Minutes - Council - 12/08/2020 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mr. Krekelberg stated that there has been movement between the different generations. He stated that he was unaware of the deferred assessment until the closing on the property. He stated that with his mortgage he is aware of the payment and interest that is due each month. He asked for this compromise. Councilmember Specht thanked the resident for providing input and believed that the family’s proposal is a good compromise that both takes ownership for their responsibility. He stated that he supports this compromise. Motion by Councilmember Specht, seconded by Councilmember Musgrove, to approve the request of the Hamilton and Holasek families to reduce the interest charged on deferred assessments due upon their recent sale of Tract A, RLS No. 119, 2020. Further discussion: Mayor LeTourneau asked staff for input on precedent that could be set by accepting this proposal, as the process follows State Statute and City process. City Administrator Ulrich confirmed that this would set a precedent that deferred assessments can be negotiated. He stated that the City still can negotiate this as a potential settlement, if desired. He noted that if the Council would like to follow this process moving forward there should be information within City policy as such. Councilmember Musgrove asked if it would help for the Council to add language to the motion specifying that this was due to green acres and generational changes, which would then make this a specific action and not set precedent. City Administrator Ulrich stated that the more specific they can be about this situation, the more helpful. He stated that there are fewer green acres parcels left in Ramsey, the additional rational could help to limit the scope of precedent being set. Mayor LeTourneau stated that perhaps these comments are contained as part of the record, so it is clear as to what informed this decision. He stated that part of the decision in this case is the lack of documentation. City Administrator Ulrich confirmed that could be sufficient. He stated that staff could work with the City Attorney to develop language and findings of fact, depending upon the timeline of the Holasek/Hamilton family. He confirmed that the motion could stand as is. Mayor LeTourneau asked if this could move forward with staff bringing back that formal language for the Council to approve. City Administrator Ulrich confirmed that staff could th work with the City Attorney and bring that language back at the December 15 meeting. Councilmember Riley appreciated the situation of the family and the family making a reasonable offer. He stated that he would be inclined to support this negotiation rather than moving forward with a formal resolution tonight. Councilmember Musgrove commented that staff should seek out any other deferred assessments to ensure that this situation does not repeat itself. City Administrator Ulrich reviewed the language of the motion as stated. He commented that additional details would be helpful to make it specific to the offer made by the family. Councilmember Riley suggested that this motion not be followed and instead the direction be provided to staff to continue negotiation with the family with the same outcome. City Administrator Ulrich stated that he would prefer to draft a formal settlement agreement that could come forward to the Council on December th 15 for acceptance. Councilmember Specht asked if Council approval is needed for this activity, or whether the Council could simply provide that direction to staff. City Administrator Ulrich stated that this would be a deviation from the policy and therefore approval from the Council would be needed, or authorization would need to be given to staff to complete the settlement as agreed. Councilmember Kuzma stated that he disagrees with the other members of the Council and believes that the Council should stay consistent with the policy in this matter noting that he does City Council / December 8, 2020 Page 12 of 17