problem with. you can see sending someone to speak to city Council especially if we voted to do that to. you know you're gonna have you? You. It might be different messages heard from different folks, but we have a very specific message, and why we couldn't deliver that message. in a very respectful, and as it i'm sure it would be and concise, and professional manner.

[88:05] Sure, i'd say that you know there there are there is ordinance language around what the purpose of you can see is and clean and safe is a part of that and that is the work that that staff is being charged to help support with a very limited amount of dollars, and so more dollars would help And you know. I would say that the work of the Hill boulder, similar to the work of Down temple or partnership. That is, an that's an advocacy organization, and they get to lobby council based on their priorities and what they think needs to happen and try to sway the decision making process to make those things happen, and Staff is not able to be in that space. And i'd say that as an appointed commissioner on an advisory panel, it's a it's a delicate dance, to to balance

[89:01] and staff is here to support you all in the way that we can to to fulfill the the purpose of the district and the the commission and but it's going to be really important for us to make sure that we're maintaining appropriate boundaries in What is the work of the city. What is the function of the district and and the resources that it is able to provide to us in? And if there is an outside energy that says there needs to be a lot more attention on the hill, and that means that councils gonna turn around and give Staff more money to do more stop and hire more people, because eventually it gets to, you know, not just a cash resource. And so it's a people resource to make these things happen then. So be it. but we have our processes that we need to go through. We hear you, and we're gonna make sure that that that we will use the tools that we have available to us to to increase resources and plan for these investments.

[90:08] but if that's not fast enough, which is, that's kind of what I'm hearing is. We have our staff work by another. They're trying to be responsive to the what we hear from the the we're trying to short range for us is in the next 14 months. So we're. That's kind of the space where concerned about, I think. Let me let me ask you this, do we? In this meeting He should be clarifying priorities for to to send to city Council Correct. So I think that we've had a lot of discussion. Do we want to clarify.

[91:01] or Chris what the priorities are that we're recommending? After after this conversation, to get that piece of work done. Yes. so I'd like to ask the Commissioners, Andrew what what might be your yeah priorities. I I I I guess the question is how granular you you want to be, but my sense is we could ask for all this. We have. We have lots of priorities. lots of concerns. but the thing that will resonate the most right now, and the thing that is the most powerful, and is probably the most comp pressing concern is improving the the safety and aesthetic appearance of the hill in the short term

[92:02] and and that may be too broad in general. and maybe we need specific items. But I mean, if someone were to ask me what the hit, what my priority would be, that's what it would be. And if city Council Member asked me, I would say that, and I think that would resonate more with them than saying, Well, we'd like to spend some money on, you know, on an alley improvement which, or something else, which I think is huge. but but it's sort of first things first, right? And I think Rod is good. Yeah. and I and I do think that they're going to think in this time of we've already heard this right If we're if we're short on money, and we're asking Council for money they are they're gonna say. Well, that's you know if you're asking for a bell and whistle that's really nice, or what they perceive as a bell. And also we're not talking about that we're talking about the most basic function of government.

[93:03] and and that's what we need on the hill right now. And you know, and I, They probably hearing this from many different quarters. But I think they just discovered 9 million dollars, or whatever from the library, and so you know, help help help us out a little bit well, and I think that the work exploring a shelters and and things like that is is great a great use of some resources, too. So safety and cleanliness. I I think, close. I totally agree with what Andrew, which is saying, i'm sorry I didn't. I was just gonna say I I think Rod is. I think the second one is economic vitality. Generally we we've seen too many businesses go out business this last year and along the lines of what we were talking about specifically around kids around illegal kids and that expansion.

[94:04] What can be done on that? What can we be doing? Tell the he'll be a place that will be appetizing to new business, and there are some easy things that we could put out there. The the layered regulations that are are currently in playing on the hell are an easy one to throw out there to at least have a that's an actionable item, that. and really make a huge impact on economic vitality, because it will be easier to attract businesses. So I I would say that to me is priority Number 2, and it's actionable. Yeah, they could change that right away if they, you know. you know it can't it?

