Minutes - Council - 02/13/2007 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Councilmember Strommen stated Councilmember Look has brought up a good point, and there was a lot of discussion about the configuration of old Highway 5. She suggested the traffic study also study the impact on old Highway 5 with the additional traffic. She noted the accesses onto old Highway 5 are a concern. Motion by Councilmember Elvig, seconded by Mayor Gamec, to make an offer on the property located at 5860 157th Lane NW, and with that to conduct a traffic analysis to incorporate the neighborhood north of this property, Potassium Street and old Highway 5. Further discussion: Mayor Gamec suggested the motion include the amount that would be included for earnest money. City Attorney Goodrich advised this amount is typically $2,000. The purchase offer should be contingent on City receipt of a traffic study favorable to going ahead with the street connection. Councilmember Jeffrey stated it should be noted that the MLS listing states the property is a fully fenced yard backing up to a wilderness scene. There should be disclosure requirements applied to this, as it is known that the property behind this is platted, so this is not a correct statement. Edina Realty or MLS should be notified of this incorrect statement. City Attorney Goodrich advised the purchase should be contingent on City receipt of a traffic study favorable to the City in order to petition an extension of I 57th Avenue to 157th Lane. He advised there will no doubt be timing issues associated with this. Mayor Gamec stressed moving on this quickly for the benefit of the homeowner and the residents in the area. Councilmember Elvig directed staff to create a mailing list of individuals to be notified, which should incorporate the entire neighborhood. City Attorney Goodrich advised often a 48 hour or 72 hour contingency would apply to a purchase offer. The property owner would most likely want to negotiate and state if they have a buyer who does not have a contingency the City would have 48 or 72 hours to purchase the property. Councilmember Olson pointed out if another offer comes in on the property the Council may need to hold an emergency meeting to decide whether to proceed with the purchase. Councilmember Strommen inquired about the amount of the purchase offer. Mayor Gamec indicated the offer would be the listed price. Councilmember Elvig stated he is a firm believer in trying to get the best deal they can, but as a City he would feel awkward offering something lower than the listed price. Councilmember Strommen suggested an appraisal to justify the purchase price. Councilmember Jeffrey inquired if more than 72 hours would be needed to hold an emergency meeting if another offer comes through on the property. City Attorney Goodrich indicated he will determine what timeframe would be needed due to posting requirements. Councilmember Olson stated the contingencies included in the purchase offer are fully justifiable, as an offer at the full asking price is slim in today's market. The motion on the floor was amended as follows: To make an offer on the property located at 5860 157th Lane NW at the listed price of $282,900, contingent on the following: (1) a traffic analysis to incorporate the neighborhood north of this property, and to also include Potassium Street and old Highway 5 that is favorable to the City in order to petition an extension of 157th Avenue to 157th Lane; (2) an appraisal justifying the asking price. The City Attorney is to make certain any timing associated with the contingencies on the purchase will allow enough time for a special City Council meeting to be scheduled to discuss the purchase. City Council / February 13, 2007 Page 24 of 25