Commercial Properties (vacancies, new businesses, etc.):

La Bamba “Nuevo”:  Work continues as Mr. Vicenttin shoots for a Cinco de Mayo opening.  Unclear as to whether or not this will occur, as there is still quite a bit of work to be completed here.

Timberline Meats:  Work continues on this project as well.  Exterior is getting closed to completion, both on the main building pictured here and on the stand alone garage.  Interior utility work is mostly done, and counter construction will begin shortly. Exterior of the buildings are close to completion with the exception of landscaping — concrete (ADA ramps) and asphalt work are in process.

Carlson property:  This project is very close to completion now.  The site has been paved and striped, and a new monument sign (see below) has been installed at the site.  As of this writing, there are three carts currently on site (not open for business), but the owner tells us that he anticipates most if not all slots being filled on opening day, which should be before May Day.  (Depending on how successful this project is, it is possible that parking could become an issue of contention with this pod in one manner or another – we are monitoring the situation as the pod goes live, and will keep Council informed of any issues that arise)

Scooter’s Sports Bar & Restaurant (Sandy Marketplace):  The body of the building has now been painted red with a gray trim, and the roof will get a coat of charcoal paint once the weather dries out.  All signage is installed.  The business owner is getting close to completion with this project, and is projecting a May opening date if all goes well.

Rias’ Bar/Sandy Family Restaurant:  This building is currently being re-roofed by the owner as part of a regular maintenance schedule.  The wood shingle roof is being replaced by a metal roof that is becoming increasingly common around the City.

DQ:  Updates to their free standing signs triggered “Sandy Style” upgrades in the form of stone wraps for the base of both signs (see below).

Project work: 

• City departmental webpages: The Planning & Building page has now been updated to incorporate input from the new Planning & Building Director.  This will conclude the updating of this department page for now, although we might discuss more changes and a possible complete redesign later in the year when both of our “to-do” lists are not as full.
• Planning & Building Department: Work on incorporating updates and improvements to process within this department continue, but we are making a good amount of progress on all fronts.  We have reviewed the façade program, culminating in the changes we brought to Council at the 4/3 meeting, and are much more comfortable with the operation of the program now.  The same is true of procedures for urban renewal assistance with streetscape improvements, and webpage improvements are complete.  Working now on food cart issues (VIJ Eatery to move down to AntFarm Outdoor Building space; managing rollout of Sandlandia), potential outreach to breweries and a façade upgrade for Brad Picking’s building across the street from City Hall.  I also plan to work with this department to develop strategies to further beautify and improve the downtown business district (Blade sign grant program to replace A-frame program? Increased use of code enforcement to “encourage” compliance with code?  Assistance from City to help business/building owners fix small maintenance issues?)
• Connelly demolitions: Konell Construction submitted the winning bid on this project ($43,707), and I have begun coordinating with them to prepare for demolition.  The next stage will be the removal of environmentally hazardous materials from all four buildings – the hazmat mitigation subcontractor will begin work on or around the 24^th of April.  Konell tells me that the actual demolition and removal process will begin very quickly after that and should not take them long to complete, so there is a possibility of this project being completed by May Day or shortly thereafter.  (The Police Department has decided against conducting training exercises in these buildings as originally intended.)

Conferences/training:    Nothing this month.