Monday, March 21, 2005

City gives raceway developers green light

Monday, March 21, 2005 - Posted 6:39:14 PM by Editor

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.