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CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION January 7, 2013 <br /> APPROVED <br /> 90 6. Holiday Lighting Contest (Dale Stoesz)—Council Member Stoesz recalled that <br /> 91 when he was looking at lighting in the city around the holidays, he realized that it is <br /> 92 sometimes hard to find those homes where the owners have gone all out to put up a <br /> 93 display. He suggests that there could be a contest in the city,judged by an independent <br /> 94 group. He's checking to see if there is interest. <br /> 95 <br /> 96 The mayor recalled there was a contest in the past. Staff noted that the Parks and <br /> 97 Recreation Department did run a contest many years ago. It wasn't continued perhaps <br /> 98 because it was pretty much the same winners each year. It was a fun event and people did <br /> 99 enjoy it. <br /> 100 <br /> 101 Council Member Stoesz recommended that a key element would be to post locations on <br /> 102 the web for people to use as a guide to view the best displays. <br /> 103 <br /> 104 The council concurred that staff should look into bringing back the program. The mayor <br /> 105 added that he'd be interested also in having some city sponsored decorations on light <br /> 106 poles and such. <br /> 107 <br /> 108 7. Special Legislation—Council Member Roeser indicated that he asked for this <br /> 109 discussion with the idea of spurring special state legislation to deal with situations such as <br /> 110 what arose with the properties on Bald Eagle Lake (property assessment between two <br /> 111 counties) through annexation. He recommends that the council show support to the state <br /> 112 representatives so that legislation could be sought to assist with that type of a situation. <br /> 113 The council concurred and the mayor suggested that the city put together a game plan <br /> �— 114 because getting a change at the state level would take time. <br /> 115 <br /> 116 Council Member Roeser noted also his interest in discussing the recommendation of <br /> 117 Attorney Steve Bubul for a statute change. The mayor suggested waiting on that <br /> 118 discussion. <br /> 119 <br /> 120 Economic Development Coordinator Divine explained her item on special legislation <br /> 121 regarding tax forfeited property. There are outstanding issues that relate to the city's <br /> 122 situation. Potential legislation would allow the sale of the Legacy property below market <br /> 123 value for economic development purposes, not currently allowed under state law. The <br /> 124 argument can be made that the special assessments are greater than the value on the <br /> 125 property. Annual administrative fees owed to the county are another economic difficulty. <br /> 126 The city could make an argument for a"revenue neutral" situation that makes <br /> 127 development possible. Staff is presenting the idea of special legislation for council <br /> 128 consideration. The council discussed pros and cons and staff indicated that they would <br /> 129 continue to pursue the suggestion. <br /> 130 <br /> 131 8. Otter Lake Road Update—Community Development Director Grochala explained <br /> 132 that staff sent out petition and waiver information to property owners in December. <br /> 133 Discussions have occurred with their attorneys but a formal response is outstanding. <br /> 3 <br />