CCP 06-25-2007 - Laserfiche WebLink

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. Kaufhold asked if the MPCA is helping fund the remediation work. Black replied that the MPCA does not help fund the cleanup of sites; they just oversee that it is done properly, Black announced that APi Group has received approval from the Council on its site plan and will begin construction soon. East Side Development Proposals Black announced that staff had met with TOLD Development regarding a concept plan for the east side of the Northwest Quadrant. TOLD is proposing to construction rental housing on Block F. The plan needs more refinement and a discussion with the Council. Staff had originally talked with the TOLD about developing Blocks E and F, but Block E contains too much contamination, so it will not accommodate residential units. TOLD has approached staff about possibly developing Block A with residential and possibly a small office building. The City has always assumed this would be fully commercial, and this change may affect the dump closure plans. Stang asked if there would be any reason why it wouldn't be approved. Black replied that the site is not overly desirable for housing, since it is right along the freeway. Stang noted that there are several townhomes located along the freeway in other developments, so there is some precedent set for a residential project near a freeway. Property Acquisitions Black reported that a telephone conference was held yesterday with the U. S. Postal Service regarding the fact ahat USPS did not renew its lease on time. The City has been arguing in court that the site is worth less since it _ tied to a long-term, low-rate lease with the Post Office, so the non-renewal may now affect how the Court rules on the case. Stang asked why they did not renew their lease. Black replied that he is not sure, but noted that USPS has now started the process of purchasing the site, which is an option provided in the lease. If that happens the City would have to purchase the property from the Postal Service. He added that this will be discussed at the Council work session that evening. Black added that the deposit for purchasing Ferrellgas will also be discussed at the Council meeting, and the City has still been working with the company to help them relocate. Seven new sites have been presented to the company, but all have been rejected. Witkowski asked if they have other locations in the Twin Cities. Black replied that they do have several other locations, but this site is the closest to the Twin Cities core. Proiect Management Black reported that staff is meeting weekly to discuss the development. They have been dealing with the timing of the remediation of the east and west side and trying to figure out if it should all start this year or be phased, The meetings have also indicated a strong need to communicate with the public on the project. A series of questions and answers will soon be on the City's website. Delaune indicated that he understands the railroad has been difficult to work with, but is concerned that there are so many uncertainties regarding the wye and the spur abandonment. He questioned who are the primary negotiators for the railroad issues. Fernelius replied that he and John Gohmann, President and CEO for Minnesota Commercial Railroad, are the primary negotiators and they are the ones to look for leadership on the resolution of these issues. He added the City is in contact with Estes to purchase the land necessary for the .elocation of the wye. Estes anticipates closing on the property within two weeks. He added that the frustrating part has been getting the railroad to sign an agreement. The City does not have any leverage, but would like an agreement with the railroad in writing to relocate the wye, before the land is purchased, He added that the Page 2 of5