10-18-2000
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CITY OF EDGEWATER
CITY HALL SITING COMMITTEE
OCTOBER 18, 2000
2:00 P.M.
CITY HALL CONFERENCE ROOM
AGENDA
CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Balmer called the Regular Meeting to order at 2:00 p.m.
in the City Hall Conference Room.
ROLL CALL
Members present were: Chairman Chris Balmer, Susan Wadsworth,
Ferd Heeb, Matt Negedly and JoAnne Sikes. Mike Tanksley and Mike
visconti were excused. Also present were City Manager Kenneth
Hooper, Planning Director Lynne Plaskett, Finance Director
Michelle Goins and Deputy City Clerk Lisa Bloomer. Grant writer
Don Hall arrived at 2:12 p.m.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Regular Meeting of September 27, 2000
Mr. Negedly stated he was not on the members that were present at
the last meeting. Chairman Balmer asked if they can approve them
with that correction. Mr. Heeb so moved, second by Mr. Negedly.
The motion CARRIED 5-0.
COMMITTEE COMMENTS
Ms. Sikes stated she has had quite a bit of comment with the fact
that, so many people don't want anything, City wise, to lose this
piece of property. No matter what is done with it, they want the
City to keep it because of its value. She has heard that comment
many times. People comment that they are not looking into the
future like the Committee is trying to do. They are not looking
at making a complex and looking toward the future. Many retired
people and many others feel that perhaps selling this piece of
land is the wrong thing to do.
Chairman Balmer asked if she has had any offers or suggestions of
what would be here if City Hall wasn't. Ms. Sikes stated one
person said since the Police Department is so small it should be
a Police Complex.
Mr. Heeb stated he hates to get into that. Personally if he
thought the City wouldn't grow, he would love to see City Hall
stay right here but that is not the case. This City and the
politicians and the people involved with the City are committed
to growth. They have to approach it from that point of view.
This is not place a for a police station or City Hall.
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Mr. Heeb feels the ideal spot is their number one choice, the
McAllister property, which is central and on a major thoroughfare
and it gives the City visibility. It does everything that you
want to do in a city that has a growing urban population. He
thinks a lot of people cling to past. He stated Ms. Sikes made
the comment the City's name was Edgewater and that City Hall on
the water was appropriate.
Ms. Sikes stated the main comment was the fact that the main
objection to this is they have talked about a condo here. That
is a no-no. Mr. Heeb stated when you look at this piece of
property and the neighborhood it is residential. Anything that
goes here should continue within that context of being
residential. When you put an acre of land where this acre of
land is and you say what can you do that is residential, it is
almost impossible to think of someone buying this property for a
single family residence. You get into the situation of how to
keep it residential and exploit the absolute value of the
property. Ms. Sikes stated there are people talking about condos
that are complaining about bed and breakfast on Riverside Drive.
Mr. Heeb stated he doesn't want a bed and breakfast because they
are commercial. Ms. Sikes stated the people that live there run
them. These are wonderful bed and breakfast establishments in
New Smyrna Beach. Mr. Heeb stated they are also in a commercial
area.
Chairman Balmer thinks that all centers around dividing the
meeting into three sections; ranking of the vacant land, which
they have done, going into the ranking of developed land, and
what to do with the current City Hall, which promises to be very
lively. He has heard a lot of comments from folks that are
excited about the possibility of a new City Hall and moving it to
an area with some of the requirements they have set, such as the
minimum 15 acres. with the exception of one negative comment,
all of the have been very positive and he has received well over
100. He feels good that they are still heading in the right
direction.
Mr. Negedly stated he is divided down the middle. He is happy to
see the direction they are taking as far as the McAllister
property. They need bigger without a doubt. On the flip side,
holding on to this property, not for City Hall, but for City
access and recreation use. New Smyrna Beach is trying to buy a
hotel on the beach with State money. They are playing catch up
with beach access and overflow parking. When the motels were
built, they probably didn't even consider that. He looked at the
City's webpage and everything they drive and are selling our City
on is somewhere to work and live. He feels taking away the
access to the citizen who doesn't live near the river, in his
mind, would not be a wise choice. Ms. Sikes thinks the City
should keep it and it should be developed.
