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Tuesday, October 7, 2008
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Council won't buy chamber property BRAINERD CITY COUNCIL Staff Writer For the time being, Brainerd will not pursue the purchase of the Brainerd Lakes Chamber property on South Sixth and Washington streets.
The council, in a 5-1 vote, approved sending a letter to the chamber board informing them that the city was not interested in purchasing the property. Voting against was council member Anne Nelson Fisher. Council member Mark O'Day was absent from Monday's meeting.
The chamber had entered into a purchase agreement to buy the former WorkForce Center building on South Sixth Street. The city, while maintaining ownership of the historic water tower, was given right of first refusal for the chamber's South Sixth Street property. City Administrator Dan Vogt said the property was appraised at $382,000. One idea from city staffers was to use the building for the city's Parks Department, which is currently housed at Lum Park.
The chamber hoped for an answer from the city by Nov. 18, but council member Bob Olson said a decision should be made before the Nov. 4 election. Olson said the property shouldn't be taken off the tax rolls, especially considering the city has $17 million in total debt.
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The chamber had entered into a purchase agreement to buy the former WorkForce Center building on South Sixth Street. The city, while maintaining ownership of the historic water tower, was given right of first refusal for the chamber's South Sixth Street property. City Administrator Dan Vogt said the property was appraised at $382,000. One idea from city staffers was to use the building for the city's Parks Department, which is currently housed at Lum Park.
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"We do not need this property," Olson said. "We do not need to spend this kind of money."
While not sold on the idea of purchasing the property, Fisher said there were numerous questions that needed to be answered before a decision was made, including the historical status of the water tower and how that would affect the property's use, if easements would limit the use, the life of the building which is estimated at 20 years, the structure itself and if improvements needed to be made.
Council member Kevin Goedker said the city could always revisit the idea later if the building was available and there was city interest. He said it was important for the council to make a decision now so the chamber could move forward.
In other action, the council:
Met in a closed session with a League of Minnesota Cities attorney regarding threatened litigation from on-call firefighter over the terms of a disciplinary action.
Held a public hearing and approved a request from Wausau Paper for a $100,000 loan from the city's revolving loan fund and $200,000 the Minnesota Investment Fund Loan. The money would be used to install up to two sheeter machines at Wausau's Brainerd facility.
Though not mandated by the state this year, decided to still hold a Truth in Taxation hearing at 7 p.m. on Dec. 8 at Brainerd City Hall.
Was informed by Fisher that the Park Board has directed Parks Director Wayne Mooney to see if there's interest in a Rice Lake Association.
Approved a Brainerd School District request for street lights on East River Road at Adamson Field and encouraged Brainerd Public Utilities to find the most efficient options for lighting.
Referred back to the Planning Commission an ordinance text amendment that permits for grand opening or going out of business signs may not exceed 30 consecutive days. A second permit may be applied for.
Adopted a resolution in support of the Safe Routes to School $50,000 grant application from the Minnesota Department of Transportation. The application will be made with the Brainerd School District, Baxter and Crow Wing County.
Set a public hearing on Nov. 3 to review streetscape possibilities with the downtown reconstruction project. There will be an assessment hearing on Oct. 20.
Unanimously approved a hiring freeze for the remainder of the year.
MATT ERICKSON may be reached at matt.erickson@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5857.
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