In response to Mr. Harrison’s letter, I would like to address each of his issues:

On the issue of the golf course, it is true that revenues have been down significantly due to the weather. Typically, our offseason weather is moderate and allows for a steady stream of golfers. The City Council did report that after two of the worst years for weather, the golf course would have to take an inter-fund loan to make the necessary equipment repairs and improvements to be ready for this summer. It is the intent of the course (weather permitting) to have the loan paid in full with interest within two years.

The City was due money from a company that did not pay for the services of our own on-duty police officers. The City did file suit, and the company has since paid a settlement amount.

Walmart made an agreement with the City more than four years ago with many notices since that within 90 days of the opening of the new store they would do the following: 1. tear down the old store and either Walmart or the SuperMall would build new facilities; or 2. bring in a new tenant to the empty store satisfactory to the City Council. In return, they would be able to operate under the original building permit for the SuperMall, saving them tens of thousands of dollars. We kept our part of the agreement. The City Council expects them to keep their agreement.

Regarding downtown properties, the City purchased more than 14 properties for redevelopment. The City Council, working with the Institute of City Design and citizen groups wanting a downtown meeting and park-like facility, purchased property by the old Marvel for a City Plaza, and across the street. But only the outside 10 feet will be used in the Promenade for our citizens to have a larger gathering space for events.

Cavanaugh’s pioneering family got caught with a developer who left the country and left them debt on their property. Your City and specifically, the Council, have always worked to help the Cavanaughs.

As far as the censure of one of our councilmembers, that decision was made by the City Council’s operation committee, and actions taken amongst Council are internal. Contact information for all seven of the councilmembers can be found on our website should you wish to discuss that with them.

– Mayor Pete Lewis