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Councihnember Elvig stated that he thinks the project is very exciting. What the citizens of <br />Ramsey are looking for is the retail sector. He inquired as to how much of an element "big box" <br />retail will have. <br /> <br />Mr. Feges explained that they are trying to push the envelope to redefine the idea of "big box". <br />He stated that they wouldn't discourage a "big box" retailer, but have it redefined. <br /> <br />Councilmember Cook stated that he personally likes the flow of the green space and how it ties <br />in the residential and retail areas. He inquired if there is as much interest in commercial <br />development as there has been in the residential. <br /> <br />Mr. Feges replied that they are a little bit behind on the discussions of the retail area because they <br />were waiting for certain studies to be completed. There is not a lack of interest in the project and <br />they hopefully will begin to move forward this summer. <br /> <br />Councilmember Elvig expressed concern with stacking issues along Highway #10 with the <br />railroad tracks. <br /> <br />Mr. Feges replied that they have someone working on that issue with MnDOT. <br /> <br />2) Charter School Discussion <br /> <br />City Administrator Norman explained that the City has been in discussions about the possibility <br />of a PACT School (Parents Allied with Children and Teachers) moving into the Town Center <br />site. A fiscal impact study is being put together showing revenues of the Town Center, which <br />becomes very important. The one difficulty with the school being placed within the Town Center <br />site is that all of the land the school is on becomes tax exempt, which would be about 11 acres. <br />There is one other site in the City of Ramsey being considered for the school, which is along <br />Highway #10 near the future site of Hope Fellowship and Diamonds Sports Bar. From the City's <br />perspective, the property along Highway #10 is already tax exempt because it is owned by a <br />Church. <br /> <br />Daniel Boone, PACT Charter School, stated that they have met with Mr. Feges regarding the <br />Town Center location, which they are very excited about. The timing is ideal with the Town <br />Center because they need to get the project started as soon as possible. They currently have 41 of <br />the 319 students that are residents of Ramsey. The school will be providing a service for the <br />community. <br /> <br />Councihnember Cook inquired as to which site the PACT school would prefer. <br /> <br />Stephen Bosacker, PACT Charter School, explained that there are two factors they have to <br />consider. One is they have to make their timeline and budget and secondly who their neighbor <br />will be. There are challenges with the site south of #10 logistically, and the shapes of the land <br />and there might be issues with the Church. <br /> <br />City Council/February 18, 2003 <br /> Page 3 of 4 <br /> <br /> <br />