HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-20-19801310 RECORD OF OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL
CITY OF ROCHESTER, MINNESOTA
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President Postier called the meeting to order at.12:00 Noon, the
following members being present: President Postier, Aldermen Allen,
Duffy, Larson, Powers, Solinger and Strain. Absent: None.
The call of the special meeting was read by President Postier, the
meeting being called for the purpose of Matters concerning the
Rochester Methodist Hospital (Webb Property ) and any other business
the said Common Council may deem proper.
Fred Suhler, Jr. City Attorney presented a summary of the court
process regarding the acquisition by the City of Rochester of the
Rochester Methodist (Webb Property). He stated that March 19, 1980
he was officially notified that the Supreme Court handed down a
decision to allow the City of Rochester to get title to that piece
of land ( Webb property ). Along with that decision, 10 days are
granted whereby a petition can be filed to have this case brought
back for another decision. The Supreme Court will make a decision
upon receipt of this petition at that time, and it will either up-
hold its earlier decision or open the case. The City of Rochester
as purchaser of the property is in dire need of this decision so
that the project (Central Towers) which is going to be built on the
property can proceed. Since Central Towers is sponsored by HUD
funds, the contractor involved would only stand be his bid for
constructing this project until April 16, 1980. So, a decision of
the Court could either make or break this project for the elderly.
The City of Rochester can do nothing legally but.wait for the
Court decision. It was learned by Mr. Suhler that the Rochester
Methodist Hospital's attorney had indeed filed such a petition,
thus delaying the project for 10 days. Mr. Suhler noted to the
Council that in his brief to the Supreme Court he stated that
he asked the Court to be expedient in its decision because of the
project involved. President Postier presented a typed list of
"Facts of Findings"listed in chronological order by date. Solinger
moved, Strain second to list the following points concerning the
Methodist Hospital Negotiations: Februar 21, 1979, this property
was offered to the City of Rochester for 150,000.00 contingent on
the City closing portions of First Street and Second Avenue.
May 18, 1979 , the Methodist Hospital did not wish to sell their
property but if forced to sell they wanted $370,000.00. July 2,1979
This property was appraised, and this appraisal was approved by the
Council for $157,000.00 . July 27, 1979, the Methodist Hospital
places the price on this property at 350,000.00, if forced to sell.
Three times a price was placed on this property. Because of the vas
difference on the appraised value and -asking prices, and because of
the expediency required, the Council by unaminous vote, passed a
resolution to acquire this property by eminent domain, on September
17, 1979. We feel -this Council has been responsive to both the
Methodist Hospital. and the Taxpayer. Ayes (6), Nays (1). Alderman
Larson voting nay. Motion carried.
H-1 I Aldermen Duffy, Larson, Solinger and Strain briefed the Council
RECORD OF OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL IL3�I
CITY OF ROCHESTER, MINNESOTA
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H-1 on —their recent trip to Washington D.C. on behalf of the National
League of Cities - Special interest was the flood control project,
which affects the City of Rochester, and the steps that have to be
made before the bill is passed. It was noted that Senator Rudy
Boschwitz,from Minnesota, was not in favor of the bill. Our
representatives from the City spent time with him reiterating our
need for this bill to be approved. Our representatives also stated
that this was a budget cutting year and the State Revenue Sharing
monies will be cut. The City of Rochester will probably not suffer
because the cut of funds will be on a state level. Alderman Strain
stated that another meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 25, 1980
in which the flood control will again be discussed. He stated that
a representative from the City Council should.be present. Allen
moved, Powers second to send Alderman Strain as representative
of the Council. Ayes (7), Nays (0). Motion carried.
Having no further business, Larson moved, Powers second to adjourn
the meeting. Ayes (7), Nays (0). Motion carried.
City Clerk
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