[95:01] Okay. if Council wants to take on and make it a place people want to be safety and cleanliness, economic vitality. And well glad i'm sorry I was just gonna say, continued engagement with and further, the relationship with, See you. Yeah. I I think that the grant that that you all were just awarded that we rewarded is really important, and it's a hard it's layered into each one of those priorities. I don't know if it makes sense to make that one of the priorities like we. We have this money. We want to make sure that it's being spent. you know, in the most feasible way possible. because the Fourteenth Street possibility. You know. Part of what we're talking about here is that with the hill. But the Hill Hotel project and the conference room are the Conference Center project. But then also this parking lot like, there's this thing that can happen where there's a synergy there of new economic engines for the help.

[96:17] In the meantime we need water. So the brand it really ends up, you know, being here. I guess it's multiple grants in us the ability to think creatively. We don't necessarily have to. Just imagine status quo. We may be able to try something different. No, I hear us because we're always asking for money that's not available. and I know in the past

[97:00] it's a city council has wanted to see property owners step up and help lift up the district as well, and we don't have a great of property owners willing to do that. we have some but you know, as far as a an additional priority for City Council. I I I can't think of anything that's more urgent than those the top 2. I think it's the top 2. If we can make progress on this top 2 in this next year the property owners may come along. I think that there's a certain amount of good will here, too, that needs to be built for the property owners to go. Okay? Well, there's actually something happening. And so, therefore i'll I'll participate to. I don't know the dynamics as well as you do, but it seems like the Hill has had a lot of problems for a long time, and I could see a property owners phone. Well, they don't care about it. Why am I going to invest in this?

[98:11] It seems like there are a bunch of. and we have some new property in ours that have just joined the group. So I mean, is it possible that we just give them to the top 2 priorities, and that we'll speak volumes to these are these are 2 priorities. instead of diluting it with additional priorities that are pretty low low level compared to the top 2. I don't know. I just say, I don't. I don't have good advice there in the staff perspective. It seems like the priorities that we've identified. Those top 2 are actually

[99:04] relevant city wide. I mean what we're saying. There is not revolutionary. It's just that when you layer in what the hill is and what it's been through. It's urgent. It's not Well, we need to be concerned about these things. It's something that's happening right now you know a sub category is whether repeal is the correct word. But repeal the the regulatory, the regulatory barriers. And by doing that it could generate the interest in the district. And because I think, Andrew, you're right. You don't want to get too granular. We don't want to keep asking for money. that's not there.

[100:03] but if we could figure out a way to Have that regulation lifted. See if there is a way we can get it. or we allocate dollars to to more safety and cleanliness. up there and then. maybe a priority is Well, it's not a priority for the city. I think there's gotta be more conversation. and I think it was mentioned in the in the packet, where. yeah. maybe coming together a little more with the neighborhood, the university and the commercial district which is really outside of the responsibilities of you, can't see that I do think it has value.

[101:00] and i'm not sure how to work that in there is it as a priority. maybe a broader statement to that. And this leverage anticipated planning processes because the is one of several things that are going on. The Thirteenth Street connection is a planning process that will be happening. So Leverage anticipated planning processes to highlight the hill as a major destination, or something like that exhaust that one. Well, there's a lot of I mean it's it's, you know. I'm glad that we it's a difficult discussion, because there's so many things that could be addressed. I like the approach of staying broad with it. because we could get caught up in.

[102:04] you know minor details. we're talking about diversifying revenues, too. Is that the other thing? And we've been kind of discussing that all along. I think the what downtown those are partnership is doing. That's a little different than what it has access to. So we so the hill and this been talked about for a business improvement district is an option, but it's an added property tax on it already. you know, Challenged environments. That's something that is not done. Another topic that people are coming up is a downtown development

[103:01] already, right? That's a Dda that allows the city within a specific defined district to leverage increases in property tax revenue to really essentially be tax increment financing or capital projects within the boundaries upset. That is, true. Cities in Colorado are to have one to find downtown. that could be this downtown development authority? And so the question would be if Boulder wants to pursue that funding mechanism, what is the boundary of our downtown development authority? and does it. Is it something that includes our traditional downtown? And now, or is it something that we we like, you know, downtown has enough money. We have agent, you know. We have an in permanent district, and that suffices. And maybe our defined downtown and boulder actually is this area on the hill?

[104:03] And it is it's it's so many. But there, that is something that that would still need to be led by the business community say that this is, for here we're ready for again. We're wanting but it's that's certainly the one that I keep hearing the most about as far as yeah level of potential, especially in participation of the property value changes. That's not just taxic print financing on the no levy, for it's against all of the city property taxes in the in the district, so on some new revenue source that would have that would not just be tied to the you to ability. It's time to.

