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Mounds View City Council January 9, 2006 <br />Regular Meeting Page 22 <br />• community. Also, the City would control the destiny of the property and determine what should <br />be there, if anything. He noted the current situation impacts the visual aesthetics of Mounds <br />View. Staff recommends the City seriously consider the purchase of this property from a willing <br />seller. <br />Councilmember Gunn stated her agreement. <br />Councilmember Flaherty asked about environmental impacts. Director Ericson suggested <br />ordering a Phase 1 environmental study to make sure the City is not getting into anything that <br />would cost a lot in the long run. He advised that there are no spill findings or active issues with <br />this property so it looks to be clean but that will not be known for sure until you do more digging. <br />Mayor Marty noted the car wash has a different owner. Director Ericson stated they probably <br />contracted with someone to build the car wash and the doors were locked when they stopped <br />making payments. <br />Mayor Marty noted that the Highway 10 redevelopment project may result in the need for more <br />ponding areas and asked if the City would be on the hook for relocation costs. Director Ericson <br />explained that the City would not be liable for relocation or the mortgage on the property. He <br />explained that the current property owner would be liable for those issues. <br />• Director Ericson stated he is not asking for consent to purchase the property. Staff is <br />recommending that a purchase agreement be drafted for the Council's futuxe consideration. <br />Mayor Marty noted if the sushi restaurant is successful, it could expand into this area. <br />Councilmember Stigney stated this is a lot of money and asked if this is the best use for the <br />City's money when the prime use of this property is not yet known. Councilmember Stigney <br />pointed out that City funds are available for businesses to use to improve their property. He <br />stated he prefers to do that as a community development project to see what is the desired goal <br />instead of buying the property. He stated the City needs a plan before it moves forward. <br />Director Ericson explained that for the last three years staff has been actively looking at potential <br />developers and talking with the property owners but their only intent is to sell. Staff has talked <br />with developers but no one wants to consider this because it is a stand alone parcel. With the <br />Donut Connection there was an opportunity in 2005 that would have elevated the potential for <br />this site and staff has been trying to encourage redevelopment but those efforts have not been <br />successful. He stated he appreciates the need for a plan and that this is a significant amount of <br />money but the property has gotten worse. <br />Mayor Marty stated that TIF is for addressing blighted properties and as has been stated, the only <br />inquiries being received are from individuals interested in continuing a gas station operation. He <br />stated he has mixed feelings on this one but the property is so blighted and in the middle of the <br />• City, so he would be willing to explore how to remove this blight and find a better solution. <br />