08/11/1997 Council Minutes (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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COUNCIL MINUTES AUGUST 11, 1997 direction of planning efforts with respect to growth of the community will be discussed so that the remaining portions of the comprehensive planning process can be completed. Notice of these meetings will appear in the Quad next week. Consideration of Eminent Domain Resolution No. 97 - 94 - Mr. Wessel explained that in April of 1996 the Metropolitan Council approved a land exchange enabling the City of Lino Lakes and Anoka County to complete the real estate transaction that will transfer 25 acres of park land from the Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park to the City for public use. The County has requested 100 acres of privately -owned potential park land north of the Pheasant Hills Preserve development to provide an environmental buffer to the regional park from residential encroachment. Mr. Wessel stated that the City of Lino Lakes and Mr. and Mrs. Vaughn agreed in principle to the sale of the 100 acres of park land prior to the Metropolitan Council approval. The agreement involved a combination of cash, waived park dedication fees, and planning considerations. The developer's business circumstances have changed during the past two years and Mr. Vaughn has requested that the transaction be concluded with a cash settlement, to which the City is agreeable. According to Mr. Wessel, the City is agreeable to a negotiated cash resolution to the purchase of the 100 acres of park land. Time is of the essence and the negotiation with Mr. Vaughn is not proceeding with satisfactory speed. Staff recommends approval to begin the eminent domain process on the land while continuing negotiations with Mr. Vaughn. Mr. Hawkins added that in order to begin construction of facilities on the park land according to the proposed schedule, the process to transfer the land must begin immediately. He added that Resolution No. 97 - 94 should be amended to state that the amount of acreage is an approximate figure. Mr. Wessel agreed, adding that the requirement is for at least 100 acres; and that given the complicated nature of the property description, reference to approximately 100 acres would be appropriate. Council Member Bergeson moved to approve Eminent Domain Resolution No. 97 - 94, including the proposed amendment. Council Member Lyden seconded the motion. Council Member Bergeson pointed out that action to establish eminent domain is relatively standard in such cases, and that this motion should not be further delayed. Mr. Schumacher explained that some unforeseen issues surfaced which delayed negotiations. Motion carried unanimously. Resolution No. 97 - 94 can be found at the end of these minutes. CITY ENGINEER'S REPORT, DAVID AHRENS Consideration of Resolution No. 97 - 88, Marvy Street/Leonard Avenue Sewer and Water Improvements, Order Improvement and Preparation of Plans and Specifications - Mr. Ahrens provided the following background for this item: The public hearing for the Marvy Street and Leonard Drive Utility Project was closed on April 28, 1997. The 60 -day waiting