Agenda - Council - 08/19/1987 - Special

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LAW OFFICES ESTES PAR$1NEN & LEVY A PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION IOO SOUTH FIFTH STREET SUITE IIOO MJNNEAPOLIS~ MINNE::..~OTA ~402 TELEPHONE PACSlMILE August 13, 1987 RECE!VEFJ AIIG 1 4 1987 Ramsey City Council Ramsey Municipal Center 15153 Nowthen Blvd. N.W. Ramsey, Minnesota 55303 RE: Platting of proposed Pineview Estates Third Addition Gentlemen: This office has been retained by Art Raudio and H & S Asphalt Co. with respect to the proposed platting of Pineview Estates Third Addition. As you know, they are joint venturers with the record owner, Gilbert Menkveld, of approximately 73 acres located immediately to the south and east of Pineview Estates Second Addition. It is our information that the City of Ramsey has issued a conditional use permit, dated June 26, 1987, for grading and excavation of the property, and a subsequent purported permit for importing and stockpiling top soil. Although we have serious concerns regarding the necessity of the second permit, it is our understanding that our clients have complied in all respects with the provisions of your ordinances and the permits. It is our further understanding that there has been substantial negotiations regarding a potential purchase by the City of a ten acre tract of the parcel located in the northeast corner of the 73 acre parcel, together with various discussions on other locations. These negotiations have been premised on the City's representations that a proposed public works facility would be located on the property to 'be acquired by relocating the current municipal garage building from' another site. At all times, our clients have proceeded in good faith to negotiate with the City to sell the necessary property at a value substantially below the actual fair market value of the property in order to help accomplish this public purpose. It is our understanding that the City of l~amsey has contended that the addition of various soils to a portion of the subject property has made various proposed lots unbuildable. It is our contention that additional soils were brought on to the property in a proper manner, consistent with the provisions of your ordinances. 'Soils were transferred to other portions of the property, making the lots buildable in total. To the extent that any portion of the lots are unbuildable, it is the intent that buildings will not actually be constructed on those specific areas. Nonetheless, the soil present should be appropriate for blacktopping, ingress and egress, and other non-building uses. Accordingly, the proposed lots remain buildable and are in conformance with the requirements of your ordinances.