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MINUTES/FINANCE COMMITTEE
Monday, April 5, 1999 - 6:45 p.m.

Members present: Babinchak, Brooks, Carpenter, Hamerlik.

1. Matter of URA consultant.
Howard Swanson, city attorney, reported he sent a memo to the committee after interviewing four firms, that the top two were very close but recommendation was to hire Evergreen Land Company out of Minnetonka, MN and very highly regarded in the Twin Cities area and only firm approved by the MNDOT to do both acquisition and relocation. He stated that neither of the top firms have done a project as large as this one, but both have done multiple projects. He asked in behalf of the selection committee he is asking for committee’s concurrence in the authorization to negotiate with Evergreen Land Company, and should they not be able to reach an agreement, will consider second consultant, but as practical matter both of the top two firms have already laid out their proposal, one charges $60/hour and other $65/hour plus expenses. He stated that Evergreen had a suggestion that was worthy of consideration, that rather than having the firm bill the City for motel room, meals, rental space on an office and rental of office equipment, they were proposing that if the City had a vacant home that had been acquired to utilize that space for living and office which would reduce cost, and be advantageous to them for meeting home owners in a non-threatening environment. He stated comm. didn’t make any commitments but thought perhaps a good idea. He stated they also had some thoughts about keeping expenses down, they are intending on hiring local clerical staff and will also have some of their staff in town for an expended period of time - 2 to 3 weeks at a time. Moved by Hamerlik and seconded by Carpenter to authorize to negotiate with Evergreen Land Company. Carried.

2. Matter of Phase IV properties.
Mr. Swanson reported that he had sent committee a memo laying out the facts of the property owner and finds there is suf-ficient reason to grant an exception to the March 1 deadline of a purchase agreement and would recommend they authorize entering into a purchase agreement for the property provided that the closing can occur no later than July 1 provided that’s approved by council. Moved by Hamerlik and Brooks that we grant excep-tion and authorize entering into purchase agreement with property owner at 219 Hughes Court. Motion carried.

Moved by Hamerlik and Brooks to adjourn. Motion carried and meeting adjourned at 6:55 p.m.

Alice Fontaine
City Clerk