News Alley
~
Planning Department
. Steiner Development is proposing a
second building in the Arboretum
Business Park. The site plan shows
options for a 50,400 sq. ft. office/ ware-
house building with future expansion
potential of a second building area and
an alternative site plan design that would
incorporate a 113,600 sq. ft. office/
warehouse building. The proposed site
is at the intersection of Coulter Boulevard
and Century Boulevard. The building
design would continue many of the
architectural elements of the first building
in the business park.
. Comprehensive Plan: Revised drafts of
the various elements are being prepared
for the April 22nd open house at the
Recreation Center. We are still waiting for
completion of the sewer and water plan
updates and the traffic study to be
incorporated into the plans. We have
been receiving a few requests for copies
of the draft documents.
Park & Recreation Department
. Park inventory coming up on April 2
and 3. Maintenance and administrative
staff will visit each of the city's 25
actively maintained parks. The following
tasks are to be accomplished: confirm the
accuracy of each park plan; update the
inventory sheet including all pertinent
field and facility dimensions; discuss
improvements scheduled for 1998;
document maintenance tasks which
would be desirable to complete in 1998;
discuss future capital project and
maintenance needs; update photograph
inventory to include photos of major
facilities and focal points; and remove
litter and debris.
. Tennis bubble is being constructed in
Chaska's McKnight Park.
Updates from City Hall--Aprill, 1998
. An area of understory vegetation and
small trees approximately 75' x 120' has
been cleared from Stone Creek Park behind
the Kevin and Susan O'Brien residence at
2201 Lukewood. The rear yard 50' tree
conservation area has also been altered at
this residence. Upon discovery of the park
clearing, the department posted "city
property" signs along the border between
private and public property. This action
prompted Mr. O'Brien to visit my office on
the afternoon of March 31. Mr. O'Brien
stated he was very agitated by the city's
actions. Conducting himself in a confron-
tational manner, Mr. O'Brien made state-
ments such as his $8,000 in taxes pays my
salary and he is here to tell me to stay out
of his business. Mr. O'Brien's phone
number is unlisted so I had been unable to
contact him by phone. A letter addressed
to the O'Brien's had been drafted on
March 31 and awaited mailing the day Mr.
O'Brien stopped to visit. More on this one
later.
Public Safety Department
. Representatives from the fire department,
public safety support staff, and inspec-
tions department volunteered to help with
the severe weather clean-up this past
week. Fire personnel helped in St. Peter,
and support staff and building inspectors
helped out in Le Center. With the tremen-
dous amount of damage that took place,
the emergency operations staff in both St.
Peter and LeCenter requested any help we
could spare. This proved not only to be a
gesture of help to a neighboring city, but a
learning experience for those who were
involved.
Administration
. Strategic Plan: Nancy and I met with Jim
Brimeyer this past Friday. Attached please
find an outline of what we would propose
to attempt to accomplish during the first
series of strategic planning meetings. Mr.
Brimeyer has a conflict for virtually every
~
Monday night and, accordingly, I need
to poll the council as to what other
evening may work. All three of us are in
hopes that an earlier time frame works,
i.e. 5:00 p.m.
Cable TV: Attached is an update of
negotiations between the four cities and
Triax. As Wayzata's renewal was earlier
than the other three cities, primary work
has occurred on that document anticipat-
ing that it would provide the foundation
for the other three. At this point, I
believe that the Wayzata document is
nearly completed. The next issues to be
worked on, specifically for Chanhassen,
would be local issues unique to us, i.e.
plans and specs, local programming/
rebroadcast studio, etc. When I receive
a copy of the final draft of the Wayzata
franchise, I will forward it to the city
council.
Minnewashta Elementary: Attached
please find two letters that were received
requesting funds for playground
equipment for the elementary school in
Shorewood. The writers correctly note
that many of the children attending that
school are Chanhassen residents.
However, in talking with members of their
group, I have noted that Chanhassen
continues to support the concept of
sharing play equipment with the school
district when that school playground
also acts as a neighborhood park. As
this elementary school is in Shorewood
and could potentially act as a neighbor-
hood park for that area, this request
should more properly be directed to the
City of Shorewood. I also questioned
the legal authority to make that kind of
payment. They were quick to note that
the City of Chanhassen is putting money
into the City of Chaska for hockey
improvements. I attempted to explain
that that payment was conditioned upon
Chaska reducing the rates for hockey
players from the City of Chanhassen to
a one for one level. Accordingly, this
payment was not a donation, but in fact,
a fees for service payment. I will place
all ofthese points back into writing to
both Sara and Shelia. At this point, they
have not requested to meet with the city
council.
. Water Tower Site Agreement:
Attached is letter from Charles Folch to
Mr. Dalhgren reflecting the various
conditions of a potential purchase
agreement as approved by the city
council. If you do not agree with these
terms and conditions, please contact
either Charles or me.
. Highway 212: There have been
several meetings in regards to the
current status of Highway 212, including
alternative means by which funding
could be enhanced. As can be seen by
Mr. Lindall's letter of March 24, they are
requesting that the city council support
a resolution to MnDOT on this item. I
would anticipate having this on the
April 13 city council agenda and wanted
to forward as many of the documents to
the city council as early as possible.
. Chanhassen Bowl: There was a
question at one of our last meetings as
to the status of the Chanhassen Bowl
bankruptcy. Attached is an Order and
Notice for Hearing on the disclosure
statement. I have asked Roger's office
to attempt to obtain a copy of that
disclosure statement.
