09/27/11 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

Commissioner Strommen expressed her opinion that she likes the project since it is consistent with the original vision. The degree of the City's involvement is a concern. The mixed use is the toughest component. She pointed out other cities have not been successful with this model. She agreed with Commissioner Tossey that it does relate to the TIF District. Development Manager Lazan noted they have had discussions of other like projects that were and were not successful. He pointed out the rail is the component in Ramsey that the others did not have. Commissioner Wise said the risk of doing nothing is bigger. There is always a risk and the work that has been done for this project so far has set it up to succeed. Motion by Commissioner Ramsey, seconded by Commissioner Wise, to direct the Development Team to proceed to document modifications based on discussions at the meeting, and the direction of the HRA and to direct the Development Team to proceed with preparations related to the sale of TIF Revenue Bonds in support of the financing associated with the Flaherty and Collins project. Further discussion: Commissioner Backous commented he is unsure if the term "mixed use" is appropriate. Commissioner Ramsey replied the intention is to add more retail. Commissioner Strommen stated the retail is not working in mixed -use buildings. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Chairperson Elvig, Commissioners Ramsey, Wise, and McGlone. Voting No: Commissioners Backous, Strommen and Tossey. None. Absent: None. Case #2: Discuss the Termination of Landform's Current Contract Executive Director Nelson stated she is unprepared to talk specifics with the contract. The City Attorney did retrieve a copy from the file and suggested she take the Commissioners' input and discuss at the next work session. Commissioner Backous brought up several concerns. He said there has not been anything brought forth that the City did not have to fund or subsidize. If the economy and image were great, the HRA wouldn't need Landform. Landform is being paid to overcome these issues, and Commissioner Backous said he expected results. There are no performance metrics in the contract and no incentives to move things quicker. He acknowledged the master planning was done well and he does see the potential but felt the rest of Ramsey is being neglected. He stressed that he had no interest in firing Landform; he just wanted to structure the contract the way it should have been originally. Commissioner Tossey expressed concern with the Flaherty and Collins project. He said he would like to discuss this in a work session or a closed session without Landform in the room. He said when the City Attorney's contract was discussed, the attorney was not in the room and he preferred it was the same when Landform's contract was discussed. Housing and Redevelopment Authority / August 23, 2011 Page 4 of 6