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<br />. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />City Council Minutes <br />July 11, 2005 <br /> <br />Page 4 <br /> <br />Commissioner Wilson inquired if there was any change in the other side of the building. Ms. <br />Mongeon indicated, no, that the changes to the detailing of the brick are the same. <br /> <br />Commissioner Toth asked that in rearranging the front so that this building does not look <br />like a long, flat building, is this now the compromise or will we be able to get back to the <br />original sketch. Ms. Mongeon stated that she feels this version is very close to the original <br />sketch and in character with what was shown previously. She said that the sketch gives a <br />much skewed view. The current view is more of a perspective as you stand on the street. <br /> <br />Commissioner Kuester stated that she feels that people were attracted to the tower that was <br />above the rest of the building and would like this to be more of a landmark. Ms. Mongeon <br />stated that if any piece was taller, it would be above the crown and not sure if this would be <br />appropriate. <br /> <br />Commissioners Kuester and Wilson stated that they felt the illusion was that of a turret <br />standing alone and taller. <br /> <br />Mr. Hanson stated that they are seriously looking to get started on this project. He stated <br />that everyone will have a different opinion of what could be done. He felt that the architects <br />have done a great job and are being consistent with making changes. A four-story turret is <br />very different than the current one-story building that is there. He feels that this project will <br />stand on its own and will be very special. <br /> <br />Councilmember Motin stated that he feels that these changes are improvements. He stated <br />that not everybody will fall in love with everything, and that the only comments he has had <br />with the exception of those present in this room have been positive. He is in favor of <br />moving forward with what has been presented tonight. <br /> <br />Councilmember Farber would like to have on record that he is against the project but <br />believes that this revision is a significant improvement and looks very nice. <br /> <br />Mayor Klinzing agrees and realizes that this is a difficult project and stated that we need to <br />go forward. <br /> <br />Councilmember Gumphrey stated that he feels the architect has done an excellent job. <br /> <br />Councilmember Dietz stated that we should go forward with the project as presented. <br /> <br />Chair Wilson thanked MetroPlains and JLG, and stated that he can live without the turret <br />being higher and that this building will be an improvement for the community. <br /> <br />Mr. Hanson stated that the response has been overwhelming. There are many interested <br />parties who wish to move into the downtown building and even enough interest to fill the <br />whole building. He stated that a July 18th closing of the US Bank has been requested and <br />they are waiting for confirmation. <br /> <br />Commissioner Toth wished to clarify that he asks questions sometimes that appear on the <br />offensive, but that he feels too that MetroPlains and JLG Architects have done a great job. <br />He stated that he needs to ask the questions, as that is his role, that he is accountable to the <br />citizens. He stated that he feels this is a livable project. <br /> <br />The HRA meeting adjourned at 7:40 p.m. <br />