R2004-154 IN SUPPORT AND EXPENDITURE AUTHORIZATION

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_ � COUNCIL MEMORANDUM #2004-06 September 30, 2004 TO: Honorable Mayor Paul Osborne and City Council Members FROM: Steve Garma ity Manager ' SUBJECT: 2005 Farm P ogress Show j RECOMI�IENDATION: Sta.ff is asking that the Decatur City Council authorize I expenditures up to $250,000 to fund water infrastructure improvements for the proposed I Farm Progress site neax Richland Community College. The funds would be paid from the water fund. BACKGROLJND: Last week officials from Farm Progress Inc. announced that Decatur had been selected as the semi-permanent site for the annual Farm Progress Show, capping several weeks of ineetings between city staff and local organizers working to lure the show to Decatur. The show is seen by many as the"Super Bowl" of farming events and organizers have worked to secure community wide support for the event as we a11 know that the efforts and cooperation of several different entities will be required to make the show a success. Based on several conversations and meetings we have learned that severallocal groups have, in fact,agreed to participate both financially and in terms of in-kind contributions. The group is asking that the city provide water infrastructure and service,work city staff values at about$250,000.The amount, if any,the city could contribute would be at the discretion of the CiTy Council. I POTENTIAL OBJECTIONS:We have not heard of any potential objectors to date. I INPUT FROM O'IT-�R SOURCES:This recommendation was made based on the belief that the � show will be good for the Decatur community as a whole and on information indicating that several other entities, including Macon County,the State of Illinois and severallocal businesses are making sizable contributions to support the project. ' STAFF REFERENCES: Please contact myself or Billy Tyus at 424-2753. BUDGET/TIME IMPLICATIONS: The water fund should be able to support this project.