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08-04-1997 Special HRA MEETING MINUTES Richfield, Minnesota Special HRA Study Session with the City Council August 4, 1997 GALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order by Vice Chair Helmberger at 7:30 p.m. 1 ROLL CALL HRA Members Presenf: Joan Helmberger; Michael Sandahl; and Kristal Stokes. HRA Members Excused: Tom Harms and Russ Susag. City Council Members Presenfi Martin Kirsch, Mayor; Michael Sandahl; Susan Rosenberg; and Kristal Stokes. Staff Present : James Prosser, Executive Director; Bruce Palmborg, Community Development Director; and Thomas Ferber, City Clerk. Item #I DISCUSSION 4F SELECTING SITE FOR STORMWATER ST©RAGE POND NEAR RICHFIELD'LAKE. S.S. LETTER N0.3't/HRA LETTER NO.47 The HRA met with the City Council for the purpose of reviewing and discussing the issue of selecting a site for a stormwater storage pond near Richfield Lake. City Manager/HRA Executive Director Prosser reviewed Study Session Letter No. 31/HRA Letter No. 47 regarding the alternative sites considered for providing additional stormwater ponding capacity related to the Minnesota Department of Transportation's HRA Special Study Session Minutes -2- August 4, 1997 (MnDOT) plans for I-35W improvements. He recommended the Lyndale Garden Center location which was also the site recommended by the City's.engineering .consultant and the Planning Commission. He stated that the City Attorney has proposed the following courses for condemnation should that be necessary: Two parcels would be identified. Parcel one, that portion of the site needed for ponding, would follow a quick take condemnation process by the City. The decision to acquire parcel two would wait until a redevelopment plan is approved. Then if acquisition is required as part of the plan, then parcel two, the remainder, could follow a regular condemnation path in accordance with the approved redevelopment plan. Condemnation of parcel two could be by the HRA in the future. Community Development Director Palmborg reviewed the efforts to inform Mr. Tim Duoos, owner of the Lyndale Garden Center, regarding this issue, potential redevelopment of the area, the Richfield Lake Area planning process, and the future of the Lyndale Garden Center. Staff responded to questions regarding the following: • Minimum requirement of 2.5 to 4.4 acres of ponding. • Whether a partial taking from the Lyndale Garden Center property for a stormwater pond would require a total taking of the property. • The potential impacts of a partial taking on parking and inventory space at Lyndale Garden Center. • The stormwater treatment purpose and process of the pond related to water quality in Richfield Lake. Steve Lindgren, President of the Richfield Chamber of Commerce, stated that the Chamber Board is concerned about the possible loss of a viable- business and that their preferred option is the apartment site. He stated that the Chamber has a subcommittee of Steve Kirchner and Dr. Robert Dietl meeting with business owners to discuss this issue. Dr. Robert Dietl, 6837 Newton Avenue, owner of the Woodlake Veterinary Hospital, stated concern that the Richfield Lake Area planning process appeared to de-emphasize commercial development which was the focus of the LHN Redevelopment. He stated concern about Planning Consultant Fred Hoisington's comments regarding the appearance of the area. Mr. Lindgren stated that Mr. Kirchner disagreed with Mr. Hoisington regarding the trend of commercial property valuation in the area. City Manager Prosser stated that some commercial properties in the north Lyndale Avenue area have generated resident concerns about their declining appearance. He noted that commercial redevelopment is important to maintaining adjacent residential vitality. . Ted Farrington, 6839 Humboldt Avenue, spoke in support of retaining the Lyndale w Garden Center because of its community tradition, attraction of shoppers, and employment opportunities for the youth of the community. i~ 1 r HRA Special Study Session Minutes -3- ADJOURNMENT August 4, 1997 It was the consensus of the City Council that this issue be scheduled for consideration at the August 25, 1997 City Council meeting. The special HRA Study Session with the City Council was adjourned by unanimous consent at 8:05 p.m. _ Date Approved: s/~s/97 Thomas P. Ferber City Clerk Jodi Helmberger ~ -Chaff James D. Prosser tive Director