[105:01] yeah, let's do that. Just make the hill the downtown area. It sounds like an easy solve. Anticipated future revenues increases in in property taxes. So that stuff what? What's the discussion around? How to define downtown? He sort of painted at the edges of that. But it seems like downtown, for boulder could be fairly wide. Scratch like all that for the target. And then so yeah, so the the challenge here is Boulder traditionally does not have And see your desire to pursue things like text and financing. because it's really you're you're offering up those future revenues. and issuing debt against them. and so, historically, our councils have not been

[106:02] really keen on that financing approach Typically, we've wanted to build something. We've been able to to raise money and make it happen. So. it's it's not something that we've seen in Boulder for quite some time. The last time we used tiff was I think we did manage to do something with 20 Ninth Street. but it was. It was not a pleasant process, but anyhow, it's kind of like a long shot in the hill just I mean it. It seems like a lot of bureaucratic stuff. It's got to happen in our for that to come into play for us. sure. I mean it's certainly got sentencing needs to go to a boat of the property owners. They're going to be in the district, so it has to get on the ballot, and council has to prove it. I mean. There is a lot of lifting that goes into making something like that happen. But then, once that boundary is established, it is a

[107:00] it's a dedicated funding source. I mean, you have to wait until you paid off the debt. You know that you finance to get them financed against, but it means that in this decided boundary, and this is the funding source. For this area. As long as it exists as you as the city's, whether it's just the hill or that you know extension of downtown, including the help. So it it's a possible funding source. A lot of communities are using. I know that little 10 just past Tda for their traditional downtown, right? They just have the the one historic commercial center. They're They're now using the the build capital projects, and that's the the key thing, though it has to no capital. It's not help with your ongoing operating right. It's got to be an asset. Yes. Are there other districts in a city that would the right to be considering this kind of thing? I mean.

[108:01] I guess that's a really nice question. I know the answer to that. There's really not right. It's really in trouble. Yeah, because of the conversation that our development that keeps on coming up is re-establishing the polar urban renewal authority. So the hurdles to establish a number of have become greater over the past several years. it doesn't mean that it couldn't happen, and that allows the city to designate specific areas where again, taxing or financing can be used to support revitalization projects. and then that's not a fixed like a Dpa is a fixed area that's established, and then it's voted in where an urban renewal Area city council gets to be the Executive directing Board of the renewal authority and make it to. They get to to movie batteries around every so often. once the projects are completed.

[109:01] since it's a different approach. But again in boulder, historically, it's been really challenging conversation. both the Council and the So that's the pursue new funding streams for those types of projects. And then but that said, You know, there former bureau areas was all of like the 20 Ninth Street area, the Boulder Valley regional center was one big area that led to zoom 3, 2 of crossroads ball back in the day. and any anyhow, precipitated a lot of development at one time, but it's not a tool that over is used to mid tool box for you know. Well over 15 years.

[110:01] I will offer that. We will certainly include this conversation and the you alli work because the money that we have in the back. It's only gonna get us so far. and we'll wanna make sure that we will that we're thinking about all the different possibilities for not how do we? set up the district up for more long term success, and make sure that that's part of the conversation, this type of conversation, and all the work that was done in 2,014 and 2,015, that included conversations around the Dda and the business improvement district, but that all gets carried forward in this process. Where are we in the process, or what? What is the process for the findings. or in the Fourteenth Street? Not. Where does that go next?

[111:00] Like in terms of recommended? You know. as far as the Ui work or the work that Eps did last, so that'll be another source of of information for this technical advisory panel. The the really great thing is, the folks who are going to be on this panel are going to be outside experts. Don't have any sort of ownership or or you know biases and what they want to see happen on the hill. and they're going to take in all these different inputs. And they're going to do interviews with presumably all of you other property owners, community members, council members. and they are going to develop a set of recommendations they're going to hopefully, really shorten that time, you know, a good understanding of all of the challenges that we've been grappling. and they're going to be some of that. The experts in these

[112:03] financing options and conversations regulatory. and they'll take it. The recommendation from Aps is the highest and best use of that property that does not require to the subsidy is market rate housing with the parking component. But there's a regulatory barrier to that right now. We are not allowed to build any residential buildings on the hill unless they're 100% affordable which that's not that's not going to. So they are going to take that recommendation to say if that this is going to be the direction you want to go with development of Fourteenth Street. Here are the things that will need to happen in this order. And is there a timeline for all of this, and it will include a timeline. That's how long they would anticipate that it would take, based on their technical expertise to get from where we are today. In these conversations

