Agenda - Council - 01/13/2004 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Commissioner LaMere stated that he really liked the variety and the uniqueness of what was being presented. Commissioner Ostrum stated that Ramsey Town Center, LLC has been very cooperative in providing some ideas to the Commission as well as listening to the Commission's ideas. He felt that what was presented was a refinement of all the discussions they have had. Commissioner Lehman stated that he really wanted to see open space unique to the City of Ramsey and he thought what was being proposed captured that. Councilmember Elvig stated that he was delighted with what was presented. That being said he tends to lean on the practicality side of things, so the hard issue is how to pay for the parks. What is being presented is great and he wants to make sure they don't come up short. He stated that they have to be careful not to create too much expectation until they know they can pay for it. The Council has discussed the creation of a park maintenance endowment fund and if they are able to do that along with a foundation they may be able to get whole very quickly. Councilmember Cook stated that he thinks the money for the parks will come. The thing he likes about the plan is the fluidness of it. He really liked the linear trails and parkways and could see that the park amenities would draw people to the area to spend a weekend. Councilmember Kurak stated that they do need to discuss how they are going to fund the parks. She wants to be innovative on achieving the funding by working with the developer rather than against the developer. She is very excited about the Town Center project and felt that the more people see what is being proposed for the parks the more actively involved they will become. Bob Clause, Ramsey Town Center, LLC, if the parks are developed as it is being proposed it will be very unique to the area. Councilmember Kurak stated that there needs to be more meetings like this one with the City Council and Commission members as well as other members of the community. Mr. Engen. explained that the intent of the special meetings is that at least one representative from the City Council, Park Commission and staff be part of the future user meetings. Councilmember Pearson stated that he has worked on the land for the past 35 years and what he likes is that they are maintaining the natural flow through the land. He loved the idea of the mix of the parks and providing more of a natural look. Councilmember Zimmerman stated that anytime they have a lot of concrete, bituminous, and brick they want to counter that with some natural area and he thought Ramsey Town Center, LLC had done a good job with that. He was somewhat concerned if the ball field area will be large enough to be functional. City Council/December 4, 2003 Page 3 of 7