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LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL MINUTES FEBRUARY 3, 2015 Page 3 of 5 Council Member Lundgren stated that she know the Valley Branch Watershed District does not want to record their meetings. It was noted that it is not statutorily required. Mayor Pearson explained he is in favor of public transparency. Council Member Fliflet does not believe there is a transparency issue because they are open public meetings. Council Member Lundgren would like to table the item until Council Member Bloyer is back. MOTION: Mayor Pearson moved TO TABLE THE ITEM. Council Member Smith seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED 4-0. REGULAR AGENDA ITEM 11: BLINKOFF POOL – SALE OF PROPERTY IN DEMONTREVILLE WILDLIFE PARK; RES. NO. 2015-05, RES. NO. 2015-06, VACATION PUBLIC HEARING Community Development Director Klatt provided overview of the background. He explained the land sale discussion at the planning commission and the two recommended additional findings. Staff explained the reason the initial estimate given to the Parks Commission was not obtained. The estimate was based on the market value and City Assessor appraisal. City Attorney Snyder explained the legal options and implications of each. The question of whether the City would ever want to develop the park land was posed. It was pointed out that there is a natural gas pipeline running across the entire wildlife park that would make future development difficult. Mr. Snyder was comfortable with proposed solution. It was noted that a formal appraisal would cost the city a couple thousand dollars. MOTION: Mayor Pearson moved TO OPEN PUBLIC HEARING. Council Member Lundgren seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED 4-0. Public Hearing Opened at 8:23 pm David and Mary Blinkoff, 7920 DeMontreville Trail North, explained how the pool was permitted and installed. City Administrator Zuleger noted that the initial asking price offered the owners was $6,000.00. The Blinkoffs explained that they had done everything in good faith, but the local contractor has been responsible for the location. It was pointed out that the issue is time sensitive with the sale of their property. MOTION: Council Member Smith moved TO CLOSE PUBLIC HEARING. Council Member Lundgren seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED 4-0. Public Hearing Closed at 8:27pm Mayor Pearson recused himself. His company did not install the pool, but may service it. MOTION A: Council Member Lundgren moved TO APPROVE RESOLUTION NO. 2015-05, A RESOLUTION VACATING A PORTION OF PUBLIC PARK LAND. Council Member Fliflet seconded the motion. MOTION A PASSED 3-0-1. (Pearson abstained) MOTION B: Council Member Lundgren moved TO APPROVE RESOLUTION NO. 2015-06, A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SALE OF CITY PROPERTY FOR $3,000. Council Member Fliflet seconded the motion. MOTION B PASSED 4-0 Council Member Smith expressed her sympathy for the Blinkoffs but explained she would have preferred a higher negotiation price. Council Member Fliflet noted she wants to make sure it is clear this is not setting a precedent. City Clerk Bell explained that the previous question (Motion A) needs to be reconsidered as the vacation legally requires a 4/5 vote for approval. City Attorney Snyder stated that there is no conflict for the Mayor’s vote. RECONSIDERATION OF MOTION A: Council Member Smith moved TO APPROVE RESOLUTION NO. 2015-05, A RESOLUTION VACATING A PORTION OF PUBLIC PARK LAND. Council Member Lundgren seconded the motion. MOTION A PASSED 4-0. Point of privilege taken at 8:33pm. Reconvened at 8:40 pm. ITEM 13: 5TH STREET LANDSCAPING AND LIGHTING PLAN REVIEW