City of Peru Finance & Safety Services Committee met Aug. 17.
Here is the minutes provided by the committee:
THE FINANCE & SAFETY SERVICES COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT: Aldermen Radtke, Sapienza and Payton present; Alderman Buffo absent. Mayor Harl present.
OTHER PERSONS PRESENT: City Clerk Dave Bartley, Aldermen Ferrari, Waldorf, Lukosus, Ballard, ASM Doug Bernabei, PSM Jeff King, City Engineer Eric Carls and Finance Officer Justin Miller, Human Resource Manager Kim Reese, Economic Development Director Bob Vickery and Corporate Counsel Scott Schweickert
MATTERS DISCUSSED
Alderman Payton made a motion to approve the minutes of the July 6, 2020 Finance & Safety Services meeting. Alderman Buffo seconded the motion; motion carried.
The Committee reviewed and approved the disbursements for payment on August 19, 2020.
PRESENTATION
Ms. Mary Riordan of GK Real Estate presented the proposed redevelopment plan to the committee and reviewed the previous redevelopment plan. Ms. Riordan stated that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the multi-family development portions is being moved up to the first phase. Ms. Riordan reported they are requesting rezoning from B2 to B4 and special use for multi-family development.
Mr. Andy Patras, Director of Development Management for GK Real Estate reviewed the following: • Design scope
• Retail and multi-family
• Live, eat, work, play
• 10-month pre-development period
• 18-24 month construction period
• Retail development to take additional two years based on COVID-19
Noted a 60-day window to complete a redevelopment agreement with both parties needing the agreement in place before proceeding. Alderman Buffo asked why approve ordinance without an agreement in place. City Engineer Eric Carls noted this is the city’s customary procedure. City Engineer Eric Carls noted how critical every detail and contingency of the plan be negotiated. Alderman Payton asked about the Sears property negotiation. Ms. Riordan assured the committee that if their negotiations with Sears break down, they will ask the City, through TIF law to exercise the right of eminent domain. Alderman Buffo asked why multi- family development is needed. Mr. Patras noted the market has demand and is based on modern needs.
Ms. Riordan reviewed area demographics as under 35 years old and over 55 years old. $25-$30 million dollar investment that has no guarantee.
A brief straw poll was taken as follows:
Alderman Buffo-opposes multi-family development
Alderman Payton-wants to see a good agreement; has confident in City Engineer Eric Carls Alderman Sapienza-supported but tentative
Alderman Ballard-win/win
Alderman Radtke-supportive but skeptical
Alderman Lukosus-supportive based on redevelopment
Alderman Waldorf-supportive based on redevelopment
Alderman Ferrari-supportive but doesn’t want more taxes
OLD BUSINESS NEW BUSINESS PUBLIC COMMENT CLOSED SESSION
Alderman Buffo made a motion to adjourn. Alderman Payton seconded the motion. Meeting adjourned at 6:45 p.m.
https://www.peru.il.us/city-government/minutes/finance-and-safety-services-minutes/2020-fs-1/5041-finance-and-safety-services-minutes-08-17-20/file
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