CCWS 03-17-1997 - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORKSESSION - MARCH 17. 1997 6 . for future elements of the project. Mr. Ringwald discussed a variety of general information issues, timetables, and work programs related to the development of the Gateway Business District. Mr. Ringwald provided a preliminary review by Ehlers and Associates of the per forma provided by Welsh in anticipation of a pending bond issue and TIF requirements. The Council reviewed Phase I and II buildings, focusing on details and priorities. Variables included internal financing and the future of TIF legislation and its impact on the project. Mr. Ringwald stated he saw his immediate involvement in the Gateway Business District project as negotiating the purchase of several key properties and determining the infrastructure requirements with the City Engineer and Public Works Director. Councilmember Malone stated that the city needed to proceed as necessary, since they were committed, having given the developer the "green light." Councilmember Aplikowski questioned whether the EDA would be activated to deal with these issues. Mr. Fritsinger responded that staff had originally been prepared to bring the EDA resolutions before the Council at their April 14, 1997 meeting, but following . conversations with Ehlers, staff had determined, in the best interest of the city, it was more prudent to wait as far as the property transactions were concerned. Mayor Probst left the meeting at 7:18 p.m., with Acting Mayor, Susan Keirn, presiding for the remainder of the meeting. Mr. Ringwald advised Councilmembers that Mr. Harstad had not accepted the Welsh offer on his property, and had counter-offered with three alternatives for Welsh Companies to consider. Mr. Ringwald addressed several "land swap" options, and stated that vacation of the street would potentially affect three existing properties; the Harstad, Truhler/Zatke, and Vaughn parcels. Mr. Ringwald requested direction on whether to postpone the Phase II portion of the project pending property negotiations. Mr. Fritsinger responded that staff was awaiting a billboard appraisal for the Naegle strip. Mr. Ringwald stated that if the City is taking the lead in property acquisition, Welsh Companies needed to accept the delay, but they also needed to see the City's action plan so their internal plarmers were up-to-speed. The City Council directed staff to postpone Phase II to allow the necessary acquisitions to occur. City Administrator Fritsinger stated that the consulting attorney's firm the City was using, Larkin, Hoffman, et ai, was knowledgeable of the billboard industry. Mr. . Ringwald stated that for Council information, benefit, and planning purposes, the City's consulting engineers, MSA, needed to have a time frame for street design, infrastructure needs, and drainage requirements. ----- ----