City Council Minutes 1982 10 19 - Laserfiche WebLink

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10/19/82 Page -4- Charles Van DeBoogard 1400 Washington Ave. Wished to thank the Mayor and councilmembers for the opportunity to speak on this issue. Commented there was much he could say this evening, but in all fairness to all parties concerned he would limit his discussion to a few minutes. He wished to plead with the members of council to take a serious look at getting an independent opinion on whether the proposed Neodata project meets the City's Office Zoning. It was his feeling that it did not meet the zoning requirements, and felt that all parties on both sides of this issue had made up their minds, a long time ago, as early as April. At the City Council meeting where :he sub-division plat was up for second reading, there was a glimmer of hope that an independent opinion would be requested. He reiterrated his request for a disinterested party to make a judgement if this really does meet the zoning require- ments. Mr. Van DeBoogard realized that he had a biased opinion because he resided in the area, and felt that some members of Council may have been biased also. He stated he would have backed off this subject long ago had someone stepped forth and issued a formal statement that it did or did not meet the zon- ing requirement. He understood why council at the second reading of the subdivision agree- ment plat didn't wish to get an independent opinion. There was some discussion of how this would be done; also some discussion about undermining the abilities of the City Attorney. He emphathized with this; but felt as humans all of us could make mistakes. From the be- ginning, he felt the issue had been quite polarized and has taken away some people's objectivity in this respect. He then re- quested that council not proceed with the issuance of the: Industrial Revenue Bonds until someone, whether it be a judge, an expert in zoning, an arbi.trator, or just someone with an unbiased opi.nion stated that the Neodata project did meet the zoning requirements, he would then be willing to say issue the revenue bonds. Mr. VanDeBoogard further commented he would not welcome Neodata with open arms, but would not be as apprehensive as he does now, if an independent judgement was made.