09272004 Regular Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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80. Regular Meeting September 27, 2004 Page 10 sidewalk on the north side of Hopkins between the Activity Center and the Parks Building in the amount of $150,000.00. He stated the construction of a possible bridge was discussed to provide a pedestrian walkway over the river. He also stated he has been informed TXDOT will not allow the City to build off the side of their bridge. He stated this would require the City to build a stand-alone bridge. He also stated Phase I is the allocated funds of $150,000.00 for sidewalks on both sides of the river, and Phase II, which is the proposed stand-alone bridge over the river will cost an estimated $337,000.00 to $535,000.00. Mr. O'Leary stated he needs direction on whether the Council wants to continue with Phase II for this fiscal year. Mr. Thomaides stated he would be willing to work with the Engineering Department to look at other alternatives, which might be less expensive. He stated there was a discussion of possibly connecting trails to the existing pedestrian bridge. Mr. Guerrero and Mr. Bose stated they would also be interested in working with Mr. Thomaides and the Engineering Department. Mayor Narvaiz suggested Phase II be included in the Visioning Workshop discussions in February. I Mayor Narvaiz introduced a discussion regarding Downtown Revitalization of Too Bitter Building and use of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds. Mr. O'Leary stated funds can be used for the revitalization of the Too Bitter Building. He stated the Council could amend the current allocated funds and amend the plan or consider this in next year's CDBG funds allocation. He stated the owner of the building has been contacted, and they are asking for $325,000.00 to $350,000.00. Mr. Mihalkanin stated the owners are asking for more than the taxable value of the property. Mr. O'Leary stated $103,000.00 of the CDBG allocated funds were given back to the City to reallocate. Mr. Diaz stated he feels developers could make a better deal, and then the City could offer the purchaser an incentive. Mr. Thomaides stated he would support a partnership for purchase of the building and using CDBG funds, so the building will not remain an empty shell. Mr. Mihalkanin suggested Staff investigate what procedures the appraisal district uses to determine property values. He also suggested the City Attorney contact other municipalities who have development corporations, especially for downtown revitalization and what State law allows. Mr. O'Leary stated the downtown Master plan will be brought to the Council this year, but the Council may need to have a discussion about restaurants and bars operations developing in the downtown area. Mr. Mihalkanin stated he would like Staff to provide the Council with the TABC regulations for alcohol sales. The Council agreed by consensus to pursue CDBG funds for the purchase of the Too Bitter Building, have the Planning and Zoning commission discuss the restaurant and bar operations in the downtown area, and have Staff provide the Council with procedures of the Appraisal District's appraisals. I Mayor Narvaiz introduced a discussion regarding possible land exchange with San Marcos Consolidated Independent School District and direction to I