12/10/07 Community and Economic Development Committee

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Community and Economic Development Committee December 10, 2007 Page 4 • City is providing far too high funding for the resulting benefits • Impact of Marriott Convention Space on Existing Community Assets and Privately Owned Businesses • Demise of downtown Marriott which is the only luxury, full service brand in market • Public investment in parking garage primarily used for private purposes • Public funding of private infrastructure including ash removal, utility extensions and new street development. Mr. Perri requested that the Mayor request a delay on this Bill for the 30-45 days. Council Member Pfeifer noted that Holladay Property Services Inc. refused to requested commitments affecting the taking of existing businesses when they came before the Council for Portage Prairie. Dr. Varner raised questions with regard to MetroNet. Public Works Director Gary Gilot noted that the city provides the conduit and that MetroNet provides the fiber. Mayor Luecke added that state standards for job creation would not apply because it is a mixed use development. City Clerk John Voorde inquired whether the fly ash cinder would have value and whether it could be reused such as abrasive materials for the streets during the winter months. Mr. Gilot stated that he is uncertain about this but would take a look at it. He noted that the ash does not have load bearing capacity. Citizen Member Phil Panzica welcomed the project and believes that there is a market for it. He voiced support that Kite and the University of Notre Dame will pull business from outside of this area. Ashley Ottesen stated that they plan to market locally, nationally and regionally. Council Member Puzzello made a motion, seconded by Council Member White that Bill No. 81-07 be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed. There being no further business to come before the Committee, Council. Member Dieter adjourned the meeting at 5:15 p.m.