2005_0926_Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

City Council Regular Meeting — 09/12/OS DRAFT Minutes - Page 13 as a condition of the agreement. City Attorney Scott Anderson provided a legal opinion as to the clarity of the law related to cost of land development; whether or not the City actually owns the property or an easement for transportation purposes; and other issues that provide uncertain status of ownership and potential court determinations when the property would no longer be used for public purposes. Councilmember Ihlan reiterated her preference that the property's market value be factored into the transaction. Mayor Klausing requested staffs review of their analysis assumptions in bringing forward the recommendation, Mr. Schwartz advised that the cost of conveyance would be minimal; when the land was conveyed from the State of Minnesota a number of years ago (approximately 20 years) at the same time they conveyed a number of frontage roads, and at that time they used a Quit Claim Deed using similar rationale outlined by staff at this time due to the unidentified actual ownership of the property. — City Attorney Anderson concurred with staffs analysis, noting that the purpose of the Quit Claim Deed was so the City didn't need to make any representations on the property ownership. Councilmember Kough spoke in support of the conveyance, opining that the amount of money would be minimal, and the businesses could improve the aesthetics of the comer by rejuvenating their properties. Further discussion included research as to how MnDO�` originally acquired the property; potential configuration; access points; building locations; and debate continued related to the need to pursue a property appraisal. Councilmember Ihlan opined that the business owners' properties would increase in value with additional property, and noted the prime retail location of the property.