City Council Agenda and Packet 2015 09 01

Home Browse Search

City Council Meeting Minutes August 18, 2015 Page 15 of 18 restrictions and negotiating the restrictive covenants, would preclude the current owner from buying out the use restrictions from Sam's Club. Economic Development Director DeJong explained the property owner could still buy out the use restrictions or negotiate the restrictive covenants with Sam's Club. It would be part of the proposal for the property. City Manager Fleming asked Mr. Bergman to confirm Albertsons has plans for renovations. He explained the staff met with Albertsons on July 10th and City Manager Fleming specifically asked if there were any plans for the property and Lynn Miller, the Senior Real Estate Manager for Albertson's, stated they might consider a facelift for the property. He asked if Council should be interested in adopting the urban renewal plan, and if the LRC exercises the options to request proposals, would Albertson's submit a proposal in response to the RFP, which would give specific details on what Albertson's is proposing. Mr. Bergman asked if City Manager Fleming was inquiring about a renovation or whether Albertsons is prepared to make an offer to purchase the Sam's Club property. City Manager Fleming asked if Albertsons is interested in submitting a proposal on the proposed renovation of the Albertsons store in the context of an RFP so the LRC and ultimately the City Council can evaluate their proposals against potentially other proposals, which might come forward through the RFP. Mr. Bergman stated he did not believe the two sites were joined. His statements were designed to identify the uncertainty in the business community that this type of resolution is creating. Albertsons was willing to go forward with a renovation of its store. There is uncertainty as to the status of the store, in light of potential actions that may be taken, as a result of the urban renewal plan. In light of the potential actions, Albertsons is not prepared to go forward with renovations to its store. Council member Loo asked Mr. Bergman if there are renovations plans for Albertsons. Mr. Bergman stated Albertson recognizes the need for renovation and was prepared to go forward, but in light of the uncertainty created by the urban renewal plan, they are not prepared to go forward with renovations at this time. Council member Loo was concerned Albertsons would not show any renovation plans if the City Council passes the urban renewal plan. Mr. Bergman stated if Albertsons had some assurance the use restriction for a grocery store on the adjacent property would be preserved and not taken away, Albertsons would undertake the renovations. They are prepared to engage in meaningful discussion to reach an agreement. City Attorney Light explained the action on the plan does not require or initiate any condemnation of property. He stated future steps include if the LRC decides to develop a project description for an RFP to obtain proposals from persons who might be interested, or have some level of interest, in participating in the project. He stated the adoption of the plan neither initiates nor requires the use of eminent domain. He 32