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Mounds View Planning Commission December 1, 1999 <br /> Regular Meeting Page 8 <br /> • Commissioner Laube stated he felt the suggested language appears to be appropriate for this stage <br /> of the consideration. He indicated the Commission desires to inform the Council that there could <br /> be a cost, and request that the Council review this. <br /> Commissioner Kaden stated the language in the resolution indicates "NOW, THEREFORE, BE <br /> IT RESOLVED that the Mounds View Planning Commission supports the TOLD concept, and <br /> would support the proposed land swap," and inquired if this statement could be amended. He <br /> commented that he supports the concept, however, this language appears to indicate he also <br /> supports the land swap, and he is not certain that he does. He explained that he had inquired <br /> regarding the assessed value of the properties because if the City stands to lose with this proposal, <br /> he would not support such a thing, and at this time, there is no way to be certain in this regard. <br /> He advised that the piece of land along Highway 10 might be more valuable than the other <br /> property, and he would like to know whether or not this is the case. <br /> Chair Peterson suggested the omission of the words "would support" in front of the words "the <br /> proposed land swap" would make this statement more general in nature. <br /> Commissioner Kaden pointed out that this statement would still indicate that the Planning <br /> Commission supports both the concept and the proposed land swap. Chair Peterson explained <br /> however, the statement would relate to both items, rather than to each item separately, which <br /> • would serve to dilute the element of support. <br /> Terry Moses of Prudential Commercial Realty, representative of the property owner suggested <br /> the Commission consider the triangular portion of land that is owned by the City to be a pond, as <br /> that is what it is. He explained that as long as the pond is there, this land can not be utilized for <br /> very much else. He pointed out that if the City did wish to utilize the land for something else, the <br /> pond would have to be relocated, as ponding is required. He stated this land does not present a <br /> substantial amount of land value as it currently exists. <br /> Mr. Moses advised that with this proposal, the City will still have the pond, however, it will be <br /> relocated at no cost to the City, and in addition, the City will gain 7.4 acres of land. He <br /> commented it would be difficult to imagine a scenario in which that land could be utilized in any <br /> other way, and for the City to continue to provide the ponding that is required. He explained that <br /> if this portion of land were rectangular, with similar square footage, it might be buildable, <br /> however, a triangular shape is very difficult to build upon, therefore, the land could not demand a <br /> very good price. He stated that the ponding is required to exist on this piece of property, with the <br /> exception of the proposed swap. <br /> Mr. Moses stated he considers the language in the proposed resolution to be a very general <br /> introduction to the process, and he views Finding No. 11 as a cautionary statement, which <br /> indicates that the City should be aware that there may be some associated costs that should be <br /> researched. He suggested the language be modified to indicate "unacceptable costs" rather than <br /> "substantial costs," as `substantial' can be defined differently by each individual, however, <br /> `unacceptable' depends upon the situation. <br />