. Sirens: The St. Peter tragedy has
prompted a number of our residents to
question whether we have adequate
siren coverage. Most of the calls appear
to be coming from the Longacres
development, east of Highway 41. The
good news is that this is an area that
should have fairly good coverage from
the new siren which is proposed for the
water tower at Highways 41 & 5. The
bad news is that the water tower will
take two years to construct. Staff is also
looking to the possibility of a third siren
being installed in the general vicinity of
the weather station recognizing the
financial strength of that tax increment
district. For those people who feel that
coverage is not coming soon enough,
there is the alternative of the weather
alert radios. There are currently two
models of the weather radio. Both have
AMlFM if you want to use it as a regular
radio. However, when you shut it off, it
doesn't really shut off. In the off mode it
operates much the same way as your
smoke detector does in that the National
Weather Service can activate it for
weather alerts. The $30 model provides
warnings for the entire metro area
including parts of Wisconsin and north of
the Twin Cities. The $80 model allows
you to select only weather alerts occur-
ring in Carver County. Both radios have
an electrical connection as well as battery
backup.
I;
Scott, Nancy and I met to explore means
by which additional sirens may be
considered yet this year. I am hoping to
have additional information prior to next
week's News Alley.
Help for St. Peter/LeCenter: We have
received requests from LeCenter to
provide: building inspection services,
(including support staft); a rescue truck
containing scene lighting; and various
pieces of heavy equipment. We have
responded to those requests and I am
glad that we were able to help out.
Public WorksIEngineering
. Spring hydrant flushing is in progress.
Flushing is occurring during the hours of
11 :00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m.
. Charles Folch officially moved his
office to the Public Works facility. His
new phone number is 474-4127.
. Staff has made contact with Carver
County Emergency Management
Services Division to offer cleanup
assistance to those communities ravaged
by Sunday's severe storms. At this time
it does not appear that they will be
needing our assistance.
. Earth Evans will start Monday, April 6
as an Intern in the Engineering Depart-
ment. She will be working for both the
Engineering Department and the Water
Resources Coordinator.
03/31/98 TUE 1i:13 FAX
904-MAINSTREET
~001
City of Chanhassen
Objective:
Produce a document mp ;:Sl nting the mission for the City of Chanhassen.
Promote a stronger semE 01 te;lJmwork among:
- Council/Council
- Council/Managemen'~ 'I aa: n
- Management TeamlM;llat ememt Team
Define strategies and d;, elc IP t;;LCtiCS (action plan) to implement strategies.
Develop framework to ;lse;s p:rogress on achieving successful completion of the strategies.
Methodology:
*
Review what has t,,~!n joni~ to date.
- SWOT
- Issues and Prior-hi,:s
- Test, validate va:.']:o$ )f l..lission Statement
- characteristks
- checklist
;/:
Conduct teambuilCi;l.g ~xE:rcises
- Management Te:a:l
- Council
- Council/Manag.~::] ~nl Te:am
*
Develop (rewrite) ~ lis lion Statement
*
Convert issues int:, :Ill jor strategies - driven by the Mission
:I<
Test, validate Mis1.j )D and Priorities (produce document)
- Focus group(s)
- Community lead!:! shp
'"
Produce final do,::. 1 'lei It
- Mission
- Strategies
Mar-20-98 02:59pm From-MOSS & BARNETT
+4900
T-550 P.02/04 F-597
1.t.YI' OmcllS
BJtWlT. GllOOAN
(612J 34"~
E-MaIl: GrogallB@mo~com
MOSS & BARNETT
A ~~ A.S:iOo4TlOl'l
4800 NOlWtSr Cl!NTIlR
90 SOUTH SaVIN11J SmJT
MlNNlW'Ol.lS. MlNNllSOTA 55402-4129
Tlu.mrONI 1612J 347.0300
PAClSlMIUl 16121 339-66a6
M~h 2QJ2.2a..__. .
V]A FACSIMl):.E AND U.S. MAIL
Ms. Jane Bremer
Larkin, Hoffman. Daly & Lindgren
7900XemesAvMueSOUm
Suite 1500
Bloomington. MN 55431
Re: Cities of Chanbassen. Mound, Waconia and Wayzafa. Minnesota
Dear Jane:
As I mentioned to you on last night at our meeting in La,kevillc:. I met this .morning with Don
Ashwonb. Ed Shukle. Bruce Eisenhauer and Dave Friscbmon from Ute above-referenced epmmunities to
discuss the status afUte franchise renewal proceedings in These communities. It is a fair summation to
state that each of these: City Managers is extremely concerned regprding the progress of the renewal
negotiations and Triax's petfonnance in each of their commtmiti,es. .
Both Mound and Waconia continue to receive complaints from subscribers reguding Triax's
customer service and responsiveness. All oCme managers expressed concem regarding the potential for a
repeat of the summer of 1997 when customer complaipts and outages reached an unacceptable level.
Moreover, there was significant frustration expressed regarding dle status of renewal and me lack of
progress towards arriving at mutually acceptable franchise documents.
The managers requested that I review with them the requirements of Federal law and the options
available to each City given the lack of progress on informal negotiations. I believe it is important for
you '[0 know that the consensus was to move toward a "form.J" renewal procedure in order to proteCt the
interests of their Cities and residents.
Based on my conversation with you last evening, I infonned Them that it was your opinion that
Triax would be forwarding comments with respect to the Wa~ documents to my attention today and
that you felt Triax was very near agreement on most of the outstanding issues. Given this representation.
the group deci@d to establish some spe<:ific limeframes to give one final eff'on to accomplish infonnal
negotiations and if unsuccessful, would then consider ceasing infonnaJ negotiations and moving to a
fonnal renewal process. Each of the Cities recognizes the time and fmancial commiunent involved in a
fonnal renewal process. but is committed to proceeding down that path if necessaIy.
Therefore, the Cities have established a deadline of Friday. March 27.1998. to have completed
the WaYlala franchise documents. I believe this timefuune is feasible given your statement that your
response to the Wayzata docwnents will be in my hands today, and assuming you are correct that we .Mlr r'\::~l
very close to resolving 'the outstanding issues in the WaY74ta documents. Obviously. this does not ,;' '.. ~~
suggest that the Wayzata cable commiuee or City Council will ha.ve taken action by March 27, but ~alh~~(: 9(. ~;
":..
,
,:. ....
