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Fernelius announced that a new electronic newsletter would go out soon. It was promoted at the Town <br />Hall Meeting, where citizens had an opportunity to place their e-mails on a sign-up sheet. The <br />• newsletter would be updated monthly, in addition to the newsletter that is mailed out three times a <br />year. He added that all commissioners would receive the newsletter. <br />West Side <br />Fernelius stated that settlement discussions are a still underway with Rottlund and subsequent meetings <br />were positive. The Requests for Proposal for Tract 1 were sent to roughly seventy-five developers. <br />Council is open to all suggestions and staff has met with six developers. The common theme has been <br />multi -family and senior housing versus townhomes and condos. The proposals are due on May 12 and <br />would then go to Council for consideration. Harmon asked if they are willing to work with the current <br />infrastructure. Fernelius replied that most have stated they would work with the current infrastructure. <br />East Side <br />Fernelius announced that the hotel developer is still interested in Parcel A; however geotechnical <br />testing would need to be done soon to determine if the soils are suitable for a seven -story building. <br />The City and the developer are jointly paying for this testing. The developer would like to begin <br />construction this fall if the soil is found suitable. Harmon asked if they are willing to pay for the land. <br />Fernelius replied at first they stated they would not pay for they land, however they have since <br />indicated they are willing to pay $500,000. While staff was hoping for closer to S2 million, the <br />developer has asserted that there is a significant risk for the development and have threatened to walk <br />from the project. Burg added the price of the land is not overly important, since in the long term the <br />valuation of the project would rate a higher tax value. Fernelius stated that the hotel is bigger and has <br />more value than the projected office project on that parcel. <br />• Fernelius reported that the MPCA last week approved the Response Action Plan for the closure of the <br />dump and also approved a passive gas collection system. The RAP approval has allowed staff to apply <br />for DEED and Met Council grants totaling $2.1 million. <br />Fernelius reported that it has been a challenge to find a suitable site for the cell tower, with the latest <br />proposed location being the Public Works Garage. He added that this is not a coverage issue, but a <br />capacity issue. <br />Railroad Team Track and Wye <br />Fernelius reported that the Magellan pipe was encased last week and the next phase of construction <br />would begin in early June, with a temporary road to be constructed during that time. The abandonment <br />application is before the Surface Transportation Board in Washington, D. C. and close to being <br />approved; once it is approved the rails will be removed. <br />Kauthold asked whether the railroad bridge over I -35W would also be removed. Fernelius stated that <br />this an issue for MnDOT, since the MN Commercial Rail is abandoning it. <br />Town Hall Meeting <br />Benke stated that Lotter did a great presentation for the Town Hall meeting. Fernelius added that the <br />• meeting was the number attending seemed to be up from the fall meeting. <br />Page 2 of 3 <br />