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<br />. <br /> <br />Northwest Quadrant Report <br /> <br />Post Office <br />Black reported that he and Femelius would be attending a court hearing regarding eminent <br />domain for the post office. Femelius added that there may be a challenge to public purpose; if <br />this challenge is used, then the timeline may have to be extended. <br /> <br />Harmon inquired if the City is persuing the use of eminent domain because the owners are asking <br />for more money than the property is worth. Femelius replied that the owners are asking for <br />$400,000 to $500,000 more than what the City is offering. Kaufhold asked if anyone knows the <br />taxable valuation for the property. Femelius replied that he didn't recall. Bauman suggested that <br />Kaufhold would not ask the tax assessor to come to his house and increase his taxes. Kaufhold <br />replied that he believes that a property owner should not be able to claim that a property is worth <br />so much more than his tax base and then underpay his taxes. <br /> <br />Black stated that the Council will be considering the relocation of the post office at its next <br />meeting. He added that the Postal Service is requesting additional funds to move, and it may be <br />necessary to do it to approve a resolution in order to move the process forward. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />Railroad <br />Black reported that the City had a discussion last week with the broker for the USF Dugan site <br />and the broker reiterated that the buyer is interested in the total site. The buyer has not returned <br />the City's phone calls. He added that the City still has the money from the State to relocate the <br />wye, but is uncertain on how to proceed. Several commissioners requested maps of the area to <br />better understand where the property is located. <br /> <br />Ferrell gas <br />Black stated that the City has given the company an updated offer for the site. While the <br />monetary offer for the site has not been increased, several dates have been adjusted. Flahave <br />inquired if the company will be able to find a relocation site. Black replied that it may be <br />difficult because of the zoning for prospective properties and the company's need for outside <br />storage. <br /> <br />Kaufhold suggested that certain areas in the TCAAP and the bingo hall in Arden Hills may be <br />appropriate sites for their relocation. Black replied that the company has requested a location on <br />a busy street, within a three-mile radius, and they need 1-1/2 acres. He believes that if the <br />company will compromise on their requirements, that there are several available sites that would <br />work for them. Flahave asked whether if they refuse to move the City would use eminent <br />domain. Black replied that in that case staff would recommend that the Council authorize <br />eminent domain, in order to avoid violating the contracts with the developers. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />Kaufhold asked what land acquisition and relocating the company will cost. Black replied that <br />the City has no legal obligation to move the company. Femelius added that originally they stated <br />that they were going to consolidate their operations at their Coon Rapids location. Kaufhold <br />asked what the requirements would be to build a residential area with the tanks nearby. Stang <br />suggested that building a residential area around the tanks is not an option at all. He suggested <br />that the company is posturing for more money; it will be an advantage for them to go through <br />eminent domain, since they will not have to pay for the environmental cleanup. Femelius <br />