Mar-20-98 02:59pm From-MOSS & BARNETT
+4900
T-550 P.03/04 F-597
MOSS & BARNETT
^ Pko~W10NAl. .-.ssoclATlON
Ms. Jane Bremer
March 20. 1998
Page 2
that documenTS will be in fmal form and can. be distributed to the other three communities so they may
commence to tailor these documents to their specific needs. Presumably aU that should be required is il
telephone conference, or face to face meeting between you and I early neXT week to resolve the final
issues.
Thereafter. the group established a deadline of the end of April to have completed work on
tailoring the franchise documents for each of their communities. This would suggest that Wayzata could
be moving towards adopting the franchise during the month of April. while the other three communities
could moves toward adoption during the month of May. While theSe timefmnes are aggressive. I believe
you will agree that this process has extended over a lengthy period of time and there is no reason why the
parties Cannot conclude informal negotiations in this acceler<:lted fashion. If not, I am sure you wjJJ also
agree that ~ch party (Triax And me Cities) musr eXplore meir respective options recognizing that
informal negotiations simply are not feasible.
As has always been the case. me City Mauagcrs remain motivated by the fact that Triax is
committing to an immediate rebuiJcj of the cable television system serving their communities. The fact
that Triax is commencing COnstruction this spring to e~tend fiber.in these conununities is the engine
which drives this entire process. The Cities arc: concerned that if tbe franchise documents are nOl
executed in the near future, that Ttiax's plans may change or other communities may be placed ahead of
them to receive the benefiTS of an improved system. Therefore. the Cities woulcf like to hold a meeting
with you and appropriate Tri~ representatives on Friday, March 21. at ,9:00 a.m. at the Chanbassen City
HalL The sole pwpose ofthi!i meeting would be for Triax to update the City Managers on the starns of
the system rebuild by explaining when constNction will commence. if subcontraCtors have been retained
and what the plans are for construction tbis summer. The meeting is!!Q! intended to further negotiations
but rather to provide Triax the opponunity to explain tbe st<Uus of This project to all four Cities at once.
Please have Triax representiltives prepare to provide some written evidence that the promised
system upgrades life commencing on schedule and will be proceeding in each community. You and I both
know that each oflhese managers must repon back to their respective City COQnciJ, and provide Some
verification that the system improvements which have been promised for the lam 12 months will proceed
on schedule. Given the recent history betWeen Triax and these communities, each City Manager feels
strongly that something more than a verbal promise must be provided as they begin to discuss these issues
with their City Councils. Perhaps excerpts from your subcontractor contracts or some other (non.
confidential) documentation can be provided.
The CiW's realize these time schedules are aggressive, however. the consensus at the meeting was
that iffhe sides tNly are close on the WaYUla dOCuments, no additional time should be needed to
complere drafting. Moreover. by setting an ilggressive time schedule to complde franchise documents,
Triu will be assured of renewed 1tanchises before significant capital is expended In rebuilding the:
system. and the Cities wilJ have the benefit of a firm. contractual obligation for Tou to complete
conslnlCtion on schc=dule as promised last summer.
Mar-ZO-98 03:00pm From-MOSS & BARNETT
+4900
T-550 P.04/04 F-597
MOSS &. BARNETT
A PIIOI'J>'l;>IOl'l~~TION
Ms. Jane Bremer
March 20, 1998
Page 3
Please contaCt me as soon as possible if these time frames are not feasible for TOu or ifyol.J
and/or other Triax representatives are unable 1O attend next Friday's meering. If you should ba\le any
immediate qLJesUons, please feel tree to contact me.
Very truly yours.
73~T
Brian T. Grogan
BlG/rlb
Cc: (via fax)
Don Ashworth
Ed Shukle, Jr.
Bruce Eisenhauer
Dave Friscmnon
Paul Pecora
17011911
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,Min'n~wa5hta PlaY9round Committee
Mar 27, 1998
Dear City of Chanhassen,
Minnewashta Elementary, a growing Minnetonka District school, is in desperate need
of a new playground. Many parts of the existing old playground are missing or broken
and cannot be replaced or repaired due to current safety codes. District funds are
available for dismantling the existing structure and providing the entire new
playground base required by code(an appx. cost of $15,000.00). It is up to the PTO
committee to provide the equipment. This playground not only serves over 600
Minnewashta students, many of which are Chanhassen residents, but also
surrounding communities and organizations. We need to provide a safe and fun
playground structure for everyone. We hope that Chanhassen will consider this an
important community project and contribute.
The Minnewashta Playground Committee has established a goal of $60,000 in order
to install the new, handicap accessible playground before the 1998-99 school year.
The only way that we can reach our goal is with your helpl We need your tax
deductible donations by June 1 to make this exciting 'playground a reality for the
students and our neighbors. Any donator of $1,000 or more will have their name
permanently placed on the playground structure. All contributors will have their names
recognized in the. PTO newsletter and other school communications. Community
support is vital to this project!
, . -Please consider a donation of any size and send your contributions to:
Minnewashta PTO
c/o Minnewashta Elementary
26350 Smithtown Rd
Excelsior, M N 55331
.
o.'{
For further information please call Sara LaBelle at 470-0374 or Sheila K. Johnston at
470-8799.
Thank you in advance for your support,
Minnewashta Playground Committee
..
CITY OF
CHANHASSEN
690 City Center Drive. PO Box 147
Chanhassen. Minnesota 55317
Phone 612.9311900
General Fax 612.937.5739
Engineering Fax 612.937.9152
Public Safety Fax 612.934.2524
web www.ci.chanhassen.mn.us
March 25, 1998
Mr. Howard Dahlgren
2360 Aquila Avenue North
Golden Valley, MN 55427
Re: Water Tower Site Agreement - Project No. 97-1-1
Dear Mr. Dahlgren:
In accordance with your letter dated January 7, 1998 to City Manager Don
Ashworth and the resulting City Council discussion on February 2, 1998, the City
is willing to consider locating its new water tower on the Site C location as
depicted on the drawing dated December, 1997, prepared by Bonestroo, Rosene,
Anderlik & Associates with the following terms and conditions:
1. The Partnership will deed to the City, the parcel of land due east of the
Wrase site, 0.96 acres, being 150' x 280' (42,000 square feet).
