12/18/2000 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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• CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION SEPTEMBER 20, 2000 a fair offer for their property. The Tagg's would prefer they no longer be subjected to any further details and timing issues relating to the Town Center project. The Tagg's would like their stake in the project decided. Mr. and Mrs. Tagg would like the City to buy them out. Currently, Mr. and Mrs. Tagg cannot move forward because they are locked into the City's planning process. Mr. and Mrs. Tagg will continue to be supportive of the City relating to the project. Mayor Bergeson advised purchase of the Tagg's property is an option. The City would like to explore that option if Council Members are agreeable. The Council can ask the City Attorney and staff to explore that option. He stated he does not believe the City is in the position to buy the property out right. The purchase may occur with a contract that will hopefully come together quickly. Council Member Carlson noted Council Members have not seen a copy of the letter sent by Mr. Coyle. Staff distributed a copy of the letter to Council Members. Council directed staff to work with the City Attorney and Mr. and Mrs. Tagg regarding the purchase of the Tagg's property. Council Member Carlson expressed concern regarding the financial implications. She stated the consultant in 1998 advised the City it couldn't bond for more than one million dollars. She also expressed concern regarding the City having to construct the infrastructure. She stated she needs to see the bottom line figures. Council Member Reinert clarified that Mr. and Mrs. Tagg would like the property sold as one piece. The City should explore other option the property can be sold without the City being involved. He stated he prefers the City does not become a developer. Mr. Ross Fefercorn came forward and stated he has been working on the revisions of the master plan for the Town Center. The revisions will address all concerns. The plan is a prototype of a development being built in south Maplewood. He stated he attended an urban conference in San Diego that studied Town Centers. Issues dealing with acquisition are typical with this type of plan. It is very common for a city to become involved in some type of acquisition. He stated he would like to put together a presentation regarding these types of development. Mayor Bergeson stated the Council visited Mr. Engstrom's developments. He stated he is very interested in the details. Council Member Carlson stated the visit to Fields of St. Croix was a real eye opener. She asked why the two -(2) developers have not made an offer to the Tagg's for their property. Mr. Fefercorn advised that typically a builder /developer only develops one or two (2) types of developments. The plan calls for commercial, hotel, rental units and senior rentals, which his company does not develop.