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Kathy Anderson, Commercial Architect, explained that she has designed and planned large <br />mixed-use commercial developments, such as Arbor Lakes, the Village of Blaine, Tamarack <br />Village, and Becket Furniture World. She stated that she was excited when she was approached <br />by City staff to be part of the Town Center Review Board. There are a lot of the questions about <br />market realities that she feels she could give opinions on. <br /> <br />City Administrator Norman stated that this group would be established to help expedite the <br />process and react to some of the plans. <br /> <br />Councilmember Zimmerman inquired if the Town Center Review Board would act as an <br />architectural review board, but wouldn't necessarily look at the market. <br /> <br />Ms. Anderson noted that the group would include Economic Development Consultant Mike <br />Mulrooney. <br /> <br />Councihnember Strommen stated that she did think the recommended make-up of the Town <br />Center Review Board was a good combination. She also felt that it was important to have staff <br />involved on the Board because they are familiar with the City Council's vision. It is also <br />important to bring in some expertise to answer some of the questions they may have. <br /> <br />Councilmember Kurak replied that staff already advises the City Council. <br /> <br />Councilmember Elvig explained that when the City was going through the development <br />agreement process with Ramsey Town Center, LLC the City contracted with other people to <br />assist with that process. Here they have a group of people that give staff the well roundedness <br />that is needed to provide good direction to the Council. He thought it was critical to have the <br />team on board. <br /> <br />City Attorney Goodrich stated that one of the most valid criticism's is would there be duplication <br />with staff time, but it was his understanding that this group would meet and than out of that <br />meeting staff would write their report to the Council. The establishment of the Board is actually <br />an effort to strealnline the process. <br /> <br />Councilmember Kurak stated that she was opposed to the cost of the consultants being billed <br />back to the developer. Ramsey Town Center, LLC did not sign an agreement that the City would <br />establish a Town Center Review Board and then charge it back to them. The City is taking <br />something they agreed to and changing it. <br /> <br />Councilmember Strommen questioned if staff is in the process of reviewing a plat and the City <br />needs to hire a consultant for their expertise in a specific area does the City bill that back to the <br />developer. <br /> <br />Assistant Director of Public Works Olson replied yes. <br /> <br />City Council Work Session/March 15, 2004 <br /> Page 7 of 10 <br /> <br /> <br />