2. The Partnership will remove any existing structures on the property to be
acquired by the City prior to closing.
3. The Partnership will maintain a driveway access easement in favor of the
City from Trunk Highway 41 to the water tower until a permanent access
is built from the north.
4. The Partnership will dedicate to the City a permanent access easement to
the water tower when development of property to the north of the tower
Occurs.
5. The Partnership will maintain a conservation easement over the mature
evergreens located in the northeast quadrant of the Wrase site.
6. The City will deed to the Partnership the south 100' of the Wrase site,
consisting of 0.86 acres (37,806 square feet).
7. The City will give the Partnership at some time during the next five years,
the first opportunity or first right of refusal to purchase the remaining
portion of the Wrase site at the price the City paid per square foot.
8. At the time of closing on the initial property transaction (Site C and the
south 100' of the Wrase site), the Partnership shall pay to the City
$63,000.
TIle City of Clwlhassen. A growing community with clw] lakes, qualiry schools, II chamlil/~ downtown, thrivin~ bllSinesses. and beautiful Mrks. A mat DlilrP tn !iI,p 1IIMl, .m) "/""
..
Mr. Howard Dahlgren
March 25, 1998
Page 2
If these terms are in general agreement with the Partnership, Please let me know
and I will instruct the City Attorney to begin drafting the appropriate official
documents. If you should have some comments or would like to discuss any of
these points further, please feel free to contact me at 474-4127.
Sincerely,
CITY OF CHANHASSEN
~~
Charles D. Folch, P.E.
Director of Public Works Operations
CDF:kunljms
Attachment: Site map
c: Don Ashworth, City Manager
Anita Benson, City Engineer
Phil Gravel, Bonestroo
Fred Richter, Steiner Development w/attachment
g:\eng\public\97-1-1'd:lhlgren leller.doc
SOUTHWEST CORRIDOR TRANSPORTATION COALITION
470 Pillsbury Center
Minneapolis, MN 55402
(612) 337-9300
iREcelVED
MAR 2 7 1998
GII I lJr vrlANHASSEN
March 25, 1998
Mr. Richard Stehr
District Engineer
Metropolitan District
Minnesota Department of Transportation
Waters Edge
1500 West County Road B-2
Roseville, MN 55113
BY FAX AND MAIL
582-1302
RE: Purchase of Remaining Right-of-Way for Proposed New Highway 212
Dear Mr. Stehr:
As you know, the Southwest Corridor Transportation Coalition is a nonprofit corporation.
It represents units of government, businesses and individuals in Hennepin, Carver and McLeod
Counties, who support widening of Trunk Highway 5 to four lanes and construction of New
Highway 212 between Interstate 494 in Eden Prairie and the City of Cologne.
The cities of Eden Prairie, Chanhassen and Chaska as well as Hennepin County, Carver
County, Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) and Metropolitan Council (MC) have
cooperated for many years in efforts to bring about the construction of New Highway 212. The
project was first proposed in the late 1940s. In 1967, an agreement was reached among the
affected communities that New 212 should be constructed substantially in accordance with the
current planned route. At that time it was thought that the project would be completed by the
end of 1972.
In the late 1980s, the cities of Eden Prairie, Chanhassen and Chaska, Hennepin County,
Carver County, MnDOT and Metropolitan Council jointly funded the preparation of the
environmental impact statement for the project. In 1987 agreement was reached upon the official
map of the project and, between the period 1987 to 1989, the official map was incorporated into
the comprehensive plans of the respective communities. In 1993, the EIS was given final
approval by the federal government.
Based upon the most recent information available to me, it appears that all parcels
required for completion of New 212 within the City of Eden Prairie (except one), have been
acquired by MnDot or are currently in the process of being acquired. We understand that the
remaining parcel is owned by a family which presumably would sell to MnDOT or the City of
Eden Prairie in the near future if funds were available for purchase of the property.
RJL1400S4
LN400-S1
Mr. Richard Stehr
March 25, 1998
Page 2
The contract for the first phase of New 212 construction was awarded February 27, 1998.
That project relates to upgrading of the intersection of T.H. 5 and Prairie Center Drive and is
scheduled to begin in 1998.
The contract for the second phase of New T .H. 212 (construction of additional lanes along
T.H. 5 from Prairie Center Drive to Wallace Road, the concurrent portion of New T.H. 212 and
T.H. 5) is scheduled to be awarded in September 1998 and construction is to begin in 1999.
The third phase of New 212 construction will involve construction of the New 212
improvements between Eden Prairie Road and the intersection ofT.H. 5 and Wallace Road. The
contract for construction of this portion of the project is scheduled to be awarded in November
1998.
In the City of Chanhassen, a large number of parcels need to be acquired. Several large
parcels which are important to the New 212 project are owned by elderly property owners who
would very much desire to sell their properties. In some cases, the parcels are within the
metropolitan urban service area (MUSA) and in other cases the parcels are not currently
anticipated to be added to the MUSA until approximately 2005. Experience has shown that land
values are likely to increase from 300 to 1,000 percent when the property is added to the MUSA.
Within the City of Chaska, all but approximately seven parcels have been acquired or are
in the process of acquisition.
As to the portion of the New 212 project which is within Chaska Township, no parcels
have yet been acquired. However, the City of Chaska anticipates annexing this area in the next
few years and has been working with the township and Carver County to identify a process which
will enable the acquisition of these parcels as soon as funding exists with which to purchase the
required right-of-way.
Representatives of the cities of Eden Prairie, Chanhassen and Chaska have been working
cooperatively to identify a process for completing the acquisition of all remaining right-of-way
for the New 212 project at the earliest possible date. The following are some reasons for their
commitment to doing so:
. Land values are escalating dramatically.
