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Councilmember Elvig described his past consideration of this property purchase and intent to <br />maintain a position of support unless the terms of the deal change through a counter proposal. <br />Should that occur, he would want to start the proposal over and may change his vote. <br />Councilmember LeTourneau stated his position that it is not a question as to whether to purchase <br />but a matter of timing He reviewed the issues he finds to be "unknowns" that would need to be <br />answered before he would be comfortable making this decision. In addition, he shares the <br />concern related to funding and reimbursement, thinking there may be other higher priority <br />projects. Due to these unknown issues, Councilmember LeTourneau suggested delaying <br />consideration for several months. <br />Councilmember Tossey stated he voted in support of this purchase last year because he found the <br />Highway 10 overpass to be Ramsey's biggest priority. He indicated there is a willing <br />buyer /willing seller and he thinks it will cost the City more to go through eminent domain. <br />Councilmember Riley stated his concerns are "why now" and "why at this price." At this time, <br />he is not comfortable with either of those points and does not know whether the City will pay <br />more with eminent domain since the City is following the same rules. <br />Councilmember Backous stated he had supported this purchase from the beginning and nothing <br />has changed in his mind. He agreed the Highway 10 overpass is and has been the City's number <br />one priority since he started on the Council. Councilmember Backous stated he understands the <br />new member's questions and concerns but this is no different than other property the City has <br />purchased and the price is not out of line considering previous purchases. <br />With regard to reimbursement, City Administrator Ulrich stated he does not have direct <br />experience with that in terms of how it would be calculated, the whole purchase amount or only <br />the value of the land, since it is a business relocation. <br />Councilmember Backous stated that is a moot argument because the property has to be <br />purchased to build the overpass whether or not the City is reimbursed. He noted the City has <br />done everything for that project except this purchase, which needs to be taken care of. <br />Mayor Strommen favored considering purchase of this property and discussing the counter offer. <br />She noted a majority of the Council has indicated support to consider this purchase. <br />Development Manager Lazan clarified that the question has never been if Ramsey would be <br />reimbursed but whether it would receive credit. He described the difference and clarified that the <br />City will be reimbursed if it owns the right -of -way. <br />Jim Neilson, real estate attorney representing Jeff Wise, reviewed his background in real estate <br />law and stated his client's hope this purchase can be done amicably as Mr. Wise wants to sell his <br />property. Mr. Neilson noted this has been going on for a long time, his client has had significant <br />damages, and it would be of benefit to all if an agreement can be reached. He stated his <br />agreement with the comment that eminent domain will result in additional costs to the City and <br />indicated Mr. Wise has been advised by other attorneys that he may have a legal action against <br />City Council / January 22, 2013 <br />Page 5 of 8 <br />