Minutes - Council - 02/24/2004 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Councihnember Cook commm~ted he realizes they are pushing a lot of housing in a small area. Because of that he likes that the landscape plan includes courtyard areas, as it is barely possible to have a decent tree in a 20 foot front yard. Mr. Keeley indicated the area in between the driveways has been expanded to be large enough to allow trees. He explained the units are basically three story units with the living space on the second and third floor. It adds a degree of privacy by having the living level above the road. Motion by Councilmember Kurak, seconded by Councilmember Cook, to approve the preliminary site plan subject to compliance with the City Staff Review Letter dated January 30, 2004 and approval of the preliminary plat for Ramsey Town Center 2nd Addition. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Mayor Gamec, Councilmembers Kurak, Cook, Elvig, Pearson, Strommen, and Zimmerman. Voting No: None. Case #9: Consider Adoption of Resolution to Acquire the Property Located at 14040 Azurite Street NW City Administrator Norman explained it has been the position of the Economic Development Authority (EDA) to acquire properties in need of redevelopment when they become available or there is a need to facilitate redevelopment. The EDA has determined that the property owned by Douglas Hanson (the "Bakestar Property") located at 14040 Azurite Street NW, is in need of redevelopment as it is in a blighted condition. Recently a "For Sale by Owner" sign appeared on the Bakestar Property and this prompted action by the EDA. The EDA made a recommendation to acquire the property by direct negotiations, and to use condemnation as a last resort. The property is in Tax Increment Financing District No. 2, which is a redevelopment district. Money has been previously budgeted for the acquisition of properties in need of redevelopment within TIF District No. 2. Acquiring this property would enable the City to redevelop a property that would not likely redevelop otherwise. City Administrator Norman explained the City will need to pay a fair market value for the Bakestar Property and in order to establish that value an appraisal will be necessary. The appraised value will be offered to the landowner. In the event the Bakestar Property cannot be acquired by direct negotiation, the City will need to consider acquiring it through the eminent domain process. City Attorney Goodrich advised there are two parts to this resolution. First, it directs the City Administrator to negotiate as much as possible to acquire the property through direct negotiations with the property owner. Secondly, if that fails this resolution would authorize the City Attorney to commence on eminent domain action. He explained with this type of action it is very important to have a public purpose. Recently the Supreme Court has been cautioning cities and is very concerned about acquiring private property for what is perhaps not a City purpose or public endeavor. State statutes state that cities may acquire property for redevelopment purposes in certain circumstances. In this particular situation the City has adopted TIF District #1, and also TIF District #2, which is within TIF District #1. This District #2 is defined as a renewal and City Council/February 24, 2004 Page 18 of 31