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City Council Minutes Page 5 <br /> September 3,2019 <br /> ----------------------------- <br /> in Sewer Availability Charge (SAC),Water Availability Charge (WAC), and building <br /> fees. <br /> Councilmember Ovall stated they liked the concept but the location is a challenge. It <br /> would be difficult on downtown businesses to lose parking,introduce additional <br /> traffic and housing, and development options are limited due to geography. <br /> Mr. Hartung felt he could replace all of the parking spaces and provide parking for <br /> the new tenants. <br /> Councilmember Westgaard pointed out businesses have their service delivery in the <br /> rear and that would be taken away with the proposal. Also,if a pedestrian skyway <br /> was built over Main Street,where would it land on the south side? <br /> Mayor Dietz was concerned about a negative reaction from downtown businesses, <br /> particularly those on Jackson Street. <br /> Mr. Hartung agreed parking and traffic are two of the biggest issues. The new <br /> apartments would bring more people downtown to support the local businesses. <br /> Councilmember Ovall mentioned a number of downtown business owners seem to <br /> be open to selling or improving their structure. <br /> Councilmember Wagner felt there were some big unanswered questions, such as <br /> financing, traffic, and business needs on Jackson Street. <br /> Councilmember Christianson said it would be beneficial to know the community's <br /> appetite for this proposal. <br /> Councilmember Wagner said that if it were going to be a TIF district then there <br /> would be public investment and the public would be providing input. <br /> Mr. Hartung agreed community engagement was important. His request tonight was <br /> whether the city is interested in selling their land. He felt he didn't have enough <br /> information to give the public answers. <br /> Mayor Dietz said they would check with City Attorney Peter Beck to see if the <br /> council could give Modern Construction some sort of guarantee to give Mr. Hartung <br /> time to explore his options. <br /> Councilmember Wagner added she did not want the owners of Jackson Street <br /> properties coming later to say they didn't know about this project. <br /> Ms. Othoudt clarified an option agreement would allow the developer an <br /> opportunity to explore the development of a site and allow them to complete their <br /> due diligence during a set period of time. The council would be the sole authority on <br /> whether this project would move forward. There would be an understanding with an <br /> P 0 W I R I U 0 Y <br /> otm§A UREJ <br />