CC_Minutes_2015_0223 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

Regular City Council Meeting Monday,February 23, 2015 Page 31 Laliberte moved, Willmus seconded, to NOT move forward with the City Manager's recommendation. City Attorney Gaughan suggested language in the motion be stated as listed in the RCA (lines 35 — 36), clarifying the City's participation only extending to convey- ing property to the HRA. Mr. Gaughan noted it was important that this proposed motion not indicate that GMHC was authorized to undertake any action beyond their own voluntary efforts, and that the City was under no contractual obligations with them at this time. Further discussion included timing for a joint meeting; actions of the HRA at their February 17 meeting to table action until a full contingent of board members was available. Public Comment Rich Schlueter,794 Lovell Avenue W Mr. Schlueter opined that he, and probably the entire neighborhood, would feel affronted if the process were stopped cold at this point and not within the spirit of what was trying to be achieved, especially when he found GMHC's second option as a win-win for all parties, even though it appeared to come out of nowhere. Whatever the next steps are, Mr. Schlueter opined that the neighborhood would appreciate the opportunity to express their opinion for either option, and while he could somewhat envision what the 18 unit proposal may look like, he would pre- fer to see a model before a decision was made. Even though Councilmember McGehee alluded to support by the neighborhood for the 18 unit proposal, Mr. Schlueter noted that this was the first he'd heard of it, and suspected that was the case with many of his neighbors as well; and while it sounded great,he would like them to have the opportunity to express their opinion on either or both proposals. Grady Matwood, 841 Lovell Avenue Mr. Matwood echoed the comments of Mr. Schlueter, noting the fair amount of cynicism expressed at the initial community meetings, with neighbors being un- sure of the City's motives but pleased their opinions were apparently being re- spected. Mr. Matwood noted the changed atmosphere at the end of that process, with the neighborhood 100% supportive of the 25-unit development being pro- posed. However, since those meetings ended, Mr. Matwood opined that the neighborhood had not been re-engaged by the City Council in the process, and he would definitely appreciate the opportunity to be involved and hear options mov- ing forward to get past this stalemate. Mr. Matwood asked that he and the neigh- borhood be kept in the loop and retain a voice in the whole process, since the neighbors had a vested interest in the outcome. Motion Restated Laliberte moved, Willmus seconded, to NOT move forward with the City Manager's recommendation to withdraw City participation in the Dale Street project.