CCP 09-11-2007 - Laserfiche WebLink

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included in the process. Lotter replied that they would not be included at this time. Delaune asked if a technical review is being done due in order to keep costs down. Fernelius replied that was one reason, but the City is also fully developed and Council felt that a technical review is appropriate. Nelson inquired whether the AUAR has been published. Black replied it has been released for a 30-day public review and then it will go before the Council for approval. The AUAR must be updated every five years until development is completed. Work Session Black reported that staff recently had a lengthy work session with the Council regarding the Northwest Quadrant. It was reported that while the market is continuing to be slow for housing, housing developer Rottlund is optimistic that they will sell the last few condos needed to begin construction of the senior condos and townhouses by this fall. He added that the developers have stated that they are committed to staying with the development and are very encouraged that there is other construction occurring within the development. Benke stated that he received an e-mail about the status of the developers, since a real estate agent was told that the developers had pulled out of the project. He asked what sort of communication was being provided from the developers to counter this misinformation. Black replied that he has contacted all the local real estate offices to discuss the development, but he would ask the developers what communications they have had. Black noted that Council directed that bids be solicited for the cleanup on the west side, using the $1.9 .million from the state and Met Council. The rest of the cleanup will be phased over the next several years. It is anticipated that the excavation cost may come in as much as twenty percent below estimates, due to a slow construction season. Black explained the proposed dump cleanup. He noted that reshaping the dump will raise the grades on Block B, and a retaining wall may be needed. The entire cost of the cleanup for the east side will be close to $10 million. Most of the areas that are unaffected by the dump closure are currently being marketed. The entire dump project must be done at the same time, since four feet of clean fill and a gas collection system are part of the requirements. Nelson asked whether the dump would be done in 2008 or 2009. Black replied that staff is hopeful that the dump cleanup will begin in 2008, but the timing will depend on the availability of funds. He noted that there are two additional grant cycles before that time period and there are hopes of obtaining more funding for the cleanup, especially now that there are developers connected to the project. Black reported that the financial projections are current as of last week He added that the balance sheet for the life of the district is using actual and projected costs, which includes decreased housing units, revenue note, and assessed value, and increased commercial development. Fernelius added that the biggest impact from the previous projection is the loss of market value from reduced housing development, which is almost $4 million. Delaune asked whether the pedestrian bridge is included in the costs. Black replied that a bridge over the railroad track is included in the estimate. Delaune asked if a pedestrian bridge would be built over 1-694. 0Black replied that it would not likely be built due to costs. Delaune expressed disappointment that the bridge would not be added since it would be wonderful to link downtown to the new development with a better connection. Page 3 of 4