BE IT RESOLVED, that the County Administrator be authorized to negotiate an Environmental Covenant and Easement Agreement with Minnesota Pollution Control Agency for property at 600 Fifth Avenue South, Minneapolis; that following review and approval of the County Attorney’s Office, the Chair be authorized to sign the agreement on behalf of the County. 

Hennepin County through Resolution 17-0346 authorized the purchase of the 625 Building located at 625 4th Avenue South, Minneapolis, and 332 parking spaces located in a ramp at 600 Fifth Avenue South, Minneapolis (“625 Ramp”). The 625 Ramp was constructed as a part of a mixed-use development (the “625 Development”) on the half block located immediately east of the 625 Building and was completed in 2020.

Environmental testing completed prior to the construction of the 625 Development identified the presence of soil contaminants, and as a result a soil vapor mitigation system was installed. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (“MPCA”) requires the recording of an Environmental Covenant and Easement Agreement (“Covenant”) to ensure the ongoing operation and maintenance of the mitigation system. The Covenant also grants MPCA an access easement to inspect and evaluate the mitigation system.

Current Request: Authorize the negotiation and execution of an Environmental Covenant and Easement Agreement with Minnesota Pollution Control Agency for property at 600 Fifth Avenue South, Minneapolis.

Impact/Outcomes: This action will complete environmental mitigation reporting and compliance measures related to the mixed-use development at 600 Fifth Avenue South, Minneapolis, in which the County owns 332 parking spaces.