CCP 02-12-2008 - Laserfiche WebLink

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locations will not change. He added that planning for the parks does not mean that they would be implemented now; the plans would be ready when the development is ready to go. Benke inquired whether there has been any discussion regarding selling the northern ten acres to the County to be included into the regional park. Black replied that there have been discussions, but the County does not have the funds; however, they do want the City park to be compatible with the regional park. They support trails, but do not support a vehicular connection from their parking lot, which affects the final decision on the park's use. Benke asked whether the City had these discussions at the staff level or the County Board level. Fernelius replied that it was at staff level. Benke replied that he would like to see it brought to the board level and see the pros and cons of selling the land to the County. Benke also requested that Bonestroo come to the Commission to discuss the proposed parks. Sculthorp asked what the schedule is for the railroad to be removed. Black replied that the tracks would be removed when the wye is completed, sometime next summer. Kaufhold shared an article regarding Lee Anderson, the owner of AN Group, and his $60 million donation to the University of St. Thomas. East Side Black reported that the hotel developers for Block A have decided to go directly to the MPCA to see if development of the hotel could proceed at the same time the dump is being closed. Fernelius added that staff has been working on the cleanup plan and would approach the MPCA with a timeline for the cleanup and the hotel proposal. Staff is emphasizing that the City needs the hotel development to help cover the cost of the dump closure. Flahave asked if the MPCA's issue is the methane gas. Black replied MPCA stance is that the methane collection system must be in place before the hotel goes in. Fernelius told the group that the hotel would like to start construction in August or September of next year for completion in 2009, however there are several questions that have not been answered as of yet. The first is whether the MPCA will allow a phased cleanup; currently their stance is that the cleanup must be done before any more construction can be completed. The second is what assurances the MPCA would give the hotel after the dump closure, which should be answered within a month. He added that there are also several issues that still need to be negotiated between the City and the hotel. They currently want the land for free and an option on development rights for Block B. Currently, the focus has been on the environmental cleanup for both parties, because if that issue cannot be worked out, the other matters aren't relevant. Nelson suggested that the MPCA must realize that the City needs the development in order to do the cleanup. Fernelius replied that their stance has been that the cleanup must be done before there is any further development. He added that the MPCA felt they gave the City an allowance to proceed with Transoma, which is off the dump site. Staff has been trying to show them that it is a similar situation with the hotel, since just a small corner of the lot has dump material on it. Black reported that in 2000 the City took over the lease for the cell tower that is located on Block D. Their lease currently states that they can exercise rights to the site for another twenty years; however Ryan Companies now has an option to develop the site for a second phase for Transoma. Staff has been working with AT&T Mobility to move the tower to another area within the Northwest Quadrant. Eminent domain was approved by the Council in December but could be delayed while City continues to work with company. The City's attorneys recommended using this process in order to avoid higher costs when the new eminent domain laws go into effect on February 1'S`. Kaufhold asked whether staff has looked into moving the tower to Arden Hills. Black replied that the City currently collects a monthly rental fee Page 3 of 4