By MaryHelen Swanson

The North Branch City Council moved to postpone action that would make an offer for land purchase of a 93-acre parcel in the vicinity of the ESSBY project.

ESSBY is a city-owned commercial, industrial, housing project in the northwest part of town.

The city is looking a purchasing this property in partnership with the cityís economic development authority, and the county economic development authority/ housing redevelopment authority.

An offer was on the table with hopes that a purchase could be made by July.

But Councilwoman Amy Oehlers objected that the issue was not officially on the agenda. A copy of the resolution was made available on the table that night. Oehlers said at the town meeting last fall people had asked how the city got into such a financial bind without their knowledge.

Oehlers moved to postpone the action and put it officially on an agenda for another night so people will know about it ahead of time.

In defense of the item being on the agenda Monday night, city attorney Tom Miller responded that it was not to hide anything, but to get a fair price.

It is expected to be a purchase of over $2 million.

The council also reviewed a concept plan for a housing development known as Sandstone Hills located southeast of 400th Street and Grand Avenue. It calls for 263 units with 121 being single-family and 142 bayhome/villa units.

The cityís planning commission had discussed the proposed development earlier this month. They had come up with 8 items that they felt the developer might consider before submitting a preliminary plat.

They included transitional lots, sidewalks and trails, streets, utilities, staging, transition, the parking for the bayhome/villas and density.

The PC felt the project was too dense.

Representing the developer, Terry Miller went through the eight items and concluded that 263 units was just the right number.

Since there were a number of items the council needed more information on, any action on the concept plan was tabled until 6 p.m., April 3.

In other action Monday, the council:

ï approved a farmerís market for Central Park concurrent with the Concerts in the Park.

ï approved compensation for park board members at $20/meeting, including worksessions.

ï moved to deny the purchase of a new pickup for building inspections. Richard Meyer told the council they replace the vehicle every 5 years, however, the 2001 Dodge that was to be replaced has only 35,000 miles on it and Councilman Larry Erickson led the opposition to the purchase because of that.