08/04/2008 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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• Acquisition of property for development and redevelopment by direct negotiation, purchase, and eminent domain for eventual transfer to developers (the Northtown Redevelopment Project is an example of this type of project, which resulted in the construction of a senior citizen facility and extensive commercial retail properties); • Acquisition of property by condemnation proceedings, including numerous commissioners hearings, District Court trials and appeals. (Pat Sweeney concluded a five day jury trial in our most recent case of this type which involved the construction of a frontage road west of Highway 65 in Blaine. The jury returned a verdict of $194,000.00, which was over $1,000,000.00 less than the amount demanded by the property owner); • Relocation services for displaced owners; • Real Estate Title examination and extensive work with Title Companies relating to complex title issues relating to development; • Quiet Title actions, Torrens proceedings and other real estate actions relating to development and redevelopment; • Advice on tax increment financing issues; • Preparation and enforcement of ordinances relating to land use issues and development; • Negotiation and preparation of Joint Powers Agreements relating to development and operation of public buildings, including public ice arenas, athletic facilities, and other public projects; • Participation in all aspects of several large redevelopment projects including senior housing projects, the largest amateur sports complex in the State of Minnesota, a nationally known PGA golf course, several retail commercial projects, and numerous residential, commercial, and industrial projects; and • Advice to our clients in all aspects of platting, land use, zoning, comprehensive plan, and subdivision issues which cities face on a daily basis. We have prepared agreements between municipalities and the federal and state governments relative to EPA and PCA grants and Farmer's Home Administration loans and grants. We have negotiated and prepared joint powers agreements between cities for law enforcement, fire protection services, and joint use of sewer and water improvements, and agreements between municipalities and architects, engineers, and contractors relative to the construction of public improvements and municipal buildings. Our firm has been involved in the complete legal process pertaining to the construction of public improvements, including storm drainage projects, and the assessment thereof, and acquisition of the necessary right -of -way by negotiation or by exercise of the power of eminent domain. We have negotiated the acquisition of real property for municipal facilities and city parks. We have prepared and 2