HomeMy WebLinkAbout19-123 - ADMIN Resolution - City Council - 2019/10/21Resolution No. 19-123
Resolution granting a deed and an access easement to the Metropolitan Council
for the construction and operation of the SWLRT project, and accepting an
access easement from Metropolitan Council
Whereas, the City of St. Louis Park (City) has been working with the Metropolitan
Council, host cities, public agencies and public transit funders in planning for the Southwest
Light Rail Transit Project (Project); and,
Whereas, the Project is an approximately 14.4 mile extension of the MET RO Green Line,
which would operate from downtown Minneapolis through the cities of St. Louis Park, Hopkins,
Minnetonka, and Eden Prairie; and,
Whereas, implementation of the SWLRT Project is in the best interest of the City; and,
Whereas, the Metropolitan Council, as part of its Project planning and design
responsibilities, identified properties and right-of-way that is needed for the construction and
operation of the Project; and,
Whereas, on July 8, 2015, the Metropolitan Council adopted a revised proposed Project
scope that identifies right-of-way currently owned by the City and the EDA as a component of
the proposed Project; and,
Whereas, the Federal Transit Administration signed the Record of Decision on July 15,
2016, determining that the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969
(NEPA) have been satisfied. On August 10, 2016, the Metropolitan Council determined the Final
EIS for Project is adequate, concluding the state environmental review process for the Project
under Minnesota Rules chapter 4410; and,
Whereas, the Project has identified land owned by the city to be used as an In-Kind Land
contribution; and,
Whereas, the City, our residents, businesses, and workers would benefit from the
Project as it will provide an attractive transportation option for residents and workers, and
increase redevelopment opportunities which could strengthen the City’s tax base and expand
employment opportunities; and,
Whereas, the city wishes to assist the Metropolitan Council in its preparation of
appropriate Project budget documents for its pursuit of federal funding for the Project, and
thereby to the extent required, wishes to transfer the referenced property rights of the city to
the Metropolitan Council; and,
Whereas, a Deed and an easement document have been prepared for the transfer of
property rights to the Met Council for the property needed for the implementation and
operation of SWLRT Project; and,
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Resolution No. 19-123 2
Whereas, an access easement document from the Metropolitan Council to the city for
access to the city’s storage site has been prepared; and,
Whereas, on November 7, 2018, the Planning Commission of the City reviewed the
proposed conveyance of the property and found that such conveyance is consistent with the
City’s comprehensive municipal plan; and,
Whereas, on November 19, 2018, the Economic Development Authority (EDA) of the
city authorized the conveyance of property to Metropolitan Council; and,
Now therefore be it resolved, after due consideration, that the City of St. Louis Park
hereby approves and authorizes the conveyance of the property described in the attached
Deed and Access Easement needed by the Metropolitan Council for the construction and
operation of the SWLRT Project and authorizes execution of such documents by the City
Manager and Mayor.
It is further resolved that the City of St. Louis Park accepts an access easement from
Metropolitan Council for access to its city storage site.
Reviewed for administration: Adopted by the City Council October 21, 2019
Thomas K. Harmening, city manager Jake Spano, mayor
Attest:
Melissa Kennedy, city clerk
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