City to buy county’s share of BioScience spec building

Talk about it

WORTHINGTON — The Worthington City Council voted Monday to buy out the county’s share of the jointly owned spec building in Worthington’s BioScience Park for $205,605.83.

Council members expressed regret they were not able to collaborate with the county on their plans for the building, which includes a training and testing center, but said the buyout was necessary to move the project forward.

“We were told (by the state) we better get something done with that building,” said Mayor Alan Oberloh, referring to the $1.3 million state grant that was given for development of the center. “Designated but unused funds could be taken back.”

Discussions on the fate of the spec building began at a Nov. 24 meeting, when the city offered Nobles County commissioners $150,000 for their share of the building. The county made the counter-offer of $205.605.83 — the amount the county had invested in the land and building.

In addition to maintaining ability to use state grant monies in the future, the council members cited the importance of the project.

“This is Economic Development 101,” said Oberloh. “We have the ability to train people for jobs that we need in this area.”

In other business Monday, the council:

• Set a public hearing for an amendment to the tax increment financing (TIF) plan for Darling’s Third Addition for 7 p.m. Dec. 22 at a regularly scheduled council meeting.

• Approved a resolution calling for a 1.9 percent increase in the property tax levy for 2009, noting the increase is still below the state average.

• Approved a second reading of the proposed ordinance adopting the sales and use tax for the City of Worthington.

• Approved a memorandum of understanding between the City of Worthington and the Minnesota Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.

• Approved the 2009 annual agreement with the YMCA, but planned to meet with the adult softball league to discuss team fees.

• Voted to retain the services of City Attorney Mark Shepherd for 2009.

• Declared the sale of the S&L parking lot to alderman Mike Woll null and void due to a misunderstanding of the League of Minnesota Cities stance on conflicts of interest. Declared the land was no longer surplus property.

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