07-22-2020 Workshop Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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WORKSHOP MINUTES CITY COUNCIL JULY 22, 2020 The City Administrator reported that the owner of 60 Little Canada Road East contacted him to indicated that they want to sell their property in the next year. He noted this property is adjacent to Veteran's Memorial Park and that this parcel is planned for parkland acquisition according to the Parks Master Plan. Montour asked if the owner of 60 Little Canada Road would be willing to give the City a first -right -of -refusal. The City Administrator stated that the owner had talked about listing the property for sale in 2020 or 2021 and they may be willing to do that. The City Administrator explained that the city owns several parcels along Country Drive and in the triangle area at the intersection of County Road C and Little Canada Road. A property owner in this area contacted him about ideas for development and may be willing to sell their property. Mayor Keis stated he has talked to Mr. Gagne about setting up a meeting to discuss obtaining a first right -of -refusal agreement for his property. The City Administrator suggested that if there is still interest in developing a hotel in this area, a hotel market study should be completed. The City Administrator reported that Don Heinel listed his property on County Road D with a commercial broker last year and there was significant interest, but he ended the contract with that company and relisted with a different broker earlier this year. The City Administrator stated that he has had several developers contact him with questions about multi -family housing options on this site, but none of have submitted a site plan. He also reported that the Sculley's relisted their property along Labore Road this spring and there has been some interest. He stated that one of the developers is currently doing soil testing to see how much soil corrections are needed. This company indicated they are looking at building single-family homes, but a variance for lot width will likely be needed. The City Administrator stated that the City of Little Canada also owns a developable parcel at Market Place Drive. Although this parcel has not been marketed for sale, there has been interest in recent years. He noted that a commercial appraisal was completed for the property in June, and staff is recommending that we partner with a commercial broker to list the property for sale. Torlcelson asked if there would be any zoning requirements put on it. The City Administrator stated it is currently zoned PUD, Planned Unit Development, but that is not the best zoning for marketability. Torkelson stated he is concerned with this area since it already is a sea of unused parking with buildings set far off the street. He suggested allowing an increase in density here. He noted that this whole larger area is full of vacant commercial space that is auto -dependent. The City Administrator stated that the site is small and was designed for a one-story commercial restaurant or retail building due to the required parking and zoning requirements. McGraw asked where high -density housing could be put in this area. Torlcelson stated we need to get away from surface parking. The City Administrator stated that TIF District 7-1 was established to assist with the Suite Living senior housing development, and the remaining parcels in this area should be a high priority for redevelopment due to the availability of tax increment and the limited time remaining to utilize 2