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Mounds View City Council May 14, 2001 <br />Regular Meeting Page 6 <br />• <br />'~J <br />• <br />David Jahnke of 8428 Eastwood Road expressed concern that the City is attempting to sell a <br />piece of property for $50,000 when he feels it should be valued closer to $100,000. <br />Mr. Parrish explained that the property was purchased for $125,000 with the existing structure <br />and the assessed value of the unimproved lot is $33,000. He then noted that after considering the <br />options the City determined it would be better to sell the lot for $50,000 rather than holding onto <br />the property for possible future development. <br />Mayor Sonterre indicated the City tried to market the property for some time but based on the <br />size and condition of the property the City has chosen to sell at a lower price. <br />Mr. Jahnke expressed concern that the City would buy something for $125,000 anticipating a <br />recovery and then sell it for a lesser price. He then asked what criteria the City uses for <br />determining what properties to purchase. <br />Council Member Quick noted that the property in question was a blight property in the City and <br />there were numerous problems at the property involving the police. He then indicated he felt it <br />was in the City's best interest to purchase the property in order to eliminate the eyesore and <br />problems for the City. <br />Mr. Jahnke asked if the plans to buy various properties were part of a program or what criterion <br />is used. <br />Mr. Parrish clarified that the house behind Simon's Sport Shop was purchased six (6) months <br />ago for $125,000 on the basis that is in an area that the City has identified as a redevelopment <br />area. <br />Mayor Sonterre stated the City can take apro-active approach to redevelopment issues which <br />will benefit the City with future development. <br />Mr. Jahnke expressed concern for the article in the St. Paul paper on long term plans for the golf <br />course. <br />Mayor Sonterre indicated that at the last Council meeting Council gave direction to the City <br />Administrator and the City Attorney to investigate how the pay was distributed without Council <br />approval. He then noted he preferred not to comment on the matter any further until receiving <br />comments back from Staff. <br />Mr. Jahnke voiced his disappointment over the TV/VCR scenario. <br />Council Member Marty clarified that the blue house property can be used for a business that will <br />fit into the neighborhood as the last two proposed projects for that property created a lot of <br />neighborhood unrest and ill will. <br />