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<br />property is part of the reasoning for opening this up. There was the safety issue and the access <br />for properties that could not have access any other way. He agrees with this purchase, but if they <br />are going to make policy and talk the talk about safety, connectivity and not wanting cul-de-sacs, <br />and being serious about putting a statement out to obtain first right of refusal, he does not want to <br />make blind promises. He would like to advocate moving this forward and would like to <br />investigate how to do this as inexpensively as they can. Usually a builder is responsible for one <br />year and the City should be able to write itself out of some responsibility. <br /> <br />Councilmember Olson asked if the garage and the deck can be moved with the house. <br /> <br />City Engineer Jankowski replied it would require two moves to move the garage and the house. <br />He has not talked to the mover about the deck. <br /> <br />Councilmember Olson noted this house is located on a walkout lot, and if it is moved to a lot that <br />is not a walkout another $10,000 to $15,000 would be deducted from the market price. Also, this <br />house has a basement bathroom and the foundation size is only 1,320 square feet. If the <br />basement is not finished after it is moved they will be selling a house that is 1,320 square feet <br />with one bathroom. She estimated costs at $60,000 to $70,000 rather than the estimate of <br />$20,000 for the new foundation and utilities, due to the cost of putting in the basement and bath, <br />the garage and the deck. <br /> <br />Interim City Administrator Nelson noted they will also need to find someone willing to take the <br />risk of buying a house that has been moved; the buyer will equate that risk in the price they pay. <br /> <br />Chairperson Elvig stated he would advocate moving forward on this with staff obtaining some <br />tighter numbers. He suggested the possibility of a builder splitting the project with the City. <br /> <br />Councilmember Olson indicated the real estate market is picking up and the house could sell <br />soon. <br /> <br />Chairperson Elvig suggested the first step may be to let the homeowners know the City might <br />have an interest in purchasing the property, and that staff proceed in obtaining a more accurate <br />estimate on the costs. The course of action would likely be between Options 2 and 3. <br />Consideration by the full Council would be needed of all options. <br /> <br />City Engineer Jankowski inquired if first right of refusal should be negotiated in case an offer is <br />made on the house. <br /> <br />The Committee discussed the desired approach to make an offer on the property, including the <br />possibility of hiring a realtor or outside broker to make. an offer on behalf ofthe City. <br /> <br />Consensus of the Committee was to direct staff to determine whether City Attorney Goodrich is <br />qualified to act on the City's behalf as a realtor. <br /> <br />Interim City Administrator Nelson explained eventually the neighborhood issue will need to be <br />dealt with; the City would be better off to get ahead of that issue. Informing the neighbors that <br /> <br />Public Works Committee / January 16, 2007 <br />Page 6 of 13 <br />