The
Minonk City Council took a giant step forward in making the proposed
raceway north of Minonk becoming a reality at the city council meeting
Monday night. The council approved Resolution 2005-01 which
allowed the city to buy an option on Section Six north of Minonk.
The city will pay $25,000 for the option to buy the 640 acres for $2
million from USA Waste Management. This action will allow the
city to buy and then resell the land to the developers of the proposed
I-39 raceway north of Minonk. Mayor Mark Spencer introduced the
resolution to the council saying the overwhelming reception of Thursday
night's presentation convinced him that the public is firmly behind the
raceway development.
Alderman Steve Mattox made a motion to
approve the resolution and was seconded by Alderman Sean
Cunningham. The council unaminously approved the
resolution. After the vote, developer Randy Hellyer and Mayor
Spencer signed an Assignment Agreement that effectively grants the
developer the right to purchase the land from the city. The
developer will reimburse the city the cost of the option. The
council's action gives the developer the green light to proceed with
the development of the land. Joe Spence, one of the developers,
said this gives the developers a product that they can now market and
sell to investors.
Developer Randy Hellyer told the large city
hall crowd that "Minonk has to be one of the best places to live and to
do business today." Hellyer said he has been a real estate
appraiser in Minonk for many years and always has been fond of the
city. He said this is the beginning of a long, prosperous and
trusting relationship between the raceway developers and the
community. Hellyer said that the Minonk location is better than
the location in Brimfield because the traffic count is higher and the
city is close to a larger population.
City Administrator Trent
Smith said this was the biggest hurdle to overcome. He said
things can now progress at their own pace. Nothing should hold up
the project. Hellyer said that he wants to start construction
late this summer.
MFT funds approved for road work
In
other news, the council approved a resolution to use MFT funds for the
spray emulsion and oil and chip programs in the coming year. City
Administrator Trent Smith said that $9,000 will be used towards spray
emulsion and $38,000 towards oil and chipping. He said most of
the money will be spent on finishing the Moran Street extension.
Mayor Spencer is working with 4H to pick up litter and there will be a public awareness campaign.
Bill Koos called for the City Engineer to come to the finance committee
meeting to consult on the 4th st. sewer project to prevent continued
property damage.