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lt <br /> EN HILLS <br /> MEMORANDUM <br /> DATE: December 10, 2012 <br /> TO: Honorable Mayor and Councilmembers <br /> Patrick Klaers, City Administrator <br /> FROM: Jill Hutmacher, Community Development Director <br /> SUBJECT: Acquisition of Tax Forfeited Land j4 <br /> Requested Action <br /> Approve Resolution 2012-050 requesting that Ramsey County withhold tax-forfeited property <br /> located at 3208 Hamline Avenue North from public sale for a period of up to six months while <br /> the City considers acquisition of the property. <br /> Background <br /> The City has received notice that property located at 3208 Hamline Avenue North(map <br /> attached) has become tax forfeited. <br /> Recent legislation on tax forfeited land acquisition by public entities removed the option to <br /> acquire public open space lands at no cost. However, cities may acquire conservation land that <br /> will be used to create or preserve wetlands, manage stormwater, and preserve land in its natural <br /> state. As part of the acquisition, a restrictive covenant is placed on the land for 30 years, and <br /> within that time period cities may not sell or develop the land. <br /> Although cities could previously acquire tax-forfeited land for public open space at no cost, now <br /> cities must pay "below market value" which is based on the parcel's value as conservation land. <br /> Ramsey County will assess the parcel and notify the City of the "below market value". For <br /> similar parcels, the value has been around $2,000. <br /> The City has until January 16, 2013, to officially request via resolution that that the parcel be <br /> placed on hold and not sold at public auction. The City would then have an additional six <br /> months to acquire the parcel if the City Council so desires. <br /> City of Arden Hills <br /> City Council Meeting December 10, 2012 <br /> Page 1 of 2 <br />