Minutes - Council Work Session - 01/10/2017

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Councilmember Shryock stated that she agrees with Mayor Strommen but was concerned that a master developer may not have the same vision the City does. She stated that she likes the different options and being able to pick and choose elements. She was not sure the level of control the City could have with a master developer but did like the idea of the City getting out of the constant discussions regarding property. Mayor Strommen stated that she would share those concerns but believed that there is groundwork that can be done to ensure the City's issues are addressed. Councilmember Riley stated that he joined the Council four years ago, in an attempt to help the City get out of the land sale game and yet here they are four years later. He stated that he would support anything that leads to the desired outcome noting that the City does not have the development and marketing experience that a developer would and therefore he would prefer the master developer route. Councilmember Shryock asked the proposed timeframe for this process. Asst. City Administrator/Economic Development Manager Brama stated that there are many factors involved and provided examples, such as whether multiple RFP's should be created and to review the different options available. He stated that the target would be to have this completed in six months but noted that there is a potential that additional time would be needed. Councilmember Williams provided details of the contract extension that should be considered. Councilmember Kuzma stated that if the City states that they only want to extend the CBRE contract for six months, that could give them the impression that they are looking elsewhere and perhaps they will not put the same amount of effort in. He asked what would occur if the City did not sign a contract. Mayor Strommen noted that it could also motivate CBRE to increase their performance levels. Councilmember Williams stated that CBRE has offered the shorter contract extension as it is not uncommon for a landowner to take a step back and review their options. She noted that CBRE is a large firm that has multiple departments that could do a majority of the options the City is reviewing. She noted that CBRE would most likely think that the City is reviewing their options to further craft their desired outcome. The consensus of the Council was to direct the EDA to continue their work. 2.04: Legal Update re Koenig v. City of Ramsey, Assessment Appeal, Anoka County District Court (This discussion is closed to the public) City Administrator Ulrich stated that he can call City Attorney Langel to provide an update via conference call as he has not yet made it to the meeting because of the road conditions. RECESS AND RECONVENE City Council Work Session / January 10, 2017 Page 5 of 7