HomeMy WebLinkAbout4/8/1996 - City Council - City Council Meeting MinutesCITY OF EAST WENATCHEE COUNCIL MINUTES
APRIL 8, 1996
CITY OF EAST WENATCHEE, WASHINGTON
SPECIAL SESSION OF THE CITY COUNCIL CONVENED
MAYOR DAWN COLLINGS PRESIDING I
APRIL 8, 1996
6:30 P.M.
(This meeting was recorded and will he retained at City Hall for a period of six years from the
date of the meeting.)
ROLL CALL
Councilmembers Present: Councilmember Lacy, Councilmember Hendricks, Councilmember
Carson. Councilmember Aiken, Councilmember Frack, Councilmember Nash, and Mayor
Collings. Councilmember Mikow, excused as absent.
Staff Present: Virginia Oestreich, Dana Barnard, Randy Webley, Ray Yarnell, Chuck
Zimmerman.
DISCUSSION
96-04-03 Discussion and Possible Action on a New City Parking Garage in the Retail Core
Wenatchee Valley Mall Partner, Bob Kantor introduced Rick Moses and John Bergstrom of
General Growth, Mike McCormick of Federated Department Stores (Bon Marche) and George I
Kirk. Wenatchee Valley Mall Partner.
Citv Attorney Zimmerman said it had become fairly common for cities to lease facilities with an
option to purchase under Chapter 35.42 RCW. He said a good example of this type of
arrangement was the City of Seattle's acquisition of a parking garage in Seattle's downtown
retail core which had been approved by the City Council and is expected to be made final within
the next few weeks.
In response to financing concerns from Councilmember Lacy, Mr. Zimmerman said the bonded
debt limit could not be exceeded and should be no problem.
Council Action: A motion was made by Councilmember Lacy, second by Councilmember
Frack that the Mayor be authorized to develop and execute a memorandum of understanding that
would commit the City to develop a parking garage in the manner, and subject to the conditions,
set forth in the list of "key points" distributed to Council.
Mr. Zimmerman incorporated the following into the motion: '
The City finds that the proposed expansion of the Wenatchee Valley Mall is consistent with the
Citv's comprehensive plan. The Council also finds that there is a lack of off-street parking in the I
East Wenatchee central business district, and parking problems would be increased with the Mall
a
expansion and resulting expansion of other businesses in the are
CITY OF EAST WENATCHEE COUNCIL MINUTES APRIL 9, 1996
The proposed parking garage will ease traffic on Valley Mall Parkway, will improve circulation
and is consistent with the City's six -year street resolution. Action by the City to provide parking
in conjunction with the Mall's expansion will improve public health and safety and is in the best
interests and welfare of East Wenatchee citizens.
Council Action: A motion was made by Councilmember Lacy, second by Councilmember
Frack to amend the motion to incorporate Mr. Zimmerman's key points into the motion. The
motion carried 6-0.
Mayor Collings invited comments from the participants and the public.
Mike McCormick, Federated Department Stores, said the Bon Marche has had a desire to have a
store in the Wenatchee area for several years. He added he was looking forward to working with
General Growth.
John Bergstrom, General Growth, said they have had a strong interest in the project for a long
time. He added, this project makes sense to the community and growth management. He
introduced Rick Moses who would be overseeing the project.
Bob Kantor, Wenatchee Valley Mall Partner, said the conditions established with a parking
garage would open the possibility of growth. He thanked Council for their support and dedicated
' the project to the citizens of the community.
Jennifer Olsen, Enhance East Wenatchee, said she was pleased with Council's decision on a
parking garage and feels it will be an asset to downtown revitalization. Ms. Olsen encouraged
Council to look at other cities that are working toward revitalization due to urban sprawl.
Patti Herres, East Wenatchee Chamber of Commerce, said parking has been a concern in the
downtown area for several years and thanked Council for their decision of a parking garage. She
extended chamber support to the mall.
ADJOURNMENT -- 7:00 P.M.
C.O
Virgin Oestreich
City Clerk/Treasurer
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