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City Hall siting Committee
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Chairman Balmer stated Ms. Plaskett is here to help them with the
developed land. City Manager Hooper and Finance Director Goins
had no comments. Chairman Balmer introduced Michelle Goins,
Finance Director. Ms. Plaskett passed out the map.
Chairman Balmer asked if they wanted to recap what they have done
as far as the summary on vacant land. Mr. Negedly suggested a
different way of voting. Chairman Balmer stated they will
definitely look at that. Mr. Heeb stated they approved this
ranking and the lowest vote was 5-1. Mr. Negedly stated he is
saying as they go further. They will be doing more of those and
that may be a better way in the future.
STAFF COMMENTS AND REPORTS
Ms. Plaskett stated the task she was given was to identify
existing developed land under single ownership of 15 acres or
more. She identified properties as number one being the DBCC
location, number two being the site of Golden Star of Central
Florida, number 3 being 21 acres owned by Doug Cole off of Mango
Tree Drive, number 4 being Eastern Shores Mobile Home Park,
number 5 being the McAllister Property, which is the number one
choice of the Committee. Chairman Balmer informed the Committee
this property is falling under developed also because of the
houses on it. She further identified number 6 being 38 acres
owned by the Diocese of Orlando which is adjacent to Edgewater
Landing and number 7 being the Edgewater Water Plant on SR 442.
Ms. Sikes stated technically they excluded it because of what Mr.
Wadsworth said.
Chairman Balmer asked if anyone had any questions or thoughts.
Ms. Plaskett stated the only thing they did exclude was the
shopping center because of it being totally unrealistic. The old
Winn Dixie north of town did not meet the acreage requirements.
Mr. Negedly asked Ms. Wadsworth if anyone else had contacted her
regarding the combination of three parcels. Ms. Wadsworth
informed him no. There was a brief discussion regarding the
combined three parcels that were presented at the last meeting.
Mr. Negedly doesn't think it is enough property. Ms. Plaskett
stated it is not even close to the acreage requirement. Ms.
Sikes asked if it was with Settle Wilder. Ms. Plaskett informed
her no.
Chairman Balmer stated they gave parameters to Ms. Plaskett to
give them some preliminary looks at the properties. They haven't
seen the parameters for the developed land so they can still
change that but they wanted to have something to start with. He
feels the next thing they need to do is look at what type of
parameters do they want to set for this list like they did with
the vacant land. He feels it makes sense to stay with the 15
acres and on a major artery. He asked for any other thoughts?
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City Hall siting Committee
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Ms. Sikes stated for them to make any sense to the people when
this is brought up to Council and the people, they have got to
stick to those guidelines. It has to be accessible and on a
major artery. Chairman Balmer firmly believes that. He feels
the only problem that poses for Ms. Sikes is the current City
Hall that she was adamant about having on that list is not on a
major artery or 15 acres. Ms. Sikes feels a major artery is
Riverside Drive and Park. Avenue up to U.S. #1. Chairman Balmer
asked about the 15 acre requirement. Ms. Sikes stated there is
an area here that could actually be used. Chairman Balmer stated
if they are going to have it on the list they need to obtain a
plan that they will be able to obtain 15 acres here. They can
talk through that and look at. If they are adamant on having it
on the list, they have to make sure it fits the criteria.
Mr. Heeb stated Riverside is not a major artery. They talked
about SR 442 and US 1. He doesn't consider Park Avenue to be a
major artery. Ms. Plaskett explained there are different
categories of roads. US 1 and 442 are arterial roads. West Park
Avenue is a major collector road which means cars come there from
other side streets and use it as a main source of getting from
point A to point B. Riverside is considered a local collector
road. It is not considered a major road by the D.O.T.
definition. Chairman Balmer spoke about creating a mini Canal
Street such as Park Avenue from US 1 to Riverside Drive where a
City Hall complex could take up the north side of Park from US 1
where the major access would be to Riverside Drive. Chairman
Balmer stated it was mentioned to him. Ms. Sikes stated it was
mentioned to her too. Chairman Balmer stated if they are going
to keep City Hall on this list and look at voting on that and
talking about it they need to devise a plan to do that to expand
or rebuild what we have.
