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Councilmember LeTourneau stated if the City can authorize the economic development piece, it <br />broadens the ability to undertake different types of work that the City cannot do without that <br />authority. It would provide a better set of tools than identified and available today. <br />City Administrator Ulrich noted one advantage of using HRA money for economic development <br />is that when the property is resold, that money comes back to the City for use with future <br />economic development projects. It essentially moves the money from Anoka County to the City <br />and can be used to create a revolving loan program, housing, or economic development projects. <br />Ms. Skepper stated that is the County's current practice and stated they do not track or monitor <br />future use of the funds. <br />Mayor Strommen stated there are no "strings" attached as long as the initial purchase is what <br />Ramsey receives approval on. <br />Ms. Skepper stated Ramsey does not have to come back to Anoka County to reuse the funds. <br />Councilmember Riley asked if it can be used for the City's EDA so that levy can be reduced. <br />Ms. Skepper answered in the affirmative. <br />Councilmember Kuzma stated support to opt -in, as it would be a good use of funds and also to <br />request funds for this purchase. <br />Councilmember Tossey stated he would favor opting in if it can be used to write down the HRA <br />levy. However, he does not support the purchase of a business that is already failing. <br />Councilmember Riley stated he supports opting in. <br />Councilmember LeTourneau stated he supports opting in. <br />Councilmember Backous stated he supports opting in and getting the resident's money back for <br />use in Ramsey. <br />The consensus of the Council was to direct staff to draft resolutions to authorize the Anoka <br />County HRA to perform economic development activities and request allocating funds from <br />Anoka County HRA toward the purchase of the property at 6710 Highway 10 NW. <br />2.02: Review Status and Direction of Elmcrest Park's Community Building Planning <br />Parks and Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood reviewed the staff report and <br />described the process used to gain feedback from stakeholders and residents relating to a <br />community building at Elmcrest Park. He stated the Park & Recreation Commission reviewed <br />the plans, separating "wants" from "needs" and the plan has been updated to reflect those <br />recommendations. Parks and Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood recommended, <br />City Council Work Session / June 11, 2013 <br />Page 4 of 9 <br />