2001.02.20 CC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Council meeting of February 20, 2001 Page 3 DON AND PAULINE RICE la), 9497140TH STREET REQUEST FOR CITY ASSISTANCE In the summer of 2000, City staff was informed by Mr. Don Rice, 9497 140N' Street North, that he was seeking assistance from the City of Hugo for a flooding problem he has experienced on his property located on Lake Plaisted. This issue was brought to the Hugo City Council for consideration and staff was directed to pursue any and all options for securing a financial buyout of the Rice's property. The Rice's have experienced flooding on their property for a period of six years, and had first brought the issue to the Brown's Creek Watershed District. The District made an offer to the Rice's to purchase their land and building, but Mr. Rice, who felt the offer was too low, turned down the offer. Mr. Rice estimates the sale price to be $250,000. Since that time, Mr. and Mrs. Rice have spoken with a number of local governmental agencies in an effort to resolve their flooding problem. They cannot use the bathroom in their house; rather they must use the toilet facilities in their RV, which is parked in their driveway. Staff met with a number of local, county, and state agencies in an effort to seek a solution for the Rice's, and did find the Minnesota Flood Reduction Program, who expressed interest in making a 50% matching grant application on behalf of the Rice's. Staff explored the remaining 50% funding for the project but has been unsuccessful to date. Staff completed a site inspection visit of the Rice's property with a representative of the Minnesota DNR Trails and Waterways Public Access Division. The City received a letter from DNR Representative Susan Willhite stating that the DNR is not interested in the site as a public access to Lake Plaisted because it is too small. Staff brought this issue to the City Council for further discussion and direction on behalf of Mr. and Mrs. Rice, who seek some relief from their flooding problem. After discussion, it was determined that the City was unable to further assist the Rice's in their dilemma. Miron made motion, Granger seconded, directing the City Assessor to reevaluate the Rice property for possible reduction in valuation. All aye. Motion Carried. Miron made motion, Granger seconded, directing staff to facilitate discussion of the Rice's situation with local state representatives in an effort to explore help and/or financial assistance. All aye. Motion Carried. REVISED PROPOSAL FROM SRF & HGA FOR CHARRETTE/COMMUNITY VISIONING At its February 5 meeting, the City Council agreed with the Charrette Committee's recommendation to approve the hiring of the joint team of SRF & HGA to complete the City's Charrette/Community Visioning project. Council directed staff to work with principals from both firms to formalize the revised joint proposal. Staff met with Project Manager Mike Lamb and outlined a proposal, including a timeline for completing the project. Petryk made motion, Haas seconded, that the Council approves the revised Joint Services Agreement from SRF & HGA for the City Charrette/Community Visioning Project, with final review by the City's Community Development Director, including any recommended amendments regarding a reduction in increased cost. All aye. Motion Carried.