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Mr. Gromberg agreed to provide a cost estimate for the west alignment as proposed by the <br />Planning Commission. Thus far he has not provided this information. <br />Deceptive Information <br />On page 1 of his report, Mr. Gromberg indicates there are no plans to extend C.R. #116 beyond <br />Armstrong Boulevard N.W. While this is technically correct, he also knows Mr. Schroeder is <br />meeting with Anoka County to determine how C.R. #116 should be extended. Although Mr. <br />Schroeder has not met with the Planning Commission, he proposed an extension of C.R. #116 <br />which differs from the Planning Commission's recommendation. <br />The number of businesses and acquisition costs have been minimized. Mr. Gromberg used tax <br />assessments instead of market value. This favors the east alternative. <br />Dave Bertelson, Area Manager for Skelgas, stated the cost to relocate the Skelgas plant would <br />exceed $300,000 (see attached memo). He based this on the actual cost he incurred to move a <br />smaller plant in Wisconsin. On page 2, Gromberg states the cost is actually $20,000 to $50,000 <br />and implies this is an estimate from Bud Strom. When Commissioner Hendriksen contacted Mr. <br />Strom, he learned that Mr. Strom had not viewed the property, seen any photographs or been <br />provided an inventory of the Skelgas facility. Mr. Strom said he couldn't provide any more than a <br />rough guess. A safe interchange may require acquisition of both propane dealers. <br />Contrary to Mr. Gromberg's statement, the Planning Commission does not recommend acquiring <br />the business property on the north side of Highway #10 between Armstrong Boulevard N.W. and <br />Ramsey Boulevard N.W. <br />Marketing vs. Planning <br />Staff is only a benefit if the data they provide is above reproach. There is no benefit when <br />Councilmembers and Commissioners must verify information collected by Staff. The analysis <br />prepared by Mr. Gromberg appears biased in favor of EDC's position. <br />CONCLUSION <br />The east altemative costs more, is less functional, offers less development potential, conflicts with <br />Dayton, and will result in a net loss of jobs and business in Ramsey. The east alternative has no <br />advantage other than it uses some right-of-way which has been set aside. The Mississippi River <br />Park is a better use for this property. <br />Planning Subcommittee Memo to Council/January 13, 1995 <br />Page 3 of 3 <br />