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Home My Public Portal About19990426 specialSPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 26, 1999 CALL TO ORDER 1 The Special Council Meeting of April 26, 1999, was convened at 7:00 P.M. by Mayor Tom Rackers. ROLL CALL The following Council Members were present for the roll call: Present: Blaney, Jackson, Landwehr, Nelson, Vogel, Vincent and Weber Absent: Jaynes, Stella, *Nilges A quorum was declared present. *Councilman Rick Nilges arrived at 7:40 PM. DISCUSSION OF CONVENTION CENTER REPORT City Administrator Rich Mays made a presentation explained, in detail, the history of the City's pursuit of a convention center and the process by which the City solicited and accepted the proposals before the Council tonight. He explained Proposals were submitted the following developers: 1. The Capital Convention Center Group, headed by Mr. Darrel Dunafon, JCR, Inc., which is the Ramada Inn, and Prost Builders Dan Gordon, Darrell Gordon, and Richard Groner Following Mr. Mays' presentation, he asked City Counselor Allen Garner to explain the City's ability to issue tax -free debt for projects like the convention center, and also the City's financial risk. At the conclusion of Mr. Mays' and Mr. Garner's explanations of these issues, Councilman Larry Vincent asked for information which indicates the difference between the City owning the property for 20 years (as far as taxes which would and would not be paid), and what the TIF amounts to over the 15 years of taxes which would not be paid. City Administrator Rich Mays stated that he would generate that information and provide it to the Council. There was a question- answer period held between members of the Council and members of the two development teams which were present. Councilman Charles Jackson distributed a list of items that he requested be made a part SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 26, 1999 2 of the record hereto, and incorporated into, and made a part of, any development agreement with the designated developer. Councilman Bob Weber commented that he would also like to see what Councilman Larry Vincent requested earlier pertaining to information showing the comparison on the taxing entities over the long term, and he would like to see the scenario of what the "opportunity cost" would be for the taxing bodies (city, schools, etc.). At the conclusion of discussion, a motion was made by Councilman Larry Vincent, seconded by Councilman Carol Blaney, that staff prepare a resolution which will direct staff to begin negotiating with the Capital Convention Center Group. The motion was approved unanimously by the following roll -call vote: Aye: Blaney, Jackson, Landwehr, Nelson, Nilges, Vincent, Vogel and Weber Nay: None OTHER BUSINESS Mayor Tom Rackers requested that Council Members contact his Administrative Secretary with their preference to serve on either the Solid Waste Committee or Appointments Review Committee, keeping in mind that the senior council member from each ward will be given first preference. Councilman Larry Vincent requested a report on the status of Y2K compliance issue. Councilman Larry Vincent asked questions about the Southgate Appeal which was filed with the City Clerk's Office on April 22, 1999. City Counselor Allen Garner explained the appeal process briefly. Councilman John Landwehr and Councilman Carol Blaney commended both development groups for submitting such outstanding proposals on the convention center. He stated that the vote which occurred tonight was not necessarily one that means all "doors are closed" or that "all bridges are burned" in the event that negotiations with the named developer should break down. ADJOURN MENT There being no further business to come before the Council at this time, a motion was made for adjournment by Councilman Charles Jackson, seconded by Councilman Edith Vogel, that the meeting be adjourned, approved unanimously at 8:10 PM.