Minutes - Council - 09/22/2015 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Councilmember LeTourneau stated that this development came forward previously without a request for assistance which was great. He noted that PSD LLC has been a great participant in the development of Ramsey and believed that the information justifies the assistance. He believes that this project will bring value and a desired amenity to the community and therefore finds it to be a worthwhile investment. Councilmember Riley asked and received confirmation that this would not change the fact that there are public improvements being installed by PSD, including the extension of a public roadway. He stated that he was interested to hear the input from Ehlers and see their report, as he found that information to be very helpful. He stated that he has been skeptical but the City has been told time and time again that the City needs more rooftops to encourage development in The COR. Motion by Councilmember Kuzma, seconded by Councilmember LeTourneau, to direct staff to draft a TIF Agreement with PSD LLC for $500,000 subsidy. Further discussion: Councilmember Williams stated that she was not a fan of the speculative sale of the property but stated that if this will help other projects move forward that would be great. She stated that she would like to see this tied to actual construction. Mayor Strommen stated that she completely agrees with what has been said that the pro forma justifies the support, additional rooftops are needed, the plans are in line with the vision for the City, and PSD LLC has been a great partner to the City. She stated that in spite of all of those items that show benefit she cannot support the project. She stated that it is not personal but the Council has taken the approach to be market driven and have made a lot of changes to the plan in order to facilitate those changes. She believed that the Council should have the discussion regarding the desire to be market driven and whether they would need to continue to subsidize projects. She felt that the Council needs to ask and answer the larger question before decisions like this could be made. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Councilmembers Kuzma, LeTourneau, Riley, Shryock, and Williams. Voting No: Mayor Strommen. Absent: Councilmember Johns. 7.06: Consider Approval of The COR Development Plan Comparison Document Community Development Director Gladhill reviewed the staff report and recommendation to adopt The COR Development Plan comparison document. Mayor Strommen thanked staff and the Boards and Commissions that have provided their time and input. Councilmember LeTourneau stated that he is glad the City is reviewing this document as it was time for a check-in. Motion by Councilmember LeTourneau, seconded by Councilmember Williams, to adopt the Comparison Document for The COR. City Council / September 22, 2015 Page 11 of 12