Chairman Balmer asked if they missed any property either in or
out of the City that they can bring back to the table. Ms. Sikes
stated the piece of her property she is interested in is not a
single owned piece of property. A citizen came to her regarding
property west of US 1 but it is owned by several different
people. West Park Avenue to Pearl Street along Old County Road.
It is behind Tropical Blossom. Ms. Sikes stated it is quite
high. She walked it the other day. Chairman Balmer stated it is
definitely something they can look at. Chairman Balmer asked if
they wanted to look at the mobile home parks on US 1, which was
mentioned by Mr. Negedly. Mr. Negedly commented on property
across from Bank of America from Edgewater Quick Lube down US 1.
He feels number five is going to be big bucks. Chairman Balmer
stated he doesn't think that is an option. Ms. Sikes spoke about
property on US 1 that includes the Harmon property and the strip
mall J.C. Carder put in. Chairman Balmer asked if she is talking
about where the YCMA is. Ms. Sikes informed him yes.
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city Manager Hooper stated he is worried the Committee is getting
too focused on a piece of dirt. They talked about trying to find
zones. He feels there is no difference between five or something
across the street. He suggested they lump 3, 4 and 5 in one
area. When the Committee is done with it, it will get turned
over for the Council to look at. Chairman Balmer stated they
have gotten into looking for actual pieces of dirt. City
Manager Hooper suggested they focus on where they want it. That
will be more helpful. They are going to get too bogged down
trying to say this piece is better than this piece. The
Committee won't be dealing with the price. Chairman Balmer
stated Ms. Plaskett will have to do it eventually. City Manager
Hooper suggested they look at some areas which will be easier for
them to deal with. Ms. Plaskett stated she informed the
Committee of the Coronado Horse Farm because of central location.
She was looking at it from a planning perspective such as where
is the heart of City now and in the future. She was looking at
the big picture.
Chairman Balmer asked if they have already done that. Mr.
Negedly stated yes. Mr. Heeb stated they did the ranking of soil
but it still fits. They ruled out everything to the south. City
Manager Hooper stated Council wants them to pick an area. He
spoke about trading property and rough types of uses, such as
mUlti-family which he has heard mentioned. The Council also wants
the Committee to look at whether they should keep the property
across the street or sell it. He suggested they have public
input. Chairman Balmer stated they were heading in that
direction. They have now gotten more direction on the current
site. He marked on the map the three properties that were
chosen. They were pretty firm on the minimum of 15 acres and on
a major artery. City Manager Hooper feels that is a good number
to be looking for.
Mr. Negedly stated when they were looking for numbers they
decided to vote pieces of property. He voted because of a
specific piece of property more over his most desirable location.
Mr. Negedly moved to look at the two areas of SR 442 and US 1 or
SR 442 and 1-95 as target areas. Mr. Heeb asked how far he was
talking. Mr. Negedly stated number five meets what they are
talking about. Mr. Heeb asked about Roberts Road and US 1.
Chairman Balmer stated he didn't like it. Mr. Heeb stated there
is going to be expansion to the south and the west. He is not
sure, Roberts Road might not ultimately be the center of the
city. Ms. Wadsworth seconded the motion. The motion CARRIED 5-
o.
Chairman Balmer asked for discussion between those two. Mr.
Negedly feels present day US 1 and SR 442 are very good. One of
his selling points was police presence and a potential Fire
Department. It is room to grow for the City in a central area.
will they expand to west, there is no doubt. How fast and how
long will city Hall sit alone, that is a question he tosses
around. When he looks at Port Orange it might be wise to do so.
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Mr. Heeb spoke about the statement if you build it, they will
come. That is one of his greatest fears of SR 442. The minute
you build it, they will come. This state has been driven by
developers for 60 years. Our major economic entity in this state
is development. When you widen SR 442 to I-95, guys are going to
start looking at it and say there is a lot of land to develop.
