Agenda - Council - 09/22/2009 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Public Works Director Olson stated the ,City did request, because of the Armstrong realignment project, that the property owner reserve that land,. and he did what the City asked him to do. Councilmember Elvig questioned whether the property owner would consider a land swap and move to the Ramsey Town Center. Public Works Director Olson stated the rationale for moving forward with the land acquisition is that the City currently does not know what improvements will be made to this intersection. He stated if an overpass is built, the City will own the entire parcel and if other improvements are planned, the City owns just this portion. of the parcel. He indicated the property owner's logic is that they are going to be compensated for an amount in the event an overpass goes in, but because of the uncertainty with the overpass, they are moving forward with their site plan and building. Councilmember Elvig stated that it appears the City is not interested in a partial acquisition of the property. but is interested in the overall property for purposes of securing an overpass at this location. Motion by Councilmember Elvig to recommend that the City Council proceed with the partial acquisition of Lot 1, Block 1, Alpaca Estates. The motion was seconded by Chairperson Look for discussion purposes only. Further Discussion: Councilmember Wise stated that the property owner is ready to build on the property even if the entire parcel is later acquired. He expressed concern that the property owner is aware that this might happen but still wants the City to complete the partial acquisition and pay him $87,500. Chairperson Look asked if this matter could be postponed for six months. Public Works Director Olson indicated that is a possibility. City Administrator Ulrich stated that preliminary plans are underway for an interchange of this location; City staff does not know the extent of the interchange at this time. Motion failed. Voting Yes: Councilmember Elvig. Voting No: Chairperson Look and Councilmember Wise. Motion by Councilmember Elvig, seconded by Chairperson Look, to recommend that the City Council postpone the partial acquisition of Lot 1, Block 1, Alpaca Estates, pending completion of the preliminary design for the Armstrong Boulevard interchange. Further discussion: Chairperson Look requested information on the cost for the preliminary design. Public Works Director Olson replied the cost is $500,000, with $250,000 paid by the City and $250,000 paid by the County. Finance Committee /August 25, 2009 Page 3 of 4