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Councilmember Zimmerman inquired if all of the fight of way funds paid out in Eden Prairie <br />have been paid back. <br /> <br />Mr. Levine replied that he was not sure, but would find out. <br /> <br />Councilmember Anderson stated that the memo indicates that MnDOT does not have the <br />authority to officially map the land, but can work closely with local units. She stated that the <br />City needs to make sure that they lock a partnership with MnDOT to make sure it is a much safer <br />process for Ramsey. She thinks that the process seems to have some advantages, but she does <br />not want the City to be left with the bill. <br /> <br />Councilmember Zimmerman inquired if there was a contract that the City could enter into with <br />MnDOT. <br /> <br />Mr. Levine replied that the City can discuss those issues with MnDOT. He stated that he <br />personally is concerned about what the future will be with MnDOT because, since 1989, there <br />has only been one additional source of funding for MnDOT. MnDOT does have funds available, <br />but those funds are spread thin. If the City wants to look at a road improvement project in the <br />future, then they need to take action now. <br /> <br />Councilmember Zimmerman inquired if the City would be able to purchase the property and then <br />lease it back to the business owners or possibly use other innovative financing. <br /> <br />Mr. Levine replied that he thought that the City could do those things. He recommended setting <br />up a meeting for the Council and MnDOT to discuss the different options. <br /> <br />Councilmember Kurak inquired if the City uses RALF funds to acquire right of way, will they <br />have to pay those funds back. <br /> <br />Councilmember Hendriksen explained that the City fronts the acquisition for MnDOT using <br />RALF funds and then gets repaid with the project proceeds. He stated that the one negative thing <br />he sees with the official mapping process is the situation where a property owner claims inverse <br />condemnation and the City has to acquire the land. He inquired as to how can the City be <br />assured that there will be funds available for those types of situations. <br /> <br />City Administrator Norman stated that in every case in the past, the State has always come up <br />with funds. <br /> <br />Councilmember Hendriksen inquired if they were talking about using State funds or MnDOT <br />funds. <br /> <br />Mr. Levine replied that they were talking about two different funds. He stated that the first step <br />for the City should be to coordinate a meeting with MnDOT and get some kind of understanding <br />in regards to the acquisition funds. MnDOT might also want the City to approach the Met <br /> <br />City Council/November 26, 2002 <br /> Page 2 of 4 <br /> <br /> <br />