From Page 2 “the analysis suggested that the value of the project is approximately $20 Million to $23 Million, suggesting that for a $33 Million project the subsidy necessary to induce a strong developer to the project would range from $9 Million to $13 Million”
Here is the Kunkel-ERC Memorandum of Understanding
From page one: “this MOU does not constitute a legally binding or enforceable agreement and does not create any legally binding obligations whatsoever, express or implied.”
Link to the MOU:
Link to Mayor’s Press Release:
What the Heck is a Memorandum of Understanding
The CCO became curious about why a Memorandum of Understanding was the document chose by the Weinzapfel Administration to put a little paper between the City of Evansville and the Kunkel Group. US Legal provides the following definition which sounds more like a pinky ring relationship than a wedding band.
“A Memorandum of Agreement (“MOAâ€), also known as a memorandum of understanding, is a formal business document used to outline an agreement made between two separate entities, groups or individuals. A MOA usually precedes a more detailed contract or agreement between the parties. This MOA may be used to cooperatively work together on an agreed upon purpose or meet an agreed objective and outline the discussed terms of a new relationship. The purpose of an MOA is to have a written understanding of the agreement between the parties. A MOA usually precedes a more detailed contract or agreement, after a process of negotiations and due diligence. This MOA provides a simple but effective format to enter into a general agreement prior to finalizing a more detailed contract or agreement with a party.”
IS IT TRUE? December 16, 2011 Winnecke Gets an Albatross to go with the Balls and Chains
IS IT TRUE? December 16, 2011
IS IT TRUE that today Evansville Mayor Jonathan Weinzapfel who only has 15 more days to serve as mayor has announced that he has entered into a memorandum of understanding with the Kunkel Group to build and operate a downtown Convention Hotel where the rock pile was a short 5 months ago?…that Klenck Construction, the locally owned business that did the demolition and removed the rock pile have still not been paid the $315,000 that they earned?…that the people who own Klenck Construction must be some very accommodating people if they have not taken an form of legal action to secure their payment including getting a stop order of public funding of a project on the City of Evansville owned lot that they did the improvements on?
IS IT TRUE that a memorandum of understanding was not even a necessary step in this process and that for some reason the Weinzapfel Administration had a need to add a ceremonial step to the process and make an announcement on a Friday afternoon?…that a memorandum of understanding is not binding and has about as much significance as a couple of teenagers promising to marry someday when they grow up?…that the real fireworks on this project will be coming when it is brought before the Evansville City Council to vote for the incentive package to be funded?…that it will be very interesting if this comes to a vote in 2011 in its last official meeting?…that the only reason to even attempt such a last minute deal is if Mayor Weinzapfel thinks that the new City Council will not vote like a block of puppets the way this City Council has done for four years now?
IS IT TRUE that it will also be interesting to see if even one member of the Evansville City Council will stand up for the interests of Klenck Construction?…that by voting to fund an incentive package for the hotel project without demanding that Klenck be paid for the honest improvements that they made to the City of Evansville’s property is callous and irresponsible?
IS IT TRUE that poor Mayor Elect Winnecke who already has been shackled with four balls and chains by the last minute cram throughs of the Weinzapfel Administration just got an albatross around his neck to go with the balls and chains?…that the returning blindly block voting members of the Evansville City Council would be well advised to push this vote to next year as an indication that they understand that 15 days from now that Mayor Elect Lloyd Winnecke and not then Citizen Elect Jonathan Weinzapfel will be the person that they have to work with?…that memorandums of understanding are easily set aside should Mayor Winnecke and the 2012 City Council choose to do so?
WHAT IS THE RUSH PEOPLE? IF THIS IS THE RIGHT COURSE OF ACTION IT WILL STAND THE SCRUTINY OF THE NEXT CITY COUNCIL AND THE NEXT MAYOR OF EVANSVILLE
City of Evansville Negotiations with Kunkel for Hotel are Finalized
The City County Observer has just learned that the City of Evansville has finalized its negotiations with the Kunkel Group to build and operate a downtown Convention Hotel on the site of the former Executive Inn parking lot.
Mayor Weinzapfel announced the meeting of the minds that has resulting in a memorandum of understanding.
