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City can do what it wants with the land and may even have a potentially buildable lot in the <br />future. <br />Councilmember Dehen asked how the MPCA felt about this because that will influence his <br />opinion. He stated that he questions why the City would want to pay for the land if it didn't plan <br />to put in the road. <br />Assistant City Engineer Himmer stated that his feeling is they are looking to get rid of the <br />property, but not give it to us. He stated that the City will need to go through the eminent <br />domain process, but they would not contest that He stated that the MPCA does not have the <br />right to sell the property, which is why they have indicated that they will support the eminent <br />domain process. <br />Chair Elvig asked if the City would have to build the road if it followed the eminent domain <br />process. <br />Public Works Director Olson stated that as long as there is a public use other than for economic <br />development purposes, the City can do what it would like with the land after eminent domain. <br />Mr. Anderson stated that the neighbors are very excited about having a bike path, but hate the <br />idea of having a road. <br />Brad Ruud, 15020 Hematite Street, asked if the MPCA pays taxes on this property. <br />Public Works Director Olson stated that this property is not on the tax roll. <br />Chair Elvig stated that he agrees with the neighborhood group that a road should not be <br />constructed right now He stated that the trail costs for construction of one that will support a <br />fire truck will still be quite high. <br />Councilmember Dehen stated that he is not in favor of constructing a road and thinks a standard <br />bike path would be fine. He stated that he is not interested in spending a lot of money to "beef <br />up" a bike path to support a fire truck. <br />Motion by Chaiperson Elvig, seconded by Councilmember Dehen, to recommend to City <br />Council that staff begin the appraisal process for the acquisition of Lot 1, Block 6 Peltzer <br />Addition, and that the City move forward with the looping of the watermain and utilities, that a <br />standard bike path be constructed to connect the two cul de sacs in lieu of a roadway being built. <br />Motion carried. Voting Yes: Chairperson Elvig, Councilmembers Dehen. Voting No: None. <br />Absent: Councilmember Olson. <br />CITIZEN INPUT <br />Gary Smith, 16821 Garnet Street, stated that he must have missed the announcement looking for <br />citizen input at the beginning of the meeting and asked if he could bring something up for <br />Public Works Committee / April 15, 2008 <br />Page 7 of 11 <br />