2005-01-03 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mr. Schilling said this issue goes back to the comments about things being done behind the scenes. He noted that things come out at public meetings that were not discovered by City staff. He said he is more comfortable hearing from the public. He said he has a problem with Part A. He said many alleys in Belmont are used for pedestrian access and he would want to take that into consideration. Under Section B.2.c, regarding dedication of City property, he said we ask property owners to maintain their sidewalks and we could ask that alleys be maintained by private citizens as well. He said we need to think about people who may be affected in the future. On page 4, he said we should look at fair market values versus assessments to see how we are valuing particular properties. He said the Planning Commission, in their review, comments on whether a closing is or is not consistent with the Comprehensive Plan, but he would like to be told in what ways they are consistent or not. He said we need a better understanding of irreparable harm. Mr. Schilling said he thinks that ultimately we can streamline the process. Mr. Brown said we are getting hung up on the alleys where the City has no public interest and where they are purely private alleys. He said we can look to see if they should be accepted, but he thinks that would be rare. Dr. Brown suggested including portions of the State Code so we can see what it allows and requires. He said he is hearing that there are certain things that the State does not allow the City to do. He suggested that Council convey any additional concerns about the proposed policy before it comes back for consideration. REPORT: ADOPT POLICY ON SALE OF CITY LAND Mr. Brown said there is no existing written policy regarding the sale of City land and we are getting increasing requests. He said that Council always has the discretion about whether to sell, but there is a desire to apply the process equally. Mr. Brown reviewed the proposed policy. He said there is no individual notice required but Council may want to consider doing that. He said the policy creates the presumption that full market value will be charged, with the understanding that there will be exemptions in some circumstances. Mr. Lynch said he is comfortable taking action on the proposed policy and thinks that it is a good overview of best practices when sales are done. Ms. Hamilton agreed and said it is a strong piece of work. She said she would like to spend more time thinking about the amount charged, and would like to focus more on what the identified goals are. She said she thinks an outline of broad conceptual goals would be helpful to applicants. Mr. Schilling agreed, but said that given the changing nature of Council, he thinks it would be better to leave a general policy statement rather than write in the goals in the policy. Mr. Schilling suggested that the last part of the final sentence in (6) be omitted. Ms. Hamilton agreed. Mr. Schilling said that in (2)(b) he would like to add in what ways it is or is not consistent with the Comprehensive Plan. Mr. Schilling raised a question about the policy stating that two Councilors can put it on the agenda when three Councilors are required in other circumstances. Mr. Brown said the policy could be changed to require three Councilors. Mr. Schilling proposed that the final paragraph be amended to clarify that any expenses must be paid in addition to the proposed sales price. Dr. Brown asked if (6) takes into account those situations where there may be a small corner of land and the market does not exist outside of the adjoining property owner.