HomeMy Public PortalAbout19981116 specialSPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING NOVEMBER 16, 1998 1
CALL TO ORDER
A Special Council Meeting was convened on November 16, 1998, at 6:00 P.M. by Mayor
Duane Schreimann.
ROLL CALL
The following Council Members were present for roll call:
Present: Blaney, Haake, Jackson, Jaynes, Landwehr, McDowell, Nelson,
Nilges, Stella and Vincent
Absent: None
A quorum was declared present.
CONVENTION CENTER ISSUES
City Administrator Rich Mays made a presentation on the status and history of the
negotiations with John Q. Hammons for a convention center, followed by a presentation by
City Counselor Allen Garner on agenda and ballot options regarding the issue.
Comments from the Public:
Mr. Richard Groner, Dan Gordon, and Darrel Gordon made a proposal to the Council to
construct a convention center in the same locale as the site proposed for the Hammons
center which would include kitchen facilities and an attached hotel. They indicated that the
main difference between their proposal and Mr. Hammons' is that they would pay all taxes
normally associated with a business instead of requesting tax abatement for the project.
Mr. Darrell Dunafon made a proposal that the convention center be located at the
previously considered Ramada Inn site which would also include the construction of an
additional "hotel tower" nearby, and that all taxes would also be paid instead of abated.
Both proposers stated they believe the City should give consideration to other developers
before finalizing the Hammons proposal.
A lengthy discussion of the issue by the Council and staff followed; no official actions were
taken by Council at this time.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Council at this special meeting, a
motion was made by Councilman Carl Jaynes to adjourn, seconded by Councilman Len
Stella and approved unanimously at 7:15 p.m.