[113:07] to where we want to be the chat parcel and spending of the the dollars that we have. and I would anticipate that the panel is happening in the spring. It will be proposed, so probably will happen before our march meeting, but by March we will be able to share with you the specific dates. This is happening. and certainly share the invite. So whose part? Who's the panel? What the panel consists of. Exactly. So we'll be able to share more details. What specificates when the panel is gonna happen, and then, presumably probably by the main meeting be able to share the results and the recommendations from them

[114:07] which we kind of already know right. which is parking component with residential. with the confirmation that our priority is remove regulatory barriers. Second priority is, you know, I think, that there there's that's all there's going to be hope, presumably a lot of confirmation that we've been on the right track. what this technical advisory panel to do is they can be the outside. As for experts that come in and zoom in, and it's not just staff trying to to go to counsel with her on her hand, saying that, hey, this is really important for the moratorium on the residential building within the commercial district. I don't know there was any and date legislatively, because that's another barrier that we put in place. Only so that the commercial area wouldn't become just a bedroom

[115:07] just shut down as a commercial district. yeah, I don't know that there was legislative any sunset to that on our list. you know. What is the question on? I mean there was a I. I I get a sense of sort of blurring to regulatory barrier issues, one of them being the types of you know. liquor restrictions and and what not on in the the Core Commercial District, which I think a lot of people, myself included, would be supportive of changing it. You know you're gonna have a fight with some some neighbors on that, of course, and that's going to be an an issue. So but the but the issue of it's interesting to me, the the

[116:09] the. I apologize so, Andrew. I just wanted to jump in and let everybody know we had. We're about 2 min shy of 6 o'clock. and I thought it would within this group and and as well on the residential restriction for this, for the student housing was very strong at the time, and it was it actually, I mean in many ways it saved the commercial district from a path that we it would never have gotten us to. Where the potential is that we have today with the hotels and whatnot the That is a that is a I I guess i'll just say that is that that is it I was. I can't remember where those on the planning board at the time of the City Council. The time there was a lot of thought put into that, and that was driven in part by the director of planning at the time of the city.

[117:10] and and so I I Don't want people to forget that there was a there was a real reason for that at the time, and that reason may still exist today as as opposed to the other regulatory restriction we've been talking about, and I I guess my point is not to blur them right. There's there's 3 with the agree with the the the liquor restriction, and then the other 2 with the barriers to what we know is going to be the recommendations from that. Well, the yeah. I mean, the Eps work suggests that the highest, the best use of the Fourteenth Street lot is a residential based use.

[118:01] possibly with the partnership with the property owners directly west, similar to the boy or proposal that came in many years ago, which partially maybe that's why these restrictions teams. True was at the time there was a very non development Friendly Council. and it was a significant proposal that had come in from the lawyer group. it wasn't it wasn't from the it was from somebody that wanted to to redo what became Walgreens was at the time the college bookstore. but it and I and and I wouldn't say the planning board. That's where the moratorium came from. yes, but but regardless. I mean the look, the whole purpose of of of the work that we've done. The past 5 plus years, has been to increase diversity on the hill. and and and the residential in that residential issue. we would have had but for the moratorium. We'd have gone the wrong way on that

[119:07] which is which is, you know. during down to during non-student periods of the year. There the place is a ghost town. and it was Tr. It was challenging to bring to create some diversity up here, and that's still our concern, right even with the hotels, the question is, are the people gonna stay. Are they gonna be driven away? And they're gonna go down to the Pearl Street Mall. And so we want to create an atmosphere. That's that. That is more than just a food Court atmosphere. And so, anyway, I I I think, and so I think it'll be important to talk to the I mean highest and best use is a term that I know very well in my practice, which just means makes the most money. and so I think we have to think about what's best for the hill, and I think it'll be important to talk to the Ui planners about that. But I just I would caution us not to group all regulatory restrictions into the same bucket.

[120:09] I agree. Yeah, that's a good, really good point, Andrew. we have exceeded our time today. I think we've exhausted the conversation about diversifying revenue streams at this point, because I don't think we we have any actionable items to move forward with at this time. So, I'd like to move to adjourn the meeting. Second. alright. alright, Well, thanks, everybody, thank you. We will look forward to sharing more with you, and much congratulations on the grant.