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Mayor Gamec stated that through previous negotiations it appears the parties cannot come to an <br />agreement so he supports proceeding with condemnation at this time. <br /> <br />Councilmember Haas Steffen noted the last Planning Commission recommendation was to <br />designate it as public/quasi public property, except for a small portion. She asked if the Council <br />can have an update about timing and negotiations. Then, if the parties are close to an agreement <br />or it is clear an agreement cannot be reached, the Council can determine if it makes sense to go <br />forward. <br /> <br />Mr. Goodrich stated he will be very mindful of that and provide an update at every Council <br />meeting. <br /> <br />Councilmember Haas Steffen stated she is asking for an update based on the conversation held <br />earlier that proceedings will be started when so directed by the City Administrator but the <br />Councilmembers may not be aware of when that process starts. <br /> <br />Mayor Gamec asked that it also be included in the weekly Administrator's Report. The Council <br />concurred. <br /> <br />Mr, Goodrich provided a detailed review of the condemnation resolution, noting the large <br />amount of detail included relating the necessity of this action. He read each of the findings <br />contained in the proposed resolution, and the WHEREAS sections of the resolution. Mr. <br />Goodrich noted it also addresses, in connection with the college campus, the possibility of citing <br />a light rail transit hub which are all reasons supporting the necessity for condemnation of this <br />property for use in public purposes. Mr. Goodrich advised the bond counsel recommends <br />information be included reflecting this property is within Development District #1 which was <br />recently amended for the purposes of TIF. He advised of Statute 469 requirements and explained <br />that within that Statute, the City also acquires eminent domain rights. The State recognizes that <br />in establishing that chapter the purpose is to promote new development within the City, to <br />provide employment opportunities, tax base, and diversity of property tax dollars. In order to <br />accomplish that Statute, the State authorizes the City to develop a program for improving <br />development. The Statute further declares those purposes of development are public purposes, <br />thus giving the City the right of eminent domain. He stated those are the grounds the City will <br />cite if challenged. <br /> <br />Councilmember Haas Steffen stated the decision is not in the City's hands in terms of the rail or <br />college issues. She asked if that presents any conflict. <br /> <br />Mr. Goodrich stated that as of this time it appears reasonable potential transactions will happen <br />so they have been included in the resolution. <br /> <br />Mr. Norman suggested changing the term "light rail" to "commuter rail". <br /> <br />Mr. Goodrich stated he will revise the ordinance accordingly and provide it for Council <br />consideration at the special meeting to be held on Monday. <br /> <br />City Council/February 23, 1999 <br /> Page 8 of 17 <br /> <br /> <br />