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Mounds View Planning Commission January 18, 2006 <br />Regular Meeting Page 6 <br />________________________________________________________________________ <br /> <br />Director Ericson stated they have not looked at the cost but have talked with the selling agent <br />about their assessment of the property owner’s willingness to come down in price to something <br />more reasonable. He explained that the building has a certain value if it was to be used for a <br />business but the City considers it to be a liability since it will cost something to remove it. Staff <br />will also assure the environmental issues are addressed. Director Ericson pointed out that if the <br />Council thinks the risks to the community are too high or the environmental issues cannot be <br />satisfactorily resolved, the Council will probably not move forward with acquisition. <br /> <br />Chair Stevenson asked about the Commission’s ability to include comments about environmental <br />issues. Director Ericson stated staff has heard those concerns of the Commission and will <br />address them in the negotiations. <br /> <br />Chair Stevenson stated he would like the Council to be aware that it is of concern for the <br />Planning Commission even if that issue is not included in the resolution. <br /> <br />Commissioner Zwirn stated his concern about this being the only option to act on tonight. He is <br />also concerned about the investment group being reluctant to set prices that could be negotiated. <br />He stated that he is looking at an owner of a property that is blighted, an eyesore to the <br />community and putting off his responsibilities. But when it comes time to step forward and <br />negotiate pricing, he is a hardball customer with a high price. Commissioner Zwirn asked if the <br />City has looked at cleaning the property, abating the cost against the taxes, and then taking the <br />property for nonpayment of taxes, which may be a lower cost to the City. <br /> <br />Director Ericson stated staff has not started negotiating on the selling price, but the seller’s agent <br />has expressed their listing price but indicated a willingness to negotiate and to consider the issues <br />relating to the environmental concerns. He explained that while they have not been very <br />responsive in dealing with the nuisance issues on the property, he would hesitate to say they are <br />“playing hardball” with the acquisition negotiations. Director Ericson explained that he thinks <br />they want to get out from under it and the City will not reward them for holding out or pay top or <br />premium dollar for this property. He noted that while the option presented is the only option <br />being presented to the Commission, there are certainly other options like abating the nuisance <br />conditions which the City has been authorized to do. <br /> <br />Chair Stevenson noted that as a responsible City, Mounds View would need to, for the safety <br />reasons, remove the canopy and charge the cost against the taxes but the City could still end up <br />purchasing the property after that. He stated this option will still get the job done, the costs will <br />be charged against the property owner in the purchase, and it will address the environmental and <br />tank removal concerns as well as the safety concerns. Chair Stevenson recommended supporting <br />the resolution since it is the best option for the City and is consistent with the Comprehensive <br />Plan to move forward with this acquisition. <br /> <br />MOTION/SECOND: Miller/Meehlhause. To approve Resolution 823-06, a Resolution <br />Recommending Acquisition of the Premium Stop Parcel Located at 2390 County Road 10. <br /> <br /> Ayes – 5 Nay – 1 (Zwirn) Motion carried.