SR 02-09-2016 3C
City Council
Report
City Council Regular Meeting: February 9, 2016
Agenda Item: 3.C
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To: Mayor and City Council
From: Andy Agle, Director, Economic Development Division, Housing and Economic
Development
Subject: Bergamot Advisory Committee Extension of Service
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that Council extend the term of the Bergamot Advisory Committee
until April 2016 in order to provide the committee with additional time to complete their
review and finalize their recommendations on the conceptual project plan for the
revitalization of the City-owned Bergamot Station Arts Center property.
Executive Summary
At its meeting on February 10, 2015 (Attachment A), Council created an advisory
committee to help shape the future of the City-owned Bergamot Station Arts Center
property. The role of the committee is to work with the Worthe Real Estate Group and
City staff to evaluate and identify the appropriate mix of uses and review and comment
on the conceptual plan for the property, in accordance with the Council-adopted
guidelines for the property. The timeline for the Committee’s work was identified as six
to nine months, and the Committee has been meeting monthly since April 2015.
However, the Committee has not completed its review or recommendations and staff
requests Council allow the Committee an additional three months to complete the
assignment.
Background
On September 9, 2014 (Attachment B), Council authorized exclusive negotiations with
Worthe Real Estate Group (Worthe Group) for the revitalization of the City-owned
portion of Bergamot Station Arts Center (Arts Center) a t 2525 Michigan Avenue (Site)
and directed staff to develop a recommendation on the formation of an advisory
committee (Advisory Committee) to participate in shaping the project.
On February 10, 2015, Council approved a proposal for the creation of an
eleven-member Advisory Committee including four representatives of the
Bergamot Station Gallery and Cultural Association, four neighborhood association
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representatives from the Santa Monica Neighborhood Council, and one representative
each from the Santa Monica Arts Commission, Chamber of Commerce, and Santa
Monica Travel and Tourism (see Attachment A). In addition, Council adopted a set of
Guidelines for the revitalization of the Site, and defined the role of the
Advisory Committee. Staff initially estimated that the Advisory Committee would require
six to nine months to review the Worthe Group’s conceptual plan for the Site and make
their recommendations on the five key deliverables for the Arts Center: parking
management strategy, construction phasing, urban design and site management
strategy, infrastructure and Site improvements, and elements of an Arts Center
management plan.
Discussion
The Advisory Committee first met on April 15, 2015 , and has held monthly public
meetings with the Worthe Group and City staff to review the conceptual plan and
provide input, feedback, and recommendations. Staff created a project website to
provide the Advisory Committee and the public with an accessible resource of the
committee meeting minutes, agendas, and materials presented in the Advisory
Committee meetings. To date, the Advisory Committee has conducted significant due
diligence as well as evaluated, identified, and approved the amount and mix of uses for
the Site and commented on all five elements of the key deliverables. However, the
Advisory Committee seeks additional time in order to complete their review and finalize
their recommendations. Specifically, the Advisory Committee seeks additional time to
continue to discuss and adopt formal recommendations on the following key
deliverables for the Site: parking management strategy, final urban design and Site
management strategy, infrastructure and overall Site improvements, and the Arts
Center management plan. The Advisory Committee has committed to completing their
analysis and recommendations by April and staff is confident that the committee will be
able to finalize their work within the next three months and is therefore recommending
the extension.
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Following Council’s selection of the Worthe Real Estate Team, the City entered into an
Exclusive Negotiation Agreement (ENA) with the Worthe Group on April 30, 2015.
The ENA schedule anticipates that the Worthe Group would submit design concept
plans for Council review (in its proprietary role) following completion of the Advisory
Committee process. If Council approves the extension of time for the Advisory
Committee’s work, the ENA schedule would be adjusted accordingly.
Financial Impacts & Budget Actions
There is no immediate financial impact or budget action necessary as a result of the
recommended action. Staff will return to Council if specific budget actions are required.
Prepared By: Jennifer Taylor, Economic Development Adminstrator
Approved
Forwarded to Council
Attachments:
A. February 10, 2015 Staff Report
B. September 9, 2014 Staff Report