CC 10-14-1997 - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - OCTOBER 14.1997 3 . In this case, the number of billboards will decrease from seven billboard faces to tour billboard faces. He advised that Fairway Outdoor Advertising requested specific language in the City Code to address that. However, this issue was just raised and it takes a while to go through this process. Also, time is of the essence. Mr. Ringwald stated staff has started this process and has been working with Jeff Brown of Fairway Qutdoor Advertising. He explained that it appears both parties are following the same thoughts. I-Ie advised staff will hold a phone conference with all parties tomorrow and, hopefully, be able to conclude this long drawn-out process. Mr. Ringwald noted there is no change in the closing date (October 31, 1997) or park dedication fee. He advised that staff did l11eet with Ray Duran, Chief Maintenance of Way Officer and Wayne Hall, Director of Operations of the Minnesota Commercial Railroad on October 14, 1997 on the site of the transload operation in GBD. At that meeting, they discussed the survey information which showed them the encroachment of the transload operation onto private property. Staff discussed its desire to relocate this operation to a place which would be entirely within the railroad's right-of-way and they indicated they would relocate their operation to the south side of the railroad tracks and to restore the property on the north side of the tracks to its previous condition. Staff also discussed the City's desire to obtain a slope easement on the north side of the tracks for the relocated Fourteenth Street. The representatives of Minnesota COl11mercial Railroad stated they would not oppose such an easement and the granting of such an easel11ent would be up to the owner of the property which is MT Properties. Mr. Ringwald advised that staff has had previous discussions with MT Properties regarding the slope easement . and it appears they are in favor as long as the tenant found it acceptable. Mr. Ringwald advised that staff also discussed the potential of open-cutting the railroad tracks, rather than boring underneath them, since it is considerably less expensive. The representative of Minnesota Commercial Railroad indicated that open-cutting would be acceptable but they would need to review the timing and reconstruction plans with the City Engineer. In response to Mayor Probst, Mr. Ringwald explained that dealing with MT Properties has been quite pleasant and amenable. Jerry Filla, City Attorney, advised that the Council could consider condemning the Fairway Outdoor Advertising property ifthe Purchase Agreement is not successfully negotiated in the immediate future. As far as the agreement is concerned, he stated they are attempting to expedite it but there appears to be more concern about relocation of the sign than the sale ofthe property. He suggested that the City offer to purchase the property and allow them to use portions pending expiration of their tenant leases. He noted the contractor has indicated they are able to work around the one sign that is there. Mr. Ringwald noted the four issues relating to Tax Increment Financing (TIF). He advised that staff was informed by the applicant's consultant today that their fire consultant calculates that a ten-inch watermain is required. However, Staff has not yet seen this information and would need to verify that. .