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On motion by Ms. Galvin, seconded by Ms. Smith, the ordinance carried for a second reading. RESOLUTION : LEWIS & CLARK LOAN FORGIVENESS REQUEST Mr. Chris Engel presented to Council on a loan forgiven ess request from the Lewis & Clark Foundation in the amount of $130,000. Mr. Huja invited representatives from the Lewis & Clark Foundation to speak . Ms. Heather Mo o r e Riser , President of L ewis & Clark Exploratory Center Board. Mr. Fran Lawrence, former president, and past president and current treasurer Mr. Chris McClean were also present. Ms. Smith asked about the County’s upcoming economic development meeting. Mr. Lawrence said they met with the County and UVA last week, and did not get their recomm endation to the board that the loan be forgiven. Mr. Lawrence said the Lewis and Clark Exploratory Center can do a lot of good work if they do not have to worry about paying off the loan. They have also had a few issues along the way to opening. Ms. Szak os asked Mr. Engel what h e saw as the pros and cons of forgiving this loan are from the perspective of the City’s economic development department . Mr. Engel said the money came from the Strategic Investment Fund, which is used for economic development purp oses. From an economic development perspective, the Rivanna River has been discussed as being an opportunity for tourism and visiting activities along the river, which is where the center is located. Ms. Galvin asked if we have for given other CEDA loans in the past. Mr. Engel said not that he is aware of. Ms. Galvin asked if this sets a precedent. Mr. Engel said he does not think it sets a precedent; it is a unique set of circumstances. Mr. Huja asked staff to r esearch whether we have forgiven a loan in the past. Ms. Smith said the Lewis and Clark Exploratory Center is an incredible asset to the public. In response to a suggestion from Ms. Smith, Mr. Lawrence said they are open to the idea of making the center available to the City and the County for eve nts . Mr. Fenwick said he shares Ms. Smith’s comments. He said Ms. Alexandr i a Searls has done a great job and is a true asset to the center. Ms. Galvin said the center is a beautiful asset and completes the narrative of our area. However, she wants to m ake sure we are tapping into the resources at the CACVB and ensure this is coordinated with functions at Monticello so this is not an untapped resource. She asked for a report in one year to show what has been done to cover costs and increase volume. On mo tion by Ms. Smith, seconded by Mr. Fenwick , Council voted to forgive the loan of $130,000 to the Lewis & Clark Exploratory Center. (Ayes: Mr. Huja, Mr. Fenwick, Ms. Szakos, Ms. Smith, Ms. Galvin; Noes: None .)