Minutes - Council - 03/10/2015 - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Administrator Ulrich emphasized that this is not a City -owned business park per se but the City would take responsibility to determine how to provide public infrastructure so a business park can be created. Acting Mayor LeTourneau thanked the EDA for its work as well as the EDA Council Liaisons Riley and Williams. Councilmember Riley agreed that business parks are important to the City to keep the overall taxes low and the City has seen proof of that when a TIF District decertifies and the tax base is improved. He stated Ramsey has had a few successful business parks but currently they are all full with no open available land. Councilmember Riley also emphasized that the City of Ramsey would not own this land and the consideration is to facilitate infrastructure. Acting Mayor LeTourneau stated the Council made the choice to not be the landowner or developer for this particular business park but in the past, the City has taken that role. He agreed with the importance to provide opportunity for commercial and business uses and assure diversity desired by the City's residents. Acting Mayor LeTourneau asked what the market bears for opportunities that can be within the rail corridor and if it creates a limit. Asst. City Administrator /Economic Development Manager Brama explained the railroad train tracks on the south side of the proposed business park will create vibration that will affect properties within 100 yards of the rail. He stated manufacturing is a target user for this business park and many are precision manufacturers with equipment that is sensitive to vibration. Because vibration is the major concern, it is recommended such businesses locate outside of the 100 -yard area or use construction methods to mitigate that issue. Councilmember Riley stated the EDA held a thorough discussion on this issue after a presentation by Mike Mulrooney of ACG Consulting and it was pointed out there are many business parks located alongside railroad tracks in many communities. He stated the issue is the RFQ to study the infrastructure necessary to create a business park in this area, which would have to be studied by the City at some point so the area can develop. Motion by Councilmember Riley, seconded by Councilmember Williams, to Authorize Bolton and Menk to complete the work outlined the submitted traffic analysis and feasibility study proposal and authorize staff to execute a cost share agreement with Hageman Holdings and Pearson Properties for work outlined in the feasibility study proposal; subject to amendments from the City Attorney. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Acting Mayor LeTourneau, Councilmembers Riley, Williams, Johns, Kuzma, and Shryock. Voting No: None. Absent: Mayor Strommen. 7.03: Consider Adopting Ordinance #15 -05 Authorizing the City of Ramsey to Sell Thirty -Five (35) Parcels of Real Property Asst. City Administrator /Economic Development Manager Brama reviewed the staff report and recommendation to adopt Ordinance #15 -05 on second reading. City Council / March 10, 2015 Page 7 of 11