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EDA BUSINESS <br />Case #1: CONCEPTUAL RESTAURANT PRESENTATION <br />Economic Development Coordinator Sullivan provided background information on Wells <br />Catering and its owner, George Wells. The business is currently operating out of the Wells <br />Event Center on Highway 10; and also serves as the sole caterer for the Fountains of Ramsey. <br />The current arrangement of split services and equipment between the two sites is not cost <br />effective; therefore, a new restaurant concept that would help consolidate the business is being <br />introduced. The new restaurant would be located on the first floor of the Ramsey Office Plaza, <br />which is adjacent to the Fountains of Ramsey. <br />Economic Development Coordinator Sullivan introduced Jim Deal, who represents PSD, LLC. <br />Mr. Deal explained that PSD, LLC agreed to put in the current Event Center and worked out an <br />arrangement with George Wells, in which total management of the Event Center was turned over <br />to Mr. Wells. The two have a business relationship based on revenues to pay for the cost of <br />building the Event Center. Mr. Deal presented some renderings of the new restaurant concept, <br />and stated that PSD has agreed to complete the front part of the restaurant, while the expenses <br />associated with the cooking facility in the back would be covered by Mr. Wells. <br />George Wells, along with Marty Fisher, representing Premier Commercial Properties, took turns <br />speaking about the new restaurant concept. The deli coffee shop concept will offer drive - <br />through service (which will hopefully appeal to commuters), prepared meals to go, a fresh salad <br />bar, and also provide sit -down seating. The restaurant will be open seven days a week with <br />hours starting at 5:30 a.m. and remaining open for dinner. Several new jobs, including a full - <br />time manager, two full -time kitchen cooks, and eight part-time positions, will be created. The <br />lease at the Wells Event Center is effective until March 2011, so along with trying to finance the <br />project, Mr. Wells also needs to accommodate his current lease. <br />Economic Development Coordinator Sullivan spoke to the EDA about whether or not they <br />would consider using Revolving Loan Funds (RLF) to help finance part of this project. He <br />questions whether they will be willing to accept an application from Mr. Wells for business <br />subsidy, and will they consider it vs. ruling it out because it is a retail project. <br />City Administrator Ulrich stated that the purchase of property along Highway 10 through the <br />RALF program could be utilized to purchase the existing site, which will help in the relocation <br />of the business, as well as, the payoff of the lease. This could be part of the subsidy package for <br />the business to facilitate getting this business moved. He suggests that the EDA could <br />recommend to the HRA that they consider this for RALF acquisition priority. <br />Motion by Member Skaff, seconded by Member Steffen, to make recommendation to City <br />Council to consider this a priority project, in conjunction with negotiations, to finalize Wells <br />Catering moving to the new site. <br />Motion carried. Voting Yes: Members Riley, Skaff, Williams, Look, and Steffen. Voting No: <br />None. Absent: Members LeTourneau and Elvig. <br />Economic Development Authority / February 11, 2010 <br />Page 2 of 5 <br />