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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - OCTOBER 13, 1998 6 . dealt with at a Stafflevel. The Council is not in a position to deal with price lists and review plans. He asked Stafffor their reaction to the situation. Mr. Ringwald stated the key would be to have the Building Official compare the list provided by Mr. Kruger with what he feels needs to be done and verify the costs identified. Staff would need to verify the application for the State Contractor License is in the process of being approved. Staff would still want to receive verification that the money is in place to adequately cover the expenses indicated by Mr. Kruger, including any additional items the Building Inspector may reqUIre. Mr. Ringwald stated Mr. Wisner would need to either prepare a third party check to be deposited in an account which would be jointly held, or provide something that would be acceptable to assure money will be available to pay the bills. Mr. Nixon restated his concern that the City wants to control the money. Mr. Ringwald explained Staff wants some level of interest that the funding sources cannot be repealed before the project is completed. Additionally, Staff would want to be able to match up the approved expenses with the approved financing. Mayor Probst noted that, although it would be appropriate to try to pull together all the documentation, this has been a problem throughout the whole process. The fundamental issue the Council is faced with is how to resolve this with some degree of confidence that the project will proceed and be accomplished in a timely manner. He proposed the Council give Mr. Nixon a 45 day deadline from tonight. Ifthe house is not done, the Council will award the contract to . the low bidder to demolish it. He noted the project needs to be brought to closure before winter. He asked the Council for response to this proposal. Councilmember Aplikowski asked if the Mayor would still be wanting proof of financing and licensing. Mayor Probst reiterated the difficulty the Council has been having over the last couple months in obtaining the proper documentation. His concern is if the Council continues to try to determine what is needed, they will be back in two weeks with paperwork that is still not quite acceptable. Councilmember Larson expressed his concern with how the Council can avoid the situation of Mr. Nixon coming back in 45 days asking for an extension because the Building Official has not approved a portion ofthe house. He also noted if there truly is financing, Mr. Nixon should post some sort of a bond equal to the amount of the demolition so the City is assured he will follow through with the project. Councilmember Malone noted that it is not really up to the Council to verify financing, it is up to the property owner and he is not willing to put the responsibility onto Staff to be Mr. Nixon's financial consultants. If Mr. Nixon wants to show proof of financing, it should be presented to Staff who will forward it to the Council. Councilmember Malone asked Staff if the documentation for the Building Permit has been issued. Mr. Ringwald stated it is ready to be paid for, and the only thing holding it up is . verification of the State Contractors License and payment of the pernlit fee. Councilmember Malone asked ifMr. Nixon could start construction if the pennit is issued and paid for. Mr. Ringwald stated he could, and if the project was not completed within the deadline, it could be immediately demolished.