03-25-1991 SpecialCITY OF RICHFIELD, MINNESOTA
SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
March 25, 1991
MEMBERS PRESENT: Martin Kirsch, Mayor; Ivan Ludeman; Michael
Sandahl; William Bullock; and Kristal Stokes.
STAFF PRESENT: James Prosser, City Manager; Thomas Ferber,
City Clerk; and Donald Fondrick; Community
Services Director.
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Kirsch at 6:00 p.m.
Item #1 MEETING WITH NEW METROPOLITAN AIRPORTS COMMISSION
CHAIR, HUGH SCHILLING.
Hugh Schilling, Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) Chair,
reviewed his background and involvement in aviation. He stated that
the MAC is in an awkward position regarding residents impacted by
noise because of the dual truck process. A decision by the
legislature about a new airport will not be made until 1995 or 1996.
He indicated it is difficult to do long term planning until that
decision has been made and that there must be an effort to address
the airport needs of the future.
Council Member Sandahl stated that the City wanted fairness in
the decision process and in the use of the preferential runway
system. He stated that it was his belief that a new airport would
not be built and that even if one was built, the existing airport
would remain open. Council Member Sandahl stated that the City
wanted action to address the request of New Ford Town residents to be
bought out. He reviewed the New Ford Town Redevelopment Concepts
developed by consultant Tom Martinson.
City Manager Prosser stated that even if the airport is
relocated, the existing airport will be used for at least the next
twenty years. The City believes that MAC should buy out New Ford
Town for airport use or to allow redevelopment. The City is
preparing a financing plan to be presented to the MAC Board. He
stated the City is actively exploring alternatives and proposing
solutions. Mr. Prosser reviewed some of the costs and tax base
issues related to the buy out of New Ford Town and Rich Acres.
Discussion followed regarding the role of the Metropolitan
Council and the MAC role in the airport decision. The City Council
stressed the need to answer the current issue of what and when
something will happen regarding New Ford Town.
. George Szafranski, 6324 19th Avenue, stated that the travel time
to an airport is an important issue. He suggested that Part 150
funds be used to buy out New Ford Town.
Special Council Meeting Minutes
ADJOURNMENT
-2- March 25, 1991
The meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent at 6:56 p.m.
Date Approved: 4/8/91
Mar in J. sch Mayor
~~~ ~ ~~~
Thomas P. Ferber
City Clerk
J es D. Prosser
C ty anager
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