Minutes - Council - 11/25/2003 - Laserfiche WebLink

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and irltariors of new businesses. The businesses must be repositioned and marketed to appeal to a larger number of trade area re~.idents, particularly those with higher incomes.' This will necessitate redesign of the con~_' ercial area and, therefore, a master plan should be completed to determine how to redev, elop the area. A master plan for the area should be prepared to determine how the area can accommodate future development potential. A firm should be engaged to prepare concept plans showing how the proposed retail and service uses could be accommodated in the commercial node. The study should include some fiscal analysis and provide different financing options to accomplish higher quality development in the area. The EDA reviewed the Retail Market Analysis study at their July meeting. The EDA felt it was important to follow Jim McComb's recommendation to prepare a master plan for the area. They directed staff to engage the services of a consultant to develop a master plan for the Rum River Commercial area and appropriated EDA monies to fund the study. Staff contacted the Hoisington and Koegler Group (HKGi) to gain insight into the best approach in hiring the appropriate consulting firm to complete the study. During such discussion, it became apparent that HKGi had the qualifications and expertise to complete the study. Included with this case is a copy of their proposal to prepare a Rum River Commercial Area Master Plan. HKGi is proposing to work closely with staff and the property owners to prepare concept plans for the subject area. Their proposal also includes assessing the financial feasibility of the chosen master concept. Due to their close working relationship with the City during the writing of the Comprehensive Plan and rewrite of Chapter 9, HKGi already has extensive knowledge of the City and is upto date on Ramsey's current issues and challenges that may affect the subject commercial node. Staff recommended that the City Council authorize $37,500 to be allocated from the EDA:;Budget, line item Miscellaneous Professional Services, to begin working with HKGi to complete a master plan for the Rum River Commercial Area. Councilmember Elvig encouraged the Council to look at this with a strong sense of urgency because the businesses are barely hanging on. He noted that he did have some questions about the amount and if a private developer comes in, is a master developer restrictive to them or beneficial to them. City Administrator Norman explained that it is the City's desire on how they want to use the master plan. Inlhis opinion the master plan would be helpful rather than restrictive. Councilmember Kurak agreed with Mr. Elvig on the urgency of the issue. She had some concern that $37,500 was excessive, but now that she knows what the tasks are she did not think it was excessive. Motion by CoUncilmember Kurak, seconded by Councilmember Cook, to enter into a contract with HKGi to complete a master plan for the Rum River Commercial node generally located at the intersection of Highway #47 and 167th Avenue. Further discussion: Councilmember Cook stated that some of the City's oldest business owners started in that area and it is time they get some planning in the area and get a new start to serve the northeast area of the community. Councilmember Elvig stated that some of the difficulties the node is having is the result of growth and restrictions. He thought it was a good idea to spend City Council/November 25, 2003 Page 23 of 28