2009-10-12 Regular Council Session Agenda

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Council Agenda Item Cover ___________________________________________________________ MEETING DATE: October 12, 2009 AGENDA ITEM TITLE: Resolution of the City of University City for Green Housing Development AGENDA SECTION: New Business CAN THIS ITEM BE RESCHEDULED? No BACKGROUND REVIEW: The City previously purchased and funded legal fees to obtain clear and marketable title on five properties in the northeast quadrant of the city that were vacant and not productive with the purpose of attracting the development of five new LEED certified green single family homes. It sent a Request for Proposals out in May 2009 and received one proposal from a consortium made up of Arcturis (architectural firm), BOA Construction (a green housing construction firm) and Washington University’s Sam Fox School of Design and Visual Arts (design studio). Their proposal asks the City to be an active partner in the development of these five homes, insofar as the construction would be funded by the future homeowners themselves through construction financing. The recruitment of eligible buyers through a specially designed website and marketing materials and use of other emerging media, such as Facebook, Twitter and Craig’s List would be utilized. Success in finding buyers is essential to the project being completed. This Resolution spells out the City’s desires and agreement to approach the development of the properties in this manner. The City has been asked to fund the actual recruitment materials on the front end of this project. The consortium members are donating their time and talents on the front end of this project. If successful in recruiting buyers, the design process would begin in January 2009 and construction to start June 1, 2009. In the FY 10 Budget, $18,000 has been set aside in the legal account of the Administrative Services program in the General Fund. An internal transfer from account number 721.03 (legal services) to account number 721.02 (professional services) would be made to fund the recruitment materials. The funds dedicated for such services would not exceed $15,000, leaving $3000 remaining to acquire and clear title on the sixth property, 6615 Crest, which is owned by St. Louis County and any ancillary costs in community outreach. With success of the first five homes, additional vacant lots could be acquired in FY 11, should the budget permit. RECOMMENDATION: Approval.