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City of Centerville Council Meeting Minutes July 14, 2021 5,000 for State Aid, limited in land open for development and that the theory is that the leadership is urbanizing the remaining land to force the population to 5,000. Mr. Brickner stated that if ÐruralÑ is important to residents they may consider the views of those who run for office in the future. He stated that he felt that the townhome project is way too dense. He stated that he attended a meeting recently with the developer that he was lead to believe was for input but rather information for residents only where the developer began their presentation with Ðthis project will have a very urban feelÑ. He mentioned that there was no green space for kids, pets, snow removal, etc. and something you would see in a more metropolitan setting not Centerville. He also stated taxpayers should not be subsidizing any development as taxes are already high in Centerville without supporting contractors. He stated that the City would be subsidizing by providing the property for $1 which is appraised at $350,000, contractor requested up to $150,000 for upgraded siding and $80,000 for internal roadways. He also stated that according to information given at another previous meeting it would take 24 years to earn back those costs. He asked if this is setting a precedence with other development/redevelopment in the downtown area. He referenced the Downtown Master Plan, its age and need for review/updating. He stated that previously a developer was going to purchase the entire downtown area and redevelop it. He felt that that was the only way the Downtown Master Plan was feasible. He asked Council whether they desired this proposed project in their neighborhood and whether the answer was yes and you would be in disagreement with most Centerville citizens. He stated that if Council answered no, than why would you think these citizens deserve this project in their neighborhood more than in yours? Mr. Brickner thanked Council for their time, service to the community and making/keeping Centerville a great place to live and raise a family. He stated that he believes Centerville is already a great place to live, will urbanizing it make it a better place to live? Will we lose the Ðsmall townÑ feel and sense of community with this project? He hoped that Council would make the right decision for the community and the nine (9) families directly affected by the project. Mr. Tom Wilharber, 6849 Centerville Road, resident for 54 years, served on P & Z, Council, Mayor and all he heard was not in my neighborhood. Referenced people using the property and not paying the taxes. He stated that the City has owned that property for many, many years. He stated that many comments he has heard is that people do not want more development and he has responded well when should the City have stopped development 50 years ago when he came, 20 years ago or 15 years ago when you came. The property has sat for a very long time with the City incurring expenses in maintaining it. We have finally got something that will look good there and fits into both the Downtown Master Plan and Comprehensive Plan. He stated that many comments that he also heard was that taxes were too high. This project that will assist in lower them and help. Centerville is not be a little rural area. At some point, folks need to realize that farms are developing and if it does not belong to you there is a right to sell it. He stated that he hopes that Council continues with the sale of the property and the proposed development. Acting Mayor Koski thank Mr. Wilharber for his input and years of dedicated service to the City. Acting Mayor Koski asked if everyone that desired to comment had the opportunity. No other audience members made comment. He stated that additional conversations will take place later in the Closed Executive Session. Page 3 of 10