Minutes - Council Work Session - 12/11/2007

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Councilmember Look asked how the price of the property went from $275,000 to $286,000. Economic Development Coordinator Sullivan stated that the City gave Ace Solid Waste the opportunity to increase their offer based on inflation because time had passed. City Administrator Ulrich stated that he does not feel that Economic Development Coordinator Sullivan was not acting outside the process but feels Councilmember Look has raised a valid point about the possibility of examining the process. He stated that staff has been following the direction that the City generally encourages high value, attractive buildings that have less exterior storage and less warehouse. He stated that staff has made some changes in the process, based on the discussion by the City Council, so, if the property is being discussed by the EDA, and someone is interested in the property, they are being asked to submit a written offer. He stated that sometimes discussion about real estate and price can get sensitive and suggested that those discussions could be held in a closed session in the future. Mayor Gamec stated that he doesn't like to have many closed sessions on things other than legal issues. He stated that he does not want to give the impression that the City is trying to hide things. Councilmember Dehen stated that, from a new guy perspective, he wonders to what degree staff can help him out on issues that the City Council does not have a consensus on. He stated that he thinks it is very clear that Economic Development Coordinator Sullivan should not be taking direction from two Councilmembers, but from four. He thinks that this has been corrected if he understands City Administrator Ulrich's comments form earlier tonight. City Administrator Ulrich noted the time and that there was a regular City Council meeting scheduled to begin at 7:00 p.m. Councilmember Jeffrey stated that many people serve on various boards and commissions and he thinks that they should be allowed to do the groundwork. He thinks taking direction from four Councilmembers is difficult and from seven Councilmembers is even harder. He stated that staff also gets new people to take direction from every few years when there is an election. He stated that he did not appreciate the comment by Councilmember Look at the last City Council meeting about deals under the table. He agrees that the City Council can talk about the process, but wants to applaud staff for trying to take direction from the City Council. MAYOR, COUNCIL AND STAFF INPUT None ADJOURNMENT The Work Session of the City Council was adjourned at 7:01 p.m. City Council Work Session / December 11, 2007 Page 7 of8