Minutes - Council Work Session - 02/12/2013

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Ryan VanAlfen, Charter School Fund, introduced the Athlos Leadership Academy school model, explaining that Athlos means "notable feat" or "accomplishment," and uses athletics as modality to teach. He presented slides of their other projects and stated they have delivered 700,000 sq. ft. in facilities. Mr. VanAlfen addressed the importance of assuring students are ready to compete and model of delivering character education to broaden appeal. He noted kids learn in physical ways and athletics produce a microcosm of life in working as a group for common good. Athleticism is taught through Velocity Sports Performance for core competency and adapted to be age appropriate to work in a school model. This process does not pit child against child or individual sports. The have found that character development and building social intelligence is critical for the child's future. Mr. VanAlfen displayed a slide of their character report card and explained how it is integrated and reinforced into the classroom. After school opportunities are provided in the training school including team sports by Velocity, adult fit courses, Braintree Kids (a before and after school program), and Parent Partnerships. Mr. VanAlfen advised of partners in the school and displayed colored elevations depicting state -of -the -art facilities they have constructed. Brian Huffaker, Charter School Fund, stated they are excited about the school and benefits it provides and hope the Council sees the assets it will bring to the community. He stated he would like to address the financial impacts to the community. Mr. Huffaker explained Charter School Fund provides real estate services to complete the facility, and an experienced team deals with the City and application process to make it a jointly beneficial project. Athlos Academics is the school function. He stated the property at the southwest corner of Sunwood Drive and Ramsey Boulevard is just less than 15 acres and based on expected lot configuration, fronts on both Sunwood Drive and Ramsey Boulevard. Mr. Huffaker displayed the front elevation of the proposed school, noting it shows an educational institution and strong depiction of that education. He then displayed the beginning footprint of the school and described the floor plan with the entry /lobby /gymnasium located in the center. The anticipated enrollment is 850 the first year, growing to 1,215. The building size of 85,000 square feet would have 46 classrooms and staff of 84. The annual gross budget is $9.7 million/year. The project would result in 300 construction jobs paying $8 million in wages and $11 million in materials. The project is estimated at $19 million in privately funded project costs and $350,000 privately paid project fees (plus SAC /WAC). Mr. Huffaker stated there is demand in Ramsey for quality schools and this project offers a unique type of education and would host tournaments by Velocity Sports Performance. He stated they are willing to discuss the option of sharing of facility as a community center during off school hours. Mr. Huffaker stated this project will bring more interest to The COR, add the social value of a unique school, and improve the demand for the high- density residential options in The COR. Development Services Manager Gladhill stated as staff reviewed potential tax implications, he wanted to note this site was within an existing Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District. Councilmember Kuzma asked about the proposed grades. Mr. VanAlfen stated they plan to start with K -8 and see if demand grows to K -12. They would like this expansion to grow organically. City Council Work Session / February 12, 2013 Page 2 of 5