03-27-2013 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL MARCH 27, 2013 With regard to the City Administrator's recommendation, he noted that the ghost plat leaves the development of the Acosta /Boog /Brausen properties hanging. He also felt that with the ghost plat Masterpiece Horne is not being asked to make any concessions. Brausen felt that the Pinetree Pond development is being pushed through without delays and while there are still questions to be answered. Brausen noted that the City can determine where roads go. He pointed out that under the bulb plan Pinetree Pond would gain a lot and everyone would be happy. Brausen noted that more lots would be realized by the H plan and more properties would be involved. Brausen asked that the Council go to bat for property owners other than just Gordie Howe, and noted that in addition to the Acosta /Boog /Brausen property owners, there are others along LaBore Road and Westwind Drive that have development potential. Brausen stated that of the four options reviewed in the Administrator's report, the ghost plat results in the smallest lots. Brausen stated that he points out that issue given the comments made about the H plan having small lots. The Administrator indicated that he wanted to emphasize that the ghost plat was an attempt to show what might be possible. It was never intended to be the only way the property could be subdivided. Brausen that Howe informed him that he met with the Ramsey County Surveyor regarding the Pinetree Pond plat and was informed that Ramsey County just reviews plat, but in his previous capacity as the Washington County Surveyor, he had approval authority. The City Administrator indicated that Howe mentioned this to City staff who informed him in Ramsey County it is the City that approves or disapproves a road layout. Brausen felt that action on vacating the easement should be delayed until the Pinetree Pond Final Plat is acted upon. He indicated that vacating the easement at this time would eliminate options. Steve Brausen commented that it is his understanding that the City has a financial interest in this development. The City Administrator explained that in 2006 Masterpiece Homes acquired 2966 LaBore Road in a Sheriff's sale. However, the owners redeemed the property on the last day of redemption. The property went to Sheriff's sale again in 2008. At that time the City was hearing from property owners in the area about code enforcement issues and other problems with the property, and was looking for a long -term solution to cleaning up this area. The City contacted Masterpiece Homes to see if they were still interested in the property. Masterpiece Homes said they were not interested given the condition of the housing market. The City offered to provide a mortgage for 50% of the property value as well as Tax Increment Financing (TIF) assistance. The City then entered into a development agreement with Masterpiece Homes. Masterpiece Homes began working on a way to provide a 50 foot 15