Agenda - Economic Development Authority - 11/12/2003

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Mr. Sullivan responded it was a budgeting decision to make things easier. Case #2: Staff Update Community Development Block Grant Redevelopment: Economic Development/TIF Specialist Sullivan noted the new funding cycle had begun for applying to CDBG for next year's projects. He. stated staff would be working with the new intern to explore what types of funds were available and what types of projects Anoka County was willing to help the City accomplish. He indicated the City had a meeting scheduled with Karen Barton of CDBG on October 15, 2003, to discuss possibilities and updates would follow as more information became available. Chairperson Riley asked if the City could also go to the State for available funds. Mr. Sullivan responded the funds were allocated through the County. Member Kiefer asked for the name of the new intern. Mr. Sullivan stated his name was Tom; however, he did not have his last name. Associate Planner Wald indicated she thought he was working for experience and was not paid a salary. Chies Property: Mr. Sullivan noted Don Chies had been clearing old machines and other debris from the site and significant progress had been made, leaving apProximately 22% of the equipment remaining. He indicated the property was scheduled to close the week of October 6 and debris removal would be ongoing until it was satisfactorily complete. He stated money from the purchase price had been set aside to accommodate additional clean-up not completed by Mr. Chies. He noted the property did not go to condemnation and added the sewer would be done this fall or winter. Town Center: Ms. Wald noted staff and Council had been diligently working on the Development Agreement and Final Plat for Town Center. She indicated Council approved the Development Agreement on September 9, 2003, the Final Plat on September 23, 2003, and the groundbreaking ceremony was scheduled for Friday, October 24, 2003, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. Discussion followed regarding how the infrastructure would be funded. Ms. Wald suggested questions be brought to Mr. Norman for discussion at a future meeting. Zip Code: Ms. Wald noted at the September meeting Chairperson Riley inquired about the possibility of the City obtaining a zip code that would be specific to the City of Ramsey. She explained staff completed some preliminary research on the process required to obtain a different zip code in 1990 and again in 1998; however, due to staff time constraints, following through with the project had not been possible. She indicated Council was also interested in this issue, as they continued to include it in their objectives and work plan adopted at the beginning of each year. Economic Development Authority / October 13, 2003 Page 5 of 6