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Regular City C®uncll Meeting <br />1Vi®nday, July 23, 2007 <br />Page 11 <br />City was defending its interests throughout the process, however un- <br />fortunate and costly that defense became. <br />Councilmember Pust concurred with advice of City Attorney Reuvers <br />that it was now in the best interest of the City to settle with the devel- <br />oper, rather than to continue litigation and additional attorney fees. <br />Councilmember Pust concurred with Councilmember Ihlan that the <br />taxpayers should hold their City Council representatives accountable <br />in this and all issues before it; however, noted that every action taken <br />by the City Council had been done on majority vote, even though <br />made up of different individuals who were voting in what their opin- <br />ion was the best interest of the City. Councilmember Pust opined that <br />perhaps additional lawsuits would be forthcoming from special inter- <br />est groups again; however, noted that such litigation did impact their <br />neighbor's tax dollar as well. Councilmember Pust further opined that <br />it was time to get over it, bring closure to the project, and move for- <br />ward as a City Council and a community; and to determine as a com- <br />munity what was best for the Twin Lakes Redevelopment area; and <br />what prop®sal provides investment in the community. <br />Councilmember Ihlan responded to her perceived inaccuracies of <br />Councilmember Pust's statement and historical review of the process <br />to-date. Councilmember Ihlan noted that the Friends of Twin Lakes <br />litigation had already been initiated when the Council majority voted <br />to sign the development agreement, despite her reiterated words of <br />caution from some public comments and her personal concerns about <br />doing so. Councilmember Ihlan opined that one vote that had been <br />consistent throughout the process had been that of Mayor Klausing <br />voting to go forward. <br />Councilmember Ihlan further addressed the Council majority vote to <br />enter into C~uick Take Eminent Domain action, and her consistent <br />votes in opposition, along with Councilmember Kough. Council- <br />member Ihlan provided rationale for her opposition due to the uncer- <br />tainty of the situation, and risk to the City. Councilmember Ihlan pro- <br />vided her interpretation of the City's contractual obligations regarding <br />eminent domain; and environmental review issues at issue. Council- <br />member Ihlan opined that it was inappropriate for the Council maj or- <br />