Agenda - Council - 08/13/2002 - Laserfiche WebLink

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-78- Councilmember Hendriksen stated staff was aware of it for two months but there was nothing in the packet, and it was placed on the Consent Agenda. He stated he is disappointed that on the 9th, this is the first presentation on this before the Council. And, the Council is being asked to make application. However, ail know that spending a nickel with the Metropolitan Council comes with ropes. Councilmember Hendriksen stated he was incredibly disappointed with what has come from the Calthorpe Associates' Town Center Study an'd had met with Natalie Haas- Steffen on what was expected and what Ramey would do. But, even though it was in whting it was said you know we wanted something else. He asked what Ramsey will be required to do if we're "lucky enough" to get a grant. He suggested it is being given to promote their own agenda (Metropolitan Council) and, if that is coincident with the agenda of Ramsey, that's great. Councilmember Hendriksen stated staff has been aware of this for some time but the Council is getting a five page document at the meeting and being asked to make a decision. City Administrator Norman stated this is a grant application for a huge hunk of money and not entering into an agreement. Councilmember Hendriksen stated he'd like to keep the volume down and talk like business people. He stated that is what he heard about the Calthorpe Associates' Town Center Study. There was specific direction from the Council to look at a different area and staff said it would not obligate the City from Ramsey Boulevard to Armstrong Boulevard, but there was nothing further from the truth. He stated we are funding a Town Center Task Force that is looking at a more global picture and if the City was smarter they would already have done that in a more global way what the Calthorpe Associates' Study purports to do. However, they have refused to look beyond that. Councilmember Hendriksen asked why the Council is seeing this on July 9th for the first time when it is due on July 15th. He asked if the information was withheld so the Council would not have an opportunity to find out some of the answers. He stated he does not understand why it is here on the 9th when it is due on the 15th. City Administrator Norman stated that questions has been asked and answered. He stated he heard the Council ask nice questions of the Chair of the Task Force and offered to work with them. But, if the Council does not want to apply for potentially 100,000 of the dollars that is fine and they can let the Task Force know, however, if they are interested in applying, they should apply for it. Mayor Gamec stated that you need to apply to even get it and maybe this would be an opportunity to get some. He stated he is interested since there is use for funding with the infi'astructure needs and because he does not see Ramsey doing TIF. Motion by Mayor Gamec, seconded by Councilmember Anderson, to adopt Resolution #02-07~ 164 approving authorization to apply for the Livable Communities Demonstration Account (LDA) Grant. Further discussion: Councilmember Aa~derson stated she had asked for this to be removed from the Consent Agenda. She stated the City does not own the land but to have funding for some of the infrastructure would be a big help to get a "place at the table" or "get this show on the road". She stated she is not sure Ramsey would get this since other sites are already submitted. However, knowing there are infrastructure costs and that this could be used for it, she believes it City Council/July 9, 2002 Page 20 of 24 I I I Ii I ! i I I I I I I I ! ! I I I