HomeMy WebLinkAbout8.3 Downtown Improvements or
19 82 STAFF REPORT CITY CLERK
` CITY COUNCIL File #820-20
DATE: November 18, 2014
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers
FROM: Christopher L. Foss, City Manager "
SUBJECT: Strategy for Use of Downtown Public Improvements Reserve
Prepared by Roger Bradley, Assistant to the City Manager
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The City Council, at its October 7t" meeting, requested that Staff bring back options for
expending the Downtown Reserve on projects in downtown Dublin. Staff has developed, for the
City Council's consideration, an infrastructure and economic development investment strategy
appropriating the Downtown Reserve, which would make the downtown area more pedestrian
friendly and aesthetically pleasing. The City Council will consider possible projects to be funded
by the $1 million Downtown Public Improvements reserve.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Approval of the Strategy would designate the $1 million in the Downtown Public Improvements
reserve to implement various capital improvement projects within the Downtown Specific Plan
Area.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the City Council review the proposed projects in the Infrastructure and
Economic Development Investment Strategy or provide Staff with alternative direction.
Reviewed By
Assistant City Manager
DESCRIPTION:
As background, the City Council has an adopted Fund Balance and Reserve Policy which
identifies a "Downtown Public Improvements Seed Funding" reserve (Downtown Reserve). The
purpose of the reserve is "address public improvements within the Downtown Specific Plan
Area". The reserve has an allocation of$1,000,000.
The City Council, at its October 7t" meeting, requested that Staff bring back options for
expending the Downtown Reserve on projects in downtown Dublin. Since that time, Staff has
been reviewing options for the City Council's consideration with a focus on infrastructure and
economic development and ways to uniquely position the downtown area.
Page 1 of 2 ITEM NO. 8.3
Staff has developed, for the City Council's consideration, an infrastructure and economic
development investment strategy appropriating the Downtown Reserve, which would make the
downtown area more pedestrian friendly and aesthetically pleasing. It would also provide for
greater coordination and marketing of the downtown as well as needed amenities such as
access to the internet. Individual projects are discussed and presented below for consideration.
Proposed Projects
Pedestrian Mid-block Crossings $460,000
This project would provide additional mid-block crossings for pedestrians along Amador Plaza
between Safeway and Dublin Place Shopping Center near REI and Sprouts. The project would
also add pedestrian refuge points within the median for safety. Finally, the median would be
augmented to restrict left turn movements from the Safeway center and prevent cross traffic
from Dublin Place Shopping Center to the Safeway center. Funding of these improvements is
consistent with the City's recently-adopted Bike and Pedestrian Master Plan.
Downtown Business Improvement District Assessment $50,000
Funding this project would provide a feasibility analysis for the implementation of a Business
Improvement District within the Downton Dublin Specific Plan (DDSP) Area. A Business
Improvement District, which was identified in the DDSP as a potential funding mechanism,
provides businesses and merchants within the area with the resources to develop marketing
campaigns, increase awareness, and enhance public improvement projects in partnership with
the City. This will create a more organized business community, which can work more
effectively to create positive change and increase support for businesses within the area.
Village Parkway Streetscape Plan $150,000
A Village Parkway Streetscape Plan would provide the City and the development/retail
community with a vision and future roadmap of changes being considered in this district of the
Downtown. Staff would be able to use this as a tool for future infrastructure investment but also
as a tool to tell the story of expected change/transition over time.
Downtown Banners Program $50,000
The project would fund the replacement of the downtown banners, including the installation of
new hardware to post the banners on the streetlights. This would be done in conjunction with
the City's new marketing and branding efforts.
Downtown Engagement Projects $50,000
Funding would be used to help with activation of areas within the Downtown, possibly creating
events in conjunction with existing centers and tenants.
Downtown Wi-Fi Installation $60,000
This would implement free public Wi-Fi within and throughout the entire downtown area.
Total Project Costs $820,000
Staff's proposed spending plan leaves a balance of $180,000 in the Downtown Reserve. The
City Council can provide direction, if any, on the remaining balance.
NOTICING REQUIREMENTS/PUBLIC OUTREACH: None.
ATTACHMENTS: None
Page 2 of 2