Let’s face it, the Downtown Parking Ramp probably has the 4 votes (plus mayor) to pass. But let’s pretend for a moment you or I were on the council. What would it take to change our minds?
I’m totally against the project personally, but let’s say I was sitting on the council and my fellow peers asked me what it would take to get my vote. Here is a list of things I think needs to change in the agreement before I would consider supporting it.
#1) Cut the parking ramp construction costs by $1 million. I think there is plenty of room to tweak the current plan. For instance, why does a bare concrete structure need a sprinkler system?
#2) Share the $6 million in soft costs with developer. I think the developer should have to pay $3 million of those costs which include upgraded utilities and a reinforced foundation.
#3) Change the lease to a 5 year lease with an opportunity for automatic renewal in 5 years. Base that lease on actual appraisals of similar leases. Right now the lease comes to $1,000 a month. That is highway robbery by the developers. It is ridiculous to sign a 80 year, one time payment lease with the developer.
#4) Take Aaron Hultgren’s name OFF of the contract guarantors and off the investor list. Legal counsel should know better signing a contract with a construction company owner who has been fined thousands of dollars for safety violations by OSHA for a building collapse just feet away from the new development. Until Mr. Hultgren clears his name (he is contesting the fines) NO city money should benefit him. If anything he probably owes us for all the issues he has caused for our city’s first responders and private downtown business owners. He is the LAST person that should be involved.
Like I said, personally I am against the project, but if I was on the council I would propose these amendments.