10-15-03 Informal Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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Informal Meeting of the South Bend Common Council October 15, 20113 rage 3 Dr. Varner stated that he would be much more comfortable if the position was "show me the money" instead, before moving forward. He noted that he has been a long-standing supporter of the Palais,and antique cars,and that they should have pursued getting the S. Ray Miller collection. Mr. Gilot noted that it may be easier to raise monies if the museum is accredited. Mr. Gilot then provided a one-page handout entitled "Update on Studebaker National Museum Request for Proposals"for design firms (copy attached), He noted that: Release REP took place on September 26, 2003 Proposals are due October 27, 2003 at 10:00 a.m. Proposal review meeting will be on October 29,2003 at 9:30 a.m. fi Notification of the successful firm on October 31,2003 Mr. Gilot stated that the Mayor is looking for the City to go forward. Council Member Kelly noted that there are no guarantees, however the City needs to look at whether the risk is worth it. He believes it is, since we have an "outstanding collection". He further noted that he does not believe that the city should sit on its hands and do nothing. The Council Attorney suggested that a written time table be provided to the Council when legal action would be required to take place, in light of the multiple party involvement. She further suggested that the role of the Common Council be made known, with regard to the agreements which are currently being negotiated; as well as getting draft copies to the Council of any such agreements which would need Council input or approval. Mr. Gilot noted that he would confer with Cheryl Greene of the Legal Department on each of these items. Dr. Varner noted that the Council has a fiduciary responsibility to the tax payers of the city, noting that currently the taxpayers are saddled with $800,000 to $1 million each year for the College Football Hall of Fame. He noted that he has nothing against museums, however the lack of reporting from the NFF is not responsible. Council President White thanked everyone for the input and information on this proposed project. She suggested that any further questions which the Council may have be transmitted to the Council Attorney so that she could then contact Mr. Gilot. Council President White then called for an update on the Erskine Hills Shopping District project. Bill Schalliol of Community & Economic Development gave an update. He provided a 3-page handout on the south side retail corridor development (copy attached). They will know by the end of next week when the demolition of the old L.S. Ayres building take place, with it scheduled to begin yet this year. Mr. Schalliol noted that the mall had 590,000 square feet and that the Erskine Hills Shopping District project will have a total of 510,000 square feet when you include the current free-standing restaurants now in existence. There will be 480,000-485,000 square feet of new construction. He further noted that 8-10 of the existing store fronts in the mall will relocate to the Village area. The City has started a master plan for the area which will involve a lot of pre- planning. He noted that the southwest corner of Michigan and Ireland contains 55 acres which is currently under discussion. Council President White inquired about the K-Mart property, noting that they are leasing at the