mincow 05-13-19 - Laserfiche WebLink

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President O'Leary remarked that while the secondary purpose of a community center is compelling that he is comfortable moving forward based on the storm water management potential of the site. He expressed his view that ten years from now, the City will not be better positioned to more cheaply acquire the land needed for this project. Councilmember Litten stated that he would support the purchase for either reason separately and that both projects alone justify the purchase. He asked if the use of the property as a community center can be enshrined in the purchasing agreement somehow. The administration emphasized that the Letter of Intent specifies closing by June 30th and so Council will need to act by May 20th to meet that deadline. The Mayor framed the outstanding questions regarding the potential community center, noting that the City will eventually do a cost analysis to compare the costs of demolishing the church, rehabbing the church, or demolishing and rebuilding a community center at the site. Councilmember Rader expressed support for the proposed purchase for both its storm water management potential as well as its potential to serve as a community center. He asked for clarification regarding the deed restriction. Councilmember O'Malley clarified his comments to articulate that he supports the project for stormwater management use and wants to be certain that the City is serious about pursuing a community center on the site. The administration explained that the deed restriction entitles the City to sell the property but that any gain the City receives must be split with the church. In response to a request by Councilmember Anderson, the administration discussed the progress of getting the City's IWWIP approved by the EPAs. The Mayor indicated that the plan has been received favorably. On June 6 t the EPA will visit Lakewood and invest in learning more about the proposals. In June 19th Mayor Summers will meet with the U.S. EPA in DC. He noted that the EPA Region 5 regulators in Chicago are the toughest audience so far. Councilmember Anderson questioned whether the plan to purchase Cove Church is risky because it will take place before the EPA accepts the IWWIP. Mayor Summers assured Council that the engineering and data are on point and that the only objection of the EPA was that the City wasn't moving fast enough or doing more. The earliest that the IWWIP will be approved is August. Councilmember Bullock remarked that he looks favorably on the purchase and is rooting for a rehab over new construction. He suggested that it would not be a loss even if the City purchased the property and later re-sold it. Re-selling it would allow the City to attach certain restrictions to it. He remarked that the purchase would be a signal to EPA that the City is taking action toward Clean Water Act compliance. 2