Pastor Dale McKinney of Gardner Faith Chapel asked the City Council during public comment to consider waiving, reducing or deferring an excise tax that he said exceeds $33,000 for development on the church's property.

McKinney said the church is a small congregation and the excise tax “is a large amount for us to be dealing with right off the front” as it contemplates building on the site. He said the property already has a four‑lane highway and existing access and suggested that portions of the property not presently in active development could be excluded from immediate excise‑tax charges or deferred until development occurs. McKinney also offered the congregation's parking to supplement Betts Park parking and described potential community amenities the church may add, including open‑air seating, play areas and future coffee‑shop space for park users.

No council action was taken at the meeting. Planning staff told the council the pastor should schedule a planning pre‑application meeting so staff could review platting and development options and clarify what excise taxes apply and whether any relief, deferral or site‑specific approach is possible. Council and staff did not promise a waiver; rather, they suggested staff follow‑up through the city's development review process.

Ending: the pastor requested the council put his matter on a future agenda; staff recommended a pre‑application meeting as the next step so planners can assess formal options and any potential relief or phased payment approaches.