Further details have not been released.
This is a developing story.
IS IT TRUE? December 16, 2011
IS IT TRUE? December 16, 2011
IS IT TRUE that it was reported today by USA Today that roughly half of all Americans have slipped into poverty during the recent recession?…that unemployment was not the biggest contributor to this alarming statistic?…that rising costs of energy and food were the culprits blamed for the financial decline that has left America with half or our people in poverty?
IS IT TRUE that Mole #11 tells us that a local semi-celebrity who is known for ignoring citations has reformed himself and shown up on time and well groomed for a court date?…that all is well?…that the Winnecke Administration is moving forward with the daily announcement of appointees today with the expected news that Mr. Steven Schaefer, former Vice President at the Chamber of Commerce of SW Indiana will become his Chief of Staff?…that the CCO congratulates Mr. Schaefer, Mayor Elect Winnecke, and the Transition Team for another excellent appointment?
IS IT TRUE that another dilapidated old apartment building is going to be refurbished by Mike Martin?…that this time it will be The Euclid that is on the receiving end of Mr. Martin’s refurbishment magic?…that The Euclid is a three story building on 3rd Street across from Welborn that contains 6 unique living units?…that it has really been a mess for many years and last had residents in it in the late 1990’s and then it was mainly a flophouse and drug dealing hangout?…that The Euclid was available in the early 2000’s for only $2,500?…that Mr. Martin is planning to spend $800,000 on the project and that the City of Evansville has committed to kick in an additional $100,000 making each unit slated for a $150,000 investment?…that this kind of investment will require each unit to rent for about $1,500 to cash flow?…that this is a tough assignment but that if anyone can pull this off successfully that Mike Martin is the man for the job?…that we wonder if this could have been or would have been done anyway without the $100,000 of taxpayer dollars thrown in to sweeten the deal?
IS IT TRUE that while we are speaking of the activity of refurbishment that the article by Joe Wallace that made a case for turning the McCurdy Hotel back into a hotel has gathered some responses?…that this has been seen as an idea with a vision behind it and that many movers and shakers have expressed support for it?…that one developer called Mr. Wallace and asked many questions and is clearly interested in such a project?…that another contact came from an investor with a love for historic buildings?…that maybe they will be introduced to each other soon and maybe, just maybe something positive will come from this vision?
MAYOR-ELECT WINNECKE NAMES CHIEF OF STAFF
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 16, 2011
MAYOR-ELECT WINNECKE NAMES CHIEF OF STAFF
EVANSVILLE, IN – Evansville Mayor-elect Lloyd Winnecke announced this morning the appointment of Steve Schaefer as Chief of Staff for the Mayor’s Office. Mr. Schaefer has a more than a decade of experience in government and the non-profit sector. Schaefer will begin his new duties on January 1, 2012.
“Steve’s knowledge and experience in government is an asset that will equip my Administration to improve efficiencies and better serve the citizens of Evansville,†Winnecke said. “His work to advance the Interstate 69 project and local government reform are evidence of his strong commitment to our community.â€
Mr. Schaefer is currently an aide to U.S. Congressman Larry Bucshon and previously served as Executive Director of the Hoosier Voices for I-69, a statewide advocacy coalition in support of the Interstate 69 highway. Schaefer has also worked as Vice President of Public Policy at the Chamber of Commerce of Southwest Indiana and in the offices of U.S. Congressman John Hostettler and U.S. Congressman John Boehner.
“I am honored to accept the position of Chief of Staff for Mayor Winnecke,†said Schaefer. “During the campaign, Mayor-Elect Winnecke outlined a new vision for the City of Evansville and I am excited to have the opportunity to implement his pro-growth agenda.â€
Schaefer is a graduate of Mater Dei High School and Indiana University with a Masters of Public Administration from the University of Southern Indiana. Schaefer currently serves as President of the Evansville Convention and Visitors Bureau Board of Commissioners and was named a “20 Under 40†in 2010 by the Evansville Courier & Press.
Mayor-elect Winnecke will continue to assemble his new administrative team over the next few weeks. For more information, visit www.TransitionEvansville.com.