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Mario Martins stated that four years ago many within the downtown area were in support of the project. He stated that the plan today is much different from the plan presented and agreed upon four years ago. Just as the various businesses being affected by this project are requesting more time to negotiate and look for space, he stated that the City should step back and make sure it is doing the right thing. He further stated that it has been proven in the past that whenever Jefferson Avenue is impacted by delay or reconstruction the downtown area businesses are affected. Alan Bygdnes stated that he has consistently heard at meetings that there will not be a left hand turn off of Jefferson into the entrance of the underground parking garage. The alternative is to then come down Jefferson, make a left hand turn at Middlefield to a three -lane road, going down the propose one way street next to the restaurants. He stated his belief that this is not the proper way to go to get around the block and into the parking garage. He asked for clarification of the DDA section that states when any development occurs on Block 2, the City will need to build a comparable parking facility within the orange zone and that will add to the traffic and parking problem. City Manager Everett stated that there is a requirement in the DDA that when Block 2 is developed, we must replace the 300 parking places currently on Block 2. There are multiple ways to meet that requirement such as shared parking on Block 2 or parking somewhere else in the orange zone that encompasses approximately a six by six block radius. The parking stalls can also be placed underground below Block 2 if that proves financially feasible. Council asked various questions of staff and made comments. Economic Coordinator Webb stated that in 1998, there was a joint study session with Council, Planning Commission and Architectural Review Committee. At that time, criteria were developed for an RFP that went out in August of 1998 where proposals were submitted by four developers in October 1998. The proposals were reviewed, narrowing down to three as being the most viable, and requested business proposals from those three. Of those business proposals, the narrowing came down to two developers of which the Cinema Committee and City Council, as a whole, spent considerable amount of time interviewing, discussing and questioning the two proposals prior to the final decision. She confirmed that both original parking designs submitted by competing developers were from Nick Watry. She further stated that at the time a parking garage was considered on Block 2 with a couple of entrances. M/S Ruskin /Hartnett to not re -open the question of the design of the Jefferson Garage under the Retail /Cinema project. The motion passed by a majority roll call vote with Council Member Jordan voting no and Vice Mayor Ira absent. REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES APRIL 14, 2003 PAGE 7 MINUTES Book No. 59 Page No. 440