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<br />Councilmember Wise talked about an appraisal that was done on his property a couple <br />years ago and that this subject property cannot be a private-to-private sale. He added that <br />he is comfortable with the appraisal numbers. <br /> <br />Director of Public Works Olson stated he did not know if we want to say this is not <br />sellable private to private. Someone could purchase it and operate there for a time and <br />knowing they can get a public entity to eventually purchase the property - the sale would <br />be a sure bet. <br /> <br />Councilmember Elvig stated that if Council has "heartburn" with this, we probably need <br />to make a policy on this - like looking for someone interested in selling below the <br />appraisal by a percentage - 20% or whatever. <br /> <br />Mr. Eckenoff suggested that couldn't be done. <br /> <br />Councilmember Elvig asked why government could go out and offer someone a purchase <br />price and if they want to sell for that lesser amount they could. <br /> <br />Ms. Ruehle stated that for RALF purchase, it has to be a willing seller. <br /> <br />Councilmember McGlone stated he is aware of a county program where the county is <br />buying up homes and they cannot pay over 20% less than the asking price. How can they <br />do that and we can't. <br /> <br />Mr. Eckenoff replied we have to offer fair market value. <br /> <br />Deputy City Administrator Nelson described the program Councilmember McGlone was <br />talking about. <br /> <br />Councilmember McGlone stated he is not advocating trying to take people's equity. <br /> <br />Mayor Ramsey stated he is pretty sure we cannot pay less for these properties - so do we <br />want to continue purchasing these. <br /> <br />Ms. Ruehle stated that other cities would take these properties. The RALF Program <br />exists for what Ramsey is using it for. <br /> <br />Councilmember Elvig stated there are businesses dying right and left. If the policy could <br />change to allow the dying business to take less because they want to, it would be prudent <br />for government to step up to the plate and get this money moving. <br /> <br />Mayor Ramsey inquired if the condition of the property is considered in the appraisals to <br />which the response was yes. <br /> <br />Councilmember Dehen stated he would like staff to contact Anoka County and find out if <br />they are out of their mind coming up with $597,000 or is there some basis for it and for <br /> <br />City Council Work Session - March 2, 2010 <br />Page 4 of 11 <br />