On the agenda

1. 1Call to Order - Roll Call▶ 0:00
2. 2

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   Approval of March 2, 2021 CRA Meeting Minutes

   approved

   The CRA Board approved the minutes from the March 2, 2021 CRA meeting by voice vote.

   • motion:Motion to approve the March 2, 2021 CRA meeting minutes. (passed)

   👤Mike Peters👤Ms. Manns#March 2, 2021 CRA Meeting Minutes

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   [00:00:20] We have a quorum, next item is the approval [00:00:22] of the March 2nd CRA meeting minutes. [00:00:24] Move for approval. [00:00:25] Second. [00:00:27] Discussion? [00:00:29] Hearing none, all those in favor, [00:00:30] please signify by saying aye. [00:00:32] Aye. [00:00:33] Opposed, like sign. [00:00:34] Motion passes. [00:00:35] Next, Ms. Manns. [00:00:37] Why don't I tell them the message that Mike's here. [00:00:40] Director Peters has arrived.

   This text was generated automatically from the meeting video. It is not a verbatim or official record. For exact wording, consult the video or the city clerk.

3. 3

   Purchase Agreement for 6356 River Road

   approved

   The CRA Board approved a purchase and sale agreement for 6356 River Road, a 0.61-acre vacant riverfront parcel, at $290,000 (with $5,000 deposit, 30-day contingency, and closing within 30 days of contingency). The acquisition is intended to support redevelopment of the boat ramp area and broader downtown/riverfront recreation plans, alongside ongoing negotiations for the adjacent Montemayor property.

   • motion:Move to approve entering into a purchase and sale agreement for 6356 River Road at $290,000 with $5,000 deposit, 30-day contingency, and closing within 30 days of contingency. (passed)

   📍6041 Florida Avenue📍6356 River Road📍7210 Jasmine📍Montemayor property👤Chopra👤Debbie Manns👤Director Altman👤Director Murphy👤Dr. Montemayor👤Driscoll👤Joan Hook👤John Cain👤Matthew Potter👤Peters#CRA boat ramp redevelopment#Main Street master plan#Sims Park#Stonehenge development#chamber building redevelopment#public-private partnership for riverfront

