HomeMy WebLinkAbout1985 11-26 EBFMMINUTES OF THE NOVEMBER 26, 1985
EARLE BROWN FARM COMMITTEE MEETING
. CALL TO ORDER
The Earle Brown Farm Committee meeting was called to order at 7:45 a.m.
ROLL CALL
Dr. Duane Orn, Gil Engdahl, Leone Howe, Sylvia Kenney and Ron Christensen. Alsc
present were City Manager Gerald Splinter, Director of Public Works Sy Knapp,
Director of Planning and Inspection Ron Warren, Program Supervisor Kathy Flesher,
Administrative Assistant Brad Hoffman and Clerk Patti Page.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES - 10-31-85
There was a brief discussion of the October 31, 1985 minutes and it was noted that
Phil Cohen had made a recommendation not a motion regulating the construction of
Ryan's building. There was a motion by Leone Howe and seconded by Sylvia Kenney to
approve the minutes of the October 31, 1985 meeting as corrected.
NEW BUSINESS
It was noted that there have been two working meetings with Quality Decisions and
that a list of questions is being generated. Leone Howe stated the mailing would be
after Christmas. Administrative Assistant Hoffman added that we should have a
completed product by the end of February or early March.
City Manager Splinter stated that Beisner wants their first building, which is the
one closest to the Earle Brown Office building, to be the biggest. Tim Erkkila,
from Westwood, is trying to get Beisner to move the largest building away from the
. Farm. City Manager Splinter also noted that these buildings would be "L" shaped and
they would be constructed to reflect the architecture of the Earle Brown Office
building.
Dr. Orn asked if there were any problems with Ryan or Beisner which the Committee
should be aware of. Administrative Assistant Hoffman stated that the City had
purchased the entire farm and that now we have some excess land. He noted that the
City is now trying to sell this excess land to Ryan. City Manager Splinter noted
that if we give Ryan the land he has basically agreed to the following terms:
-Preserve the Pond Area
-Allow joint parking
-Agree to build and maintain a joint entrance
Ron Christensen asked what the value of the land is. Administrative Assistant
Hoffman stated that it is between $300,000'and $400,000.
Gil Engdahl asked what type of upkeep can be guaranteed. City Manager Splinter
noted that the parking lot will be used for Ryan's building too. He also noted that
it would be part of the contract between Ryan and the City.
City Manager Splinter stated that Brad has met with the Historical Society and that
they are being very cooperative. He added that the structural analysis has
reversed some of the things that we thought to be true about the buildings. He noted
that the Historical Society wanted their architect to look at two of the buildings.
• Administrative Assistant Hoffman stated that we have had two of the buildings
reroofed and that the roofing company found very little rot.
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Dr. Orn asked if the buildings were not "people orientated" would it change the
architectural analysis. Director of Public Works Sy Knapp stated that if the
buildings were not up to code they could not be used for public occupancy.
Administrative Assistant Hoffman stated that the Historical Society would prefer it
if we built something that fits into the area rather than replicate any of the
buildings which have to be torn down.
City Manager Splinter stated that we will most likely have to move the utilities.
He added that it will cost some money now, but it will give us a better end result.
Administrative Assistant Hoffman added that by giving Ryan the excess land we would
have a better coordinated development.
Gil Engdahl asked if Ryan has issued IRB's for this project. Administrative
Assistant Hoffman stated that the final resolution is contingent upon the
development agreement.
Ron Christensen asked about the Texas Air property. Administrative Assistant
Hoffman stated that Beisner has found out that someone else is interested in the
property. He added that Ryan has stated that if the City does not enter into an
agreement with Beisner for the Texas Air property then he (Ryan) wants the first
chance at it.
City Manager Splinter noted that Walker Methodist will dictate what goes into the
residential development. Sylvia Kenney noted that she would like to suggest
padding for the carpeting and better sound insulation.
City Manager Splinter noted that surveys can be deceiving sometimes and that
• occassionally people will respond one way but when it comes right down to the money,
they will do the exact opposite.
Dr. Orn asked if staff had an idea as to what would be built on the excess Texas Air
property. City Manager Splinter stated that it is zoned C2.
City Manager Splinter noted that the next step for the Committee is uses for the red
buildings. Dr. Orn added that we should get some answers from the survey.
Administrative Assistant Hoffman noted that the City is getting some information on
the heating and cooling system and cost for the Barn and Hippodrome.
Director of Planning and Inspection Ron Warren noted that the Planning Commission is
in concurrence with the Committee's recommendations.
Dr. Orn stated that the date for the next meeting would be left open.
City Manager Splinter stated that the City would like to acquire items belonging to
Earle Brown and the Farm and that we would have to go through Gus and relatives of
Earle Brown. He added that the Brooklyn Center Historical Soceity may be able to
help us with the acquisition.
The meeting adjourned at 8:55 a.m.
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