12/16/2002 Meeting Minutes (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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Regular Council Meeting 12-16-02 Page 3 think we have really demonstrated to people we meant what we said; we've been trying to negotiate these at arms length as much as possible. The fact is this project's got to go forward. It makes little sense to jeopardize it at this point. I think that in most of these instances the whole process is being validated as one in which we've been very methodical in having appraisals, some appraisals have been revised due to circumstances with the goal of being as fair and honest as they can be. The dollar amounts that will be identified for the respective properties that are unsigned by the end of the year will actually be deposited in the Court. So even though you've passed this legislation at that point and even though complaints (they're called petitions) would actually be filed, the dialog does not cease there. Our goal is not to have to try a single case and we think there is very good chance that we could be pretty well successful in doing that. We don't know that; we can't predict it. We anticipate right now there are a number of properties that we are pretty sure we're going to have to file petitions on. But we will continue to maintain a line of communication as much as the respective property owners will let us; we will continue to be as objective about it because it is in our best interest to do so. If we've got to go into a court room and be able to say this is what we think is fair compensation, that's what we're doing; that's what this process is intended to do. I think we've done a very solid job in accomplishing that. Again, Gerard is here tonight. If there are questions that you have about the process, if you have individual questions, again, all I ask is that we not talk about the actual dollar amounts. I don't think that that helps at all. Once the deal is concluded, that is public record. It's the other reason that I ask that we not even go into Executive Session tonight because I think as much as we can talk about this being sensitive to that particular aspect of it, then it behooves us to do so. I think it kind of gives us all a better sense of confidence that what we're doing is really pretty straightforward. So that's my request. Mayor Rinker said I only have one other comment. That is, I think we all need to recognize that the gentleman who is seated to my right [referring to Council President Buckholtz] has successfully matriculated and has earned his Batchelor of Science degree from Cleveland State University; the Maxine Levin Goodman School of Urban Studies. Mayor Rinker joked, now Bill, when we see B.S. after your name, we know it's a sign of respect. Council President Buckholtz said thank you. I actually received an award; it was for the longest student in the history of Cleveland State. I started in 1969. Thank you. Council President Buckholtz said well, we can have further discussion on that when we get to that portion. I appreciate your comments on this and I do have some questions for Mr. Neugebauer but I think we'll hold that until we get to that portion of the agenda. COMMENTS FROM. COUNCIL PRESIDENT BUCKHOLTZ The only thing I really wanted to comment is on the January schedule, if I may. It's a little bit different for people serving on Council and ladies and gentlemen in the audience as well. We will have our Organizational Meeting on Monday, January 6`" at 8 p.m. Mayor Rinker will preside over that meeting. January 13`h we will hold our Council Caucus (everyone is welcome,