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City Council Minutes Page 9 <br /> February 5,2018 <br /> ----------------------------- <br /> plants/shrubs,repainted the exterior,and replaced the entire fire alarm panel system <br /> that wasn't required by code but now exceeds its new air handler system. He stated <br /> by applying for the Lodge six months ago,he didn't get approved. He stated he was <br /> working together with Ms. Huot and they thought this would be a good solution to <br /> help the Lodge by reapplying six months later to use it for pooling. <br /> Councilmember Westgaard stated he struggles with the improvements as changes in <br /> occupancy for the Lodge wasn't driven by the need, on the city's behalf, for the city <br /> to provide affordable housing and was driven strictly by Mr. Brigg's private business <br /> need. He questioned the benefit of pooling for the city. <br /> Mr. Briggs stated he could move everyone out of the Lodge and let it go vacant and <br /> deteriorate or create and affordable housing project in good faith. <br /> Councilmember Westgaard noted the Lodge property wasn't dilapidated until a few <br /> years ago and all the city requested was improvements necessary to make it an <br /> apartment building to meet the use Mr. Briggs requested. He further noted the <br /> Lodge wasn't vacant six months ago and was an income property not being used as <br /> permitted by city code. <br /> Mayor Dietz stated the applicant is asking for TIF funding for work that is already <br /> required and he will not vote for the project. He further stated he didn't appreciate <br /> the applicant threatening the Council. He further questioned why the city would get <br /> involved in paying for a benefit to a private business. <br /> Mayor Dietz stated he would like to leave the term at 15 years in city policy and <br /> recommends no TIF funding for the Lodge project. <br /> Councilmembers Wagner,Westgaard, and Olsen concurred. <br /> Ms. Huot commented she never represented the developer as indicated earlier. She <br /> further stated as part of her review she did have discussions with the applicant on <br /> behalf of the city in order to understand his needs,noting it is common to have to <br /> work with applicants on city's behalf. <br /> 10.3 Summer Festival Events <br /> Mr. Benoit presented the staff report. <br /> Mayor Dietz stated he likes the ideas presented but is not sure he is in favor of all the <br /> dates outlined with the open streets concept. He suggested trying the concept once <br /> to see how the program works. He stated if the fireworks will continue to be shot <br /> from the School Street area then the program will need to end early so people have <br /> time to stage for the fireworks and there are no traffic issues. He questioned where <br /> the additional$3,000 for the road closure would come from and how a beer garden <br /> would be staffed. <br /> P O w E R E U 9 1 <br /> UREJ <br />