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141. Special Meeting September 20, 1982 Page 2 was asked who prepared the proposed area, and he replied members of the Chamber of Commerce, County, City Planning Department, A. C. Gonzalez and himself had set up the district according to the proposals submitted by investors. Frank Gordon stated the area could be expanded or deleted in the future. Mayor Craddock closed the public hearing. Mayor Craddock then withdrew her motion and Mr. Brown withdrew his second. Mrs. Norris then moved the map be adopted excluding any area designated as low density in the Master Plan and Mr. Farr seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. The map will be presented for adoption by Resolution at the Septem- ber 27, 1982 meeting. Mayor Craddock introduced for consideration approval of site location for the Convention Center. Mr. Brown reviewed the three alternatives the Council had considered: 1. Hood property located on Redwood Road across from the new hospital, 2. Gary parkland property, and 3. Show Barn (adjacent thereto). Ralph Gonzalez, County Commissioner, pre- sented a Resolution adopted by the County Commissioners making avail- able 25 acres adjacent to the Show Barn for the Civic Center, if the City wants the site. The property would include 12 acres for soft- ball fields. Roger Storey thought the Show Barn site was the best location because it has two openings from Hwy. 123 and IH35 and would increase the use of the Show Barn for the County. Mr. Kreczmer point- ed out the Hood's property would cost a considerable amount of money to purchase with the grant money and the Show Barn would not cost anything. Rudy Ruiz reviewed with the Council the letters of commit- ment which had been received, totaling $9 million, giving the City only $1-1/2 million for the development of the civic center. He stated more letters of commitment were needed. Frank Gordon re- viewed plans he had for a medical complex, hotel or motel site, or combination thereof and had not been apprised his letter of commit- ment was needed at this time. City Manager Gonzalez stated any planned developments are welcomed and the letters of commitment are needed immediately. Rudy Ruiz stated the letters of commitment were a bind- ing contract. Mary Anne Hood said she had plans for a $7-10 million hotel adjacent to the civic center if located on her property. Mike Moore stated the County's property was being offered to the City free of charge and the Hood property would cost money. He thought Ken Kraus' property had the best access, but was prohibitively priced. He stated the sewer treatment plant property is dedicated parkland and would require a referendum election to be used. City Manager Gonzalez stated HUD had turned down a project in the past because of its being in the vicinity of the sewer treatment plant. Bud Walker of Thermon Manufacturing stated they donated the property where the Show Barn is located with a two-year option, which they didn't use. He said Thermon would support the Show Barn site for the civic center. George Dashner said if the Council selected the property near the hospital, that he hoped consideration would be given to the traffic generated concerning emergency vehicles. City Manager Gonzalez said the proposed construction of the civic center would run $2-2-1/2 million and more letters of commitment were need- ed. Rudy Ruiz said the value of the 25 acres at the Show Barn site could be included in the package. Mrs. Norris moved the primary site location for the civic center be the Hood property and an alternative be the Show Barn site and Mrs. Mendez seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. Mayor Craddock introduced for consideration approval of the Master Plan and direction for its printing. Craig Farmer presented copies to the Council with written changes for their review. He said the remainder of the changes would be completed within two weeks and pre- sented to the Council. Since no further action was needed at this time on the Master Plan, Mrs. Norris moved approval be tabled and Mr. Farr seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.