. There has already been approximately $50 million invested in purchase of right-of-
way design, planning, and other related expenditures for the New 212 project
(principally by MnDOT or through use of RALF funds).
. Construction of New Highway 212 is a high priority project for each of the
communities
RJL1400S4
LN400-S1
Mr. Richard Stehr
March 25, 1998
Page 3
· The New 212 corridor has been preserved since 1987 and in most areas IS
surrounded by developed or developing land.
· Each of the cities has already contributed substantial funds and staff time to the
design, environmental review, planning and right-of-way acquisition for the
New 212 project.
· Many of the property owners are elderly and wish to make final dispositions of
their property and to distribute or liquidate their holdings in recognition of their
age.
· Most owners have held their property for many years and have been unable to
either develop or sell the portion of their properties encumbered by the planned
right-of-way since adoption of the official map in 1987 ( or before).
· The RALF fund does not have sufficient cash to enable purchase of all of the
remaining parcels of real estate within the foreseeable future.
· They wish to increase the likelihood of New Highway 212 being built by
acquiring the right-of-way before its cost becomes financially prohibitive.
Members of the Southwest Corridor Transportation Coalition have adopted a resolution
urging that MnDOT assign the necessary funds to enable MnDOT: (1) to acquire the remaining
parcels as soon as possible (in 1998); and (2) take advantage of current prices before further
increases of value may occur. We are convinced that this would be a very wise expenditure of
public funds at this time as compared with the dramatically higher prices which will almost
. .' certainly be required at a later date.
I am enclosing a copy of the Coalition resolution.
The City of Chaska has prepared an analysis, dated March 23, 1998, indicating that
197 acres have been acquired in Chaska for $5,781,700. The City estimates that these purchases
would have cost over $7,500,000 at present prices. Furthermore, as Chaska Township parcels
are designated as being within the MUSA, they will increase in value from $6,000 to $9,000 per
acre to $25,000 to $30,000 per acre. As dramatic as these increases have been in Chaska, the
increases have been even more significant in Eden Prairie and Chanhassen.
RJL14 0054
LN400-51
Mr. Richard Stehr
March 25, 1998
Page 4
We request the opportunity to meet with you and representatives of your staff at your
earliest convenience to discuss your response to our request.
RJL:jms
Enclosure
cc: Randy Johnson, Hennepin County Commissioner
Tom Johnson, Hennepin County Department of Public Works
Tracy Swanson, Chair, Carver County Board of Commissioners
Roger Gustafson, Carver County Engineer
Me! Dose, McLeod County Commissioner
Rick Kjonaas, McLeod County Engineer
Jean Harris, Mayor, City of Eden Prairie
Carl Jullie, City Manager, City of Eden Prairie
Nancy Mancino, Mayor, City of Chanhassen
Don Ashworth, Manager, City of Chanhassen
Robert Roepke, Mayor, City of Chaska
Dave Pokorney, City Administrator, City of Chaska
Erik Paulsen, State Representative
Carol Molnau, State Representative
Tom Workman, State Representative
Ed Oliver, State Senator
Roy Terwilliger, State Senator
Claire Robling, State Senator
Howard Swenson, State Representative
Dennis Fredrickson, State Senator
Board of Directors
RJL140054
LN400-51
RESOLUTION OF THE MEMBERS OF
SOUTHWEST CORRIDOR TRANSPORTATION COALITION
WHEREAS, construction of New T.H.212 from Interstate 494 in Eden Prairie to Cologne
is of highest priority to the Southwest Corridor Transportation Coalition;
WHEREAS, the New 212 Corridor has been preserved on the official maps of the affected
communities since 1987;
WHEREAS, land values in the New T.H. 212 Corridor are escalating dramatically;
WHEREAS, there has already been approximately $50 million invested in purchase of
right-of-way, design, planning, and other related expenditures for the New 212 project
(principally by MnDOT or through use of RALF funds);
WHEREAS, construction of New Highway 212 is a high priority project for each of the
communities;
WHEREAS, In most areas the New 212 Corridor IS surrounded by developed or
developing land;
WHEREAS, each of the cities has already contributed substantial funds and staff time to
the design, environmental review, planning and right-of-way acquisition for the New 212 project;
WHEREAS, many of the property owners are elderly and wish to make final dispositions
of their property and to distribute or liquidate their holdings in recognition of their age;
WHEREAS, most owners have held their property for many years and have been unable
to either develop or sell the portion of their properties encumbered by the planned right-of-way
since adoption of the official map in 1987 (or before); and
WHEREAS, the RALF fund does not have sufficient cash to enable purchase of all of the
remaining parcels of real estate within the foreseeable future.
NOW, THEREFORE, the Southwest Corridor Transportation Coalition hereby:
1. Requests that the State of Minnesota Department of Transportation immediately
allocate such funds (through its "protective buy" powers or otherwise) as are
required to complete acquisition of all right-of-way required to complete
construction of New Highway 212 between Interstate 494 in Eden Prairie and
existing Trunk Highway 212 at Carver County Road 147; and
2. Requests that the Metropolitan Council levy the maximum amount permitted by
law for the purpose of funding the Right of Way Loan Acquisition Fund until such
time as all right-of-way for New Trunk Highway 212 has been purchased.
RJL140058
LN400-51
Adopted this 20th day of March, 1998.
RJL1400S8
LN400-S1
By
MAR-24-98 TUE 17:16
P_01
[tJ
City of CHASKA
MEMO
To:
Bob LindaU
President, Southwest Transportation Coalition
Dave Pokorney
March 23,1998
RALF Funds
From:
Date:
Re:
Recently you asked if I could prepare an estimate of the value of acquiring Highway 212
right-of-way prior to construction. To date, the City has utilized Metropolitan Council
Right-of-Way Acquisition Loan Funds (RALF) to acquire $5.6 million of property.
consisting of 197 acres. This property has been acquired over the past six year period.
