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<br />Councilmember Wise stated that the new Councilmembers sort of got thrown into. the middle of <br />the issue. He stated that he ran on fiscal conservatism and it is important to note that this project <br />was basically bleeding the City. He noted that by the City taking control of the property and <br />possibly revising the Master Plan, the City can move forward and stop spending staff time, <br />professional time and Council time on this to turn it into a usable tax base. He stated that he <br />agrees that this was a last choice option for everybody, but nobody else could build this project <br />to our Master Development plans and make a profit. He stated that the City should be able to <br />sell this and recoup the cost of the land and some of the professional fees that have been <br />incurred. <br /> <br />Councilmember McGlone stated that on the campaign trail, he asked people what their biggest <br />problem was, and 9 out of 10 people said the Ramsey Town Center. He stated that he would <br />also commend staff, professionals and the Council for working to get us to this point. He stated <br />that this option makes the most sense and has the best possible scenario for future success. <br /> <br />Mayor Ramsey stated that he agrees with everything that has been said. He stated that this, in his <br />opinion, had to move forward and the option of letting it go tax forfeit is a poor option. He <br />stated that this was discussed in closed meetings, but he can assure the public that everything <br />will now be open and transparent and there will not be any secrets. He encouraged people to call <br />him, e-mail him, or come to the Town Hall meeting and discuss this with him. He stated that at <br />this price, he thinks it is a smart move for the City to move forward with this. He stated that he <br />will stanq by his statement that the City should not be a developer and hopes that someone steps <br />forward in that role. He stated that in the grand scheme of things, this is a good purchase price <br />for the property. <br /> <br />Councilmember Dehen stated that the public needs to be aware that at some point the land <br />became worth the price the City is planning to pay for it. He stated that the City will be actively <br />attempting. to move the property and he doesn't think it is anybody's idea to play developer for <br />this property. . <br /> <br />Councilmember Elvig stated that he thinks another benefit of moving this property forward <br />shows the communities and regional partners that the City is moving and that there is going to be <br />activity in the area. He stated that he spoke with County Commissioner Dan Erhart last week <br />and asked him about the chance for Ramsey to be a rail stop. He stated that he was heading to <br />Washington the next day to start the lobby process for moving forward with a Ramsey rail stop. <br /> <br />Motion by Councilmember Elvig, seconded by Councilmember Look, to approve Resolution <br />#09-03-055 which is a resolution conditionally approving a Settlement Agreement with <br />Minnwest Bank Central regarding that certain lawsuit which is known as City of/Ramsey vs. <br />Minnwest Bank Central, Anoka County District Court File #02-CV -07-2643'1 i <br />! j <br />Further Discussion: City Attorney Goodrich stated that the actual purchase price is $~. '75 million <br />and he would also like to announce that available tonight for public review are th~ ~ettlement <br />Agreement, Purchase Agreement, Consent to Settlement and Release with Ramsey to-$1 Center <br />LLC and the proposed resolution, which he suggested be read aloud. Mayor Ramsey risked him <br /> <br />Special City Council Meeting /March 17,2009 <br />Page 4 of6 <br />