Minutes - Council Work Session - 05/27/2003

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Ms. Ruehle replied no, which is why the property would have to be officially mapped in order for the City to "get in line" to receive RALF funds. City Administrator Norman noted that the City would have to apply for the RALF funds after the City positions themselves. At this time, they are trying to go through the necessary processes to make the City eligible for funding. Ms. Ruehle explained that they would continue working with Congressman Kennedy's office to assist with receiving funding for the interchanges. She also noted that there has been some discussion in regards to using CMAQ funds, but they have learned that the CMAQ funds are typically not issued for environmental work so they will not be pursuing that at this point. While The Tinklenberg Group continues to do some work, it is likely the City could be presented with proposals for development so the City may want to consider a moratorium for a six-month period to give them time to complete their work. There are obviously going to be property owners upset with that, but it gives them a time line of six months rather than two years because they have already started the process. City Administrator Norman stated that staff would send out a letter to all of the property owners along Highway #10 notifying them of what is being discussed. Ms. Ruehle noted that clarification of what the moratorium means to the property owners is important. She also stated that when they met with the property owners one of the complaints they heard is that they are paying commercial taxes, but they are unable to use the property as commercial and that is something the Council might want to look at. 2) City Hall and Police Department Needs Assessment Study Assistant City Administrator distributed the results of the space needs assessment study for the Police Department, which also included the updated information for the City Hall. Bill Baxley, BKV Group, reviewed the Police Department space needs assessment study and how it compares to other cities. He explained that the next step would be to develop preliminary building schemes to combine the Police Department and City Hall for the proposed site within Ramsey Town Center. If the City were to move forward with the next step, the cost would be credited back to the City if the project proceeds forward. The next phase of the study would be around $5,500. Assistant City Administrator Nelson stated that staff would be requesting that the Council move forward with the study using Council Contingency Funds to pay for the study, which has a balance of about $25,000. As the Council continues to review the budget they may be able to refund the study through an amendment process as they consider looking at franchise fees. Councilmember Elvig replied that he thought there was less than $25,000 in the Council Contingency fund. City Council Work Session/May 27, 2003 Page 3 of 4