Based on current values, we have completed a preliminary analysis which indicates that at
current values. this property would be worth well in excess of $7.5 million. For example.
raw undeveloped land was selling at $8,000 to $10.000 per acre in the late 1980's, as
compared to current values which are in excess of $30,000 per acre.
As you are aware. the City of Chaska is currently having discussions with Chaska Township
concerning an annexation. It will be critical that property within the Township area be
acquired prior to the MUSA line being expanded to include the Township. Currently. values
of Township land range between $6.000 and $9.000. and will probably increase to the
$25,000 to $30,000 range once the MUSA line is extended. Since property owners also
are aware of the future value, it may be difficult to acquire these properties at current
values without the ability to utilize eminent domain which is not an option without a
willing seller under the RALF program.
Properties to be acquired include 55.53 undeveloped acres and five developed parcels
containing 16.55 acres with homes. Four are owner occupied and the fifth is vacant. Staff
has placed an estimated value on these properties of $2.5 million to complete the
acquisitions for the proposed new Highway 212 corridor within Chaska's boundaries.
If you desire additional information, please feel free to contact me at your convenience.
ONE CITY HALL PLAZAlCHASKA, MN 55318-1962/PHONE (612)448-28511FAX (612)448-9300
)ktJ'oooJiUln Ril!ht."t:1Y.iIl' AcauMtion LQaD~ stains.
City of Chaska, Minnesota
March 17, 1998
L-9D-l Outlot D Plus Lots 1 & 2. 2.30 S 161.500.00 S 6.644.00 S 168.144.00
Block 2. Chestnut Hills 2nd
(Cal Haasken)
1,-92-3 The Oaks (3 lots) 20.46 450,000.00 1.145.00 441.198.00
plus 6.19 acres _ 16,541.0Q.
(Chaska Investment) 433.453.00
... 1,-92-6 Althea Hanson Property .29 82.500.00 3.851.00 86,351,00
1,-92-12 Francis Hammers - Oak Hill 9.3 195,000.00 8.684.39 203,684.39
1,-92-13 Fred Molnau 14.3 335.600.00 10.521.19 346.121.19
L-92-14 BD! Property 12.6 457,400.00 11.422.12 468.822.12
L-92-15 Ranch Properties 21.404 230.000.00 12.451.00 242.451.00
(Ron Kroeger)
L-93-3 Schindler Addition 15.83 286.000.00 8.188.30 294.188.30
(Gary Laurent)
1,-94-1 AmocO 011 Co. 10.25 325.000.00 20.400.64 345,400.64
L-94-2 Esther Chase Property 11.33 305.000.00 8.694.75 313.694.75
L-94-5 Outlot G. Cortilla Woods 29.35 816.760.00 14.625.31 836.425.31
(Chaska Investment) + 5 ,040.00
Amendment to Final Payment 821.800.00
. 1,-94-6 2325 Chestnut Ave. N. .21 56.000.00 5.020.70 9.350.00 70.370.70\
(Donna Mae Miller) (Vaugn)
. L-94-7 2345 Chestnut Ave. N. .54 75.000.00 5.537.00 19.750.00 100,287.00
(Dennis & PhyUls Guerts)
L-96-3 Hundertmark Heights 9.76 295.000.00 10.768.87 305.768.87
Oohn Klingelhutz)
L-97-1 BDl (Outlot D. Hazeltine 17.835 900,000.00 12.739.34 912.739.3~
Bluff 8th)
1,-97-4 Chaska Investment (21.37 21.32 630.000.0.0. 16.051.7Q. 646.051.71
Acres. Tract A. RLS 61.
S31 - TUG. R23)
197.129 55,589,153.00 $163,345.91 $2.9.100.00 55,781,698.9
(The three' properties contained houses and out-buildings - buildings were demolished with the exception of t1
Althea Hanson house which is leased to the CAP Agency.)
SOUTHWEST CORRIDOR TRANSPORTATION COALITION
470 Pillsbury Center
Minneapolis, MN 55402
(612) 337-9300
RECEIVED
MAR 2 6 1998
CITY OF CHANHASSEN
March 24, 1998
Ms. Nancy Mancino
Mayor, City of Chanhassen
6620 Galpin Boulevard
Excelsior, MN 55331
BY FAX AND MAIL
Mr. Don Ashworth
City Manager, City of Chanhassen
City Hall
P.O. Box 147
Chanhassen, MN 55317
Re: Proposed Resolution Supporting Request to MnDOT
Dear Nancy and Don:
Thank you for hosting our recent meeting about right-of-way acquisition for the new
Highway 212 project.
We are delighted with the fact that almost all right of way has now been purchased for
New T.R. 212 in Eden Prairie or is in the process of being purchased (except for one key and
. 'expensive parcel). However, there are still many parcels remaining to be purchased in
ChanhaG~en, Chaska and Chu3!:a Township, and land values are rising rapidly.
At its March 20, 1998 meeting, the Coalition adopted a resolution urging MnDOT to
waive normal regulations and proceed immediately to purchase the remaining right of way to
preserve the New T.H. 212 corridor.
We have prepared a similar resolution for adoption by the Chanhassen City Council which
we have enclosed for your consideration. Please submit it to your council for consideration at
your earliest opportunity and provide us with evidence of its adoption or other council action.
