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5. HRA BUSINESS <br />5.01: Consider Proposed Use for the NE Quadrant of Sunwood Drive and Center Street <br />(Portions may be closed to the public) <br />HRA Executive Director Nelson noted that Wayne Skaff and Bill Dorn are present from the <br />Northgate Church. She noted that staff has had some on -going discussions with them and they <br />are using an architectural firm. Discussions have reached the point to come back to the HRA to <br />talk about a land sale price. <br />Wayne Skaff thanked the HRA for the opportunity of the discussion. He gave a brief update of <br />the project and handed out some material to the HRA, noting that it is the same material they <br />handed out to their congregation last Sunday. He stated that they are in the middle of their $3 <br />million fundraising drive for the building. They have $600,000 pledged from 23 families. There <br />were 785 people in church last Sunday plus 140 children and 90 youth — so over 900 people in <br />the PACT Charter School building last Sunday. He talked about the new administration at <br />PACT and that he is not sure the church would be able to have a long term lease with them. He <br />commented that they are looking forward to their outdoor worship, they are looking forward to <br />being a part of Happy Days and the community. He stated that they describe their new building <br />as a "guest house" and reviewed the renderings of the structure. There will be stadium seating to <br />accommodate 700 people and there will be video -wall technology. He stated that they are <br />looking at a 20,000 square foot first floor with the ability to go to a second floor. He stated that <br />the overview of what we have talked about is now on paper. He talked some about the church <br />building being a performing arts center and added that the City can be assured Northgate will not <br />close its doors to the public. He talked about the projected cost of $350,000 for 55,000 square <br />feet. We feel $350,000 is a fair price keeping in mind what we are bringing to Ramsey without <br />requesting any City funding. We are ready to negotiate a purchase agreement and move forward. <br />We would like to begin construction this year. We need to find a new house for Northgate. He <br />added that he pledged to Heidi Nelson and Darren Lazan that he would not pursue any other land <br />in the City or anywhere else but he would need an answer in the near future. He would like to <br />know what will be happening by next April. It's important we do move forward. We want to <br />make it a win -win for everyone and something the City will be proud of. <br />Commissioner Ramsey stated he is sure they have these pieces covered but he wondered how it <br />would work with non - profits owning this and then charging for events going on in the building. <br />Mr. Skaff replied we have looked into that and as long as they are charging to cover costs like <br />utilities, etc. that's fine — they just cannot have it to be a money - making issue. We are <br />committed to covering our costs but not to make money on a venue — it is a not for profit. <br />Chairperson McGlone stated he got some phone calls about this being a tax -free entity. He did <br />not feel five people should make the decision for 23,668 but maybe more Councilmembers have <br />gotten calls. He stated he likes this whole idea. He likes something that the burden did not fall <br />on all our residents to pay for. The deal structure and where we meet on numbers is where he <br />may have more questions. <br />Housing and Redevelopment Authority /Special Meeting - April 3, 2012 <br />Page 2 of 6 <br />