Agenda - Council - 03/09/2010 - Laserfiche WebLink

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ability to scale back if the City can't afford the existing plan. He stated that staff will bid out the existing plan if so directed, but it has been indicated the City cannot afford it. He asked about setting up a base bid with the option to add alternates to get to the available budget. Councilmember Dehen asked who estimated it would cost $20,000. City Engineer Himmer stated he established the estimate in working with Close Architects. The Council discussed that this Park had been identified as the City's flagship park, the cost if built according to the "Cadillac" plan, and available City funding. Councilmember Elvig stated plans and specifications are a development tool needed to build the park, to hold bidders responsible, and the cost of doing business. Councilmember Look stated support to see the bid for the "Cadillac" plan before thinking about modifications or spinning the plans. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Mayor Ramsey, Councilmembers Elvig, Dehen, and Jeffrey. Voting No: Councilmembers Look and Wise. Absent: Councilmember McGlone. 7.06: Authorization of Agreement for Fare Reimbursements Public Works Director Olson reviewed the staff report. Councilmember Look asked if the City can manage this at some point without the Met Council. Public Works Director Olson explained this is not an issue of management of the bus service. It involves the use of cards purchased at a discount by employers. The Met Council takes 7.3% for every dollar they collect for administration and handling transfers in Minneapolis. Motion by Councilmember Elvig, seconded by Councilmember Look, to authorize the Agreement between the Metropolitan Council and the City of Ramsey for Transit Convenience/ Prepaid Fare Reimbursements. Further discussion: Mayor Ramsey noted there is not a fee incurred by the City and this feature gives riders the ability to transfer from Ramsey's bus to an MTC bus. Public Works Director Olson stated that is correct and it also gives the ability to pay electronically instead of in cash. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Mayor Ramsey, Councilmembers Elvig, Look, Dehen, Jeffrey, and Wise. Voting No: None. Absent: Councilmember McGlone. 7.07: Approve Purchase Agreement for the Purchase of Property Located in the Highway 10 Corridor (Inter City Oil Co. ( "ICO ") Parcel) City Attorney Goodrich reviewed the staff report. Councilmember Look stated his concern with the high cost of $9.94/sq. ft., noting the Town Center property appraised at $1.22 /sq. ft. and the County purchased land adjacent to Highway 610 at $4 /sq. ft. City Attorney Goodrich stated a good source would be to ask the appraiser to review the appraisal and define the methodology used. He noted that MnDOT also reviews the appraisal. City Council / February 9, 2010 Page 10 of 13