Tonight's meeting touched two main topics.  First, Alderman Argus pulled the discussion of Sim's Bowl from the agenda so that the Community and Economic Development Committee could first have a chance to review Staff's recommendation.  I agree with Alderman Argus; issues need to be discussed at the committee level prior to brining them to the full Council.  That way, the Aldermen have the opportunity to fully flesh out their questions so that we all can make more informed decisions.  I was in the minority when I voted to NOT purchase the Sims property.  You can expect me to maintain that position when the final vote on the bond issue comes up.

The second issue for the evening was the Casino's LEED Design (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design).  The Council accepted a draft letter from Midwest Gaming which says they will use "commercially reasonable efforts to employ the technologies and strategies recommend by the United States Green Building Council for development of high performance and sustainable buildings to achieve LEED certification..."  Next meeting we will finalize the zoning ordinances and by the end of this month the developer will look to finalize their financing.

...it was a late one.

Tonight's meeting began with the approval of a new liquor license for a company by the name of In Agave We Trust.  They plan on operating a wholesale warehouse at 272 Howard.  This business will distribute a variety of premium tequila to local businesses.  An 8-0-0 vote approved this new license.

Alderman Brookman and I asked about the renewal of our tree removal contract.  Last year the City went out for bids and Henrickson was the lowest responsible bidder.  Built into that contract was the ability to renew after one year instead of opting for a multi year contract.  This protects the City, as we then have the ability to walk away from a contractor if our expectations are not being met.  Henrickson has met our expectations and City Staff recommended renewing the contract; the vote was 8-0-0. 

The Police Department is purchasing 6 new Police Interceptors from the low bidder with the proceeds from DEA and Immigration forfeiture funds. 

The Casino was discussed for the majority of the evening. Here are a few questions I had following a presentation by the developers.

Q: How will the new Casino affect rain runoff from the site? (and local flooding)
A: The site as it stands (developed in the 1970s) has no water detention.  The Casino is being designed to detain water on site and slowly release it into the river.  The Casino will have less impact on the neighboring area than the current site. 

Q: The developer claimed that 15% of the land will be preserved for green space.
A: They clarified that 15% green space will be presented until phase 2 development is complete.  They will work to calculate more precise figures.

Q: Will the Casino be LEED (Leadership in Energy and Enviromental Design) Certified?
A: I am a proponent of LEED certification and the initial zoning ordinance required it.  The developer took issue with that requirement as they claimed it would inhibit their ability to acquire financing as the certification is only granted after successful completing of the LEED review.  Staff will be working with the Casino folks to ensure an equitable agreement is reached.

Barring any setbacks, the Casino is set to begin a 16-month construction period shortly with a grand opening in September of 2011.  The new class-6a casino zoning district was approved on first reading 8-0-0.

The Traffic Calming Policy was approved 8-1-0 with Alderman Brookman opposing.  More to come on this policy shortly.

Here is the audio from Tuesday's Council Meeting: