Minutes - Council - 01/27/2009 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Motion by Councilmember Elvig, seconded by Councilmember Jeffrey, to approve Resolution #09-01-023 granting Final Plat approval to Michels Property (6080 Highway #10 NW). Motion carried. Voting Yes: Mayor Ramsey, Councilmembers Elvig, Jeffrey, Dehen, Look, McGlone, and Wise. Voting No: None. Absent: None. Case #2: Consider Demolition or Lease of Property Located at 6101 Hwy 10 NW Economic Development Coordinator Sullivan stated on March 22,2005, the City entered into an agreement to purchase 6101 Highway #10 NW (the former Ralph's Gun and Pawn) as part ofthe Highway 10 RALF project. He stated the building is currently vacant and is being heated minimally to keep the building functional. He indicated the Building and Fire Officials visited the site on January 12 to determine the condition of the building from a building and fire standpoint. He noted the past use of the building was considered mercantile (M) and that allows for the building to be used as a store; as a result, the building wo:uld need significant improvements to get it into leaseable condition. He stated the building is 3,808 square feet and requires the installation of a water suppression system if the use were to change from its current M use, as well as installation of bathrooms for the public depending on its use, making it difficult to support anything other than an M use. He stated options include making these improvements to make the site leasable, to market the property for an M use, or authorize staff to gather bids to demolish the structure. He indicated the RALF program has set aside $10,000 for demolition of the building and staff is recommending that the building be demolished. Mayor Ramsey asked if the building would be suitable for use by the City to store any of its property. Public Works Director Olson stated the City currently stores off-season equipment in another building. He stated this building would require significant improvements, including the installation of larger garage doors and removal of some of the walls. Economic Development Coordinator Sullivan added this would also be considered a change in use and would require the City to make changes to the current zoning. Councilmember Look stated his preference would be try to lease out the property. He expressed concern about razing yet another building and giving the appearance of a ghost town. He stated the property should remain zoned for mercantile, marketed as an M use, and marketed to a new business that could perhaps use some sweat equity to return the building to a mercantile use. Councilmember Wise asked about the cost to the City to maintain the property. Economic Development Coordinator Sullivan stated the City is paying for minimal heat. City Attorney Goodrich noted that since this is a RALF acquisition, any funds would go back to the RALF fund and not to the general fund. City Council'! January 27, 2009 Page 6 of 20