Minutes - 2004/08/23 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mounds View City Council August 23, 2004 Regular Meeting Page 2 • Mayor Linke stated that the homes were identified for the future if some day the city got the opportunity to buy them, and that the City couldn't do anything with them unless they were listed on their documents. Ms. Sebesta asked why people weren't told about this; she stated it seemed like a dirty little secret. Mayor Linke stated that this was discussed six or seven times during City Council meetings and was not a dirty little secret. Ms. Sebesta stated a lot of people didn't know about it and it was upsetting to them. Mayor Linke stated that this only provided the opportunity, and it doesn't mean that it's going to happen. Ms. Sebesta asked if that meant that no one would be forced to sell, and Mayor Linke stated that that is exactly correct, and that was covered very well in all the meetings when they talked about it. Ms. Sebesta stated that that should be published, and Mayor Linke stated that it was several times. Mayor Linke stated that Council Member Stigney had had a concern for the citizens being informed regarding this item. Director Ericson stated that the City has had a housing replacement program since 1995 whereby • property owners could sell their property to the City if they so chose. He stated that the State Auditor requires that these properties have to be identified beforehand, so that is why the City has put this list together. He stated there are no plans to force anyone from their homes and it is a voluntary program. Council Member Quick asked what the benefit was to the property owners that utilize this program. Director Ericson stated that it gives the option to the homeowner to sell it to the City if they can't find a buyer, and another option is that the City could provide demolition assistance to the property owner if they wanted to rebuild on their lot. Council Member Quick stated that property owners do not need to bring their homes up to code when they sell it to the City. Brad Johnson, 5556 St. Stevens St., stated he had brought his son to Festival in the Park, and he complained about the length of time his son was allowed to bounce in the inflatable, and he also stated it should be told to them ahead of time that one ticket only allows one turn on the slide. Tom Field, 8409 Knollwood Drive, stated he would not allow entry into his home based on the Fourth Amendment for city employees to enter his home regarding the sump pump issue. He • stated he does not have a sump pump.