Minutes - Council - 12/16/2003 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Councilmember gtrommen stated that she was very confused as to why this issue was before the Council when there are so many questions left unanswered. City Attorney Goodrich replied that staff was asked to handle it administratively because they want to close this week so the case was added to the agenda. Counci hncmber Strommen noted that it is another case of things coming last minute. Mark l-lame, Dorsey and Whitney, stated that they did not know that the request was going to need Council action otherwise they would have handled the request differently. Ramsey Town Center, LLC has entered into the master development agreement with the City and received final plat approval from the City Council. Ramsey Town Center, LLC did not think that when they went to close with DR Horton they would not have final plat approval with Anoka County. It has now been close to three months of trying to get it through the approval process. They still think they can meet the December 31 st deadline for the plat. One of the changes that have been made to thc plat was draw a line through BB to create CC and DD. When this plat finally goes of record, the 13.2 acres is the new parcel CC. If they approve the minor subdivision with the metes and bound subdivision as the City did for the Charter School, then what they will have when the plat goes of record will exactly reflect the 13.2 acres. It will be a separate platted outlet. They would not be creating a parcel that does show any reflection of the plat. They are asking for it to be a metes and bounds description for a period of two weeks to close with D.R. Horton. Everything is being held by the title insurance company dependent on the City stamping that the deed is approved for recording. Once the closing is complete, $390,000 will be placed in escrow with the City. Mr. Hame stated that they do realize there is a hardship requirement in the City ordinance. They do not feel that this is an action that will set precedent. The plat has been approved tbr three months and has been to the County two times. The parties are ready to close and the money is ready to be wired and they want to move forward with the project. The City is sitting on 2.875 million dollars in letters of credit as a security. Counci hnember Cook stated that he would be glad to give the request some consideration if they can provide all hardship. Mr. Hame replied that Ramsey Town Center, LLC would be ready if the plat wouldn't have been sitting at Anoka County for three months. Assistant Director of Public Works Olson inquired as to how long it takes to complete a marketable title, search. City Attorney Goodrich replied four to five days. Assistant Director of Public Works Olson inquired if the City Attorney had received such a request. City Attorney Goodrich replied no. City Council/December 16, 2003 Page 28 of 33