09-11-17 Community Investment - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

James Mueller, Executive Director of Community Investment with offices on the 14th floor of the County-City Building, stated, The Administration shares a lot of the goals of this resolution to make sure we get this fifty (50) year decision right. We have two (2)points with this resolution. We first want to know what we are expecting out of the two (2) firm study. If you are referencing the full study,that is already required as the environmental assessment. It is incredibly expensive for just one (1) firm, let alone two (2). We want to know what the Council expects from the two (2) firm study. The second bullet in the resolution is actually a matter of federal law so they would be reimbursed by the Federal government. Also, if this passes with the third bullet remaining as written, it would make the whole project infeasible. Committee Chair Ferlic suggested the co-sponsors and the Council Attorney, Bob Palmer,to work with James to find the correct language to make the resolution passable before the 7:00 p.m. Council meeting. Councilmember Tim Scott asked, What does it cost for having two (2) studies instead of one (1)? Mr. Mueller replied, It depends. Committeemember Davis stated, People want options. Mr. Mueller stated, Feasibility studies range in the tens of thousands, but if you were to do the whole study we are talking about hundreds of thousands. Eric Horvath, Director of Public Works with offices on the 13'floor of the County-City Building, stated, Feasibility studies determine if there is a path there and what it would take to build it. That probably costs around $50,000 to $100,000. The other analysis that takes into account the NEPA requirements is $500,000 to $700,000. Councilmember Scott then asked, Is the study in the resolution referencing the feasibility study? In my experience usually we do three (3) firms. Committeemember Regina Williams-Preston stated, It is important for us to demonstrate our commitment to development without displacement. Whether it costs additional funds or time it is worth it. We need to look at people over profit. Councilmember Karen White stated, This is a fifty (50) year decision and we must address all the questions, especially from those that will be impacted. If people have to be displaced we must do our very best to make them whole. Committeemember Will Smith asked, So there has not been any sort of economic impact analysis the City is aware of? Mr. Mueller replied, There has been some preliminary research done with coalitions but for the record, we have not entered into an agreement with NICT on this. This is still in the preliminary stages. Committeemember Smith followed up, I just want to make sure that if we are spending $25 million that it will bring the benefits that we actually need. 2