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Mr. Sullivan requested direction as to whether staff should start and complete negotiations with <br />the property owner to acquire the property for a fair market price. <br /> <br />Chairperson Riley stated the location works with what the City has purchased, however, the price <br />seems very high. <br /> <br />Member Kiefer inquired what the facility is currently being used for. <br /> <br />Mr. Norman replied the owner is an inventor. The City has a number of citations against him, <br />and the property is a fire trap with paper and magazines collected to the roof. <br /> <br />Motion by Member Kiefer to pursue negotiations for the acquisition of the Hanson property (34- <br />32-25-11-0016), using condemnation if necessary. <br /> <br />Mr. Sullivan informed the EDA he has spoken with the City Attorney regarding this property. <br />They are currently looking at public purpose and what would be needed to qualify under <br />redevelopment, job creation, and blighting conditions. The City Attorney is aware of what <br />occurred in Richfield with Walser and they will be sure this is something that can be done under <br />the order of eminent domain. <br /> <br />Chairperson Riley questioned if periodic pictures should be taken for blighting requirements. <br /> <br />Mr. Sullivan replied there have been pictures taken of the property. There are rules to follow for <br />blighting. <br /> <br />Chairperson Riley inquired at what point in the process the City should obtain an appraisal. <br /> <br />Mr. Sullivan replied if a price is not agreed upon an appraisal will be needed. <br /> <br />Member Gromberg stated the EDA has a fairly good idea of the worth of the property. The cost <br />of condemnation should be considered and added to the determined worth of the property. It is <br />important to the City to redevelop this area. The City needs to make sure to follow the rules for <br />public use and public purpose. <br /> <br />Chairperson Riley inquired if there would be available funds for the purchase of the property, as <br />it is located in TIF District No. 2. <br /> <br />Mr. Sullivan responded in the affirmative and explained if the property is acquired for fair <br />market value there would be enough funding available. <br /> <br />Member Kurak commented the process could become expensive if the property owner were to be <br />difficult. <br /> <br />Mr. Sullivan replied he believes the district is healthy enough to handle this if it were to occur. <br /> <br />Economic Development Authority/February 9, 2004 <br /> Page 6 of 13 <br /> <br /> <br />