CCP 09-28-2010 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Marketing Director Femelius reported staff has been in discussions with Arne Cook, a consultant, who staff believes could assist the City in structuring a broker/developer arrangement to begin aggressively • marketing the Northwest Quadrant. Cook's role would be assisting the City in hiring a broker or developer. In addition, he would also be consulted from time to time as third party advisor to the City. Staff envisions that the EDC could screen broker or developer candidates at some point in the near future and advise the Council in decision making. Northwest Quadrant Naming Contest Director Femelius reported the City received a total of 123 concept names from 31 different people for the Northwest Quadrant. The City announced the contest in May and established a June 15`h deadline. There is a wide range of concepts that were submitted, including a few duplicates. Chairperson Nelson suggested the EDC forward a list of their top six choices to Director Femelius, in order to narrow down the entries, and then present the list to the City Council. Northwest Refinery The City has been notified by the State that it will not be allowed to enter into a three -party compliance agreement, along with Ashland Oil. The City had been advocating for inclusion in the agreement to protect its interests. However, the State has concluded that the agreement must be with the responsible party (Ashland). The City is waiting for a draft of the two party agreement, then the City and Ashland will need to negotiate an access agreement to allow for the clean-up to take place. Ashland has indicated a desire to finalize an agreement this fall and start remediation work over the winter. Because the soil is contaminated with petroleum, it is quite likely that a great deal of odor will be generated. Future development options are unknown; the site will be cleaned up to commercial standards. • Other Topics Railroad WYe Director Femelius reported Canadian Pacific wants to be paid $102,000 in compensation for the easement and $5,000410,000 in maintenance costs. In addition, the City learned from Minnesota Commercial that the Union Pacific is not expected to run coal trains through New Brighton for at least 3 years. There is speculation that the trains might be re-routed elsewhere avoiding New Brighton altogether. Coal contracts are bid every three to five years. Given this information, staff plans to meet with the City Council on August 24`h to discuss the project. Commissioner Benke questioned if the $1.000,000 grant funds could be used towards the easement. Director Femelius reported grant funds can only be used for construction costs; however City staff is trying to reduce the cost of the easement. TCAAP Director Femelius reported no bids have been submitted for the former TCAAP site in Arden Hills according to the GSA's website. Councilmember Bauman suggested it is likely taking time for developers to research the area. Councilmember Phillips reported the land is sold as -is, but cannot obtain title until the property is brought into compliance. Commissioner Nelson inquired about the reconstruction of Highway 96 and Highway 10. Director Femelius stated he will look into it, and report back at the September meeting. Adjournment • Motion by Commissioner Benke, seconded by Commissioner Vasquez to adjourn. 7 ayes, 0 nays. Motion Approved. The meeting adjourned at 8:40 a.m.