HomeMy WebLinkAbout02.13.2006 (2)COUNCIL WORK SESSION
February 13, 2006
4:15 p.m.
Council Chambers
Members present: Mayor Hurley, Kincaid,
Cole.
Moved by Schmitt, seconded by Kincaid that
Absent: Cole. Motion carried.
Cole now present at 4:16 p.m.
Welper, Gunderson, Greenwood, Getty, Schmitt,
the Agenda, as proposed, be approved. Ayes: Six.
The purpose of the work session was to discuss moving the Dan Gable International Wrestling
Institute and Museum, Inc. to 303 Jefferson Street. A hearing is scheduled for February 27, 2006
to approve a 50 year lease with the museum for the property at a cost of $1.00 per year. This
lease will allow moving the museum from Newton, Iowa. The lease requires the museum to
maintain the property, pay all utilities and use the property only for the museum. The only
contribution by the city is assistance in plowing snow in the parking lot for a five-year period.
The Dan Gable International Wresting Institute is in the process of raising $1.2 million to pay for
remodeling and other expenses related to the move.
Don Temeyer, Community Planning & Development Director, reported the lease covers a 15,000
sq. ft. building located at 303 Jefferson zone. Vanderwalle & Associates feel the museum is a
good fit as it is in the middle of the Cultural/Recreation District. Mr. Temeyer noted the tenants
will be given a 120 day notice on March 1, 2006.
Mike Chapman reported he established the International Wrestling Institute and reviewed his
background. The Institute is a non-profit organization with a 10 member board. There have
been several meetings in Waterloo, and they saw what this could do for the community. Mr.
Chapman stated Dan Gable has had a big impact on wrestling and reviewed Gable's wrestling
record as a player and a coach.
Dan Gable stated he is honored with the proposal to move the Dan Gable International Wrestling
Institute and Museum to Waterloo. Mr. Gable reported he promotes wrestling and Olympic
athletes and currently works at Iowa State. Mr. Gable stated this will be a real benefit to youth in
Waterloo.
Bob Buckley, President of Kirk Gross Company, reviewed the floor plans for the building. They
anticipate spending $50,000.00 in demolition costs using in -kind donations. They expect to
invest $650,000.00 for renovation. Dan Gable will be at the museum about eight times per year
for training sessions. The goal is to raise $1.2 million for the project, and they currently have
$950,00.00 with in -kind donations and will start the general campaign on March 1, 2006 and
hope to finish fundraising by the end of April. The institute will apply for a CAT grant.
Mayor Hurley noted that the lease is for 50 years, but it could get so big it would need to move,
or another opportunity could present itself and it might become necessary to move the institute.
The city would be responsible for locating a new spot for them and the cost of moving. There
are provisions in the lease which would cover this opportunity
Mr. Temeyer reported the lease needs to be approved as part of the application for a CAT grant
and it will require support from Black Hawk County.
With no further business before the council, it was moved by Schmitt, seconded by Kincaid that
the meeting be adjourned at 4:45 p.m. Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
Nancy Eckert
City Clerk