Coos Bay Gives $97,000 of Public Money to the Local Drama Club

11/3/2016

The following was in the October 28, 2016 addition of the City of Coos Bay's newsletter with a very brief description of the Dolphine Theater façade project.

The project cost the taxpayers $97,200 for the improvements, which was not mentioned in the newsletter. Why?

From the Coos Bay URA Minutes 01-05-2016

Consideration to Approve a Façade Improvement Grant for the Dolphin Players

City Manager Rodger Craddock presented a façade improvement grant application on behalf of the Dolphin Players Theatre located at 580 Newmark in the Empire District. City Manager Craddock provided a brief history on the building noting in 2011, the Urban Renewal Agency(URA) entered into an agreement with the Dolphin Players wherein the URA provided $100,000 and project management for some required interior renovations of the building. In return, the Dolphin Players agreed to allow the facility to be used as a community meeting place, free of charge at a minimum of once a month and placed security interest in the property should the building be sold at later time.

On May 4, 2015 the Design Assessment Team reviewed the application and recommended approval of the project as proposed. On May 12, 2015 the Planning Commission also reviewed the application and recommended approval of the proposed improvement as submitted.

Urban Renewal Agency Minutes- January 5, 2016

Dolphin Players Treasurer Alice Carlson noted the exterior of the building was a hindrance to operations and in much need of repair; noted Hillary Baker of Crow/Clay Associates Inc. assisted with the design and proposed improvements. Ms. Baker noted the theatre building was constructed in 1940 and was a partial two-story structure building. The applicants proposed to use the additional fa9ade grant to improve the exterior of the building to include improvements to the existing metal siding and canopy; refinish/repair and paint the concrete shell; construct a new cornice, base plinth and pilaster; replace windows on the south elevation; and construct a new internally illuminated marquee over the south entrance with lighting in the soffit to light the sidewalk/entrance. The project also included areas on the east elevation for community murals.
Bids received were $125,892, $122,970, and $97,200. Ms. Baker noted the $97,200 bid included all improvements less the east-wall stucco.

Staff proposed the Agency consider making the requested fa9ade grant an Agency project; recommended providing project management funding for the project in the amount not to exceed the $97,200 project bid. Staff also suggested increasing the security interest on the property to include the amount spent on the 2011 project and the proposed project.

Board Member Shoji moved to approve the Agency managed Dolphin Theatre façade project for an amount not to exceed $97,200 subsequent to an agreement with the Dolphin Players for an increased security interest on the property deed. Board Member Kramer seconded the motion.

Board Member Vaughan inquired about the architectural costs associated with the project. Ms. Carlson stated some architectural costs/time was donated and the remainder was paid by Dolphin Players.

A call for question was made which passed with Chair Groth and Board Members Brick, Kramer, Shoji, and Vaughan voting aye. Board Members Daily and Leahy were absent.

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