CCP 04-26-1999 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Dl~AFT ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - MARCH 29, 1999 16 COUNCIL COMMENTS e Councilmember Larson stated that he had spoken with Mr. Fritsinger regarding the status of the land transfer. Given the fact that the City is working under a 90-day clock to accept bids for the new City Hall, it seems the City must have a plan for moving the process along. He noted that there is conflicting information on whether or not the agreement has been signed. Councilmember Larson suggested that the City should have a plan in mind to use its congressional delegation, if necessary. He noted that there is still a lease to negotiate and there is some uncertainty whether the Minnesota National Guard can consummate the lease or if it must go to Washington D.C. He expressed his concern for how this will affect the bids. Mayor Probst suggested that, if an answer is not received this week regarding the status of the agreement, the Council should have a plan of action for the next Council meeting to be more aggressive in seeking help to move the process along. He noted that the information does match up to indicate that the deal has been made, however, no one can produce any sort of proof. Councilmember Larson expressed his concern for waiting too long and affecting the bid process for the new City Hall. He suggested that some action should be taken if there is no answer by Wednesday of this week. Mr. Fritsinger stated that the attorney for the National Guard had indicated that information should be received by Thursday of this week. If the City does not hear anything by the end of the week, action should then be taken. e Mr. Fritsinger stated that the key issue to discuss with the Minnesota National Guard is determining what opportunities there may be to move ahead with the lease, outside the normal process. The lease will need to go to Washington D.C. and hasn't yet because the land transfer has not formally taken place. Mr. Fritsinger stated that it would be appropriate to wait until the end of the week and, if new information were not received, the Staff would contact the Minnesota National Guard. Councilmember Larson expressed his concern for waiting an additional two weeks without taking action. He stated that the Council should consider what the next step would be. Mr. Fritsinger suggested a simple answer might be to contact the Congressional Representatives and inquire regarding the status of the transfer. Councilmember Larson suggested having a member of Congress contact the Minnesota National Guard on the City's behalf. Councihnember Aplikowski noted that the Congressional Representatives are in the State of Minnesota at this time and this would be the time to ask for help. She asked if it would help for her to make some phone calls. Mr. Fritsinger stated that this might help. Councilmember Malone noted that the City does not want to aggravate anyone in this process. Mr. Fritsinger stated that the inquiry to be made would simply be regarding the status of the land transfer. He indicated that he would not want to discuss the lease issues until there is an opportunity to talk with General LeBlanc. .