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106 f ORDINANCE: "APPROVING SETTLEMENT AND COMPROMISE OF TWO (2) CLAIMS AGAINST THE CITY" (2nd reading) go ORDINANCE: "AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND AND REORDAIN SECTIONS 31-56, 31-57, 31-60, 31-61, 31-62, 31-153, A_ND 31-156, OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF CHARLOTTESVILLE, 1990, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO UTILITY RATES" (2nd reading) ORDINANCE: LEASE/PURCHASE AGREEMENT - HIGH STREET PARKING LOT (2nd reading) Mr. Clyde Gouldman, City Attorney, noted a proposed change in the lease agreement that divides the lease terms into 5-year option periods. Ms. Slaughter asked if there has been any discussions of use of the parking lot by the public during non-business hours. Mr. Gouldman said McGuire Woods has been working with Temple Beth Israel regarding parking, but he is not aware of other discussions. Mr. Gouldman reviewed the process leading up to the lease/purchase agreement. The City was approached by a developer several years ago who proposed to purchase the lot. The Charlottesville Industrial Development Authority (CIDA), after discussions with Council, issued an RFP and chose a developer for the site. Negotiations with the chosen developer were unsuccessful, but the City was approached by McGuire Woods, the business originally proposed to occupy the building, shortly thereafter and negotiations have been ongoing with them since that time. Mr. Toscano allowed public comment on the proposed lease-purchase agreement. Mr. Kenton McCartney, 2021 Spotswood Road, spoke on behalf of the proposed agreement, saying he feels it wilt be a benefit to the city. Mr. Jack Stoner, real estate owner in the Court Square area, said he is upset by the proposal as parking is already inadequate in the area and it will remove valuable infrastructure. Mr. Stoner asked Council to work with McGuire Woods to keep them downtown, but maintain the public parking on the lot. Mr. Stoner said the lease agreement does not benefit the city. Mr. Bill Daggett, 1823 Yorktown Drive, the original developer of Queen Charlotte Square, stated that while he understands there was no formal commitment, promises had been made by City officials in the past that public parking on the lot would be maintained. Mr. Daggett said he feels the price being offered for the lot is inadequate, and will have a negative impact on the value of Queen Charlotte Square. Mr. Daggett suggested that the market be given an opportunity to bid on the lot. Ms. Phyllis Leffier, 1612 Concord Drive, President of Congregation Beth Israel, spoke on behalf of the Board of Directors. Ms. Leffier said the Board is supportive of McGuire Woods staying downtown and feels the development is important to downtown. Ms. Leffier said the Board is concerned about protecting the needs of parking for the congregation and asked the City to do everything possible to ensure that parking remains available. Responding to a question from Ms. Daugherty, Mr. Lucius Bracy of McGuire Woods, said he is optimistic that parking arrangements can be worked out with Congregation Beth Israel. Mr. Kevin Lynch, 609 Locust Avenue, said the property is clearly a public asset, generating about $50,000 annually in revenue now, which could be doubled if a parking garage were built on the site. Mr. Lynch said the courts need parking. Mr. Lynch asked that Council preserve all the parking spaces and take a longer-term view of developing the site.