10-09-2023 Council Meeting Minutes

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also noted that the full reading of the ordinance was not done, it was just rattled off. RESULT: CARRIED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Cavegn SECONDER: Lyden AYES: Cavegn, Lyden, Stoesz, Ruhland, Rafferty H. Consider 2nd Reading of Ordinance 11-23, Approving Land Sale TS Miller Co. Community Development Director Michael Grochala reviewed proposed ordinance 11-23 to convey 1.4 acres of land to Rice Industries and noted that the parcel in consideration is a stormwater holding pond. Rice Industries is looking at expansion on their existing site but their current parcel restricted this; conveyance of the parcel will allow the expansion to go forward. The parcel is currently off tax rolls. Director Grochala added that conveyance of the land will make that a taxable property; the City will retain a drainage and utility easement. Proposal is conveyance of $1 as the parcel itself is not buildable because it is still needed for drainage. Councilmember Cavegn noted that during the work session, there was a verbal offer to purchase the property for $1000. Director Grochala stated that the City would not consider that offer as the property is not for sale just for anyone; the City is looking for reuse of it for economic development purposes. He added that Council may take that offer into consideration but he does not believe the offer would be accepted as there is no building allowed on the parcel and it still needs to be maintained for stormwater management purposes. To convey it to Rice, there is a citywide benefit in economic development. Director Grochala also clarified that the tax revenue that will be generated will far supersede any sale revenue from the property. Mayor Rafferty accepted comments from the public: Ms. Catherine Decker, 614 Pine Street, said we are currently considering an increase in the budget of 10%,that part of the explanation of the increase was to buy new firetrucks to service people who are on well water, and the City is planning to build a new water treatment plant which the people who are on well water won't be use. She also said that she doesn't think that the people who are on well water asked for fire trucks; people on well water are being charged for water they're not using and fire service they don't want to use when the City is selling wetlands that go for over$100,000 per acre for one dollar. She asked how are we not being good financial stewards in our community. We should be charging fair market value and be good stewards. 9