It will happen faster than he would like it to. Mr. Heeb stated
don't discard I-95 and SR 442. Ms. Sikes stated SR 442, no, it
is too far out. Ms. Wadsworth stated her first choice is the US1
and SR 442 area.
Chairman Balmer stated they can think about this between now and
the next meeting. He suggested they look at the zoning and think
about it and revisit it next time as well as the potential use of
the current City Hall. Ms. Plaskett asked if the Committee has
considered property between us 1 and I-95 on SR 442 that may not
be in the City currently. Ms. Wadsworth stated the property is
too low. Ms. Plaskett stated she is speaking target areas
period. Mr. Negedly stated in the past he has said he cautioned
themselves to not try to be assessors. When he says SR 442 and
I-95, he is talking a mile diameter. He is talking zones and
areas. He agreed with Mr. Heeb. Mr. Heeb stated this whole
exercise is being put together to start the ball rolling on the
City acquiring property for its future City Hall site. His
feeling is the longer they put that off, the less likely they are
to find a site that will make everyone happy.
NEW BUSINESS
Grant Writer Don Hall
Chairman Balmer stated Don Hall is present. Some folks expressed
opportunities for grant writing and what that looked like for the
current City Hall. Mr. Hall stated he would say this is an
opportunity in looking at eliminating slums and blight. He
questioned where is Main Street. He feels us 1 is fair game.
Looking to the future the City certainly has some opportunities.
When he looks at Main Street he sees some slums and blighted
areas that are not fifteen acre parcels. They are broken up and
there are some derelict businesses. Some of that could be
acquired. They could come in with bulldozer and take care of
that stuff. There are funding opportunities that help you do
that. That might be something the Committee wants to look at in
an overall picture. Don't worry about what is there now.
Chairman Balmer stated they had asked Don Hall to originally come
in when they were looking at specific areas and pieces of dirt.
Mr. Heeb asked if it is appropriate for them to speak to him. If
we say we want a central location on a main thoroughfare that
limits where they will have City Hall. He asked if they are
trying to make a decision of what they shouldn't be talking
about. Mr. Hall stated there is an opportunity here to use this
as a tool. Wherever you want City Hall, pretend there is nothing
there. Whatever it is, let's deal with it.
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city Manager Hooper asked if it is easier to get money for taking
out a blighted residential or commercial. Mr. Hall stated
residential is easier. You have a relocation issue to deal with
but there are a number of funding sources.
Mr. Hall spoke about reuse of this building and housing always
being an issue. If you need to relocate people, there are a
number of sites to be relocated to. There are some housing
programs that could tag along with this for low and moderate
income persons, which is 80% of the population of Edgewater. Mr.
Heeb stated the only comments he has heard from citizens relative
to relocating City Hall to a blighted area, is the trailer park
that is on US 1 on the east side of the road. Ms. Plaskett
stated there are a couple of them. Mr. Heeb was talking about
the one across from the cemetery. Chairman Balmer stated he
thinks that is going take care of itself in going back to zoning.
Ms. Sikes spoke about the property next to Eastern Shores going
northward that is a tremendous block of land that could be
cleaned up and used and it is right on US 1. To her that has got
good potential. Mr. Hall stated he doesn't want her to leave
that off the list. Ms. Sikes commented on the area being number
three being a tremendous area.
Chairman Balmer asked if they want to take what they have learned
today under advisement as far as looking at those zones. He
asked what they decided on the mid-section of SR 442. Do they
want to circle the area and call it a zone? Mr. Heeb stated on
number three, there is a City in South Florida that built its
City Hall across the street from the FEC railroad tracks. They
never stopped being sorry for that. He recommends that is
insanity. When the trains go by the foundation of the building
will shake. Ms. Sikes stated she was talking about Eastern
Shores.
Chairman Balmer stated they will redo the maps next time. He
wants to hear from them was is this something they would consider
as zone on SR 442. Mr. Negedly stated his view is Coronado Farms
west, that whole corridor. Ms. Wadsworth agreed. Mr. Negedly
was also thinking Dustin's to Silver Ridge. Chairman Balmer
stated next time they will come back with map and look at those
zones and will discuss this further. That will be much easier
and they will probably get that done next time and then vacant
verses developed doesn't become important.
