Information Items:
Meeting on Fire Stations 37 and 38 - August 9th
Staff Resource: Jon Hannan, 704-336-4925
The Fire Department and the Engineering and Property Management KBU will hold a meeting about Fire Stations 37 and 38 on Tuesday, August 9, at 7 pm in the conference room of the Steele Creek Library, 13620 Steele Creek Road. The purpose of the meeting is to show the neighbors the proposed exterior appearances of the stations and seek feedback. Fire Station 37 will be located at 13624 South Tryon Street and Fire Station 38 at Shopton Road West at Armour Creek. Interested Council members are invited to attend.
Neighborhood Development's Assistance to Residents During Extreme Heat Conditions
Staff Resource: Patsy Rogers, 704-336-2118
During the recent days of extreme heat, Neighborhood Development touched base with community leaders in each of the City's nine revitalization neighborhoods to find out their needs in dealing with the heat. Staff determined that there was a need for approximately 142 fans. A total of 41 fans were secured and distributed by the Shamrock Senior Center and Tyvola Senior Center to individuals identified by staff. Neighborhood Development is continuing to work to secure additional fans that may be used during future hot days.
City Manager's and City Attorney's Evaluation Calendar Changes
Staff Resource: Denise Foreman, 704-336-3186
The City Manager's evaluation will be held on Monday, August 22, 2005 from 3:30 to 5:30 pm in Room 280. The City Attorney's evaluation will now be held on Monday, September 12, 2005 from 3:30 to 5:30 pm in Room 280.
Medical Control Board Meeting
Staff Resource: Keith Parker, 704-336-3855
For several months, a sub-committee of the Medical Control Board has been evaluating Chief Fincher's proposal to study upgrading Charlotte Fire Department's first responder duties. At its August 5 meeting, the Board accepted the sub-committee's recommendation that "No Study" be conducted. In the executive summary, the sub-committee stressed there is not scientific evidence to support making a change to the system.
The Community Safety Committee will receive a presentation on this issue at its August 25 meeting.
Arena Retail
Staff Resource: Curt Walton, 704-336-5019
Today's Business Journal includes an article about the retail space in the new arena along Trade Street. The article states that "The city, this week, selected The Providence Group of the Carolinas to lease one of uptown's most visible locations." That statement is incorrect. We are indeed having discussions with The Providence Group, as well as others, but no decision has yet been made, nor has any contract to broker the retail space been signed with anyone. The City's Real Estate division is continuing discussion with potential brokers, including the Providence Group, next week.
As a reminder, the City's contract with the Bobcats gave the Bobcats the right of first refusal to broker the leasing of the space. The Bobcats had discussions earlier this year with the Providence Group about brokering the retail space, but ultimately decided not to exercise that option in order to focus their time on basketball and arena operations. Since that time City staff has been reviewing options for leasing the space.
There is significant private sector interest in leasing the space, which totals approximately 8,000 square feet. The space will likely be filled by 3-5 businesses, depending on the amount of space each requires. Our expectation is the leasing will be complete in October, with openings in late 2005 or early 2006.
