Agenda - Economic Development Authority - 02/13/2014

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(12) Former Amoco Station (5195 NW 142n Ave.) Background The former Amoco Station was purchased from Amoco /BP Products North America in 2005. The City paid $235,000 for the property and demolished the structure. Minutes indicate concerns in relation to restrictive covenants and environmental concerns. MPCA notified the seller that no further remediation activities are required on the parcel. Staff is investigating the whereabouts of the reports to assist in the sale of the property. In addition, significant restrictions where placed on the property disallowing many uses such as; restaurant, gas station, residential, any basement, any auto related business, etc. Staff is working to communicate with the firm that wrote the covenants to better understand their meaning and options for removal. This project coincides with gathering information for the CBRE listing effort. Prospect Sergeant Recently, Staff began working with a prospective buyer, confidentially named "Sergeant." Sergeant is interested in placing an auto - related business on the property. Prior to submitting a letter of interest, Sergeant is seeking more clarification on the restrictive covenants and contamination /environmental status. This use is not allowed per current zoning; however, Development Services Staff has indicated a conditional use permit may allow a use such as this. Staff will continue to research the parcel for prospect Sergeant and for the CBRE listing effort. (13) Casey's General Store The City received a letter of interest (LOI) from Casey's General Store for purchase of property in the SW quadrant of the Sunwood Dr. and Ramsey Blvd. intersection. On January 14t the City Council made a motion to accept to the LOI and move forward with negotiations to craft a purchase agreement (PA). Staff has been working with Casey's to provide infrastructure information, development cost estimates, and design related information. Ramsey's City Attorney has directed Staff to allow for a purchase agreement to be crafted by Casey's. Review of the PA will start with internal Staff and be brought to Council at a future meeting for approval. (14) Armstrong Interchange Final plans for review are to be submitted on March 28 Currently Staff, elected officials, and consultants are working on detail concepts for the exterior finish of the bridge and retaining walls. Concept images will be shown at the meeting. Please note, these images are conceptual. (15) Sunfish Express Staff and Council recently received notification from Sunfish Express (Shell gas station, Cousin Subs, and Taco - Pulco) that the business will be closing its doors. Sunfish Express stated a large factor in their decision to close was access to the property after the medians on Sunfish Lake Blvd. were installed. On January 28t Ramsey HRA discussed the topic as an update item on the agenda. HRA Members expressed concern with the closing of the business. It was generally agreed upon that this topic be added to an HRA /EDA meeting in the future. Staff will contact the real estate agency charged with marketing that node to discuss opportunities and challenges. Upon receiving their feedback Staff is recommending the EDA discuss the "node" more formally.