Minutes - Council - 12/16/2003 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Motion by Mayor Gamec, seconded by Councilmember Cook, to direct City staff to draft a letter in support of the City of Anoka Parks Department CDBG application for funding to expand their transportation service for senior citizens to include portions of Ramsey and request that they look into extending the service hours. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Mayor Gamec, and Councilmembers Cook, Elvig, Kurak, Pearson, Strommcn, and Zimmerman. Voting No: None. Case #13: Consider Request for 90 Day Extension to Ramsey Town Center Park Planning Process Assistant Director of Public Works/Principal City Engineer Olson stated that on September 17, 2003, the City Council agreed to the terms of the Master Development Agreement for the development of the Ramsey Town Center. Within the terms of this agreement, the City and developer agreed to work out the terms of the improvements within the parks that would be eligible for park and trail fee credit. Over the past few months, significant progress has been madc on the three signature parks (North Park, Town Center Park and South Park). Meetings have bccn held-with various departments and the Parks Commission on numerous occasions to consider their input. On December 4, 2004, the City Council met jointly with the Parks Commission and the three signature parks were conceptually unveiled. There is still significant work that needs to be completed with the two remaining parks (Civic Square and Downtown Commons) that are within the Town Center and the Developer requested a 90-day extension to the timeline that was suggested in the Master Development agreement. Staff feels that the bcnelit to allowing for this extension is to work through the details (costs, participation, staffing, maintenance, etc.) of the remaining parks but feels that there should be a timeline that is associated with the approval. It is staff's intent to receive and respond to each of the details prior to thc City Council receiving the information. A team was assembled by the City Administrator that consists of key staff from each of the Departments (Community Development, Police, Public Works, Administrator, and Finance) to deal specifically with Ramsey Town Center issues. This team developed a schedule of activities that need to be completed to accomplish the task within 90 days. The schedule was discussed with the Developer and it was agreed that these tasks could be completed and submitted in the timeline that is suggested. Councihnember Strommen stated that she really hopes they stick to the timeline because the Council has been faced with having to make last minute decisions and she does not want that to continue. Councilmember Zimmennan agreed. Counci hnember Elvig stated that the frustration level has gotten very high with all the last minute decisions having to be made. He inquired if there should be a remedy placed on this extension if thc timeline is not met. City Attomcy Goodrich replied that the development agreement is well written and the remedy is to adhere to the development agreement and require the developer to comply with the terms. He City Council/December 16, 2003 Page 26 of 33