07-27-05 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL JULY 27, 2005 - Description of Minimum Improvements & Minimum Market Values - Revised Utility Easement over Parcel #2 Revised Right of Entry for the Village for NE corner Approval of DEED Grant Agreement for Contamination Clean-up With regard to the DEED Grant Agreement, the Administrator pointed out that the City received a grant in the amount of $140,334 for the clean-up of the former Guerin site. Since the grant was awarded to the City, asub- grant agreement will have to be drafted between the City and the developer, Sherman Associates. This sub-grant agreement will indemnify the City and pass on any responsibilities under the grant to the developer. The Administrator indicated that there is the possibility thaC another clean- up grant will be issued by Ramsey County. If that occurs, another sub- grantagreement will be drafted. George Sherman, Sherman Associates, provided the Council with an update on the Rice Street/Little Canada Road redevelopment area. Sherman reported that at The Lodge, there are 20 housing units left to rent. He anticipated full occupancy by the end of the year. Leasing of the retail space has been slow, but Sherman anticipated a couple of additional tenants by this fall. With regard to The Villas, the townhome development is moving along well. Sherman anticipated that all units would by sold by next summer. Sherman reported on the commercial development at the northeast corner of Rice and Little Canada Road, The Village. He anticipated that the first building would be under construction soon. He indicated that as more and more environmental tests were conducted on this property, the estimated cost of the clean-up is now approximately $400,000. Sherman indicated that the initial clean-up grant application made two years ago was denied. However, with the higher clean-up costs and given the settlement agreement with the Guerin Family, another application was made, and the State has awarded a grant of $140,334 for the clean up. Sherman further reported that Ramsey County has offered a loan of approximately $50,000 toward the clean-up, but after further discussion with County staff, they will be recommending that the County Board award this money in the form of a grant rather than a loan. This matter will go to the County Board in August. Sherman reported that the first office building is approximately 50% leased which include afamily-style restaurant for the first floor.