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   [00:00:44] Ms. Manns, next item is the purchase agreement [00:00:46] for 6356 River Road. [00:00:48] Stayed long enough, gone long enough to get rid of you. [00:00:52] Okay. [00:00:54] Thank you. [00:00:57] The, as the mayor, or the, the mayor. [00:01:04] Chair. [00:01:05] The chair. [00:01:06] Thank you. [00:01:08] As indicated, the purpose of this agenda item [00:01:13] is for you to consider the purchase of 6356 River Road. [00:01:20] The property is currently vacant. [00:01:24] It is a .61 acre parcel property. [00:01:30] It is located just north of the Montemayor property, [00:01:38] which is located just north of the boat ramp property. [00:01:43] The purpose of acquiring the property would be [00:01:46] for the redevelopment and improvement of the boat ramp area. [00:01:51] The city has, or the staff, I should say, [00:01:56] has been having discussions with the property owner [00:02:00] about the disposition of this property for some time now. [00:02:06] And the property owner has been pretty firm [00:02:11] in their desire to obtain a purchase price of $330,000. [00:02:17] In that respect, the property has been appraised twice [00:02:23] over the course of the last few years. [00:02:28] The most recent appraisal was received [00:02:33] in the end of last year, in December, in fact, [00:02:39] and it was valued at $270,000. [00:02:45] It was presented to the property owner as such [00:02:51] and the property owner remained firm [00:02:54] that his purchase price was $330,000. [00:03:00] In the end of some rather lengthy discussions, [00:03:07] it was determined that a $290,000 purchase price [00:03:14] would be acceptable to the owner [00:03:17] if a $5,000 deposit were made on the property [00:03:20] and if there were a 30-day contingency period [00:03:25] and if a closing were to occur [00:03:29] within 30 days of the contingency period. [00:03:35] With those conditions, we are recommending [00:03:40] that you consider approving, [00:03:43] entering into a purchase and sale agreement [00:03:46] for the property. [00:03:48] Very good, we'll open it up for public comment. [00:03:58] John Cain, 6041 Florida Avenue. [00:04:03] Before I get started on this, I was hoping to hear, [00:04:07] how were you going to purchase that? [00:04:08] With what monies would you use to purchase that property? [00:04:12] If you- [00:04:12] This is actually a meeting of the CRA, [00:04:13] so it would be with CRA. [00:04:15] CRA money, CRA funds, and that's, [00:04:19] that money is already there, I would imagine, [00:04:22] or does it have to be applied for at this point? [00:04:26] Money is available in the CRA budget. [00:04:28] Okay, but that can also, CRA, I believe, [00:04:31] can also be used for any community redevelopment [00:04:34] or am I wrong on that? [00:04:35] It can be used for a number of eligible projects, yes. [00:04:40] So as a citizen, I can only tell you, [00:04:44] you know, the irony of this price is [00:04:46] because we just had discussion on picking up yard debris [00:04:51] and how expensive 200 some odd thousand is. [00:04:55] 300 some odd thousand for a piece of property [00:04:58] that is basically on the other side [00:05:01] of an adjoining piece of property that's for sale. [00:05:05] Dr. Montemayor's property, I believe, [00:05:07] am I correct, sits between this? [00:05:09] That's correct. [00:05:10] Thank you. [00:05:13] So why would we go spend that kind of money [00:05:16] with Dr. Montemayor's property in between [00:05:20] which would stop any expansion of the park itself? [00:05:24] That sits somebody privately, [00:05:26] certainly has the right to buy her property, [00:05:29] which is for sale. [00:05:30] And so what, you know, what are we doing with that? [00:05:33] And as to talk about enhancing that boat ramp, [00:05:37] you know, once again, as a citizen, [00:05:39] who does that, what advantage is that to the river, [00:05:44] to other citizens, to people in the park? [00:05:47] It certainly is an advantage to people [00:05:49] that want to drive in here with their boats [00:05:52] and give them an easier access to the river. [00:05:55] So we're basically doing that again, [00:05:58] where we're accommodating and looking to branch out, [00:06:03] but I think, I personally feel that those funds [00:06:07] could be spent a lot better than purchasing property [00:06:11] on the other side of an adjoining property. [00:06:15] I, as a citizen, I would be against this. [00:06:18] I would rather see those CRA funds used [00:06:22] for maybe some other consideration, [00:06:25] either blighted areas or upgrading, [00:06:28] anything having to do with capital improvement [00:06:31] now that we're branching out onto Main Street. [00:06:34] But I think you could find some other things [00:06:36] to do with the money other than buy that lot. [00:06:39] And it's a very odd lot, if you looked at it. [00:06:41] It kind of