Council_Minutes_1988_03_28 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Mounds View City Council March 28, 1988 Regular Meeting Page Three City Planner Herman reviewed previous discussions that had occurred on the possibility of purchasing 8100 Groveland Road, to allow for the future extension of Knollwood Drive from Ardan Avenue to Sherwood Road. She stated the Planning Commission has reviewed it and recommends purchasing the property and holding it for future development. She also explained the process of tax increment financing and how it could be used for the purchase of this property. Clerk /Administrator Pauley stated he would advise against tax increment financing as he felt it would be a misuse of the funds and an abuse of the law. Councilmember Hankner pointed out that new laws are pending on this issue. City Planner Herman explained tax increment financing is used in many ways. Councilmember Hankner stated she would not be in favor of using tax increment financing as a method of purchasing this property. She noted the purchase of the property is the main issue, but without the money to purchase it, she questioned what could be done. She added that she is not willing to mortgage too far 0 into the future, or take money from the general fund. Councilmember Blanchard stated she is opposed to purchasing the property, as she does not feel it is up to the City to go into the real estate business, and the involved property owners do not appear to want the road, and there are other options available if the people decide to develop in the future. She also noted there is a water problem in that area, which would add to the cost of development. She stated she is against the City buying the property on a maybe. Councilmember Wuori stated there is a very long list of pros and cons, and they must remember good planning practices, and she questioned whether the City could afford to do something about purchasing it now anyway. Councilmember Hankner stated that while the money could be taken out of the general fund, she does not want to take it out of there. Mayor Linke stated a large amount of money was placed in the fund several years ago, which could possibly be used. Clerk /Administrator Pauley explained the funds are available, however the ordinance adopted at the time of defesence would prohibit this, and it would require a 4/5 vote to declare an emergency to use the fund for this.