11-13-1989 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO COUNCIL MEETING OF NOVEMBER 13, 1989 TAX FORFEITED PROPERTY • FAIRVIEW COVENANT CHURCH City Administrator Bernhardson explained that the property just east of the Contel property has been-in a "tax forfeit" status since 1979. The City had released the property for public sale. In 1987/1988 the City had a party interested in purchasing the property and variances were granted to this party to allow building. Shortly after the variances were granted, the party decided not to go forward with the purchase. The Church has asked the City to designate this parcel for park use only, however that may not be a course that the City can take at this point. Hennepin County currently has the property for sale for $20,000.00 and there is approximately $5,000.00/$6,000.00 owing for special assessments and taxes. The Park Commission reviewed the property in 1979 and did not have an interest in the property. Staff's recommendation at this time is to refer the property back to the Park Commission to see whether their opinion has changed and bring back their recommendation to Council for their decision. Mr. Fred Abrahamson, Chairman of the Fairview Covenant Church, said that he had no knowledge that the recreation area encroached on other property. He said that he does not want the Church to lose the ability to use the tax forfeit property. It was moved by Acting Mayor Callahan, seconded by Councilmember Goetten, to refer this matter to the Park • Commission for the review of the request and to report back to the Council. Motion, Ayes =4, Nays =O, Motion passed. STUBBS BAY SEWER City Administrator Bernhardson asked Assistant Planning and Zoning Administrator Gaffron if there were currently any problems with failing septic systems on Cygnet Place. Gaffron replied that to the best of his knowledge there were no, failing systems currently, but replacement systems have been installed for approximately half of the properties in that area over the last ten years due to past failures. Bernhardson explained the various options available - regarding the inclusion /exclusion of certain areas in the sewer project. Councilmember Goetten asked about Oxford Road and the need to sewer around the lakeshore. Goetten believed that the need to sewer around the lakeshore is a valid reason to sewer property zoned 2 -acre. Goetten also believed that Sussex Square should be omitted from the study. Goetten questioned whether it would be necessary to amend the Comprehensive Plan if the MUSA line were to be extended. Bernhardson replied that the Stubbs Bay area was identified within the Comprehensive Plan for potential sewer. rl