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MINUTES OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE May 13, 2019 Auditorium Present: Councilmembers Anderson, Bullock, George, Litten, O'Leary, O'Malley & Rader Also Present: Mayor Summers, Human Services Gelsomino, Urban Designer Allison Hennie, Finance Director Pae, Chief Assistant Law Director Swallow, Planning Director Sylvester, Deputy Clerk Nick Lascu, Clerk Bach and four members of public Call to Order: 5:38 p.m. RESOLUTION 9069-19 A RESOLUTION to take effect immediately provided it receives the affirmative vote of at least two thirds of the members of Council, or otherwise to take effect and be in force after the earliest period allowed by law, authorizing the Mayor and Director of Law to enter into a purchase agreement with Cove United Methodist Church fka Detroit Avenue Methodist Church Inc., an Ohio non-profit corporation, owner of the property located at 12525 Lake Avenue, Lakewood, Ohio (PPN 312-28-006), and to execute all documents necessary to effectuate the purchase and sale according to the terms of that agreement. Director Sylvester remarked that tonight's presentation follows upon a discussion held two weeks ago in Committee of the Whole on this topic. Since then, the Planning Department has received questions from councilmembers and responded via email. He directed the Committee's attention to an updated substitute version that was distributed. Ms. Swallow explained the substitute version stating that in the exhibit provided at the last meeting is included but with the funding for remediation removed. Director Sylvester reviewed that the primary purpose for the proposed purchase is to build an underground water storage tank, consistent with the City's Integrated Wet Weather Improvement Plan submitted to the EPA. The future use of the church structure is a secondary consideration. Evaluation of the structure for Human Services purposes will require significant work that can not be undertaken unless the City owns the property. Mayor Summers emphasized that the letter of intent signed with Cove Church has a short timeframe and that all of the questions surrounding the use of the Church can not be answered in this timeframe. President O'Leary expressed his comfort with moving forward with the sale based on the storm water needs alone. Councilmember O'Malley remarked that the creation of a senior/community center at the property is a very important consideration in his approval of the project. He noted that the property is located on prime real estate and multiple developers have expressed interest in it. 1