09-12-2012 Council Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

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WI of t Wand a MAYOR Bill Blesener COUNCIL Rick Montour John Keis Michael McGraw Shelly Boss 515 Little Canada Road, Little Canada. MN 55117-1600 ADMINISTRATOR (651) 766 -4029 / FAX: (651) 766-4048 Joel R. Hanson www.cl.little- canada. mn.us MEMORANDUM TO: Mayor Biesener and Members of the City Council FROM: Joel Hanson, City Administrator DATE: September 7, 2012 RE: Demolition of House at 3046 LaBore Road At our last meeting, it was requested that the City demolish the blighted structure at 3046 LaBore Road. Staff explained that we could not demolish prior to making a declaration of its substandard condition to preserve our ability to create a new tax increment financing district (or add it to an existing district). The Building Official made an inspection of the property and made the determination that the building is "structurally substandard" as defined by Minnesota Statutes Chapter 469.174. I- Iowever, there is another test that must be met that requires at least 15% of the area of the parcel to be occupied by buildings, streets, or parking areas. Given the size of this parcel, we cannot meet this test. In discussing this problem with the City Planner and our Financial Advisor, we need to subdivide property via the platting process. By utilizing the platting process, the wetland area to the east can be separated from the buildable portion of the property and listed as an " Outlot" on the plat. The Planner explained this is done frequently with non - buildable remnants that can then be held for special purposes (storm water control, parks, etc.) on an indefinite basis. An outlot could also be replatted at a later date if the right opportunity presents itself. It was also noted by Mr. Grittman that other subdivision options were possible, but they would require us to grant ourselves a variance due to the lack of improved road frontage for the wetland portion of the parcel. Staff believes this approach is undesirable given we would not allow a private party to proceed in this manner. It will take some time to complete the platting process (likely 60 days + / -). Staff did obtain a price for platting of this parcel as well as the one at 3006 LaBore (see other agenda topic). For both properties, the cost would likely be in the $10,000 to $15,000 range. I have also asked the City Engineer to verify that if we subdivide this parcel, the remaining buildable portion will meet the 15% test. (I will have this answer by Wednesday's meeting.) Your direction is needed as to how you would like us to proceed.