LOWELL — Aldermen approved creating a steering committee Tuesday to manage the development of 100 acres donated to the city.
The vote to approve creating the committee wasn't unanimous. Aldermen Tom Evers voted against the issue and Janette Lasater voted present. Eric Schein, Conner Jones, Keith Williams, Kendell Stucki, Dean Bitner and Ronnie Breland cast "yes" votes.
Leonard Johnson donated the land to honor his late wife, Kathleen Johnson. Johnson stipulated the land be used only for the public benefit.
"Whatever is put on the property, whether it be a school, park or some other public building it must benefit residents," said Mayor Eldon Long. "That's why we need to have a committee to manage the property,"
The land isn't to be sold, said Tom Keiklak, city attorney.
"The committee can grant long leases to those public entities wanting to use the property. This isn't a money-making deal for the city; most leases would be for a $1 a year," Keiklak said before the meeting.
The initial committee will be comprised of the mayor, finance director, planning director, planning commission chairman, special services director and parks and public works director as well as at least one trustee from the Leonard Johnson Revocable Trust, according to the document.
The number of employees on the committee was the sticking point for Evers.
"I think there should be more residents on the committee," Evers said.
Schein was concerned with the committee loaded with employees who work for the mayor that politics might become an issue.
"This will be the initial members of the Kathleen Johnson Memorial Steering Committee. The city owns the land and must make sure the terms of the donation are met," Long said.
Keiklak explained the committee would write bylaws setting the permanent number of members and the terms each would serve.
"The bylaws will have to come before the council for approval. You will have to opportunity to address issues with the document as you see fit," Keiklak said.
Aldermen will also be responsible for approving leases and expenditures.
"This is an ordinance, you can delete or change any ordinance you have previously approved if you want to micromanage, which I don't suggest," Keiklak said.
The council, at the request of Lasater, adjourned into an executive session to discuss a personnel issue.
The council was out for about 20 minutes. When they returned to open session, Lasater stated no action was taken during the session.
NW News on 03/19/2014