Public Comment On Un-authorized Leases
The following letter to the MPRB Commissioners was read at Open Time at the Park Board's October 23, 2008, meeting. The discovery of the two unauthorized leases was the result of a Data Practices request:
October 23, 2008
Commissioners:
I would like to bring to your attention an issue that needs to be addressed.
On November 14, 2007, a five-page, 21 point lease agreement between the Park Board and Flatiron-Manson for the sum of $147,398 was signed by Peter Sanderson, Bob Edwards and Jon Gurban for a year's use of 1900 and 1921 Bluff Street and part of West River Road Parkway during the reconstruction of the I-35 Bridge. This $147,398 was to be paid in three installments.
On April 8, 2008, a second lease agreement between the Park Board and Flatiron-Manson was signed by Bob Edwards, Jon Gurban and Don Siggelkow for the sum of $153,340. This 5-page, 21 point lease agreement was for the use of Bohemian Flats for the months of April, May, June and July of 2008. This $153,340 was to be paid in two installments.
Both of these leases were negotiated and signed without the consent of the Board.
By failing to bring these two leases to the Board for the required committee and full board approvals, Superintendent Gurban and General Manager Siggelkow exceeded their authority and violated Park Board procedures. These are serious violations and they should not be overlooked or ignored. I believe that there should be a review of these violations by Standards and Conduct.
Thank you.
Arlene Fried Minneapolis Co-founder of Park Watch