2005/12/05 Council Agenda Packet

GENERAL HOSPITAL PARKING LOT - (CB 814,388) President Pro -Tem Gipson announced this would be a public hearing on a Special Property Use Permit for General Hospital to allow a parking lot on its property located on the northwest corner of Colby and 13th. Based on a potential appearance of fairness issue'ana-advice'of the City Attorney, both he and President Baker would not be participating in this issue. He then asked Councilman Pope to chair the meeting. Mayor Moore suggested consistent procedures have not been followed in the past and Brad Cattle, City Attorney, said if there is an appearance of fairness issue because_ hos ital involvement that member should not participate. Councilman Aldcroft said he did not agree and pointed out that public hearings were open to the public for comments: CIL Moved by Councilman Aldcroft, seconded by Councilman Michelson, to have Councilman Gipson and President Baker sit in on this session regarding General Hospital's parking lot permit request and vote on the issue. Councilman Overstreet said the last item involving the hospital was parking along `Colby and did not deal with hospital property and this was much different from the matter under consideration tonight. He felt the legal advice very valuable as serious ramifications could occur. Councilman Langus said both had participated in the paramedic issue` and voted against the City and he could'not see any difference in the appearance of interest then and now, and Councilman Overstreet pointed out that particular item involved a tax issue before the public and did not directly deal with the hospital. Mayor Moore said if Council people cannot participate in various issues because of outside interests then they should not take a Council position. Roll was called with Councilmen Michelson, Aldcroft, Langus and Pope voting yes and Councilman Overstreet voting no. Motion Carried The meeting then recessed in order to allow time for President Baker to arrive at the meeting. The regular meeting reconvened with all Councilmen in attendance at 7:55 p.m. For the record, President Baker stated she was on the Board of Directors of r-eneral•Hospital and asked if there were any objeptions ;from the. audience for her to participate in this matter. Drew Nielsen, of 1311 Noy t, on behalf of the neighborhood committee, i formally objected to Councilman Gipson and President Baker taking part in this issue_ ® , f® Councilman Overstreet pointed out he resided approximately 2 blocks from the proposed project and that his wife has worked with the neighborhood group.