Chairman Balmer asked to speak about the current site. He asked
City Manager Hooper to brief them again on the difference between
keeping Kennedy Park with this. They want to look at zoning
potential. City Manager Hooper stated he is talking about land
use and if the park across the street should stay or go.
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Chairman Balmer definitely thinks the park should stay in the
City but it should be redone to be a complete park. He is not
convinced the boat ramps need to be there but he doesn't know
where to move them to. As far as this current site, he doesn't
like the word commercial but he wouldn't mind a condo like the
one north of the South Causeway. Ms. Wadsworth agreed. She
feels the whole section should be vacated and made into a park.
Mr. Heeb spoke about making Park Avenue from US 1 to the river a
Canal Street, that was brought up to him by an individual. He
stated what they are finding if you look in the real world, it is
not economically feasible. Stores are not surviving. Daytona is
going through it with the money they spent on Beach Street. with
the giant malls and strip centers, the day of the little boutique
store in a quaint area, unless you have a situation that causes a
large pedestrian area. He doesn't see that ever happening in
this City. It's not a municipal function so it has to be someone
that is a developer. From the economics, the only thing that
makes sense on this piece of property is multi-unit residential.
The key in his mind is that the City has to control the
development of the property. The City has to negotiate.
Mr. Negedly feels there are enough residents without access to
the river and to many it is just a boat ramp but to many others
this will be their only exposure to come to a park on the river
and play on swings, the homage things of a small town. He feels
recreational use needs to stay. What to do with this side of the
street, he doesn't know. He says if they maximize use over
there, where are people going to park, that is why he said a
while back a parking lot.
Ms. Sikes does not want to see a condo here and will fight it.
She doesn't think that is what needs to be here. Chairman Balmer
asked her about the parcel across street. Ms. Sikes feels that
property should stay as a park and this property should be also
be developed as a park. Chairman Balmer asked her where she
would have people park. Ms. Sikes spoke about the property
behind City Hall. People know how to do these things. She can't
see and she doesn't see a condo here. She thinks that is wrong.
Mr. Heeb asked her why? Ms. Sikes stated this is her hometown
and this is the way she feels as well as other people. They like
a small town. They like it to be homey. They don't need condos.
Mr. Heeb stated he is on her side. He would keep City Hall here,
the way it is. They are here because they can't. Ms. Sikes
stated she didn't say they need to keep City Hall here. Mr. Heeb
stated saying they want to keep the small time atmosphere in a
City that is pressing to have economic development growth. Ms.
Sikes stated she is here because she wants to see us grow but she
can't see going clear out to China. Developing an area around US
1, yes, she sees that. Mr. Negedly feels if they say they
couldn't keep City Hall here and build a five story condo and
maximize the use a different way, they are going to be
inconsistent with their message.
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Chairman Balmer asked to go back to zoning. There are three
zoning choices that are consistent; residential, mUlti-family,
and commercial. Ms. Plaskett also brought up the tourist
commercial category with the thought of utilizing the boat ramps
with a small marina. Something adequate to be able to
accommodate recreational uses for boaters in our community and
some sort of a restaurant or businesses that would support the
marina related activities.
Mr. Negedly stated that is in line with how he was trying to
direct. Ms. Sikes stated if this property is turned into a condo
with parking underneath and homes on the top, why can't that be
done with City Hall. Mr. Heeb stated there is a whole difference
between the impact of residential units and a quasi commercial
entity like City Hall. The number of people involved in a five
story City Hall is significantly more than a 15 unit condo. It
is going to have an average at maximum three people per unit and
maximum two cars per unit. The impact is that they have a very
finite quantity of land that they are dealing with. It would be
different if it was infinite. This doesn't make sense as a City
Hall. Going back to Ms. Sikes feelings on keeping this a small
quaint City, he is in agreement. That doesn't fit with motel
sitting on Riverside Drive. He is saying to keep the value of
this property the only solution is going to be residential
condominium. If you don't do that, he thinks making it parking
is a mistake. Ms. Sikes stated the City needs to keep it.
