Minutes - 2005/08/08 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mounds View City Council August S, 2005 Regular Meeting Page 8 . Duane McCarty, 8060 Long Lake Road, stated that he meant to mention when he was dealing with the contractual issues that he had read in the minutes of the Council meeting where the Fire Department had come in to request approval for their project to replace Stations 3 and 5 on Highway 65 and the land costs for the first estimate was at $115,000.00 per acre. He noted that one of the Council Member's had moved to make that the cap in the motion and Staff quickly informed that Council Member that the land in that area along Highway 65, although as congested as it is during the day, goes for $150,000.00 to $170,000.00 per acre and they thought that if they could make the $115,000.00 work, which is an unusual situation, but perhaps if they couldn't, then the amendment to cap it at $115,000.00 would put the City in a difficult situation. He commented that considering that the golf course property is prime location and much more desirable than anything else that could be produced on Highway 65, he asked why the City is taking $120,000.00 for the golf course property when the prices for less desirable properties are going for $150,000 to $170,000. Council Member Stigney stated they are not discussing what is up in Blaine they are talking about the appraised land value for The Bridges Golf Course. City Administrator Ulrich confirmed stating that this was a negotiated land sale based on the value of the appraisal and reflects the value of the land for this location. He added that there is quite a difference between large parcels per acre value and a small retail or commercial parcel. He referenced the Walgreen's parcel, which is a smaller 1-2 acre parcel, noting that it would be worth more per square foot than a 40-acre tract of land that would be used for an office building. • He explained that generally the parcels would be priced differently in the marketplace on a per acre or square footage basis. Mr. McGarry noted that along that line a previous speaker had pointed out eminent domain and asked if three appraisals were done on this. Mayor Marty clarified that the City only did one appraisal He stated that he had some questions regarding the development that Mr. Morgan was discussing. He stated that the developer had done some soil borings noting that the City had received a copy of the plat showing that the location of the borings was in the middle of the driveway area and that it was indicated at the last Council work session that they received Rice Creek Watershed approval, which means that the developer could begin the permit application process. He asked if the developer has started the permit application process adding that because much of the development east of Greenwood is located within a wetland or wetland buffer zone shouldn't the developer provide soil borings from the actual area where the pads would be placed. He asked if they should have soil borings from the specific area before a developer can build in that specific area. Director Ericson confirmed stating that before any building permits could be issued for this project on an area such as this the City would be requiring an engineered soil analysis for each building. He stated that soil borings would have to be conducted noting that the Rice Creek Watershed approval was conditional and it is his understanding that there are a number of issues • that Mr. Hartstad has to resubmit back to Rice Creek Watershed District. He stated that he is not sure if this has happened yet noting that he could find out when they plan to have this