Minutes - Council - 06/14/1994 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

suggested that the Economic Development Authority Chair should be one of the individuals to assist in suggestiug land options. Motion by Councilmember Peterson and seconded by Councilmember Hardin to authorize City Staff to acquire the described parcels at a price within the general parameters as described, after consulting with Mayor Gilbertson and Councilmember Hardin (EDA Chair). Staff is also directed to bring back the proposed option agreements to the Finance Committee and the EDA. Further discussion: Councilmember Zimmerman expressed concern about the City "getting into the land business". Mayor Gilbertson felt that land acquisition would be beneficial to the City. Councilmember Zimmerman stated that raw land might be good to have; however, he felt that it was not good to become involved with buying up businesses. Mr. Schroeder assured Councihnember Zimmerman that this is strictly raw land; no businesses. He added that it would be his intent to close on the property to hold it for development. Councilmember Zimme~vnan inquired if the private industry shouldn't have a "shot at this" rather than the government. Mr. Schroeder stated that the comments he has heard is that the City can provide land without a third vendor; therefore, other purchasing options are not as attractive to them as this would be. Mayor Gilbertson commented that land purchasing by cities is working elsewhere. Councilmember Beyer stated she has a few concerns because this Council took the stand that they clearly did not want to get into the land business. She felt that this should have been discussed in a different manner. Mayor Gilbertson stated he has no problem with this proposal and that the City needs to be progressive and bring in industry. Councilmember Beyer stated that this Council made a policy decision three years ago that it did not want to be in the land business. She felt that Council is not sending a clear message to the constituents. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Mayor Gilbertson, Councilmembers Peterson and Hardin. Voting No: Councilmember Beyer and Zimmerman. Case #10: Minnesota Sawdust Plant City Administrator Schroeder stated that on June 8, 1994, Councilmembers and Staff had the opportunity to tour the property at 14100 J aspar Street N.W. (Minnesota Sawdust and Shavings) for consideration as a Public Works facility. The facility was extremely close to what the City had talked about building for a future public works facility. He stated that after the visit, he asked the Public Works Staff to provide any comments or estimates for refurbishing the facility in order to provide a "first blush" guess of the costs if Council approved this facility for the Public Works garage. Mr. Schroeder then presented Council with the estimated construction costs. He offered that purchasing this facility makes sense even with the refurbishing costs. He suggested the impression he received from the Public Works Staff is that this facility would meet their needs quite accurately. He requested that Council allocate a couple of individuals to negotiate with the property owners in order to use this building as the Public Works facility. Mayor Gilbertson felt that everyone who visited the site appeared to be comfortable with what they saw. Councilmember Zimmerman agreed that the Public Works personnel appeared to be satisfied with the facility. Motion by Councilmember Hardin and seconded by Mayor Gilbertson to authorize the City Administrator and Councilmembers Peterson and Zimmerman to negotiate toward purchase of 14100 Jaspar Street N.W. to be used as the future Public Works facility. City Council/June 14, 1994 Page 9 of 13