Minutes - Council - 02/23/1999 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Motion carried. Voting Yes: Mayor Gamec, Councilmembers Haas Steffen, Zimmerman, Anderson, and Hendriksen. Voting No: None. Absent: None. Motion by Mayor Gamec and seconded by Councilmember Haas Steffen to schedule a meeting on Monday, March 1, 1999, starting 5:30 p.m. to discuss only the moratorium issue. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Mayor Gamec, Councilmembers Haas Steffen, Anderson, Hendriksen, and Zimmerman. Voting No: None. Absent: None. Case #3: Adopt Resolution Authorizing Condemnation to Acquire Industrial Land It was noted that during the spring of 1998, the Council authorized staff to negotiate for the purchase of 149.11 acres of land just west of Ramsey Boulevard and north of Highway #10 for industrial purposes. Negotiations continued through the summer and fall months and involved several meetings. The City's original offer was $10,000 per acre, or $1,491,000 which the property owners (BMA Associates) countered with $3 million for the entire parcel. The City made an alternate counter offer of $11,000 per acre, which amounted to $1,640,210, which the property owners would not accept, stating they would not be willing to lower their price to less than $3 million dollars. The EDA recommended during their meeting of January 12, 1999, that the City Council begin condemnation for the property while continuing negotiations with the property owners. The City Council, at their January 12, 1999, meeting directed the City Attorney to take whatever steps necessary for condemnation. Councihnember Hendriksen stated this case was on the agenda of his first meeting and discussion was held but he did not support moving forward without knowing what the costs would be so it was the consensus to table consideration so an appraisal could be conducted. He stated he has not seen an appraisal. City Administrator Norman stated Council direction at that time was to bring a formal resolution back for consideration and that is what is being presented tonight. He explained that it would take several months to obtain an appraisal. He stated he tried to contact an appraiser and will provide an update this week about that appraisal. Mr. Norman noted a cursory appraisal was received about one month ago in the range of $13,000/acre. Mayor Gamec asked if the condemnation can be withdrawn if the ordinance is adopted. Mr. Goodrich stated, typically, he does not proceed until the City Administrator directs because it indicates if the property cannot be obtained by negotiation, it will be obtained by eminent domain. Because of that, negotiations will continue and condemnation not occur until directed by the City Administrator. He stated that once started, a condemnation petition is served on the owners and parties of interest and filed with the County Recorder's office, which impacts this property and could potentially stop a sale. He stated the Council needs to be certain the property will be acquired since at some point it becomes too late to pull back due to fees for the other land owner's attorney and appraisal fees. City Council/February 23, 1999 Page 7 of 17