Agenda - Council - 05/26/2009 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Councilmember Wise stated that the new Councilmembers sort of got thrown into the middle of the issue. He stated that he ran on fiscal conservatism and it is important to note that this project was basically bleeding the City. He noted that by the City taking control of the property and possibly revising the Master Plan, the City can move forward and stop spending staff time, professional time and Council time on this to turn it into a usable tax base. He stated that he agrees that this was a last choice option for everybody, but nobody else could build this project to our Master Development plans and make a profit. He stated that the City should be able to sell this and recoup the cost of the land and some of the professional fees that have been incurred. Councilmember McGlone stated that on the campaign trail, he asked people what their biggest problem was, and 9 out of 10 people said the Ramsey Town Center. He stated that he would also commend staff, professionals and the Council for working to get us to this point. He stated that this option makes the most sense and has the best possible scenario for future success. Mayor Ramsey stated that he agrees with everything that has been said. He stated that this, in his opinion, had to move forward and the option of letting it go tax forfeit is a poor option. He stated that this was discussed in closed meetings, but he can assure the public that everything will now be open and transparent and there will not be any secrets. He encouraged people to call him, e -mail him, or come to the Town Hall meeting and discuss this with him. He stated that at this price, he thinks it is a smart move for the City to move forward with this. He stated that he will stand by his statement that the City should not be a developer and hopes that someone steps forward in that role. He stated that in the grand scheme of things, this is a good purchase price for the property. Councilmember Dehen stated that the public needs to be aware that at some point the land became worth the price the City is planning to pay for it. He stated that the City will be actively attempting to move the property and he doesn't think it is anybody's idea to play developer for this property. Councilmember Elvig stated that he thinks another benefit of moving this property forward shows the communities and regional partners that the City is moving and that there is going to be activity in the area. He stated that he spoke with County Commissioner Dan Erhart last week and asked him about the chance for Ramseyo to be a rail stop. He stated that he was heading to Washington the next day to start the lobby process for moving forward with a Ramsey rail stop. Motion by Councilmember Elvig, seconded by Councilmember Look, to approve Resolution #09 -03 -055 which is a resolution conditionally approving a Settlement Agreement with Minnwest Bank Central regarding that certain lawsuit which is known as City of Ramsey vs. Minnwest Bank Central, Anoka County District Court File #02 -CV -07 -2643. Further Discussion: City Attorney Goodrich stated that the actual purchase price is $6.75 million and he would also like to announce that available tonight for public review are the Settlement Agreement, Purchase Agreement, Consent to Settlement and Release with Ramsey Town Center LLC and the proposed resolution, which he suggested be read aloud. Mayor Ramsey asked him Special City Council Meeting /March 17, 2009 Page 4 of 6