CCMinutes - 06/14/04 Mtg - Laserfiche WebLink

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~tremendously needed" park development. He indicated he would vote against the amendment in the event of a tie. Councilor Kelly offered a friendly amendment to add at the end of the mo- tion the following language: ;;... and to initiate the necessary Metro Plan amendment to include the 77 acres within the urban growth boundary." Councilor Bettman accepted the friendly amendment. In response to a question from Councilor Kelly, Ms. Riner said the reason there was only funding for 19 acres and not 40 acres at this time was that the money had been dedicated for such a purchase ten years ago and the land costs had increased. Councilor Kelly had no problem with the profit the developer made on the swap, but was concerned with the total cost and benefit to the community. He related that Laurel Hill residents were very nervous about this deal. He recalled presentation provided to the council in November, which had indicated that more public meetings would be held, but this had not happened. Regarding Mr. Dafoe's concern, he was uncertain how his situation would be mitigated once 1,000 residential units were built in the area. He recommended the motion be brought back as a straight acquisition of the 77 acres for the park. Councilor Meisner said he was prepared to support the amendment based upon what he had heard. However, he felt many questions had been raised. Councilor Meisner, seconded by Councilor Poling, moved to postpone fur- ther discussion of the item until July 12. Councilor Nathanson asked if the delay would benefit or hurt the City in the property acquisition. Mr. Taylor replied that it did not make it better. He expressed his preference for the council to agree with the recommended negotiation. He felt holding the item delayed the acquisition. Councilor Nathanson asked staff to provide information on how this was affecting the assessed value. Councilor Bettman asked if there were other unwilling sellers who may have been interested in offered similar benefits. She noted that originally a 40-acre park was being sought, and now the proposal included 77 acres and the acquisition of Moon Mountain as well. She felt there should be a comparison to what other opportunities were available and also with the changed criteria. She wanted to know the cost of staff resources invested on this item to date, and how much more the cost was projected to be. Councilor Taylor asked what the property was currently worth. She also wondered why the City was not pursuing a purchase of 40 acres as had been originally planned. In response to a question from Councilor Kelly, Mayor Torrey recommended submitting questions via email. Councilor Pap6 expressed concern about the credibility of the City organization. He felt the City ;;moved all over the map" in its decisions. Mr. Taylor responded that it was an important community decision and more information would benefit the decision process. Roll call vote; the motion to table passed, 6:2; Councilors Bettman and Solomon voting in opposition. Mayor Torrey called for a ten-minute break. The City Council reconvened at 9:10 p.m.