1968 339- 485 _ 1-8 to 4-15-1968

Browse Search

Acceptance of EBS report on selection of Civic Center Site. City Manager's report to Council advised that before Staff could proceed with implementation of the Facility Planning Study prepared by EBS a determination was necessary on the site selection. He advised it was Staff's recommendation that Council approve the location of the new Civic Center on the present site, as expanded, and as also recommended by the consultants, and that Staff be authorized to proceed with the necessary preliminary site planning. Councilman Rosselli discussed need for further discussion of this matter at a special study session of Council because of the importance of this decision with further consideration being given to alternate sites. He mentioned potential growth of area and need for more land than is available at the present site. Discussion also held by those of Council favoring decision being made at this meeting because of the fact Staff recommendation followed that of EBS report, and also that indicated by the Blaney & Livingston recommendation in the Down- town Plan that civic center be maintained in its present location, but indi- cating their agreement to continue this matter until a full Council is present. City Manager advised decision had been requested of the Council according to Council's directive that Staff implement the EBS report for a new civic center. He advised Staff's extensive review of the recommended sites contained in the report of EBS and Downtown Plan had resulted in concurring with their recommenda- tion. Staff now needs Council's authorization to continue by obtaining archi- tectural consultants with the capability of making preliminary designs of a concept for expansion of present area. He also indicated if another site was to be proposed other than that recommended, the EBS report held little value except for the space utilization which had been included therein. He again stressed it was Staff's recommendation that present site was the best site to be developed into an outstanding civic center, having a minimum amount of acquisition costs involved, as compared to acquiring another site. He also referred to the report submitted to Council wherein stat- istics were given indicating, as a result of a survey, that over 90% of Civic Centers were favored in central business districts or immediately adjacent thereto. After further discussion, Councilman Henderson moved to approve the recommended Civic Center Site and authorize Staff to proceed with preliminary planning, seconded by Councilman Keckley. After further discussing intent of the motion as to site and implications of the authorization to proceed onpreliminary plans for specific present site expansion of the Civic Center, motion tied on a roll call vote resulting in no action on motion, Councilmen Henderson, Keckley and Mayor Herkner voting yes, Councilman Bury, Petersen, and Rosselli voting no. FEB 19 'BB