January 25, 2011 > Fremont City Council Fremont City Council Special Meeting City Council & Redevelopment Agency January 17, 2011 In response to California Governor Brown's budget proposal including the disestablishment of all redevelopment agencies in the State, city council met to develop a "two-pronged strategy" to retain proposed redevelopment projects. It was decided to enter into a "Public Improvements Grant Agreement" between the City of Fremont and the Redevelopment Agency. This would create a contract to hopefully predate an effective date of any cessation of new redevelopment activity. Projects included in this agreement include Irvington BART Station ($107,600,000), Fremont Boulevard Streetscape and Traffic Improvements ($5,050,000), Quiet Zones Improvements ($3,600,000), Greenbelt Gateway at Grimmer ($1,400,000) and Niles Alleys Rehabilitation ($2,400,000) It was also decided to authorize issue of Redevelopment Agency Tax Allocation Bonds of up to $140,000,000. These funds, if allowed by State action on the Governor's proposal will allow funding of key redevelopment projects. It is expected that if the Governor's proposal is ratified by the State Legislature, funding of housing projects will transfer to the Housing Authority of the County of Alameda. Tax increment monies slated for Redevelopment Agencies would be used to satisfy existing commitments and debt service, then to the State in the first year. In following years, monies not obligated by pre-existing commitments would go to local governments (i.e. schools, counties, cities, special districts). A constitution amendment to allow local bond measure passage at 55% vote for economic development projects is proposed. Mayor Bob Wasserman Aye Vice Mayor Suzanne Lee Chan Aye Anu Natarajan Aye Bill Harrison Absent Dominic Dutra Aye January 18, 2011 Work Session: Midtown District was discussed including community plans and design guidelines. A final document will be prepared following additional study and public meetings to create a physical vision using a "clear and comprehensive set of policies." Components include: Density, Character, Furniture, Art, Parking, Land Use, Design and Priorities. The final documents are anticipated for Council review late summer to early fall 2011. Fremont Public Financing Authority Meeting schedule approved for 2011 (Jan 25, Feb 1, Feb 8). Consideration of State Budget Issues Nothing new; Council is waiting for further action from the State Legislature.