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Debriefing Meeting Minutes

March 31, 2003

Debriefing of the Williams Company property site visit and formal presentation, 5:15 pm, City Hall Meeting Room.

Members Present:

A. Discussion of Williams Site Visit

Mr. Gene Engle began the meeting with commenting on the wonderful presentation by Millers, Seller and Walsh, The Williams Company, Law Offices of Gray Harris and the City of Lakeland. Mr. Engle and the committee agreed the property was beautiful. During the site visit Neil Frazee did a wonderful job answering questions regarding the land. Mr. Engle shared his concern - what kind of visibility would the campus have from I-4? It was brought to the attention of the committee that the Research Park would host the name of the University of South Florida. Dr. Alice Murray questioned how could the University be seen with the Research Park being in the front of the campus? Would there be synergy with the architecture? Calibration – from the road there is a way to differentiate the properties? What about signage?

B. Questions Discussed by the Committee:

• Where would access to the property be - an interchange on the parkway? There is a great opportunity to grow together in the growth and development of the area. There is no formal entrance now.
  
  
• Multi-Family, Residential, Research Park Development, will it be developed by other developers? Will the Williams Company develop the property?
  


• Useful part of the land - Parcel One. What are the opportunities for Parcel Two - Recreational Fields? Parcel Three - potentials - property of the state for wild life refuge?
  


• Student Residential opportunities - use of a portion of the planned Multi-Family area for these opportunities. If yes, would USF have input in the style of buildings (affordable, practical for students)?
  
• Access location I-4 and Polk Parkway exits to be created from both major access roads.
  


• Mr. Gray stated the intent for naming the Research Park was "The University of South Florida Research Park". This could mitigate the identity concern if the sign would read "The University of South Florida Lakeland Campus and Research Park.
  


• Could we persuade the Williams Co. to allow USF the flexibility of determining placement of the Research Park so long as the acreage was kept the same?
  


• Site provides many opportunities for an attractive layout. Are there limitations due to size and Research Park location?
  


• Sites for multi-family housing - can they become student housing run by a third party?
  


• Does the berm create challenges or opportunities?
  


• Van Fleet Trail - Tenoroc Trail runs through the property.
  


• How much onsite water retention? Pretreated before it can go into the ponds.
  


• Developable Land? Area mined - located in the soil section - Williams proposal.
  


• What does Williams envision to be established in the commercial area?
  

Mr. David Fleming, standing in the absence of committee member Mr. Matt Huber, addressed the fact that the Williams site does add distance to those travelling from Hardee and Highlands counties. From a student standpoint he felt this issue should be addressed since USF is committed to servicing these areas.

Dr. Sistrunk reiterated the fact that Mr. Gray is very knowledgeable and an expert in the area of development.


C. Approval of Minutes

Motion made by Mr. Gene Engle and second Dr. Art Karshmer that the minutes from Hacklake and Old Florida Plantation be approved with revisions. Vote was unanimous.

D. Addendum Attached

Adjournment:

Meeting was adjourned at 6:30 PM by Dr. Alice Murray. The next general meeting will be announced at a later date.

Minutes taken and transcribed by: Kristi Brown

Approved by:
Dr. Alice Murray