CITY OF FLORISSANT

CITY COUNCIL

OPEN EXECUTIVE SESSION

                                                                                                       June 14, 2010

The City Council of the City of Florissant met in open Executive Session on Monday, June 14, 2010 at 7:15 pm. in the Council Chambers at 955 rue St. Francois, with President English presiding.  On Roll Call the following Council members were present: Schmidt, English, Schildroth, Lee, Grib, Schneider, Hernandez-absent, McKay-absent, and Podleski. Also present were., City Clerk Karen Goodwin, City Attorney John Hessel and Economic Development Director Bob Russell.

Charter Review Commission: 

Council President stated that this item was held over from the last executive session in order to allow Councilman Schneider to comment.  Councilman Schneider made comments regarding the charter review commission.  He suggested each councilmember review the charter individually and the entire council meet to review and suggest possible changes. Council President stated that the Council discussed having meetings as a council as a whole and set up after the budget meeting. Councilman Schneider suggested conference type set up.

THF proposal

Bob Russell introduced Alan Bornstein representing THF Realty. Mr. Bornstein stated that he was present to speak to the council about the possible development on Lindbergh. THF has an interest in the property for a free standing Wal-Mart store.  The building would be 150,000 sq. ft.  using green and environmentally friendly construction.  They are hopeful that the council will find this an interesting proposal for the city. 

Councilman Podleski asked who will own the site.  Alan Bornstein stated that they are a private developer and they do not represent Wal-mart and they would maintain ownership for a period of time after the development.  Councilman Podleski asked about the store in Ferguson.  Mr. Bornstein stated that the Ferguson store will stay open will go through a process of in store remodel. 

Councilman Schneider stated that he remembers THF making a proposal on the Cross Keys development.  He asked about the amount that is needed for a TIF, he stated that usually a TIF is associated with demolition.  Mr. Bornstein stated that there are several categories that the TIF would be applied for.  The cost of acquisition of the land, although the land appears to have an insignificant amount of improvements needed.  80-100,000 yards of material that will have to be removed, there would also need to be flood plain modification because of cold water creek along with third party engineering fees and professional work.  Mr. Bornstein stated that if  they were not able to obtain TIF funding THF would not continue with  the project.  (Amendment 6/28/10 by Councilman Podleski)

Council President English stated that normally a TIF is associated with a blighted area, he feels the council is looking for the explanation of why it would be considered a blighted area.  Mr. Bornstein stated that the process they would follow would be that if the council would make  the preliminary decision they would then have to prove to the city that the site was blighted which they have not done as of yet.  If the blighting finding cannot be made then the TIF process would stop. 

Councilman Schildroth stated that he would rather have the full council available to discuss and make a decision. 

Councilman Schmidt asked why the Council would take a roll call vote on an issue that is not before them.  Council President English stated that he feels that the council needs to give them an idea of whether the council would consider a TIF at all before they spent a lot of money on the process.

Mr. Hessel stated that if the council would want to express their preliminary views to the developer he would see no problem with that.   

Rental Fee Waivers.

Councilman Lee stated that he sent some information to the Council regarding the waiving of rental fees.  The fees are currently set by the council.  He understands that everyone is concerned about some of the negative publicity about fees.  The council needs to clarify the procedures,     he would like to see something in the code book that clarifies what the Council wants to see such as ” these fees may not be reduce or waived”.  He also suggested possible discounts for non profits or no rental fees for governmental agencies.  We have a need a consistent strict policy.

Councilman Grib stated that he would like to see an actual cost of what it takes to rent the gym or move the band stand.  He doesn’t see how the council can proceed without actual costs.  He doesn’t want to see waived fees but possible reduced fees. 

Councilman Schneider asked Mr. Hessel to comment on how far the council could take this issue and when are they encroaching on the administration powers.  Mr. Hessel stated that the Council of all people could waive the fees because they set them.  He stated that it becomes a difficult situation deciding who qualifies for a waiver or discount.   The waiver of fees if done at all must be done in a non discriminatory manner.  Identify those types of groups if any who qualify and state it.  Councilman Schneider would like to establish easy to follow guidelines that would take the pressure off of the administration. 

Councilman Lee stated that initially he stated that the council would approve any waivers but after talking about it he agrees that a clear policy that the administration is to adhere to would be better.  He feels they should start with asking for some numbers and all work together to have a clear policy. 

Councilman Lee made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Schildroth.  There being no further items to discuss, the meeting adjourned at 7:55 pm.

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Karen Goodwin

City Clerk