Agenda - Council - 08/09/1994 - Laserfiche WebLink

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CASE #._~_ WASTE MANAGEMENT OF MINNESOTA, INC. SKI HILL AGREEMENT By: City Administrator Ryan Schroeder Background: At the June 14, 1994 City Council meeting, Staff was directed to meet with Waste Management of Minnesota, Inc. (WMMI) and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (PCA) toward clarification of 1994 legislative changes impacting the Ski Hill Agreement. On August 2, 1994, Councilmember Peterson and City Administrator Schroeder met with Art Dunn of the PCA and Don Otter, Steve Kollodge and the Corporate Counsel from WMMI. Represented at the meeting was the following: WMMI would be open to deeding over property on the north side of the landfill, somewhat different or larger than 50 acres if the City demonstrated the need. The PCA is not concerned, from an environmental standpoint, about areas upgradient from the landfill. Environn~ental liens will not be an issue so long as WMMI applies with the PCA for a transfer agreement excluding these areas; methane ruination north of the landfill is not a concern. The state has a myriad of issues to work out relative to landfill transfers, but for the most part Ramsey's concerns are not an issue. An exception is that the ['CA would not sign off on City ownership of the Sunwood Drive right-of-way until the3, evaluate methane and ground water issues in that area more closely. o The long-!erm reuse of property south of the landfill.is in question. The PCA would not allow prix/ate well and septic systems or a use of the property which may someday cause the State to expend additional mitigation dollars [i.e. housing or refineries]. They are not sure of imPacts on the methane project. The PCA will have sent out notices to all qualifying landfills of their process by September 1, 1994. After this, they will negotiate agreements with all landfills wishing to participate in the State opportunity to acquire ownership of all pem~itted property. WMMI has represented a belief that the Ski Hill Agreement clearly states that Ramsey accepts either the 50 acres or the ski hill. Further, that such being the case, Ramsey does not have any legal standing in ~ request for additional value beyond the 50-acre parcel. They have presented, however, that they will work with Ramsey on configuration of the parcel, or expansion if needed, to fit a ballfield or similar improvement on the property. At the time of preparation of this agenda case, Staff had not had an opportunity to discuss the legal issues with Attorney Goodrich. He will be asked to prepare an opinion for the Council meeting. On August 11, 1994, the Park and Recreation Commission will be discussing the 1995 - 2000 Capital Improvements Plan. It is expected that they will again request that the property south of · 153rd Avenue N.W. be programmed for an active recreational use in the future. It is the Staff position that once municipal services reach the area, the property north of 153rd be sold for residential development in order to fund development of the park area. A conservative estimate of available revenuerfrom land sale and park dedication is $220,000, in 1994 dollars. The attached draft plan details four baseball/softball fields, a tennis court, ice rink, two soccer/football fields and