05-26-1998 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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E ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FOR MAY 26, 1998 ( #23) Requests by the Adjacent Property Owner Related to the Acquisition of the Tax Forfeit Property at 1960 Shoreline Drive continued Kelley asked if the City has the right to have the Public Works Department tear down the existing building. Crear responded that according to Hennepin County the City can remove the building. Crear responded that he was willing to take the money that it would cost him to remove the building and make a tax deductible contribution to the hockey arena if the City would remove the building and asphalt. Jabbour thought this was a good idea. Moorse responded that the Public Works staff does not regularly do that type of work, most of the cost involved in removing the building has to do with disposing of the debris, and the Public Works staff has higher priorities at this time. Crear agreed, noting that Blackowiak had indicated the cost of dumping would be high. Jabbour moved, Flint seconded, to forgive the assessment owed to the City providing that an agreement is reached stating that the property will not be used for anything but a use in conjunction with the property owner's homestead residence. A sketch of the proposed improvements should be submitted to the City. Vote: Ayes 4, Nays 0. • Jabbour directed staff to look into the cost of removing the building, providing staff has time and there is no cost incurred by the City, and proceeds would go to the Orono Hockey group. PARK COMMISSION COMMENTS Irene Silber reminded Council members of the park tour scheduled for June 1 at 5:30 p.m. Silbur reported tree damage at Antoinne Park, but this will be cleaned up prior to the tour. A ribbon - cutting ceremony will be held during the tour to dedicate Antoinne Park. A crab apple tree was planted in honor of David Beal. MAYOR/COUNCIL REPORT Jabbour updated the Council on Saga Hill. Flint and Jabbour met with the Church regarding the park concept and joint use of the parking lot. The Church wants to be a good neighbor to both the City and the neighborhood. The Church group toured Bederwood Park, Lee Carlson fields, French Creek Preserve so they have an idea of what the parks in Orono look like, and they liked the concepts with children playing. The City has some options such as obtaining a vacant lot that is for sale behind the Church or vacating an easement on the Church property. Flint added there was an area where the easement runs through the Church property that would be ideal for a ball park. This would suggest that buying the other property and trading would be a good option. Silbur responded that a neighborhood meeting was planned for Wednesday evening and she • would pass along some ideas. 27