Agenda - Planning Commission - 12/04/2014

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COR-4. He stated he is in the minority on the Planning Commission to oppose this ordinance amendment. He does not oppose the project per se but does oppose it in this district. Councilmember Tossey stated the problem is not necessarily the project, but the proposed location. He stated the Planning Commission has a job to do in keeping the integrity of the overall plan for The COR. The Council considered allowing a project coming forward and a change in FAR after the Purchase Agreement was entered into to avoid the parking structure. Councilmember Tossey noted the Council had decided to consider this amendment prior to entering into a new Purchase Agreement. Planning Commissioner VanScoy stated the Planning Commission is looking for direction from the Council and if it supports .65, the Planning Commission will proceed in that direction. Mayor Pro Tem Backous asked if it makes sense to introduce an ordinance if the Planning Commission still has work to do on it. He preferred allowing the Planning Commission to complete its discussion prior to the Council considering this amendment. Community Development Director Gladhill stated in trying to move forward, the benefit to the Planning Commission was policy direction of the Council, which would be indicated if the amendment is introduced. Councilmember LeTourneau stated that is a good point as it was not a unanimous decision but the Planning Commission did review the material and entered a specific recommendation of support. Councilmember Riley stated a recommendation was forwarded by the Planning Commission and Planning Commissioner VanScoy is representing the minority position. He noted the CBRE memorandum indicates that current demand will not support structured parking without subsidy. He stated the City is not interested in providing subsidy so the consideration is whether to change the requirements, which is being responsive to the market. Councilmember Riley noted The Residence of The COR received free use of the parking structure and now the Council is looking for a way to get development without public dollars. Councilmember Tossey agreed and stated the Council is trying to avoid offering the type of subsidies given to The Residence of The COR through an amendment to make it easier to develop. Motion by Councilmember Tossey, seconded by Councilmember Riley, to Introduce Ordinance #14-14, An Amendment to Chapter 117 of the City Code, which Chapter is known as Zoning and Subdivisions of the City Code of Ramsey, Minnesota, Amending Sections 117-118 The COR of the Ramsey City Code. Further discussion: Councilmember LeTourneau stated this Council has pushed away the Purchase Agreement and eliminated the deal so the City could look at it holistically and do what is right for the community. Once the ordinance amendment is considered, the City will entertain any Purchase Agreement that is submitted. Councilmember Kuzma stated there is no Purchase Agreement on the table at this time and if the ordinance is amended, it will be open to all to submit a Purchase Agreement.