starts like this and then goes like that. [00:06:44] Very, very different. [00:06:46] But anyway, that's my opinion. [00:06:48] Thank you. [00:06:48] Thank you. [00:06:50] Anyone else? [00:06:56] Good evening. [00:06:57] Joan Hook, 7210 Jasmine. [00:07:01] That's my question. [00:07:02] What about the property in the middle? [00:07:06] What's, how can you have a continuum of the boat ramp [00:07:11] if the Montemayor, I believe that's the name, [00:07:14] property's in the middle? [00:07:15] Can I say we're in negotiation with that property also? [00:07:19] Oh, okay. [00:07:20] All right, well, I'm in favor of the project. [00:07:25] I think this is part of a well-rounded community. [00:07:28] We have, we're putting money into business. [00:07:30] We're encouraging businesses. [00:07:32] Our library is going to be the first class library. [00:07:36] And recreation is very important to people. [00:07:39] And I think this would really enhance New Port Richey, [00:07:43] and I'm in favor of it. [00:07:44] Thank you. [00:07:45] Anyone else? [00:07:46] Thank you for your help with the library. [00:07:50] Seeing no one else come forward, [00:07:51] we'll bring it back to the CRA. [00:07:55] I move for approval. [00:07:56] Second. [00:07:57] To the manager. [00:07:58] So, you know, this is, if you think about it, [00:08:05] it's a unique opportunity for the city. [00:08:10] There is not any other riverfront property available. [00:08:20] I appreciate Mr. Kane's comment about the expansion [00:08:24] of the boat ramp per se, and that, [00:08:28] and I agree with him that the majority use [00:08:31] of the boat ramp is done by people [00:08:34] who are not necessarily city residents. [00:08:38] And, but this is a bigger picture [00:08:41] than just expansion of the boat ramp. [00:08:43] This is an opportunity to take a very key spot [00:08:47] in our city and accumulate property [00:08:49] that would be available for a significant [00:08:53] and development opportunity and recreation opportunity. [00:09:00] This is not a simple just one buy a lot and do something. [00:09:04] This is a much, this is a small piece of a bigger project [00:09:08] that will enhance not only our downtown expansion [00:09:14] into towards 19, but also enhance [00:09:17] our recreation capabilities. [00:09:21] And it is the probably the last opportunity [00:09:25] the city has to control any riverfront property. [00:09:30] And this could be a very key spot. [00:09:35] If you think about the main street landing [00:09:39] now Stonehenge is a significant development. [00:09:46] This is, this will give us the opportunity [00:09:49] to kind of wrap up and control that property [00:09:52] so that it can be maximized for its use [00:09:55] for not only our city residents, [00:09:57] but also the future economic development of our city. [00:10:04] So that particular lot is an outstanding lot [00:10:08] with a hundred feet of riverfront [00:10:11] that is across the street from our star Sims Park. [00:10:16] And there is, there's a multitude of possibilities. [00:10:23] And I think we are in unique position as a city [00:10:26] to kind of wrap that location at property ups [00:10:31] to really maximize its future use. [00:10:37] Second. [00:10:38] Just a couple of things. [00:10:40] Debbie mentioned that there's a timeline [00:10:43] with this piece of property. [00:10:44] And that's one of the reasons that we're moving ahead [00:10:47] with this piece of property ahead of Montemayor's property [00:10:50] because it's negotiated and it has a 30 day window to do it. [00:10:54] So we're doing that. [00:10:55] I also have looked in other communities [00:10:57] and I can foresee retail on the main street side [00:11:03] that also is retailed to the boat ramp side [00:11:07] where you could actually have doors going in [00:11:10] on both sides for the retail. [00:11:12] And I think that expands the type of retail [00:11:15] that we may replace the chamber building with. [00:11:17] So I have a big view down the road too [00:11:20] of what might end up being there. [00:11:21] And I think when you put that kind of project together [00:11:25] in a city like this, that I think it helps the citizens [00:11:28] with the value of the properties [00:11:29] because people want to have their, [00:11:32] we're a boating community. [00:11:33] We allow people to have their boats in their yards. [00:11:35] So the opportunity that you can just go down [00:11:37] a couple of blocks and drop your boat in the water. [00:11:40] And I think it'll help the values of the properties [00:11:42] in New Port Richey also. [00:11:44] Thank you. [00:11:44] Director Murphy. [00:11:46] Yeah, a little bit with Mr. Chopper, Mr. Peters said, [00:11:50] we have to have to get that property now [00:11:52] cause that's the time period negotiation for it. [00:11:54] And then we're trying to acquire the other property also [00:11:57] inside of a bigger project there [00:12:00] for