12/01/08 Special Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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Commissioner Look asked what it cost to have the appraisals conducte~ on these 3 parcels. Assistant City Engineer Himmer stated that it cost $3,400 for the appraisals. Commissioner Dehen asked where the money would come from for this acquisition. Assistant City Engineer Himmer stated that should be part of the discussion. He stated that he is unsure if there are HRA funds available and noted that it will be discussed at the EDA and there is also the possibility of using the trunk utility fund. Community Development Director Miller stated that the portion of the land not used for the water tower could be developed to allow for redevelopment in the area. Commissioner Elvig stated that it is a big project of a City to get involved as a speculator or developer. He stated that if the City does purchase the land, the value of land should be fairly low right now. He stated that he would hate for the City to buy land to sell. for housing and be in direct competition with people who are trying to do a funding proposal to get people out of debt. He stated that there is a communications tower next to the strip mall and there. has been discussion of moving that onto the water tower. He asked what the revenue is off the 'existing tower. Commissioner Gamec stated that he thinks the revenue is about $1,500 or $1,800 a month, but the City is not getting the revenue on the existing tower. Commissioner Elvig stated that he would see that as a positive selling point to residents that this tower could come down and the water tower could be utilized for the. communication. He stated that he would prefer to acquire just the 14.2 acre parcel. Commissioner Dehen asked why he wouldn't want to also acquire the 3.1 acre parcel. Commissioner Elvig stated that it might be worthwhile to also acquire that parcel, but he doesn't think it can be redeveloped. Commissioner Dehen stated that he didn't think it would be very likely that there would be much redevelopment with a big tower right by you anyway. Commissioner Elvig stated that he agreed that no one wanted a tower in their backyard. Commissioner Gamec stated that perhaps the City could consider acquiring the 26 acre parcel in the future. He stated that if the City did put in sewer and water he knows the golf course and the shopping center would be interested because they have been having trouble with their systems. He stated that he feels that anything that happens for redevelopment will need to include sewer. Commissioner Elvig stated that the City still needs to negotiate a road to the park and purchasing the smaller parcel would help secure'that right of way. He asked how close a home can be to the water tower. Housing and Redevelopment Authority I August 26, 2008 Page 6 of 10 6