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<br />She explained that the list of property owners who are waiting to be bought out has grown. She <br />explained that if the business is not worth millions of dollars or if it is vacant it makes it easier to <br />buy with RALF money. She explained that it is easier if the business does not need to be <br />relocated. <br /> <br />Mayor Gamec stated that they should work on improving areas of the community that are <br />blighted. He explained that the Standard Station at 142nd and 47 was recently purchased. He <br />explained that the Met Council didn't receive funding last year through the Governor so the <br />monies were not expanded. <br /> <br />Ms. Frick explained that when the bonding bill goes through, money gets added back into the <br />fund. <br /> <br />City Administrator Ulrich inquired about Sunfish Express and Sunfish Commons, which do not <br />meet RALF priorities and will not meet property acquisition standards. <br /> <br />Mayor Gamec stated that blighted areas of the City may be easy to acquire. <br /> <br />Ms. Frick stated that Mach 5 Motors calls regularly to request a buyout of the business. <br /> <br />Mayor Gamec stated that he would like to work on acquiring the blighted properties. <br /> <br />Councilmember Dehen suggested first working with the businesses that have been asking to be <br />considered. He suggested looking at what compromises the property owner is willing to make so <br />the business is affordable to purchase. <br /> <br />Ms. Frick explained that the prices paid have not been unfair. <br /> <br />Mayor Gamec stated that some businesses may be interested in selling but would still like a fair <br />dollar amount of their business. <br /> <br />Ms. Frick stated that the Jim Deal properties that were purchased did not fit in on the list but they <br />were motivated to move them to the Town Center Development that went in. She explained that <br />they needed to be relocated. <br /> <br />Councilmember Dehen asked that it not be limited to businesses in blighted areas. <br /> <br />Councilmember Jeffrey explained that a fair dollar amount should be paid to the business. <br /> <br />Ms. Frick stated that the Met Council has requested one appraisal now instead of two to consider <br />the comparables. She explained that the property owner is given the option of choosing the <br />appraIser. <br /> <br />Councilmember Jeffrey stated he does not want to hear that property owners feel they undersold <br />their business value. <br /> <br />City Council Work Session I January 29, 2008 <br />Page 11 of 17 <br />