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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - City Council - unsigned - 1988-11-22 City Council, Adjourned Regular Meeting City Hall Conference Room Redding, California November 22, 1988 5:15 p.m. The Adjourned Regular Meeting of the Redding City Council was called to order by Mayor Johannessen with the following Council Members present: Buffum, Carter, Dahl, and Fulton. Also present were City Manager Christofferson, City Attorney Hays, Director of Public Works Galusha, Fire Chief Bailey, Finance Director Downing, Director of Information Systems Kelley, Housing Administrator Maurer, Accountant Robinson, Chief Planning Technician Warren, Transportation Coordinator Duryee, Public Information Officer Hastings, Science Museum Director Howe, and City Clerk Nichols. Also present were Redding Redevelopment Agency Members Ernst, Rutledge, and McDaniel, Recreation and Parks Commissioner Klaseen, Airports Commissioner Diaz, Molly Wilson-Supervisor Elect, Kent Dagg from the Shasta Builders Exchange, Lou Gerard from the Chamber of Commerce, Trygve Sletteland from the Sacramento River Trust, and Trudi Vaughn and Ernie Rouse from the Logging Museum. BENTON RANCH (C-070-010-020) The purpose of the meeting was to hold a study session to hear a proposal concerning a study of the Benton Ranch property, a 210 acre site recently acquired by the Redding Redevelopment Agency. City Manager Christofferson introduced Les Melburg of the firm, Nichols, Melburg, and Rosetto, and Derek Parker of the Anschen and Allen firm, architects who were chosen to evaluate three sites and prepare the site study for the Parkview Avenue property as a location for the Civic Center. Mr. Christofferson reported that when the Benton Ranch property became available for public use, he was directed to look at the site for a variety of uses. The architects agreed to look at the parcel at no cost to the City, and as a result, they felt it was so unique that it warranted further study. They recommended that a study of Benton Ranch be prepared at the same level as the Parkview study so that comparisons could be made. There followed a discussion about the pros and cons of the two sites. Topics mentioned were traffic, access, bridges, flexibility to accommodate growth, impact on development, water table, economic structure, infrastructure, open space and difference in cost. It was pointed out that certain costs would be the same at either location. The architects stated they had nothing to gain professionally in choosing one site over the other. Council Members Carter and Dahl felt that the taxpayers would not accept the use of the Benton Ranch site as a civic center and that no further time or money should be spent on any more studies. Mayor Johannessen said the basic questions are (1) shall we promote and encourage construction of a civic center that will serve the needs of the City, (2) the potential for centralization of public buildings, (3) the inherent problem of limited space at Parkview (30 acres) versus 210 acres at Benton Ranch which would accommodate many public uses including Sacramento River Trail extension, park development, public buildings, etc., and (4) the method of financing for either site. Council Members Buffum and Fulton concurred with Council Members Carter and Dahl that the mood of the taxpayer is negative on spending, but they believe Council should be planning 50 to 100 years ahead. Council Member Carter expressed concern that the architects may not furnish a genuine objective study, and he said the timing could not be worse. While Council Member Buffum noted that leaving the Parkview area could have the effect of abandoning South Redding, it was pointed out that public institutions can negatively impact surrounding land if precautions are not taken. Council Member Carter suggested that a Request for Proposal be sent to several firms. Mayor Johannessen said that process was done when the present architects were chosen for the site study. Council Member Buffum stated that $50,000 has already been invested in this architectural firm and information worth approximately $25,000 has been developed that will be applicable to any site. If another architect is chosen, funds would be expended again for the same information to be developed. Council Member Dahl reiterated that the acquisition of Benton Ranch was very beneficial to the City, and it is a precious area that could be developed as Redding's own Golden Gate Park with museums, etc. In the meantime, he said the Parkview issue should be put to bed and action should be taken tonight to proceed with developing a modest civic center on the Parkview Avenue site. Council Member Fulton said that he feels uninformed about the potential for Benton Ranch and would not be adverse to allowing two months for the architects to complete a study. Mayor Johannessen pointed out that the Parkview site, which is in the middle of a proposed redevelopment area, has great potential for development; and if Council chose to sell the Parkview area, the City would realize the tax increment benefits. MOTION: Made by Council Member Dahl, seconded by Council Member Carter, to reestablish the Parkview property as the site for the civic center and to budget funds next year to master plan the Benton Ranch property. Voting was as follows: Ayes: Council Members - Carter and Dahl Noes: Council Members - Buffum, Fulton, and Johannessen Absent: Council Members - None MOTION: Made by Council Member Buffum, seconded by Council Member Fulton, authorizing the firm of Nichols, Melburg, and Rosetto and Anschen and Allen to perform a study of the Benton Ranch site, the study to be completed in two months at a cost of $25,000 or less to be negotiated by the City Manager. Voting was as follows: Ayes: Council Members - Buffum, Fulton, and Johannessen Noes: Council Members - Carter and Dahl Absent: Council Members - None ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, at the hour of 6:30 p.m., Mayor Johannessen declared the meeting adjourned until 5:15 p.m. on November 28, 1988, for a joint meeting with the Redding Redevelopment Agency in the Conference Room at City Hall. APPROVED: _______________________ Mayor ATTEST: __________________________________ City Clerk 11/22/88