Minutes - Council - 09/16/2003 - Special

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Mayor Gamec noted that the Council had received many drafts over the last few weeks and the draft that was received tonight was the result of changes recommended by the Council at a work session last night. It was the consensus of the City Council to focus their discussions on the changes they had requested during the work session that was held on September 15th. City Attorney Goodrich reviewed 7.6 Assessment Agreement for City Phase I Roadway Improvements. He explained that the Council will need to make a finding that the roadway improvements are not being driven by the development; that the improvements are something the City would have done regardless of the project as a benefit for the City. City ordinance requires that any public improvement that is a result of a development be assessed 100 percent to the developer as well as a letter of credit for 20 percent of the project cost unless it is a public improvement that is being driven by the development. He wanted to make sure that the City was complying with the ordinance language as well as what was being negotiated in the development agreement. Mayor Gamec stated that a couple years ago, the Council had discussed placing the train/rail station behind Burger King. That discussion stopped because the City became aware of State funding for a permanent location for the bus station between Ramsey and Armstrong Boulevards, which the Council felt was more appropriate. It has always been the intent of the Council to construct Sunwood Drive. Councihnember Cook inquired if that was an issue they had to settle on before they could approve the development agreement. City Attorney Goodrich replied that it was something that would have to happen simultaneously. Councilmember Strommen noted that Phase I included both Sunwood Drive and Rhinestone. Assistant Director of Public Works Olson replied that that was correct. Councihnember Elvig stated that the Public Works Committee had looked at the issue and definitely wanted Sunwood Drive and Rhinestone constructed to fill the allotment of MSA mileage. He felt that both roads would be an improvement the City Council would look favorably at with or without the development. Councilmember Cook also agreed that both Sunwood Drive and Rhinestone needed to be constructed whether Ramsey Town Center occurs or not. Councilmember Pearson also agreed that the roads have been in the City's plan for a long time. City Attorney Goodrich reviewed the costs associated with the Phase I roadway improvements as included in 7.6 of version 12 of the development agreement. City Council Special Meeting/September 16, 2003 Page 2 of 11