Agenda - Economic Development Authority - 04/19/2004

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registration information a total of 60 businesses attended (however, several people did not register, so in reality more businesses were in attendance than what staff's registration numbers reflect). The presentations were well appreciated, the food was excellent, and it appeared that business people were networking. Staff received 24 completed evaluation forms that provided wonderful comments and ideas for future meetings. Please see the attached spreadsheet for a comprehensive review of the evaluation forms. EDA Proiects: Zip Code Request: Staff received a letter from Don Wandzel from the Mirmepolis Branch of the Post office. In the letter (attached) it outlines the status of our attempt to receive our own Zip Code for Ramsey. We will be in contact with the post office on a yearly basis to update them with increases in deliveries and related items. CDBG: Bids were awarded for the demolition and clean-up of the Chies and Morrell sites and most of the demolition and clean-up is complete. The only remaining clean-up is to remove the black dirt from the Chies property. Negotiations will begin again with B & A Cylinder knowing that it is likely the City will receive $150,000 in CDBG funding. This amount has not been confirmed but it has been identified as the amount the County recommended. Another option would-be to begin negotiations with the Debee property due to the fact that we seem to have a large demand for smaller lots. Douglas and Gary Hanson (Bakestar Property): Staff met with Douglas Hanson to discuss acquiring his property. There was a difference in price between the parties and both have since started getting appraisals. The City has received its appraisal and it is $400,000. The City is still waiting on Mr. Hanson's appraisal and will resume negotiations when it is obtained. City Staff is encouraged by the willingness of the seller to meet with us and hopes that the appraisals come back fairly even so that we can settle on a "Fair Market Value". The City Council passed a resolution authorizing condemnation if negotiations fail. Rum River CommercialArea: Staff attempted to coordinate a meeting with the Business Focus Group to review preliminary concept plans. However, due to several of the key players living south for the winter it was impossible to establish a meeting time in February or March. The additional time will allow staff to continue to work with the consultant to resolve some initial concerns related to the proposed preliminary concept plans. Private conversations continue to occur between the property owners and interested developers. Miscellaneous: Kenko Negotiations: Staff began preliminary discussions with the agent for the Kenko ?roperty located on Armstrong Boulevard. During this period the property was sold. City Staff believes that it can work with the new owner in the future. Highway #10: At the April 13, 2004 City Council meeting, the Council introduce an~ ordinance to zone the portion of Highway 10 that will be utilized for highway improvements in the future to official map, introduced an ordinance to establish a H-1 Highway 10 Business District, and related to the introduction of the H-1 Ordinance the City Council introduced an ordinance to zone the corridor to H-1. Upon the effective date P. 18