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it could; the special legislation that was approved earlier in the year provides additional funding flexibility using <br />earlier TIF districts, if the Council decides to use those resources. Harmon asked whether the City was issuing <br />Oew bonds to help cover the cost of the closing of the dump. Black replied that no new bonds have been issued. <br />Nelson asked whether the Metropolitan Council has ever pulled a grant before. Black replied that he is not <br />aware of another similar situation, but the City's proposal may change and they want assurances of its success. <br />Nelson inquired if the cleanup has started. Black replied that it would start in the next week, with Block A to be <br />completed first. Sculthorp asked when it is anticipated that it would be done. Black replied that it would take <br />twelve to fourteen months to complete and construction could start in early 2010. <br />Black announced that the Sheraton developers have withdrawn their proposal, because they were unable to find <br />financing for the project. Since the original concept for that block was for an office site, staff has let Cummins <br />know that the site is now available. <br />Railroad Team `Frack and Wye <br />Pernelius announced that the City has received a No Association Determination, which relieves the City of any <br />legal responsibilities of possible contamination found during the cleanup ofthe site, Negotiations have been <br />ongoing with N4T Properties regarding several issues. They are currently seeking lull relief from any third - <br />party suits due to contamination, while our lawyers have rejected this request; the City has offered to give relief <br />from anything that is found by the City. Extensive testing has been completed on this site and the City is <br />confident that no new material would be found. The second issue involves a billboard located on the railroad <br />property near 1-35W; it generates some income for MT Properties and they have requested that it remain <br />through 2009. The City has an agreement with Transoma that the billboard would be removed when the City <br />has acquired the railroad. The Butcher Spur has been deemed an historical site and it has been suggested that a <br />Wortion of the railroad be preserved as a path in the northern ten -acre park. <br />Sculthorp asked whether the wye has been completed. Fernelius replied that the team track has been <br />constructed and is in operation; however the wye has been put on hold since Minnesota Commercial is <br />concerned about a tax impact. They are seeking a legislative solution that would make the wye tax-exempt. <br />Sculthorp asked if they are asking for a capital gains or property tax exemption. Ferrâ–ºclius replied that they are <br />requesting property tax exemption. <br />Other Business <br />Black reported that the post office annex building is almost complete and the retail location should be <br />completed later this year. Both buildings will apparently be occupied after the New Year. Homewood Suites <br />will begin construction in mid-October and will take fourteen months to complete. Sculthorp asked if the <br />railroad track removal at Old Highway 8 would be completed this year. Fernelius replied that the Old Highway <br />8 reconstruction required the removal of the track and this portion should be completed this fall. <br />Black reported that the Planning Commission has tabled actions on a retail building proposed for Palmer Drive <br />across from Brighton Village and a proposed patio at the Eagles; neither applicant was able to demonstrate a <br />hardship for the variances requested. Sculthorp asked whether staff knew the status of the Champps patio. <br />Fernelius replied staff has not received an update regarding their patio. <br />adjournment <br />he meeting was adjourned at 7:52 a.m. <br />Page 2 of 2 <br />