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restrictions. What about the City Council going "hog wild" and buying up half the City <br />and putting us into debt. <br /> <br />Commissioner Donovan expressed a concern about the parks and inquired if maybe the two <br />situations Mr. Schroeder was referring to were exceptions and that the City just didn't get <br />the process started soon enough. <br /> <br />Mr. Schroeder explained that from the date of discussion, you have to get the item on the <br />Council agenda. At the second meeting you have the hearing - this is a minimum of two to <br />three weeks. With the Detail Tool project, the City was approached by Greenburg <br />consortium with their extra land. We optioned one of them and had an offer in to option <br />for the other three but we had not exercised it. In the meantime, we were approached by a <br />developer - negotiating a development agreement can happen in a couple weeks' time. The <br />Anoka-Ramsey Sports Center deal was fairly similar but the difference was we acquired the <br />property through a quit claim deed and negotiated the contract with the developer; then said, <br />pursuant to this contract, now we will transfer the land. <br /> <br />Chairperson Steffen stated that it's not the length of time but the two sets of transfers. <br /> <br />Mr. Schroeder stated it's cheaper not having two sets of transfers but added when a party <br />decides to build something, he wants to do it tomorrow. <br /> <br />Commissioner Donovan stated we want a developing community and we are in way <br />"handcuffing" ourselves. <br /> <br />Mr. Schroeder stated if we sold parkland, and the citizens complained, the City would not <br />do very well. /qc:~,~,4q ,~ 0~4~'.~% \'¢'~ 44 <br />Chairperson Steffen stated that the Ramsey~ Charter has a no net loss park <br />provision; you cannot reduce the amount of parkland you have. <br /> <br />Mr. Schroeder stated that a provision would have to be drafted which prohibits the City <br />from selling off parkland or similar type property and another to keep the City from buying <br />up half of the County. <br /> <br />Chairperson Steffen stated there are some concerns about getting into the development <br />business. It could be worded "redevelopment and development districts but not housing <br />districts". There should be no parks in those two districts. <br /> <br />Mr. Schroeder suggested exploring the idea that property could be acquired for the specific <br />purpose of development. <br /> <br />Chairperson Steffen stated we could put a restriction on acquisition of development land; <br />then it could be a routine acquisition. If not, there would have to be a hearing, etc. to have <br />citizen input. He felt the safeguard ought to be in the acquisition part. Have language <br />developed to protect the public's interests (safeguards). <br /> <br />Motion by Commissioner Nelson and seconded by Commissioner Kiefer to direct the City <br />Attorney to draft a Charter amendment to Section 12.5 to allow for simultaneous closings, <br />etc. Language safeguarding sale of parkland, etc. should be included in the amendment. <br />The safeguard ought to be in the beginning of the land acquisition. <br /> <br />Charter <br /> <br />Commission/November 17, 1994 <br /> Page 4 of 6 <br /> <br /> <br />