01-26-00Council Workshop Minutes

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL JANUARY 26, 2000 in that concept feel that it would require Little Canada Road to be improved to four lanes. The Administrator questioned the justification of this width given the nature of Rice Street. Physical limitations may also make the construction of a four-lane road difficult. Fahey asked the status of the DeLonais property. The Administrator reported that Kathleen DeLonais-Adams has turned the matter over to her attorney. The attorney called and indicated that it appears the City has a solid agreement for the acquisition of this property. The attorney did suggest that DeLonais-Adams get another appraisal; however, acknowledged that the appraiser that has already been used is very reputable and well respected. The Administrator reported that he informed the attorney that unless there is good reason, the appraised value from the Bettendorf appraisal is the number the City will use. The Administrator further reported that the City must close on this property within the next few weeks, otherwise it will have to get a new purchase agreement. Fahey felt that the City Administrator and City Attorney should be authorized to proceed to do whatever necessary to finalize the purchase of the DeLonais property. Bob Grootwassink, the Market Place Shopping Center, reported that they would like to purchase the DeLonais property from the City and would have to finalize the purchase by the first week in March in order to realize some tax benefits. The Administrator pointed out that the owners of the Market Place Shopping Center, have the first right of refusal from the City for the DeLonais property. Fahey felt that the City should proceed with the closing on the DeLonais property as soon as possible. Morelan asked what the Market Place would do with the property. Grootwassink reported that they would construct afree-standing Snyders building on the property. The building would consist of between 10,200 and 12,000 square feet and would have adrive-up window feature for picking up prescriptions. Mark Hotzler, the Market Place Shopping Center, suggested that they would be interested in developing the entire strip along Rice Street to Little Canada Road. Their plan would be for a retail center on the first floor and possibly senior high-rise housing on a second floor. Grootwassink pointed out that this would leave the property south of Little Canada Road for possible redevelopment with a theater that would be a drawing point for the area.