City Council Agenda and Packet 2015 08 18

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City Council Meeting Minutes July 28, 2015 Page 9 of 28 PUBLIC COMMENT Ann Tengler, 494 W Spruce Street, Louisville, CO encouraged Council to define the value of this transaction to include several non -cash factors: These businesses continued presence add to the community at- large. Both businesses continue to be a regional draw; provide a safe family -fun community space, jobs, sales tax revenue and great pizza and ice cream. She felt they are a part of the downtown character and she did not want to lose either business to another City. Andy Johnson, 920 Lincoln Avenue, Louisville, CO supported the sale of this property to Front Street Ventures. He stated the land purchase agreement has not been conducted behind closed doors and there was prior notice of the sale. He felt this was a fair deal and the price of the property is within the reasonable market range. The purchaser agrees with the restrictions placed on the property, which is important because this is the gateway to the City and the proposed improvement will provide a long -term commitment to Louisville. He stated the Street Faire and the downtown restaurants have made Louisville a regional destination. He urged Council to approve the sale. Laurence Verbeck, 930 Parkview Street, Louisville, CO explained he put in an offer to purchase the property for $1,450,000; $250,000 more than the McManus offer. He was concerned the community was not involved in the process. He did not feel the City was contractually obligated to sale the property to Mr. McManus. He stated the Council made a good faith offer in an executive session without public input. He exchanged emails with City staff last week and was told the City is not accepting offers for the property, which he felt was a deliberate exclusion. He noted there was not an RFP process and in light of this he requested the City Council consider his offer or tell him why they would not consider his offer. Susan Kelley, 936 Parkview Street, Louisville, CO addressed the public process and although she supported Sweet Cow and Lucky Pie, she felt it must be weighed against the Council's responsibility for the taxpayer -owned building. With respect to the public process, she felt a lot was decided in an executive session. She stated if the property is sold to someone other than the current tenant, the lease will remain in place, it is contractually obliged. If the property is sold to the current tenant, it is not contractually obliged and may be resold. Drew Honness, 1865 Gordon Drive, Erie, CO Founder of Sweet Cow Ice Cream, explained five years ago he was lucky enough to move into 637 Front Street and start a small ice cream shop, which turned into an ice cream company. He noted each time he considers a new location he looks at the foundation of the community; its schools; parks; the number of restaurants in the area and whether there is the ability to walk or bike to a store. They now look for 20 -year leases for new sites. He was grateful to be in Louisville and wanted to stay in his spot. He urged the Council to approve the sale. 39