Minutes - Council Work Session - 03/12/2013

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Councilmember Riley stated he does not want to "chase rainbows" but the City was not looking to make this happen, Connexus Energy came to the City because it had been looking for sites in Anoka County. Councilmember Tossey stated other developments (Legacy / Suite Living) also came to Ramsey but did not happen. He stated he supports the option raised by Development Services Manager Gladhill about rezoning and having an overlay district. Mayor Strommen stated this is more about signaling that the City is willing to work with a data center and entertain that option if such a project comes forward. At the same time, not focusing so much that it appears desperation to only consider that one use (data center). City Administrator Ulrich advised that data centers are not eligible for Tax Increment Financing (TIF) and the zoning hearing with the neighborhood could get contentious as a data center is an industrial looking use and it would be located in the back yards of a residential neighborhood. Councilmember Elvig asked what would be the plan for marketing at this point. City Administrator Ulrich stated staff recommends getting it out to the neighborhood prior to expending resources for marketing. Management Analyst Brama stated Connexus Energy has indicated they would pay the costs to market and staff this effort. The consensus of the Council was to direct staff to move forward with marketing and positioning the former municipal center property for a Data Center(s) by moving forward with an open house, developing a zoning proposal, and recognizing environmental conditions. 2.03: Rebuild of Fire Station #2 This item was removed from the agenda. 2.04: Consider Offer to Purchase City Owned Property Located at 14280 Azurite Street NW This item was not considered due to the late hour. 3. FUTURE TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION Noted. 4. MAYOR / COUNCIL / STAFF INPUT None City Council Work Session / March 12, 2013 Page 4 of 5