Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutCCWS 01-10-2005 . > . ~ ~~HILLS Approved: January 31, 2005 CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MONDAY, JANUARY 10,2005,8:30 P.M. CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 1245 WEST HIGHWAY 96 Call To Order Mayor Aplikowski called the meeting to order at 8:30 PM. Present: Mayor Aplikowski, Councilmembers: David Grant, Brenda Holden, Lois Rem Absent: Council Member Gregg Larson Staff present: City Administrator, Michelle Wolfe; Finance Director, Murtuza Siddiqui; Community Development Director, Scott Clark . TCAAP Discussion Mr. Clark noted that the purpose of the work session was an update regarding the TCAAP project. He reviewed all ofthe events, activities and meetings that had taken place since late November 2004. He referenced the calendarltask list which was included in the agenda packet. He discussed the need for CRR to make a substantial investment (an estimated $700K to $1 million) for additional site characterization, land planning, Attorney Comadeca's time, the land transfer process, development agreement preparation, and other items. (There would also be an additional amount spent on the AUAR proccss.) The need for this investment has been accelerated due to a timeline outlined by the GSA at a meeting on December 20, 2004. The appraisal they have for the site is considered "good" until early June 2005. If this date passes without a signed "Offer to Purchase" then the appraisal must be updated, which could increase the base price ofthe TCAAP project. Mr. Clark noted that, based on the schedule, the City Council needs to approve a framework plan for the site, deal with the public financing issue, and start discussions to move from the Interim Agreement with CRR towards a final development agreement by the end of February. Ms. Wolfe asked if the Council had any questions about the items on the task list. . Councilmember Holden asked about the proposed letter to Mr. Whittaker at the Army regarding the primer tracer area. Mr. Clark explained that the GSA felt it was worth our time to continue land swap discussions. Ms. Holden voiced a concern that the National 1 --- '. , . Guard had already indicated they were not interested in a land swap. Mr. Clark responded that the Army actually owns the land, and without the swap the primer tracer area of the property is essentially land locked without access. Ms. Wolfe noted that the discussion with Army/National Guard needs to be broader than strictly the land swap, but rather a discussion regarding access and how to potentially alter borders so that access works and the primer tracer area becomes viable. Councilmember Rem left the meeting at 9: 15 p.m. Councilmember Holden voiced a concern regarding how attorney's time will be tracked. How would we determine, for example, whether Mr. Comadeca's time is for the Ctiy or for the developer, and whether it is reimbursable under certain terms of the development agreement? Mr. Clark answered that expenses and the nature of the work would be carefully tracked and monitored as it is now. Ms. Wolfe noted that perhaps as the transition is made to a new agreement that specific language should be made clearer. There was discussion about site characterization. Councilmember Holden indicated that she thought site characterization was the developer's responsibility from the beginning. Both Ms. Wolfe and Mr. Clark indicated that they did not believe this was the case per the first Interim Development Agreement. Councilmember Grant stated that he believed it was something they were going to cover all along, but suggested that staff review the agreement and respond back to Council at a later date. . David McClung, a resident in the audience, asked if the one-year effectiveness ofthe appraisal was a statutory requirement or something covered in federal regulations. He suggested that if it was the latter it might be negotiable. Mr. Clark indicated that he would have to research that question. Councilmember Grant requested that the calendar/task list be incorporated into a flow chart. It would be helpful, he stated, to see what things must precede others. Mr. Clark stated that in order to proceed with this project, and the required additional investment, there is a need to have a firmer commitment from the City to CRR, especially regarding financial or public assistance. Mr. Grant responded that it would be easier to discuss if there was some indication of a dollar range. Mr. Clark stated that he hopes to have a range to discuss in approximately three weeks. The city's financial consultant is working on some scenarios based on the current drall framework plan and other assumptions. This will change as more is learned and decided about the project. Councilmember Grant requested that staff and the development team keep the Council "out in front" and not behind as this project and related discussions progress. Ms. Wolfe asked ifthere is a commitment by the City Council to try to attain the June deadline. There was further discussion to clarify the various items on the calendar/task list. . 2 '. . Mr. Clark informed the council that they may need to meet almost weekly in the next few months to work through key issues. Councilmember Holden asked about the framework plan. She asked what "framework" means and what does approval of a framework plan mean? Mr. Clark responded that it is by no means a final plan but shows some general outlines for the proposed development. Councilmember Holden indicated that there may not be clear understandings in the public regarding exactly what a framework plan represents. Ms. Wolfe asked that the Mayor and City Council members communicate to her and/or Mr. Clark and concerns or questions that they have as the process moves along. It will move quickly and it is complex so it is vital for staff to be aware of Council's issues, questions and concerns. Councilmember Holden indicated that it would be helpful to received updates in a more timely fashion. For example, she would appreciate an e-mail update quickly after major meetings such as those with the GSA. Staff responded that they would do so. Ms. Wolfe indicated that perhaps a running update, with new information added in bold, would be helpful so that there would always be an ability to look back at previous information and updates. Councilmember Holden asked about the survey ofthe property. She asked if we can sign an agreement without knowing exact boundaries. Mr. Clark indicated that CRR had already paid for and conducted another survey, which he believes has resolved most of the questions. He also noted that one of the items on the task list is to complete a final . survey prior to the offer to purchase. Mayor Aplikowski asked about the status of the athletic complex. Ms. Wolfe responded that there hasn't been much activity regarding that issue. She further stated that to her understanding, the school district was working to update a survey to assess the needs of the area communities for such a complex. Mayor Aplikowski also asked about the status of the wild life corridor. She expressed concern about how that affects the project as a whole. Ms. Wolfe noted that nothing has really happened with that discussion lately, either. However, there has been some push in the past for a Memorandum of Understanding between the County, GSA and City. Caution was recommended at this time until we are further along knowing how the whole project fits together, including an understanding ofthe financing. Mr. Clark informed the Council that the Army is hoping to transfer as much of the property as possible under a FOST process rather than all of it as a FOSET. However, the two processes would be done simultaneously so that the property as a whole is transferred all at one time. There was discussion as to the value of the primer tracer area. There was consensus that there is value to keeping it as part of the overall project at this time, and to try and work out the issues. . 3 . . Mayor Aplikowski asked Councilmembers Holden and Grant what type of information they need to see to become more comfortable with the issue of public assistance. Mr. Grant responded his interest in seeing the information that is coming from Ehlers and Associates. Councilmember Holden indicated that she has many questions and will provide them to the City Administrator. The meeting adjourned at 10:07 PM Respectfully submitted by Michelle A. Wolfe . ~~~~. /Beverly A ko i, MAYOR Miche CITY ADMINISTRATOR \ . . \ \Earth \Admin\Council\Minutes\ W orksession \2005\0 I-I 0-05-2.doc 4