RJL140264
LN400-S1
March 24, 1998
Page 2
If you would like to discuss the proposed resolution with me, please give me a call at 337-
9219. Thank you for your cooperation and assistance.
v1tJ~
Robert J. Lindall
President
RJL :jms
cc: Board of Directors
RJL140264
LN400-51
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF CHANHASSEN
WHEREAS, construction of New Highway 212 from 1-494 in Eden Prairie to Cologne
is of highest priority to the City of Chanhassen;
WHEREAS, land values in the New T.H. 212 Corridor are escalating dramatically;
WHEREAS, there has already been approximately $50 million invested in purchase of
right-of-way, design, planning, and other related expenditures for the New 212 project
(principally by MnDOT or through use of RALF funds);
WHEREAS, the Corridor has been preserved on the official maps of the affected
communities since 1987;
WHEREAS, in most areas the New 212 Corridor IS surrounded by developed or
developing land;
WHEREAS, each of the affected cities has already contributed substantial funds and staff
time to the design, environmental review, planning and right-of-way acquisition for the New 212
project;
WHEREAS, many of the property owners are elderly and wish to make final dispositions
of their property and to distribute or liquidate their holdings in recognition of their age;
WHEREAS, most owners have held their property for many years and have been unable
to either develop or sell the portion of their properties encumbered by the planned right-of-way
since adoption of the official map in 1987 (or before); and
WHEREAS, the RALF fund does not have sufficient cash to enable purchase of all of the
remaining parcels of real estate within the foreseeable future.
NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Chanhassen hereby:
1. Requests that the State of Minnesota Department of Transportation immediately
allocate such funds (through its "protective buy" powers or otherwise) as are
required to complete acquisition of all right-of-way required to complete
. construction of New Highway 212 between Interstate 494 in Eden Prairie and
existing Trunk Highway 212 at Carver County Road 147; and
2. Requests that the Metropolitan Council levy the maximum amount permitted by
law for the purpose of funding the Right of Way Loan Acquisition Fund until such
time as all right-of-way for New Trunk Highway 212 has been purchased.
RJL140251
LN400-51
Adopted by the City Council in and for the City of Chanhassen this
, 1998.
day of
The foregoing resolution was moved by
seconded by
and
The vote was by roll call:
The following Council members voted in the negative:
CITY OF CHANHASSEN
By:
Its: Mayor
ATTEST:
City Clerk
RJL1402S1
LN400-S1
SOUTHWEST CORRIDOR TRANSPORTATION COALITION
470 Pillsbury Center
Minneapolis, MN 55402
(612) 337-9300
March 30, 1998
Mr. Curt Johnson
Chair, Metropolitan Council
Mears Park Centre
230 East Fifth Street
St. Paul, MN 55101
RECEIV~D
APR 01 7998
CITY OF C'HA.
, f1NHASSEN
Re: Budget Levies by Metropolitan Council for Funding of the Right-of-Way
Acquisition Loan Fund
Dear Mr. Johnson:
As you may know, the Southwest Corridor Transportation Coalition is a nonprofit
corporation. It represents units of government, businesses and individuals in Hennepin, Carver
and McLeod Counties who support widening of Trunk Highway 5 to four lanes and construction
of New Highway 212 between Interstate 494 in Eden Prairie and the City of Cologne.
The cities of Eden Prairie, Chanhassen and Chaska as well as Hennepin County, Carver
County, Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) and Metropolitan Council (MC) have
cooperated for many years in efforts to bring about the construction of New Highway 212. The
project was first proposed in the late 1940s. In 1967, an agreement was reached among the
affected communities that New 212 should be constructed substantially in accordance with the
current planned route. At that time it was thought that the project would be completed by the
end of 1972.
In the late 1980s, the cities of Eden Prairie, Chanhassen and Chaska, Hennepin County,
Carver County, MnDOT and Metropolitan Council jointly funded the preparation of the
environmental impact statement for the project. In 1987, agreement was reached upon the official
map of the project and, between 1987 and 1989, the official map was incorporated into the
comprehensive plans of the respective communities. In 1993, the EIS was given final approval
by the federal government.
Based upon the most recent information available to me, it appears that all parcels
required for completion of New 212 within the City of Eden Prairie (except one), have been
acquired by MnDOT or are currently in the process of being acquired. We understand that the
remaining parcel is owned by a family which presumably would sell to MnDOT or the City of
Eden Prairie in the near future if funds were available for purchase of the property.
The contract for the first phase of New 212 construction was awarded February 27, 1998.
That project relates to upgrading of the intersection of T.H. 5 and Prairie Center Drive and is
scheduled to begin in 1998.
RJL140S41
LN400-S1
Mr. Curt Johnson
March 30, 1998
Page 2
The contract for the second phase of New T.H. 212 (construction of additional lanes along
T.H. 5 from Prairie Center Drive to Wallace Road, the concurrent portion of New T.H. 212 and
T.H. 5) is scheduled to be awarded in September 1998 and construction is to begin in- 1999.
The third phase of New 212 construction will involve construction of the New 212
improvements between Eden Prairie Road and the intersection of T .H. 5 and Wallace Road. The
contract for construction of this portion of the project is scheduled to be awarded in November
1998.
In the City of Chanhassen, a large number of parcels need to be acquired. Several large
parcels which are important to the New 212 project are owned by elderly property owners who
would very much desire to sell their properties. In some cases, the parcels are within the
metropolitan urban service area (MUSA) and in other cases the parcels are not currently
anticipated to be added to the MUSA until approximately 2005. Experience has shown that land
values are likely to increase from 300 to 1,000 percent when the property is added to the MUSA.
Within the City of Chaska, all but approximately seven parcels have been acquired or are
in the process of acquisition.
As to the portion of the New 212 project which is within Chaska Township, no parcels
have yet been acquired. However, the City of Chaska anticipates annexing this area in the next
few years and has been working with the township and Carver County to identify a process which
will enable the acquisition of these parcels as soon as funding exists with which to purchase the
required right-of-way.
Representatives of the cities of Eden Prairie, Chanhassen and Chaska have been working
cooperatively to identify a process for completing the acquisition of all remaining right-of-way
for the New 212 project at the earliest possible date. The following are some reasons for their
commitment to doing so:
. New Highway 212 is part of the National Highway System.
. The New Highway 212 Project (construction of an 18 mile four-lane, divided
freeway from 1-494 in Eden Prairie to Cologne) is of state-wide significance in
that there are no existing four-lane highways serving the southwestern portion of
the State between U.S. Highway 169 serving Mankato and 1-94 serving St. Cloud.
. There have previously been $10.7 million of federal demonstration grant funds
invested in the New T .H. 212 project.
