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City Administrator Ulrich commended Asst. City Administrator/Economic Development <br />Manager Brama and Mr. Mulrooney for their work, noting that this is a thoughtful and well - <br />measured approach that will serve the City for years to come. <br />Mayor Strommen agreed that this was a great piece of work and appreciated all the work that has <br />gone into the document from both staff and the EDA. <br />Councilmember Riley stated that this was driven first by the EDA and appreciated the work that <br />went into this. He stated that this is a big decision as business parks drive the tax base of the <br />City and noted that it is very helpful to have this information. He thought that the Council <br />should review the information with a judgmental eye to test the assumptions and ideas. <br />Councilmember Kuzma stated that he likes the idea of developing in phases, installing the <br />infrastructure in phases as well, but noted that from a cost savings standpoint, it may make sense <br />to install the infrastructure all at once. <br />Councilmember LeTourneau stated that the document is a necessary tool and he continues to be <br />informed that this is a solid and viable project. He stated that he would err on the side of being <br />proactive rather than so conservative but understood the sensible timing. He stated that there are <br />25 plus additional acres that could be potentially shovel ready and asked how that could be <br />included in the plan as well. <br />Mayor Strommen stated that she is unclear if the 25 acres would be in competition with these <br />acres or whether they would be complimentary. <br />Councilmember LeTourneau stated that the demand in the market is what will allow for these 93 <br />acres to sell and the 25 acres to sell concurrently. <br />Mayor Strommen stated that in some cases, more helps you as it provides additional options, but <br />noted that sometimes it does not help you as the new piece could be swooped up while the City <br />is still left with the other piece. <br />Asst. City Administrator/Economic Development Manager Brama highlighted a parcel with 25 <br />acres that is close to being ready to go and is located in the potential new business park area. He <br />also highlighted land available for development near the site saved for a future public works <br />facility. <br />City Administrator Ulrich stated that when a business approaches the City, staff reviews the <br />available sites within the City in order to provide options to the business and find a space that <br />will best suit the needs of that business. He stated that the City is in a good position to meet a lot <br />of needs that businesses could have. <br />Councilmember LeTourneau noted that Elk River is a competition for the City and asked the <br />degree to which Elk River is completely built out. <br />City Council Work Session / January 26, 2016 <br />Page2of5 <br />