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Motion by Councilmember Cox and seconded by Councilmember Pearson to <br />discontinue the sewer and water project south of Hwy. #10 and dismiss <br />current condemnation action. <br /> <br />Further Discussion: Councilmember Cox stated that this motion will give <br />everybody a chance to think about the project and if there is a desire to <br />proceed, it can be brought to Council again in the future. Mr. Goodrich <br />stated that Randy Elofson has indicaed that if the cty doesn't offer <br />$25,000/acre, he will withdraw his previous indication to accept <br />$25)O00/acre and seek the highest amount he can get. Councilmember DeLuca <br />stated that if this motion passes, it will do the city a disservice with <br />respect to future development in Ramsey; delaying the project will delay a <br />good deal of tax increment that could be generated for the city; the action <br />in this most could end up costing the city as much or more as paying for <br />easements would have. Councilmember Cox stated that none of the <br />councilmembers had a problem with taking an extra 7 feet from Mr. Dubats <br />for 138th right-of-way this evening; if easements are purchased in this <br />case, then the city better budget a certain amount of funds in the future <br />for purchasing easements. Councilmember Sorteberg stated that the <br />appraisor's value of $25,000/acre is close to the $23,000+/acre reflected <br />in information gathered by Mr. Goodrich which applies to improved lots; <br />deducting the $5,000/acre it costs to improve a lot brings the value down <br />to $18,000 which is more realistic for raw land. <br /> <br />Motion carried. Voting Yes: Mayor Reimann, Councilmembers Sorteberg, Cox <br />and Pearson. Voting No: Councilmember DeLuca. <br /> <br />Mr. Holasek stated that Mr. Dubats let the City coerce him into donating <br />the 7 foot of extra right-of-way in exchange for approval of the <br />conditional use permit. Mr. Holasek stated that Councilmember Cox took an <br />oath of office to uphold the laws; there would be no laws providing for <br />condemnation if donating land was mandatory; the law recognizes that land <br />for public purpose should be able to be gotten and used for that purpose; <br />those laws also recognize the fact that property owners should be required <br />to give up the land with no compensation. Mr. Holasek inquired if there <br />has ever been a case in which Ramsey paid for right-of-way; if so, then <br />based on Councilmember Cox' logic, all of those persons that have donated <br />right-of-way should be reimbursed. <br /> <br />Councilmember Cox stated that he doesn't know the particulars but there <br />might have been cases where the city paid for right-of-ways; many <br />developers are required to donate right-of-ways in their developments. <br /> <br />Mr. Holasek noted that nobody in this subject area was seeking to develop. <br /> <br />Mayor Reimann stated that Mr. Holasek told him he would not take less than <br />$50,000/acre for the easements and he told Mr. Holasek that it is good <br />business for the city to try and get the job done for a little as possible. <br /> <br />Mr. Holasek stated that the citizens should be made aware of how much money <br />the city spent on legal and engineering fees relating to this road <br />easement, only to vote the project down. <br /> <br />City Council/November 10, 1987 <br /> <br />Page 10 of 12 <br /> <br /> <br />