Minutes - Council - 05/27/2003 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Further discussion: Mayor Gamec stated that he questioned why they would go forward with the study without knowing the location and size of the property. Councilmember Cook called for the vote, seconded by Councilmember Kurak. Motion Failed. Voting Yes: Councilmembers Cook, Kurak, and Pearson. Voting No: Mayor Gamec, Councilmembers Elvig, Strommen, and Zimmerman. Further discussion: Mayor Gamec inquired if there was a way to meet with Ramsey Town Center LLC to identify a location for City Hall. City Administrator Norman replied that that is why staff needs the architect on board to assist with the negotiations. Bill Baxley, BKV Group, explained that there are several parts to the proposal, which includes determining what a combined facility means for land use and how those needs can fit onto the site. There has been a site earmarked and they need to determine how the facility could fit on the site to aid the City in their negotiations. The next phase of the study is a crucial step in having the City understand the combined building. Councilmember Elvig agreed with the importance of the study, but his concern is that there is a multitude of different expenditures occurring throughout the City and it begins to be very difficult to say yes to all the different studies. He thought that it would be beneficial to put together a general layout of the building along with a fiscal impact study showing cash flow. Councilmember Kurak stated that the City needs to determine how much land they need for the building and they cannot do that until they know the size of the building. Councilmember Cook stated that if they don't move forward right now they will end up with an agreement with Ramsey Town Center LLC where whatever size they designate the City will be stuck with and the building may not fit. Councilmember Kurak stated that at this point the issue is not about building a City Hall, but it is determining an appropriate piece of property for City Hall. Councilmember Elvig stated that he did not think it was a question of building Town Center, but there will be a signed development agreement in the near future and they want to make sure that the agreement includes a City Hall. What they don't know is what the land is going to cost and how much land the City is going to need, but the much bigger question is can the City afford it. At this point he did not feel that he had the tools before him to answer that question. Mr. Baxley stated that building a City Hall/Police Department is a large project and it is slightly different because of the implications of Town Center. It is important to identify the realities of the project so that they are not in the position of tying the City to something that does not work. If the Council gives him a comfort level on costs, then he can work with the project. He stated that he wants to do the right amount of investigation so that the City does not short itself. Councilmember Elvig stated that they are trying to nest something into an area rather than the typical urban sprawl development, which does make the project more difficult. He inquired if the BKV Group would be able to provide the City with a preliminary cost if they proceed with the next phase of the study. Mr. Baxley replied that that was their intention. He explained that it is their goal to provide the City with square footage and a cost estimate at the end of the study. Mayor Gamec stated that he thought it would be better to have the land first and then design the building. Councilmember Cook stated that he would prefer to present a concept plan to the Ramsey Town Center LLC and show them the land that the City needs. Councilmember Zimmerman recommended that they defer the issue to a work session for further discussion. Assistant City Administrator Nelson stated that they are trying to look at the needs for space and City Council/May 27, 2003 Page 8 of 18