Minutes - Council Work Session - 01/21/2014

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City Administrator Ulrich stated the City has accessed the Fund in recruiting efforts and for expansion of local businesses. Ms. Scott asked which areas of the City are currently targeted for development. Mayor Strommen stated the area near City Hall is an area that is being developed. She added the area just west of Armstrong Boulevard is an area of opportunity for redevelopment and green space, and a future business site has been considered for that location. She noted the Highway 10 transportation corridor is obviously an area that is being addressed. Mayor Strommen stated other areas in the City are being reviewed for possible business development. Development Services Manager Gladhill stated the former municipal center site has 14 -15 acres with economic development potential, and the area south and west of Bunker Lake Boulevard is also being considered. He added the City is looking at ways to balance residential and retail uses at the intersection of Highways 167 and 47. Development Services Manager Gladhill noted there is also a strong single - family growth sector throughout the community. City Administrator Ulrich stated the City currently spends $10,000 annually on publishing notices. He added the easiest and best method for notice publication is the City website. Ms. Scott stated she supports that effort. Ms. Scott stated, with regard to the bonding issue, Mr. Abeler had stressed that things could get contentious. She added tax revenue forecasts will be available in March, and that will be a good indication of budget percentages. She noted she would be disappointed if the project funding falls short because of other potential projects, such as securitization of tobacco bonds and funding of the Vikings stadium. 2.04: Letter of Intent to Purchase Property (Portions were closed to the public) Assistant to the City Administrator Brama reviewed a Letter of Intent (LOI) to the City Council from a developer interested in purchasing two adjacent properties: 8020 - 147 Avenue NW, formerly the Nordvik property and currently owned by the City; and 8019 - 146 Avenue NW, the Schmidtbauer property. He stated the combined properties would create a 2.44 -acre site, with deduction of right -of -way as part of the City's Armstrong interchange project. Assistant to the City Administrator Brama stated the proposed lot combination would create a mix of retail and convenience uses. He added City staff recommends that this case be moved into a closed session for further review. It was noted that under Minnesota Statutes, Section 13D.05, Subd.3(b), the meeting can move into closed session to discuss confidential or non - public appraisal data and acquisition negotiations. The closed session discussion will relate to a Letter of Intent (LOI) to the City Council from a developer interested in purchasing two adjacent properties: 8020 - 147 Avenue NW, formerly the Nordvik property and currently owned by the City; and 8019 - 146 Avenue NW, the Schmidtbauer property. The closed session will be tape recorded and that tape will be maintained for a period of eight years. City Council Work Session / January 21, 2014 Page 9 of 11