more access for our citizens. [00:12:02] And the other thing on top of that, [00:12:04] he alluded to county residents using it [00:12:07] and the county has indicated, [00:12:08] I don't think we've come up with a number yet, [00:12:10] but they've kind of indicated they're gonna help [00:12:13] with some of that financial part of it too [00:12:15] because their people do use it also. [00:12:18] So just part of a bigger picture item. [00:12:22] Director Altman. [00:12:23] Yeah, first of all, I just want to, I guess, [00:12:26] disclose it was back in the 90s and the early 2000s [00:12:30] that, boy, that I had employed Matthew Potter, [00:12:36] who's one of the co-owner of the property. [00:12:39] And more recently I went back and helped him [00:12:44] with some tax returns a few years back. [00:12:46] It's been over a year since I've had any employment [00:12:49] with him, but I had asked our attorney [00:12:52] to give me some guidance and I haven't been able [00:12:55] to pull up that document that you were sending me, [00:12:59] Mr. Driscoll. [00:12:59] So if you could just maybe give me some advice [00:13:03] that you've looked it over and whether or not [00:13:06] I have a conflict, whatever you sent me [00:13:07] didn't carry the attachment to it, so. [00:13:10] Okay, it was an email, I put it in an email, [00:13:12] but I'll make sure you get that. [00:13:13] If you could just give me the message, if you could. [00:13:16] Yes, yeah, so basically, based on the facts [00:13:19] that you gave me, I determined that I didn't see [00:13:22] a conflict under the voting conflict law. [00:13:24] So I don't think you have a conflict of interest. [00:13:26] Thank you. [00:13:28] So to the motion, I think everybody has said it, [00:13:32] to the question, we've always talked about expanding [00:13:35] the boat ramp, but really, if we get in another month, [00:13:39] we'll get the final plan, the big master plan [00:13:42] that many of us, some of you, I think, [00:13:45] have been to those pre-sessions. [00:13:48] And in that plan, they actually did a sort of 3D mock-up, [00:13:51] as Chopra had commented, businesses along Main Street, [00:13:59] the potential for some retail. [00:14:01] And so really, this is a more public access to the water. [00:14:07] There are so many residents who have private access [00:14:10] to the water, we've always been told more public access [00:14:13] is important because that's our main resource [00:14:17] that we have to make us unique. [00:14:22] And so, because it's part of an overall plan, [00:14:24] we hope that we can come to some agreement [00:14:26] with the other property owner through normal negotiations. [00:14:31] And I think it'll give us a great opportunity [00:14:35] to put that master plan out and see if there's [00:14:38] some private individuals who will invest privately [00:14:41] to help us in some kind of a public-private partnership [00:14:44] to make that recreational asset more [00:14:51] allowed to be used by more people. [00:14:53] I think the key is a lot of folks on the river [00:14:55] don't want to see a lot of more boats coming out [00:14:58] through to the Gulf. [00:15:00] and particularly with the no-wake zone. And so I think it's important that it's [00:15:05] mentioned that this is not a plan to double the amount of folks that can get [00:15:09] their boats in the river. It's a plan to actually expand, as again Topper had [00:15:14] mentioned, with the chamber building. We've all talked about it having the [00:15:18] highest and best use in maybe a private public. So I'm hoping that this helps us [00:15:26] to get to that project. [00:15:30] Thank you. In looking at the proposals that have come before us that we're [00:15:39] waiting on the final layouts, one of the suggestions was rather than paving [00:15:47] over both of those lots to just make tons of boat parking, was to actually do [00:15:54] some other things that would be better for people who don't want to launch [00:16:00] boats, but giving them easy access to the river. Kayaks being one of them. There is [00:16:09] a kayak launch at Sims Park. It is a bit of a hike from the nearest parking, so [00:16:15] there might well be some opportunities to make that better. And as [00:16:20] been mentioned by the other directors up here, the opportunities for doing some [00:16:28] things, including having businesses that would then cater to these boaters or [00:16:36] kayakers or canoers or whatever, has a lot of merit to it. And again, if [00:16:44] it weren't for the fact that the Montomere parcel is currently in play as [00:16:47] well, I would be much less interested in doing this particular one because it is [00:16:53] sort of an odd piece if you look at it just by itself. But that being said, I'm [00:17:00] supportive of it. Is there any further discussion? Hearing none, all those in [00:17:05] favor, please signify by saying aye. Aye. Opposed, like sign. Motion passes. Next,

