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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1991-02-20 Council Packet - Work Session, Carr's MallKenai City Council Work Session February 20, 1990 Future of Carr's Mall Present: John J. Williams Hal Smalley Alan Norville Jennifer Smith Topic: COUNCIL WORK SESSION FEBRUARY 2 0 , 1991 Linda Swarner Art McComsey Stan Stedman Ben Ellis Discuss future of present Carr's Mall. Christine Monfor Marion Nelson Mike Tagliavento Mayor Williams stated that with the development of the new Carr's Mall, it is necessary to look to the future of the City. There is a need for more facilities. Groups want a place for holding meetings. Past history of the City is not conducive for development in that direction. What does the City want to do? How involved does the City want to be in the future of the present Carr's Mall? What is the need for future facilities? The Kenai Elementary P141ool will be opening again as a middle school. This will disp ace People Count, Inc., Boys & Girls Club, and the Alternate School program. Possibility of the present Carr's Mall involvement with these programs. Alan Norville (developer of the new Carr's Mall) stated that the demographics of .the City will change dramatically...the retail sector will move out further toward the new Carr's Mall. There will be a tremendous opportunity for the City of Kenai. The old mall will be a lesser, lower end mall or could be developed into a convention center. The City of Kenai could purchase the old mall. If the City does not express interest at this time to Carr-Gottstein, Carr-Gottstein may enter into a long term lease with another entity and then the property will not be available for a long time. He believes the City could have many benefits from having this property. Stan Stedman - (Economic Development District) Over the last year they have worked with 140 small business who are looking for places from where they can run their businesses. The old Carr's Mall might be an environment where nurturing these small businesses can take place. John Williams - If a clearer picture can be received from Carr's of what their plans are, the City can decide to what extent they want to get involved. Whether promotional, long-term lessee or owner. The City is not supposed to be a landowner. Should that -1- be expanded? That will be putting together a housing authority in the City. Taking on responsibility of ownership of visitors center. Doesn't know how to search out and get involved. Christine Monfor - City cannot be sure of anything until it knows what Carr's is going to do. Norville - Carr's will be vacating the mall. Norville suggests the City explore through a study and find out the needs of organizations needing space in the next five years, the feasibility of the City purchasing the mall. If a need is seen, the opportunity exists to work with Carr's people to develop the property into whatever agency the City needs. He believes it a great opportunity for the City if there is a need. The location is unique. Plenty of parking. Carr's may be able to assist. If there is a need, the City can go forward with the purchase or long-term lease. If no need exists, then City can pass on the purchase or lease. , Monfor - If the City decides it wants to buy the property, the price would be over $1M. Wouldn't that have to go to a vote of the people? Williams - He doesn't know at this time. The sale price could be $1.00 or $1M, The price could be negotiated. He is not aware if Carr's knows what they want to do with the property. Tagliavento - (Economic Development District) The EDD knows of user groups that would funnel into that kind of area. He wants to work with the City to find how they want to work into it. He first needs to know what the City can do. He agrees a small survey would help find out what responsibility City wants or doesn't want. After that is found, then EDD can help devise a plan to operate that facility. Williams - The Council needs to determine whether they want to contract Carr's and seek out more information. Norville - He knows the Carr's people very well. He believes that if the City has a use and Carr's has a possible tenant, his personal feeling is that Carr's would talk with the City first. Swarner - Sees EDD as the facilitator and the City not getting involved. Williams - Will try to get in touch with Carr's when he returns from vacation to talk a little more with them and see what plans if any they have for the mall. Monfor - May they will come to a work session and discuss this. -2- Tagliavento - The EDD would like to play an integral part in this project. Norville - He has been meeting with Carr's regularly. He can talk with them and report back to JJW. He can find out where their interests lie. Tagliavento - They will work up a list of people that can use the facility. -3- PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE The Kenai City Council will be having a Work Session on Wednesday, February 20, 1991 at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers. The following item will be discussed at that time: Present Carr's Kenai Mall The public is invited to attend and participate. Carol L. Freas City Clerk DATED: February 13, 1991