CCP 07-12-1999 - Laserfiche WebLink

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. . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - JUNE 28,1999 17 ;','-, the City's history with the current property owner has not been good. Mayor Probst stated that his position is that the City should try to find a way to proceed. However, he was not prepared for the City to take on the entire cost of the project. He believed that the City should consider assessing a portion of the improvements back to the property owner. His only concern of taking this action would be that the cost would be rolled back to the residents by way oflot rent increases, Unless the property owner was willing to give title of the park area to the City, the owner has an obligation to see to it that these improvements are made, ",. Councilmember Malone concurred with the Mayor's statements. He believed that the soil corrections and drainage improvements should be assessed back to the property owner and the City would pay for the playstructure, the basketball court and the movement of the picnic shelter. When the Mobile Home Park was first approved, there was a need for open space and the property owner agreed to provide this space. However, the property owner has not lived up to his part of the agreement. He noted that the Arden Manor Mobile Home Park is private property and he does have a problem with expending public money on private property. Councilmember Larson expressed his beliefthat, although it is uncertain as to whether or not the City can ask, or force the owner of the Park to pay an assessment, this should not stand in the way of making the needed improvements, Although he supports the idea of the Park owner sharing in the cost for improvements, he would hate to see the improvements delayed any longer than they already have been. There is a strong need to provide improvements for the residents of the Mobile Home Park. Council member Larson stated that he supported the proposal as well as having the property owner pay for the drainage improvements and the soil corrections, Mayor Probst stated that the action requested of the City Council was to direct the City Engineer to prepare the necessary plans and specifications for the project. Additionally, there would be the bid request and award process, Therefore, there would be time for the City staff to research the feasibility of assessing the property owner for some of the improvements. Councilmember Aplikowski asked how many children live in the Mobile Home Park Mr. Messerly stated that there are 77 children between the ages of three to 12, and 48 children between the ages of 12 to 17. Council member Aplikowski asked what the residents are paying for lot rent at this time. Mr. Aaron Fredericks, 1914 Todd Court, resident of the Arden Manor Mobile Home Park, stated that the lot rent varies depending upon the lot, and it ranges from approximately $280 to $300 per month. Being an owner of a Mobile Home Park, Councilmember Aplikowski stated that she would resist being told that she must expend money, However, she could not see the City putting any money into the project until the soil corrections and drainage improvements are made. If the City is going to install a new playstructure, the ground must be ready to accept it. If an assessment is required to accomplish this, then so be it. She would hate to see the property owner not fulfill his end of the bargain.