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4. 4

   Update on Property Located at 5432 Acorn Street

   discussed

   Staff updated the CRA Board on the property at 5432 Acorn Street, which the owner had previously offered to the city for $275,000 (with conditions including a city-provided lot for relocating a structure) and has since listed with a realtor at $339,500. After public comment in favor of acquisition for a pocket park, kayak launch, or dog park, board members declined to make a formal motion, citing price concerns and other priorities, leaving the matter as an informational update.

   • consensus:Board accepted the staff update on 5432 Acorn Street without a formal motion, declining to pursue acquisition at the current price. (none)

   📍5432 Acorn Street📍6026 Tennessee📍6041 Florida Avenue🏢Kaiser University🏢Main Street Landing🏢Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council👤Bill Phillips👤Dana Gatos👤Debbie Manns👤Director Altman👤John Cain👤Mike👤Mr. Murphy👤Rachel Hagenbaugh#80 acres kayak access#Acorn Street drainage easement#Bike path / pedestrian bridge across river concept#Orange Lake project

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   [00:17:12] Ms. Manns, an update on the property at 5432 Acorn. Thank you. As long as we were [00:17:19] talking about property on the river, I thought it was a good time to bring you [00:17:25] up to date on the property at 5432 Acorn Street, which we last talked to you [00:17:32] about on March 2nd, 2021. At that time, the property owner presented two options [00:17:42] for the acquisition of the property by the city, both of which called for a [00:17:53] selling price of $275,000. And the structures were somewhat different in [00:18:04] the two options that were presented, but both of which called for the city to [00:18:11] provide a lot and to allow the developer to move one of two structures that exist [00:18:20] on the property to a city-owned lot as part of the final deal related to the [00:18:30] disposition of the property. There seemed to be some interest in a kayak launch, [00:18:37] perhaps some type of a pocket park, at the discussion and workshop that took [00:18:44] place earlier in the year, but it didn't sound to me as if there was a good [00:18:53] amount of support for a boat ramp at the property. There hasn't been any [00:19:01] change that I've been able to ascertain from the owner of the property since his [00:19:09] presentation to you on March 2nd, and he has gone on to list the property with a [00:19:18] realtor for the asking price of $339,500. [00:19:27] Open it up for public comment. [00:19:36] Somebody come up here, right? John Cain, 6041 Florida Avenue. I spoke last time on [00:19:43] this property. I would be in favor of purchasing this property because it [00:19:50] really is the perfect spot for a little pocket park. As we see Main Street [00:19:57] Landing expanding the retail around there, and they really are. I mean, [00:20:03] the bakery, I mean, it just seems like it would be so easy for people to [00:20:11] go get a sandwich, get whatever, go over to a nice little pocket park. [00:20:16] There is, and I don't know if you're aware of it, if you look at the property, [00:20:20] I've been on that property years ago because I knew the guy that lived there [00:20:24] and I had delivered mail to him and took me in the back and he showed me there's [00:20:29] a, there's actually a little, it's small, it's not a huge lot, but it's a [00:20:33] launch, cement launch. You could easily put in a canoe or a kayak there already. [00:20:41] Property could be dressed up with a small parking lot and some nice benches. [00:20:46] And to me, it has a lot of potential and it's the way it's tucked away there, [00:20:52] really in a nice spot. And it just kind of extends that thing that's been going [00:20:59] on at Main Street Landing and it seems to really tie in with it. It kind of has [00:21:04] that feng shui to it, you know. But anyway, I would be, as a citizen, I would be in [00:21:10] favor of seeing the city purchase that. Thank you. Anyone else? [00:21:25] Yeah, I would like, I am supportive in buying that property also. And the idea [00:21:34] for a pocket park is actually even maybe a dog park. There's a lot of residents [00:21:39] that have animals and that area would be very well for a dog park. For the benefit of [00:21:43] people that didn't hear it, could you give us your name and address, please? [00:21:48] We know who you are, but people at home may not. Rachel Hagenbaugh, 6026 Tennessee. [00:21:53] Thank you. Anyone else? Hearing no one else coming forward, I'll bring it back [00:22:01] to the board. Thank you for the information. [00:22:05] May I jump in? Yes. Yeah, because it was a year or so ago when the property was [00:22:16] available before the current owner has it, that one of our city consultants, Dana [00:22:25] Gatos, who helped us with the Orange Lake project and has done some environmental [00:22:29] stuff, that I had spoken to her about that property. And at the time, she was [00:22:38] working with someone who was getting grants. And so the original idea of the [00:22:42] boat ramp there was because there was money from