Laserfiche WebLink
City Council Minutes <br />February 1, 2021 <br />Page 5 <br />Councilmember Westgaard explained the city was approached by a private party <br />willing to make an offer on Pinewood but questioned if the city has an obligation to <br />accept other bids. <br />Attorney Beck indicated the sale of real estate is not subject to the public contract <br />law and does not have bidding requirements. He noted best practice would be to go <br />out for proposals and look at alternatives. <br />Councilmember Christianson stated a lot of new information was brought to light <br />today and he has talked to many people and the overwhelming voice in the <br />community is to keep Pinewood a golf course. He would like the Council to hold off <br />and properly vet the information. <br />Larry Toth, 17155 Quincy St NW, questioned if the Council is interested in selling <br />as he has not heard the Council say they are. <br />Councilmember Beyer thanked everyone who reached out and provided input. He <br />understands Pinewood is great for children and seniors. He explained the Council <br />was presented with an opportunity and wanted to see what it was all about. He noted <br />the only way he will vote to sell the golf course is if it remains a course. <br />Councilmember Wagner also thanked everyone who spoke or sent emails. She also <br />stated the city was not in the market to sell until they were approached with a <br />proposal. She explained the Council went out for bids a few years ago and didn't <br />receive anything viable. She expressed an interest in stepping back and thinking <br />about what the best way to move forward is. <br />Mayor Dietz explained he believes the Council does have an interest in selling but <br />also a strong interest in Pinewood remaining a golf course. He noted the course <br />would have been sold years ago if there was not concern for it remaining a golf <br />course. He agrees the Council should take time to review and evaluate all offers. He <br />indicated the Council asked Elk River Golf Club if they were interested in <br />purchasing Pinewood four years ago, but it wasn't a viable option for the golf club at <br />the time. He added he wants it to remain a golf course and the last thing he'd like to <br />see is a development. He questioned Attorney Beck if the Council should go out for <br />proposals. <br />Attorney Beck stated it is at the discretion of the Council whether they want to go <br />out for proposals. <br />Councilmember Christianson questioned if the Council has authority to verify <br />potential owners have the means to afford capital improvements in the future. <br />Mayor Dietz questioned if Pinewood would default back to the city if it's not sold <br />under a contract for deed. Attorney Beck explained if the city were out of the chain <br />of title the lender would get it back upon default by the owners. He noted there may <br />be a way to lock it in as a golf course through a restrictive covenant which would not <br />rINATUREJ <br />