Laserfiche WebLink
City Administrator Ulrich stated the City does have property there, the Historic Town Hall, and <br />the radio tower property is owned by WCCO. He reviewed the Development strategies and <br />requested input. <br />Councilmember Elvig asked about having an RFP for a professional realtor. <br />Councilmember McGlone stated that was already looked at and he would prefer the buildings go <br />dark before losing more money. <br />Councilmember Backous stated that is true fiscally; however, the City's best marketing plan is <br />Highway 10 and having dark/dilapidated buildings along Highway 10 in Ramsey would not be of <br />benefit. <br />Councilmember Wise agreed and stated he talked with a business owner leaving Ramsey who <br />talked about signage issues along Highway 10. He noted that his number one marketing tool is <br />his reader board sign. <br />Mayor Ramsey stated if the buildings are costing money, the City may need to reverse course. <br />He pointed out that the Metropolitan Council is not allowing the City to manage the properties it <br />owns, noting the 10% is not covering City costs. He felt the Metropolitan Council needs to be <br />caring about a water main break and covering administrative costs. If they want to pay enough <br />for a property manager that would be great. <br />City Administrator Ulrich stated the City has been managing the properties for about one year so <br />those costs can be identified to determine if it is worth outsourcing. Or, the City could go back <br />to the Metropolitan Council to cover costs for things like the broken water pipes, leasing, and <br />other management costs. <br />Councilmember Backous noted the City sets the lease prices. <br />Finance Director Lund stated the lease covers the property tax and liability insurance but not <br />staff time, which is the City's donation. However, if an outside source handled property <br />management, those costs could be covered. <br />The Council discussed whether the buildings should be removed and how the costs can be <br />covered. <br />Councilmember McGlone stated the City has Metropolitan Council dollars to knock down the <br />buildings and if the buildings are removed, the road improvements would be more likely. <br />Mayor Ramsey stated the numbers would also look better if the City was not leasing and it hurts <br />the City's case to get Highway 10 pushed ahead. <br />Councilmember Backous stated he does not want the buildings darkened but is willing to discuss <br />whether they should be removed. <br />City Council Work Session / October 2, 2012 <br />Page 6 of 9 <br />