Chairman Balmer asked to break it down between the east side and
west side of Riverside Drive. He is hearing support for keeping
the east side of Riverside separate and as a park. City Manager
Hooper stated discuss what you would put there and add that to
it. He wants the Committee to talk more about what they would
develop over there. Mr. Negedly stated it is the people's
property and it should maintain to be the people's property. He
commented on his idea of a park for across the street. It could
be a place the community can come and enjoy. He doesn't know
what they could do with maximizing across the street with getting
rid of this. Chairman Balmer asked if he would convert that to
all park with no boat ramps. Mr. Negedly stated yes but they
need to replace the boat ramps with more than what we have got.
He feels they both need to be increased.
Mr. Heeb feels the property is too small for a marina. It would
require the property to be developed. He thinks somebody came up
with the idea of converting a yacht club like setting with
marina. You have a big time dredging permit to get. He feels it
isn't a suitable spot for marina. We already have one in the
city. He would be against it. Mr. Negedly spoke about the
premiere parking being at the YMCA. He feels across the street
could be a really nice, small park.
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City Manager Hooper stated it is waterfront. If he were going to
recommend the Council spend city bucks, it would probably have to
be a water oriented park. He spoke about relocating the
shuffleboard and freeing up some of that area. The Parks Board is
looking at that as a water oriented park. If the City wanted to
make a marina, he would make a move on Camerons to buy it, clean
it out and to make it something. The permits for marinas are
nightmares. Chairman Balmer stated Mr. Corder gave good
direction and they are in agreement of replacing the tennis and
shuffleboard courts.
Mr. Negedly agreed with the water oriented park. He feels
boutiques or restaurants wouldn't be supported. Chairman Balmer
stated they also talked about getting more of the parking off of
the river. City Manager Hooper stated it sounds like the dilemma
is this property. Council's idea was that this is very valuable.
If they were going to vacate City Hall, it wouldn't be for
parking but they would vacate for something that would create
more of a tax base or else it doesn't make any sense. He
commented on the mention made of making this a better City Hall
site. Mr. Heeb stated they can't make that happen without
getting rid of the boat ramps. Economically, no one is going to
develop this property with that view. City Manager Hooper
mentioned changing the view. Chairman Balmer stated he thinks
they agree but he thinks there is a little discrepancy with how
drastically they change that view. He feels Mr. Heeb is saying
no boat ramps over there to get the prime money for this
property. Mr. Heeb stated if he were running the show, he would
find a developer and sit down and talk to him about this deal.
He would start talking about grants and he would the get
developer to develop that property the way he wanted it.
Chairman Balmer feels what also factors into this is that most of
us know if we don't get the maximum amount of dollars out of this
site, it is going to be hard to sell to the citizens that they
are going to build a new million dollar City Hall and raise
taxes. That weighs on him. He doesn't think this should be a
parking lot. Not only would they miss out on tax revenues, they
aren't going to have the opportunity to spend the type of money
they want on a new City Hall complex. Ms. Wadsworth agreed. Ms.
Sikes feels this is too small. They need to do something. They
need to expand. She can't vision a five story condo here.
Chairman Balmer stated they have narrowed it down to four
zonings. He asked if they are in agreement. Mr. Heeb feels they
should drop tourist commercial off there. It will not happen.
Chairman Balmer stated they can still debate it. Ms. Sikes feels
something else has to be done soon as far as an open meeting from
the public before they go any further.
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Chairman Balmer stated the last time they talked about setting
that date, they were all convinced they weren't ready to do that.
If they are to that point, then absolutely. Ms. Sikes stated if
they are going to talk zones, they need to talk to the public.
Mr. Negedly stated if they have the liberty to pick the zone for
the new area and stay general, he encourages they stay general
with this area and give it to Council. Maximize revenue and
don't take a square foot away from the citizens' access. It is a
big ball they could fight tooth and nail on forever. He feels
they need to stay general. If they put to vote what it be zoned
he doesn't think that would be wise.
Mr. Heeb spoke about a large piece of property on US lone or two
blocks from Park Avenue that should be for municipal parking.
