01-14-2015 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL JANUARY 14, 2015 The City Attorney reported that if the City had to resort to eminent domain to gain the land from St. John's Church, the City would be faced with appraisal fees, attorney costs and commissioner compensation. Those fees could be in the $7,000 to $8,000 range. The City Attorney indicated, therefore, that the request for waiving of water connection fees does not appear to be unreasonable. Montour asked about the status of the Variance once the acquisition is complete. The Administrator reported that the Variance would be rendered moot. I -Ie also recommended that while he does not anticipate any problems in finalizing the property acquisition, that the waiver of fees be contingent upon the transfer of the land to the City. Keis introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION NO. 2015-1-12 — WAIVING WATER CONNECTION FEES FOR THE ST. JOHN'S PARISH HOUSE CONTINGENT UPON THE TRANSFER OF LAND FROM ST. JOHN'S CHURCH TO THE CITY OF LITTLE CANADA RELATED TO THE WARMING HOUSE PROJECT The foregoing resolution was duly seconded by Montour. Ayes (5). Nays (0). Resolution declared adopted. ORDER The City Administrator reported that the property at 56 Little Canada APPRAISAL- is again on the market, and the realtor has contacted the City asking if 56 LITTLE it was still interested in acquiring the property for park purposes. The CANADA Administrator noted that when the property was initially on the market, ROAD EAST the City indicated its interest, but could not reach an agreement on price. The property was then sold to a developer who proposed multi -family housing on this lot. The developer was unable to obtain the necessary approvals and defaulted on his contract -for -deed on this property. The Administrator reported that the asking price for the property is $110,000, which he believes to be high given the house would have to be removed and has a negative value to the City. While the County's estimated market value is higher than that amount, the Administrator felt it was over stated given the poor condition of the house. The Administrator reported that he suggested to the realtor that an appraisal of the property be done and that appraised value set the sale price for this property. The owner did not agree to this suggestion. The Administrator recommended that the City proceed with an appraisal in order to establish as base for negotiations. 10