Minutes - Council - 09/25/2007 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mike Berkowitz with Ace Solid Waste stated they would like to purchase this land to expand their existing facility, but noted that they will be purchasing a smaller piece of property than the City purchased. He stated that the new building they are planning would be similar to their existing facility and estimated its cost at $500,000. Councilmember Look stated that other businesses that are being built in this area are, in some cases, $2,000,000 buildings. Councilmember Dehen asked if the City had made any efforts to try to sell this property on the open market. He stated that he feels the City would be better served by trying to market the land on the open market before we enter into a Purchase Agreement with Ace Solid Waste. Councilmember Look stated that he would like to see a smaller business go in so the City can attract more jobs and a nicer facility. He stated that transfer stations can be less than aesthetic. Councilmember Strommen stated although it had been some time since this issue was discussed, she feltthe Economic Development Authority (EDA) felt the purchase price was in line with the going rate and was with a willing buyer who was already located within the City. She stated that the EDA has looked at how to retain current businesses and felt this fell into that area and helped an existing business expand within the City. Councilmember Elvig stated that the money spent to clean up the property was unfortunate, but he agrees that this is an opportunity for the City to not lose a good community partner. He stated that the purchase price was in the market rate of the two appraisals the City received. City Attorney Goodrich stated that the City did not have two appraisals for this particular property. Mayor Gamec recessed the City Council meeting at 10:00 p.m. and reconvened at 10:06 p.m. Councilmember Strommen suggested that because the City does not have an appraisal for this property that this item be referred back to the EDA for an official appraisal. Motion by Councilmember Elvig, seconded by Councilmember Strommen, to table discussion of .the sale of Lot 1, Block 4, Gateway North Industrial Park Plat 2 and refer it back the EDA for an official appraisal of the property. Further Discussion: Councilmember Dehen stated that he wanted to clarify that he is not against retaining businesses in the City. He stated that he is in favor of having the property appraised and putting it on the open market. Councilmember Jeffrey noted that the City did receive grant money to cover the clean up costs on this property. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Mayor Gamec, Councilmembers Elvig, Strommen, Dehen, Jeffrey, Look, and Olson. Voting No: None. City Council / September 25, 2007 Page 23 of 27