Ms. Wadsworth informed him that is Dr. Davis property. Ms. Sikes
stated that is absolutely not for sale. She has talked to Dr.
Davis and he will not even talk about selling it. The property
is not for sale. Mr. Negedly feels they are getting too
specific. Chairman Balmer thinks they need to debate about the
overall of what people think about taxes and money. He feels it
is going to come back to what they feel the zoning should be.
Mr. Negedly is suggested they not even talk about a zone but say
it just meet certain criteria. Mr. Negedly feels they are going
to cross that bridge even if they cross it. Chairman Balmer
suggested they schedule a public meeting. He feels they should
meet one more time and talk about the different zones and narrow
us in on one of those zones so they could talk about both at the
public meeting. Mr. Heeb stated these are public meetings.
Chairman Balmer stated they are talking about advertising for
citizen comments. Mr. Heeb stated won't that happen when they
put in on the table for the Council. City Manager Hooper stated
it will happen again but the thinks they are at that point to get
feedback.
Chairman Balmer asked Deputy City Clerk Bloomer to advertise the
public hearing. Ms. Plaskett stated she took out tourist
commercial and replaced it with recreation. Chairman Balmer
asked if they want to hold the public hearing in the evening
hours. Ms. Wadsworth suggested they schedule it with a Council
meeting as a public hearing. City Manager Hooper feels they are
after genuine citizens that are concerned about this issue.
Chairman Balmer would like to see who is interested in this
issue. City Manager Hooper suggested November 8th or 15th. The
Committee decided to look at Wednesday, November 15th, at 7:00
p.m. Ms. Wadsworth agreed to include it in the newsletter.
Chairman Balmer suggested they take to the public hearing two or
three zones and the four different classifications and get
comments. They can take that information back to their next
meeting. City Manager Hooper stated they could get Ms. Plaskett
to summarize the sites and give the public something to start
with. Ms. Plaskett stated they would have to give her the
information. Chairman Balmer would also like to schedule a
meeting for after that. Mr. Negedly recommended it being closer
than two weeks after. Mr. Heeb suggested the next morning.
Chairman Balmer asked about November 16th at 8:00 A.M. The
Committee agreed. Page -11-
City Hall Siting Committee
October 18, 2000
....
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Mr. Heeb asked Ms. Sikes if she walked the McAllister property.
He asked if she had any idea what he is asking for the property.
Ms. Sikes stated that isn't what she was supposed to do. She
walked the property and saw what was there. She didn't have
anything to do with that. City Manager Hooper stated he has been
getting calls. Ms. Sikes stated it's an ideal piece of land in
the center of the city. People don't realize how big it is
actually and how much is there and available. If the City ever
went into the marina business, they could have parking there
which is not far from Cameron's down Boston Road. Things could
eventually be utilized. She feels it is worth looking into.
OLD BUSINESS
There was no old business to discuss.
DISCUSSION ITEMS
Mr. Hall suggested they keep one more zoning classification on
the table, that it be continued as a public use. He threw out
the idea of a senior center and youth center. He doesn't know
what the overriding imperatives are as to if you need to sell
this or not. If the sale of this property on this side of the
road revenue wise is necessary to make this happen, they may want
to consider continued public use of this property. Chairman
Balmer asked City Manager Hooper what he thinks. City Manager
Hooper stated there is going to be a senior room in the new YMCA.
The value of this is probably what will drive the deal, cash for
here. He spoke of this falling under recreation. Mr. Negedly
stated after they are done and they nail down an area for the new
site and give Council an area, what will happen then. City
Manager Hooper explained if he has it his way, he will do a
Request for Proposal on this site and advertise this site for
sale, barter or trade. He will get three or four developers
lined up and meet with them and tell them what we will and won't
do and arrive at a price value of this. He would then start
looking for property elsewhere. It would probably be to nail
this down first before he would start.
COMMITTEE COMMENTS
There were no committee comments at this time.
ADJOURNMENT
Ms. Sikes moved to adjourn. The meeting adjourned at 3:23 p.m.
Minutes submitted by:
Lisa Bloomer
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City Hall Siting Committee
October 18, 2000