the state if you put an [00:22:48] additional ramp in. But I think the thought always had been that it would be [00:22:54] for the kayaks to go to the 80 acres or for the, you know, small john boats or [00:23:00] boats that would not compete on the other side if there was, in fact, a boat [00:23:05] launch there. So that's where the whole boat launch concept project sort of came [00:23:10] from as a result of that. And Debbie, we even had, I think, a brief review of that [00:23:17] by the engineer. I happened to be on the site when the engineer was there, and the [00:23:21] thing I want to share with you is, you know, that the city's right-of-way of [00:23:28] Acorn Street somehow had become an easement granted for drainage over it. [00:23:37] And I didn't have anything to do with that, but the easement of Acorn as the [00:23:44] big pipe of the water that's coming out from the drain basins and going into the [00:23:51] river. The project at the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council showed us with [00:23:58] the sort of floodable park and the environmental aspect of trying to deal [00:24:05] with resiliency and also the parallel flood and cleaning the river, there was [00:24:10] some discussion that if some kind of a cleaning device or spinner or any kind [00:24:17] of modernization of the drainage coming off of Main Street and River Road and [00:24:24] those outlets, inlets, was to be cleaned, that there could, that that corridor [00:24:32] would be a good spot to try to make that happen. With the larger plans for Kaiser [00:24:41] University, the parking garage and what may happen, you know, we were shown some [00:24:44] additional residential. I think John is correct. Not only do the new residents [00:24:51] that are moving into these new products, but also all of River Road on that side [00:24:55] of the river, that's the fourth corner and crossing at that light to get to the [00:25:05] river or get to the park. As busy as it has been, I think it would be a safe, be [00:25:14] safer and it would be an enhancement for us which would improve the marketability [00:25:20] and the economics of drawing folks into that larger project there. I know that [00:25:26] there, to the comment from the director or from our manager, I think we should [00:25:36] hold the ground. I don't see that we should be giving the property owner any [00:25:40] additional land and additional to what he told us when he was here that last [00:25:43] time. So as it's been asserted, what he told us, I would like to see that we go [00:25:50] back and give him that formal response that no, there's no lot to be given, but [00:25:55] I don't know that we have any interest in the old house that's there. We could [00:25:59] always give him some time to move the house. If he can't move it, then we can [00:26:03] demo it or do what we would do with it, but I think the price was given. It was [00:26:09] given publicly to us. I would like to ask that we would authorize you to go back [00:26:15] and offer him that 275 or whatever that number was. His cost is basically what he [00:26:22] told us on public when he was here, and not give him a lot and say we'd still [00:26:29] like it and offer him the 275. That would be my ask of my colleagues. I think [00:26:36] it fits right into allowing us to give everybody access. And that [00:26:44] corner, when the river turns right there, that's the prettiest little spot right [00:26:48] there looking all the way back to the south. [00:26:54] I'll just throw in, I'm not interested in it at all at that price, with or without [00:27:00] the lot. We were looking at the original owner of the property [00:27:05] for somewhere around $210,000. He bought it for $250,000. Now he wants $275,000 to $300,000 [00:27:11] some odd thousand. Good luck with your property. I'll buy it for $210,000. [00:27:17] That was sort of my feeling. This guy basically swooped in as we were [00:27:22] negotiating to purchase the property and bought it. My thought is have a nice [00:27:29] day. Mike? A couple things. It's a beautiful spot, no doubt, and as [00:27:40] other council members know, I'm very partial to the river and what we [00:27:45] might be able to do and offer residents. I have a little issue with the property [00:27:50] itself. It is narrow. I realize there's some Acorn Street, a lot of way [00:27:56] that we could probably utilize. Looks like we're already using part of that [00:27:59] for parking. You know, Acorn Street goes down there and there's some parking, I [00:28:06] guess, to the north on the property. But as I look at it, I don't see [00:28:14] the use of the dwellings or the buildings, the [00:28:17] structures that are on there. It doesn't really have a good stable seawall. In [00:28:22] just comparison, that property is more than double per square foot of property [00:28:30] of the one we just approved to purchase. It has double the amount of seawall [00:28:36] and access availability to the river. So while, you know, I just don't, I can't [00:28:44] justify the value and the city's been criticized in years gone by buying [00:28:50] property when it's at the height of the market, so to speak, right? And maybe [00:28:57] we are, maybe