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Commissioner Strommen expressed her opinion that she likes the project since it is consistent <br /> with the original vision. The degree of the City's involvement is a concern. The mixed use is <br /> the toughest component. She pointed out other cities have not been successful with this model. <br /> She agreed with Commissioner Tossey that it does relate to the TIF District. <br /> Development Manager Lazan noted they have had discussions of other like projects that were <br /> and were not successful. He pointed out the rail is the component in Ramsey that the others did <br /> not have. <br /> Commissioner Wise said the risk of doing nothing is bigger. There is always a risk and the <br /> work that has been done for this project so far has set it up to succeed. <br /> Motion by Commissioner Ramsey, seconded by Commissioner Wise, to direct the Development <br /> Team to proceed to document modifications based on discussions at the meeting, and the <br /> direction of the HRA and to direct the Development Team to proceed with preparations related <br /> to the sale of TIF Revenue Bonds in support of the financing associated with the Flaherty and <br /> Collins project. <br /> Further discussion: Commissioner Backous commented he is unsure if the term "mixed use" is <br /> appropriate. Commissioner Ramsey replied the intention is to add more retail. Commissioner <br /> Strommen stated the retail is not working in mixed -use buildings. <br /> Motion carried. Voting Yes: Chairperson Elvig, Commissioners Ramsey, Wise, and McGlone. <br /> Voting No: Commissioners Backous, Strommen and Tossey. None. Absent: None. <br /> Case #2: Discuss the Termination of Landform's Current Contract <br /> Executive Director Nelson stated she is unprepared to talk specifics with the contract. The City <br /> Attorney did retrieve a copy from the file and suggested she take the Commissioners' input and <br /> discuss at the next work session. <br /> Commissioner Backous brought up several concerns. He said there has not been anything <br /> brought forth that the City did not have to fund or subsidize. If the economy and image were <br /> great, the HRA wouldn't need Landform. Landform is being paid to overcome these issues, and <br /> Commissioner Backous said he expected results. There are no performance metrics in the <br /> contract and no incentives to move things quicker. He acknowledged the master planning was <br /> done well and he does see the potential but felt the rest of Ramsey is being neglected. He <br /> stressed that he had no interest in firing Landform; he just wanted to structure the contract the <br /> way it should have been originally. <br /> Commissioner Tossey expressed concern with the Flaherty and Collins project. He said he <br /> would like to discuss this in a work session or a closed session without Landform in the room. <br /> He said when the City Attorney's contract was discussed, the attorney was not in the room and <br /> he preferred it was the same when Landform's contract was discussed. <br /> Housing and Redevelopment Authority / August 23, 2011 <br /> Page4of6 <br />