Laserfiche WebLink
The Council discussed whether Connexus should be approached for funding and become more of <br />a partner in the process. <br />Assistant to the City Administrator Brama explained that staff had not invited Connexus to any <br />of the meetings post public hearing when it was indicated a data center may not work for this <br />site. He indicated Connexus had paid over $3,000 for a shovel ready application and if this site <br />moves forward, would pay for all marketing costs. <br />City Administrator Ulrich noted a potential downside to inviting Connexus and asking them for <br />funding is that Connexus has a vested interest in wanting a data center but the City has taken a <br />far more neutral position to work with residents to see if it will work. <br />Acting Mayor Backous stated he finds the process to be overly complicated and does not support <br />paying for a consultant or trying to convince residents that "a data center is good for them." He <br />noted abutting residents have already indicated they do not support a data center use. Acting <br />Mayor Backous supported obtaining more information that is factual related to potential data <br />center issues, such as noise and traffic levels. <br />Councilmember Riley stated he received comments from interested parties asking whether this <br />item will be discussed until it gets to a point the City says yes. He stated he does not favor hiring <br />a consultant. <br />Councilmember LeTourneau stated when residents were in attendance at a past Council meeting, <br />consensus was reached that it would be beneficial to bring this group together where they could <br />all participate. At that time, the Council indicated it wanted staff to develop a framework in how <br />it would work so the process could continue to move forward. Councilmember LeTourneau <br />cautioned the Council to not pull back from that position. <br />Acting Mayor Backous clarified he is not saying to exclude residents but to first gather facts so <br />residents are informed and then allow residents to weigh in. He pointed out this recommendation <br />is to limit the group to five people but he thought all residents would be part of the discussion. <br />Acting Mayor Backous stated he does not support limiting to five residents. <br />Councilmember LeTourneau stated he wants to reside in a process to allow for every participant <br />to have the same basis to make an informed decision and that will take more than one meeting. <br />He felt the hybrid alternative is the most efficient method and supports moving through as <br />quickly as possible, noting it will require a fair amount of energy to bring all up to speed. <br />Assistant to the City Administrator Brama explained how the five residents would be selected at <br />random. <br />Councilmember Kuzma stated he wants all Ramsey residents to know what a data center means <br />from a tax standpoint rather than a residential development. <br />The Council discussed that while a Study Group may make a recommendation, it would be the <br />responsibility of the elected members of the City Council to make the decision. <br />City Council / July 9, 2013 <br />Page 7 of 10 <br />