Agenda - Council - 04/28/2015 - Laserfiche WebLink

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7.06: New Policy for the Sale of City -Owned Land and Template Purchase Agreement Asst. City Administrator/Economic Development Manager Brama reviewed the staff report and recommendation to approve a Policy for the sale of City -owned land and a template purchase agreement as revised by the EDA. Councilmember Williams stated the EDA discussed the policy and template at length and considered the importance of not adding a layer of government but to help staff and CBRE focus efforts and create efficiencies. She stated the policy outlines what is needed with the City's diverse properties and lays out base expectations and parameters without creating limitations. Councilmember LeTourneau stated he appreciates the work of staff and the EDA in this consideration, noting it creates a process that can be relied upon when decisions are made. In addition, it designs a process that does not create 'red tape.' He stated Ramsey is spending a lot of time and energy on collaboration and assuring those with expertise weigh in, which occurred when drafting this policy. Councilmember LeTourneau stated he is hearing from the development community and how much it appreciates the City having a common and consistent message that he believes will result in better outcomes. Mayor Strommen stated there have been a lot of conversations about sales of land and prospects before the Council but she has found it frustrating that there has been little context and few tools to use when evaluating those proposals. She asked staff to share about the benefits of a policy to attract future development. Asst. City Administrator/Economic Development Manager Brama stated staff drafted a policy in how to develop the 167/Highway 47 retail node that has been used time and time again with prospective developers, property owners, and residents, noting that policy has created a more effective process because it makes clear the position of the City. Mayor Strommen stated she will provide several syntax revisions to staff. Motion by Councilmember Riley, seconded by Councilmember Shryock, to Approve a Policy for the sale of City -owned land and a template purchase agreement. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Mayor Strommen, Councilmembers Riley, Shryock, Johns, Kuzma, LeTourneau, and Williams. Voting No: None. 7.07: Approve 21 -Day Extension to Casey's Purchase Agreement Asst. City Administrator/Economic Development Manager Brama reviewed the staff report, alternatives for consideration, and recommendation to approve the request of Casey's General Store for a 21 -day extension. Councilmember Riley asked what is the cause for the slow down and if it was caused by City staff. City Council / April 14, 2015 Page 9 of 12