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

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.140- Councilmcmbcr Cook inquired as to why the Council would not accept the grant-and just not incur any costs until the land is acquired by the Ramsey Town Center LLC group. Councilmember Kurak stated that if the Council accepts a grant for a road to go through only for Town Center, where is the City at risk if they don't spend any money until the land is acquired. She questioned if the City was risking losing the grant by delaying the issue because she would hate for the City to lose $850i000.. Councilmember Cook stated that if the Council is saying that they are for the Town Center and they have a developer looking at breaking ground this summer and the project is dependent on Sunwood. Drive, then why would the Council be saying that they would not be installing the road. Councilmember Kurak stated that she was concerned about the "waffling affect" of accepting a grant when Town Center is a reality. ~ Councilmember Elvig replied that he did not th/nk that they were "waffling", but felt that they were moving forward slowly. At this point, the City does not have the ability to enter onto the land; what would be worse than. accepting the grant and then realize the City doesn't have access to the property or find out that the City can't afford the road. Motion by Councilmember Elvig, seconded by Councilmember Zimmerman, to table action on the grant at this time and instruct City Attorney Goodrich and City Staff tO meet with Metropolitan Council legal and contract administration staff to determine the obligations of the City on entering into the grant agreement without the City having possession of the necessary land to construct the new Sunwood Drive. Further discussion: Counciimember Pearson stated that he initially was in favor of accepting the. grant but incurring no costs, but affer hearing some of the discussion he would lean more towards tabling and getting legal advice. Councilmember Elvig'stated that whatever they can do to get some of the information understood or any negotiations they can have with the Ram~ey Town center LLC so that they can get th/s accomplished in the most timely matter' would be a benefit. Councilmember Strommen inquired as to what the obligations are for the City accepting the grant. Mayor Gamec replied there is a problem, with the financial crisis that cities are facing. Councilmember Cook summar/zed that the way the Council is going to.handle the deficit, is to not accept an $850,000 grant to construct a road that is needed. Mayor Gamec replied that he felt that they needed more answers before they accept the grant, City Administrator Norman stated that the Mayor keeps going 'back to the budget issues; but he does not see any rel'ation between the financial crisis and the grant. The real concern is making Commitments on land that is not contrOlled by the Ramsey Town Center LLC group. Councilmember Elvig replied that he felt that that was the issue he was addressing. By taking the first step of accepting a grant before they have the necessary land is a problem. He stated that he thought that it Was all obtainable, but he wants to make sure things are done in the fight order. Councilmember Kurak stated that the grant stipulates very clearly that the road has to go through a TOwn Center site so if the Town Center does not become a reality, then the road is not constructed. Councilmember Cook stated that the Council accepted a grant to study the area and now they have a developer that wants to. develop the land and the Met Council ]tbrwards another grant and now this Council is not going to take the money. Councitmember Strommen replied that she did not think that that is what the City Council/March 11, 2003 Page 14 of 22 I ! I I I I I I I I I I I I I I t I I