November 10, 2009

Springfield, Missouri

	The City Council met in special session November 10, 2009 in the Busch Municipal Building. The meeting was called to order by Mayor James O’Neal.
Roll Call	Present: Scott Bailes, Jerome Compton, Nicholas Ibarra, Cindy Rushefsky, John Rush, Doug Burlison, Dan Chiles, Robert Stephens, and James E. O’Neal. Absent: None.
Closed Session	Scott Bailes moved City Council will hold a closed meeting to discuss legal actions, causes of action, litigation, privileged and confidential communications, pursuant to Section 610.021 (1), RSMo.2006, and this meeting record, and vote shall be closed and the City Council shall reconvene in open session at the end of the closed session. Mr. Stephens seconded the motion and it was approved. City Council reconvened in open session at approximately 1:25 p.m.
	The following appeared on the agenda under New Business:
HUD Funding	Mary Lilly Smith, Director of Economic Development, gave a brief overview of the request being made regarding Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funding allocations. She noted four grants have been received from the Federal Government to build an arena at Jordan Valley Park, between the Expo Center and parking deck. She added the proposed arena would have been home to Drury University’s teams. Ms. Smith noted that Drury University has started construction on an arena for their use. She added that the “Q” being built has also removed the need for an additional arena. Ms. Smith noted that an agreement was made with Missouri State University that they would allow the City limited use of Hammon’s Student Center, and a new arena would not be built. Ms. Smith noted the request being made today is to allow the City to ask HUD to reallocate funding received for the new arena to be used for renovations on Park Central Square and the quarry.
	Nicholas Ibarra exited the meeting at 1:35 p.m.
	Ms. Smith noted the original Lawrence Halprin design would be maintained during the renovation. She added that handicap parking would be added and original plantings would be restored. Ms. Smith noted the Park Central Square project included three phases: improve interior; exterior sidewalks; and improving “spokes” including St. Louis Street, College Street, Boonville Avenue, and South Street. She added that Phase II, exterior sidewalks, has been completed, so, if approved, Phase I and Phase III would be completed out of order.
	Dan Chiles expressed his support of the proposed. He noted that Mr. Halprin passed away recently and expressed his appreciation to staff for attempting to restore Mr. Halprin’s original design. Mr. Chiles asked for clarification regarding the amount of HUD funds available for these projects. Ms. Smith responded $2,044,038.40 is available to spend. Ms. Smith noted that due to the fact that the quarry is still settling, the project will have to be done in phases. She added that $500,000 is needed for Phase I.
	Cindy Rushefsky asked if the plans done by Butler, Rosenbury, and partners can be used or if new plans will have to be purchased. Ms. Smith responded new plans will have to be purchased, adding that some items from the original plans will be used.
	John Rush noted that any improvement to the quarry would be beneficial to the community. Greg Burris, City Manager, noted that only 1/3 of the work on the quarry can be completed in 2010, due to the fact that it is still settling at a rapid rate. Mr. Rush asked if the quarry could be landscaped while it was settling. Mr. Burris responded that the quarry will be leveled off as much as possible.
	Mr. Rush noted he would like to see the original plans for renovations of Park Central Square. Ms. Smith responded that some of the renovations would include: replacing and reworking electrical for the fountain; rebuilding the gazebo; perimeter lighting; additional landscaping; restoring the Bosque; and providing handicap access.
	Mr. Bailes expressed concern regarding the element that currently congregates on the Square. Ms. Smith responded that the renovations should help to improve that element. Mayor Jim O’Neal asked if Police presence will be restored in this area. Mr. Burris responded that he hopes to able to restore the Police presence in that area soon.
	Jerry Compton asked if the proposed renovations would affect the Heer’s building project in anyway. Ms. Smith responded that part of the agreement with Kevin McGowan, Heer’s Building Developer, included the City spending $1 million in renovations on the Square. She added that Mr. McGowan agreed that the money spent on improving the exterior sidewalks satisfied this portion of the agreement.
	Ms. Rushefsky asked if there was a completion date yet for the Heer’s building project. Ms. Smith responded that before Mr. McGowans loan can be finalized his design will have to be submitted for review by HUD. She added that the design process has been slower than expected, but his loan should be finalized around the first of the year.
	Doug Burlison asked if the money proposed to be spent on the quarry is from the original arena money or transportation funds. Ms. Smith responded transportation funds were used on other projects downtown, but are not included in this project.
	Mr. Rush asked for clarification regarding what staff needed from the Council today. Mr. Burris responded staff does not need design approval, but is asking for permission to request a change in funding allocations for monies received from HUD.
	Mayor O’Neal asked for clarification regarding deadlines for use of some of the aforementioned funds. Ms. Smith responded that $650,000 has to be used prior to September 30, 2010, adding that designs have to be created and approved before the funds can be spent.
	Mr. Burris noted that the plan is to put bathrooms on the portion of the quarry that is still sinking rapidly. He added that staff has been advised not to put any structures n the property at this time.
	Mr. Rush expressed concern regarding the public’s perception of another Square renovation. He expressed his belief that if the Heer’s building project and Square renovation could be combined somehow it would be very beneficial to public perception regarding the proposed renovation.
	Mayor O’Neal expressed his support of staff’s request to reallocate HUD funds. He also expressed his support of maintaining Mr. Halprin’s original design. Mayor O’Neal expressed concern regarding the cost of the original renovation design plans and the fact that new plans will need to be created with additional fees. He also recommended a taskforce be created to review the Square and offer feedback on the possible renovation of other historic buildings. Mr. Burris responded that there was a taskforce created to review the Square renovations, adding that it wouldn’t be difficult to reestablish. Mayor O’Neal noted that it may or may not be a good idea to reestablish the taskforce, but it is an option to keep in mind.
	Ms. Smith noted that by restoring the original Halprin design, this should be the last time the Square is redone for many years.
	It was the consensus of the Council to proceed as proposed.
	With no further business to come before Council, this meeting adjourned.
	Brenda Cirtin, MMC/MPCC
11/10/09 lh	City Clerk