. Although the contract for construction of the first phase of the New T.R. 212
Project was let on February 27, 1998, due to lack of sufficient funds, the 20-year
RJL140S41
LN400-S1
Mr. Curt Johnson
March 30, 1998
Page 3
program of MnDOT only contemplates construction of the portion of the project
lying easterly of Lyman Boulevard in Chanhassen and the program of the
Metropolitan Council does not contemplate construction of anything west of Eden
Prairie Road in Eden Prairie prior to the year 2020.
· Land values are escalating dramatically.
· There has already been approximately $50 million invested in purchase of right- of-
way design, planning, and other related expenditures for the New 212 project
(principally by MnDOT or through use of RALF funds).
· Construction of New Highway 212 is a high priority project for each of the
communities.
· The New 212 corridor has been preserved since 1987 and In most areas IS
surrounded by developed or developing land.
· Each of the cities has already contributed substantial funds and staff time to the
design, environmental review, planning and right-of-way acquisition for the
New 212 project.
· Many of the property owners are elderly and wish to make final dispositions of
their property and to distribute or liquidate their holdings in recognition of their
age.
· Most owners have held their property for many years and have been unable to
either develop or sell the portion of their properties encumbered by the planned
right-of-way since adoption of the official map in 1987 (or before).
· The RALF fund does not have sufficient cash to enable purchase of all of the
remaining parcels of real estate within the foreseeable future.
· The Coalition wishes to increase the likelihood of New Highway 212 being
built by facilitating acquisition of the right-of-way before its cost becomes
financially prohibitive.
Members of the Southwest Corridor Transportation Coalition have adopted a resolution
urging that the Metropolitan Council levy the maximum amount permitted by law for the purpose
of funding the RALF fund until all right of way for New T.H. 212 has been purchased.
I am enclosing a copy of the Coalition resolution.
RJL140S41
LN400-S1
Mr. Curt Johnson
March 30, 1998
Page 4
The City of Chaska has prepared an analysis, dated March 23, 1998, indicating that
197 acres have been acquired in Chaska for $5,781,700. The City estimates that these purchases
would have cost over $7,500,000 at present prices. Furthermore, as Chaska Township parcels
are designated as being within the MUSA, they will increase in value from $6,000 to $9,000 per
acre to $25,000 to $30,000 per acre. As dramatic as these increases have been in Chaska, the
increases have been even more significant in Eden Prairie and Chanhassen.
Please let me know if you have any questions about this. Thank. you.
RJL:jms
Enclosure
cc: Julius C. Smith, Member, Metropolitan Council
Ann Braden, Metropolitan Council staff
Randy Johnson, Hennepin County Commissioner
Tom Johnson, Hennepin County Department of Public Works
Tracy Swanson, Chair, Carver County Board of Commissioners
Roger Gustafson, CarVer County Engineer
Jean Harris, Mayor, City of Eden Prairie
Carl Jullie, City Manager, City of Eden Prairie
Nancy Mancino, Mayor, City of Chanhassen
Don Ashworth, Manager, City of Chanhassen
Robelt Roepke, Mayor, City of Chaska
Dave Pokorney, City Administrator, City of Chaska
Erik Paulsen, State Representative
Carol Molnau, State Representative
Tom Workman, State Representative
Ed Oliver, State Senator
Roy Terwilliger, State Senator
Claire Robling, State Senator
Howard Swenson, State Representative
Dennis Fredrickson, State Senator
Board of Directors
Todd Vlatkovich
Fred Corrigan
RJL140S41
LN400-S1
J'. ,
n!'i
In re:
UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT
DISTRICT OF MINNESOTA
RECEIVED
MAR 2 5 1998
(;/1 r Vt !.;HANHASSEN
CHANHASSEN BOWL, INC., a Minnesota corporation,
,
Debtor
Chapter 11 Case
Case Number BKY 97-43284.
OROft AND NOTrc. POR HDJlrNG ON DrSCLOSURH STATDmN'I'
A proposed disclosure statement dated March 16, 1998,
regarding a plan dated March 16, 1998, was filed by Debtor, the
proponent, on March 17, 1998. The court must approve a disclosure
statement as containing adequate information under 11 U.S.C. ~ 1125
before a plan and ,disclosure statement may be mailed to creditors.
IT IS THEREFORE ORDERED:
1 . HEARING ON ADEQUACY OF DISCLOSURE STATEMENT. A hearing to
consider approval of the disclosure statement will be held on April
22,1998, at 10:30 a.m., in Courtroom No. 7W, United States
Courthouse, 300 South Fourth Street, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
2. OBJECTIONS TO DISCLOSURE STATEMENT. An obj ection to the
proposed disclosure statement shall be made by motion under Local
Rule 604. Five days prior to the hearing is the last day to timely
deliver an objection, and eight days prior to the hearing is the
last day to timely mail an objection. The objection must be filed
not later than one day after service.
3. MAILING OF NOTICE. The clerk shall forthwith mail copies
of this order as notice thereof to the entities specified in Local
Rule 1204 (a) (2) and to all creditors and other parties in interest.
The proponent shall forthwith mail copies of this order to all
equity security holders of the debtor.
4. MAILING OF COPIES. Pursuant to Local Rule 603(a), the
proponent shall forthwith transmit copies of the proposed
disclosure statement and plan to each entity specified in Local
Rule 1204 (a) (2), and upon written request shall transmit copies to
any other party in interest. '
5. REQUEST FOR COPIES. Requests for copies of the disclosure
statement and plan should be directed to: Mary Jo A. Jensen, Esq.,
at Buckley & Jensen, 101 East Fifth Street, Suite 1614, St. Paul,
MN 55101.
Dated: March 18, 1998.
NOTICE OF ENTRY AND FILING ORDER OR JUDGMENT
Filed and Docket Entry made on Mj'? 1 J9JJ
Patrick G. De Wane, Clerk, By i
",/1
" II"
J-