Agenda - Council - 04/08/2003 - Laserfiche WebLink

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-114- group. Early on in the discussions there was talk of selling [and to the City for a future City Hall, but there has been a concession to give land to the City for City Hall in exchange for the tax-free parcel for the school. Councilmember Strommen inquired as to how the Council could make a decision on the school project without having all the information. Mayor Gamec stated that the Council has been presented a large plan for the property by the Ramsey Town Center LLC group, but they don't own the land yet and there is a risk that the sale of the property might not go tlu:ough. Councilmember Cook replied that the City enters into agreements all the time with promissory deals for land because developers don't typically buy land before they have final plat approval. There is a contract to buy the land. The second issue that concerned him is that there has been so much discussion about-the City making money, but that is not the"-6nly reason for the Town Center being constructed. The Town Center is being constructed to provide a sustainable community and allow for a livable community. The Town Center should be something that the community can be proud of and have aspects to fulfill the community needs. Mayor Gamec stated that typically if a development comes forward a plan is identified for the property, but at this time they don't have any of the final details for the Town Center. Councihnember Elvig noted that the only project for the Town Center that tlie Council has had before them is a school on non-taxed land. City Administrator Norman noted that the planning process for the school will be about two months, which is the same time the buy down on the contract for the purchase of the land will be in place. Principal Plarmer Trudgeon noted that they are currently in the middle of the AUAR process on the property and they can't allow for any construction Until that process is done. Principal City Engineer Olson explained that cun'ently the City does not allow for grading activities to occur until after the project has received final plat approval because that is typically when all of the grading issues have been worked out. The City could allow for grading to occur on the property at the time of preliminary plat approval if there are some sureties put into place. Mr. Bosacker stated that Mr. Feges from the Ramsey Town Center LLC group has indicated that the master plan for the site will drive what they can do with the school. It has been his understanding that as the approval process for the Town Center site is ending, their project can be added. The school is not aski'ng to come in ahead of that process. Councilmember Stronuuen inquired if the information on the master plan was going to be available to meet the timeline. City Council/March 4, 2003 Page 4 of 16 I I I I I I I I I