we're not right now, who knows. I just can't justify that kind of [00:29:02] price for what I can see we can do with this piece. Mr. Murphy? Yeah, for me it's [00:29:09] just, it's a money thing. I mean, a perfect world, you know, if you have lots of money [00:29:12] to spend and, you know, you want to buy it and have a nice pocket park, great. [00:29:17] But, I mean, at some point we have to say, okay, listen, we're investing on the [00:29:21] other side over there and there's two other properties and redevelopment for [00:29:25] that, you know, it's gonna cost a lot of money. And just for that little [00:29:30] pocket park next to Main Street Landing, I mean, even if we got it for $275,000, you [00:29:36] know, there's gonna be another $500,000 we got to put into it at least. I mean, [00:29:39] it's gonna be, we'll end up spending almost a million dollars just for that [00:29:43] little piece, for a little pocket park. It's separate from everything else, so [00:29:47] you got to get maintained. When, I think, on the other side, we're invested in that, [00:29:53] we could definitely put the kayak launch in over there and have access to it and [00:29:58] it would be a lot cheaper. [00:30:00] into that project than it would be to try to have a whole separate project. [00:30:04] I mean, I appreciate Director Altman's, you know, vision and passion for that, and I [00:30:10] mean, it would be great. I just think it comes down to a money thing, and, you know, [00:30:14] we do have to try to be as smart as we can on certain situations, so I just don't [00:30:21] see it at this time. [00:30:24] Entertain a motion? [00:30:26] Let me respond to a comment you made just to clarify it, because the way that you [00:30:31] couched the fellow swooping in and buying it isn't exactly what happened. I mean, [00:30:35] what happened was it was for sale. The individual said he was going to sell it [00:30:39] to the city. The city was unable to come to agreement. He made a lot of [00:30:45] disparaging remarks, indicated he would not sell it to the city under any [00:30:49] circumstances, so he was maybe a bit hot-headed. I'm not defending him, but the [00:30:55] response was that he then put it as a listing after what appeared to be a [00:31:02] failed negotiation to purchase it, so he never, I don't guess he ever offered it [00:31:08] us to 210. If he bought it for 210, he was asking 250, 260, 280, something like [00:31:14] that for it, so it would be unfair to suggest that the owners bought it to swoop [00:31:22] in to get it out. They actually, and I can take some blame for this. They had a [00:31:28] discussion with me, and I said it would be a shame for it not to be they bought it, [00:31:32] offered it to the city for what was to have been their price, which obviously [00:31:36] went up as they did things to it, which we wouldn't have asked them to do. I'd [00:31:40] take that big tree out, but bottom line is they're good people, and there was no [00:31:44] ill actions on their part, and so I think I hear what you all are saying. I [00:31:54] look at people crossing Lafayette or Lincoln Street to get over to Sims Park [00:31:59] at that light, and I just think that for us to build that corner, that section of [00:32:06] town, it would be helpful, but like you say, if it's over the price of the market [00:32:11] and somebody's wrong, then the price may come back down, or maybe some future plan [00:32:17] will have it come back, but I understand where this is going. I don't know. It was [00:32:27] an update. I guess we leave it as an update versus a formal motion if you want. [00:32:31] It's up to you. [00:32:33] Mayors, I'm just going to add one more point. The most intriguing idea I've found [00:32:37] for this property is in its way out there, but we've been talking about bike [00:32:41] paths and coming into this city, right, and one of the things we're going to be [00:32:47] faced with is routing the bike paths through our downtown core, and that's [00:32:51] going to be a challenge, I think, to some degree, but I've talked to so many. [00:32:57] This is pie in the sky, but across the river, there's another lot for sale, and [00:33:04] to try to bring a bike path into Main Street and maneuver a bike path across [00:33:10] the river is going to be a challenge, and I had an opportunity to talk to someone [00:33:15] and say, you know what, we're going to do this property on both sides, put a bike [00:33:19] path bridge across the river right there, and you have an east-west, so how about [00:33:24] that? How about that? We're spending a bunch of money. [00:33:26] Yeah, you got a million. [00:33:28] I was going to say, this sounds like a seven-figure project. [00:33:32] But it's an intriguing idea. I thought it was an intriguing idea to somehow get [00:33:35] bikes across the river. [00:33:37] I will grant you that is the most intriguing use I have heard for that [00:33:40] parcel. [00:33:42] I think it was an update. I don't think we need it. I think she's got her... [00:33:45] All right, well, in that case, do we need to do any communications or hold those

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5. 5Communications▶ 33:51
6. 6Adjournment▶ 33:54