City Council Minutes 2014 10 21 - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Council Meeting Minutes October 21, 2014 Page 19 of 24 Mayor Muckle supported the acquisition of the property to provide parking for the downtown area and for future rail parking. He felt it would be a mistake not to take the opportunity to purchase the property for public parking. PUBLIC COMMENT Garrett Mundelein, 555 County Road, Louisville, CO addressed the purchase contract and requested clarification on the approval of the planning review process, the waivers of fees and of land dedication. City Attorney Light explained if there is not a mutual agreement on the land use, there is no guarantee for waivers. If the City Council does not approve the land use, the seller may choose not to proceed with the closing of the property. Garrett Mundelein voiced his concern the Planning Commission may feel the City Council has already approved the waivers, by way of the contract. He stated it looks like the decisions have already been made. He stated he had a problem with the contract, but not with the purchase. John Leary, 1116 LaFarge Avenue, Louisville, CO inquired whether a consultant will be hired to look after the interest of the public and bring forward a quasi - judicial process. He asked Council to get a promise to be paid back the $400,000. Bob Tofte, 1417 Courtesy Road, Louisville, CO supported the acquisition for public parking. He felt the gateway will be built sooner than later. He was bothered by the statement "the staff recommends" and was interested in knowing what kind of negotiations took place when Mr. Tebo initially proposed his conditions. He asked if there was any response from staff. He felt Planning Commission was taken out of the equation by approving the contract. Michael Menaker, 1827 W. Choke Cherry Drive, Louisville, CO objected to any implication the City staff does not represent the citizens, that they don't negotiate firmly and fairly and by having staff make this presentation to the Planning Commission and the City Council, the interest of the citizens of Louisville are not represented. He stated the underpass will be built and noted what was being overlooked and the real key is the right -of -way for Cannon Street. He felt without Cannon Street there will not be a connection to the urban renewal area. The revenue projected for the retail property on Highway 42 is a pledge to the bonds and pays a portion of the underpass. He stated the LRC was conservative in their projections. He stressed the Cannon Street right -of -way is critical. Randy Caranci, 441 Elk Trail, Lafayette, CO asked if Cannon Street is a key component, why is it not in the contract. City Attorney Light explained as part of the platting process, lot 3 will be platted and designated as right -of -way. The way to secure this will be a right -of -way through the platting process.