“The lender discussion will be continued and the developer should have a more defined time frame of when he feels comfortable revealing that information,” Planning and Community Development Director Tim Dempsey said. “[Chappelle will] discuss with council what his proposed plan is for when the lender will be revealed.”

During a meeting last Tuesday, Chappelle said he was uncomfortable naming the project’s lenders as he felt that they would be harassed by opponents to the project, posing difficulty to its progress.

In addition to the conversation regarding City Center II’s due-diligence report, the council also will discuss the proposed renewal of City Attorney Tom Yeadon’s contract with East Lansing, which expires at the end of June.

Yeadon stepped into the role of city attorney on April 1, when Dennis McGinty relinquished the position. Since Yeadon has only been East Lansing’s city attorney for less than two months, Mayor Diane Goddeeris said it was difficult to appraise his body of work.

Because of this, Goddeeris recommended that council continue forward with Yeadon’s contract and determine his role with the city at a later date when it can have a more in-depth evaluative process.

“It’s just been such a short time and this is one of the key decisions council has to make,” Goddeeris said.

“I don’t think it’s the right time to do a whole review of everything because we have some big projects with the city attorney’s office.”

Yeadon said although he is fairly new at the position, McGinty remains on with the city to advise the new city attorney.

“The fact that he’s no longer the named city attorney doesn’t mean our services will change at all,” Yeadon said.

“If you compare the rates we bill the city to any other reputable law firms that do municipal work, you’ll find that the city is getting a good deal.”