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Councilmember Johns agreed with the comments of Mayor Strommen that this is a fabulous <br /> project that she would love to see come to Ramsey. She stated that she did not want the City to <br /> cut themselves short on this location and could perhaps move this user down one block. She <br /> agreed that additional information would be helpful. <br /> Mayor Strommen stated that there is a lot of excitement from the City, there is simply a struggle <br /> with whether this is the right decision for the City and they would like the information necessary <br /> to determine if this is the best site for the business. She asked whether the applicants would be <br /> amenable to the timeline. <br /> Michael Johnson stated that they started talking with staff in October of 2016. He stated that <br /> they had lived here for many years but now live in Andover. He stated that they have seen the <br /> growth and development in Ramsey and would like to be a part of that. He stated that they have <br /> been to all the lots in The COR, noting that each of the lots have their own appeal. He stated that <br /> the lots north of Coborn's are retail and therefore the school would not be a good fit. He stated <br /> that the areas from Casey's moving west are vacant and leave a lot of possibilities. He stated <br /> that the half acre lot remnant is not their fault. He stated that their school would bring 100 <br /> vehicles through The COR twice daily, which would bring additional business to those <br /> businesses in The COR. He stated that they chose the location they chose, not just for price, but <br /> because they feel that is the best fit and how they could best fit into The COR. <br /> Mayor Strommen appreciated that and noted that is why the Council is excited. She asked if the <br /> applicants are willing to work with the City for a little more time to let the Planning Commission <br /> and Council become more comfortable, as the EDA did. She stated that they want to work with <br /> the applicants and are asking for additional time to let everyone get to the point of being <br /> comfortable. <br /> Mr. Johnson stated that they are going to continue to work with the City but would like to stay <br /> within the school schedule. <br /> Mrs. Johnson asked for additional input on the timeframe. <br /> Community Development Director Gladhill reported that the Planning Commission meets the <br /> following week and then it could come back to the Council in February. <br /> Asst. City Administrator/Economic Development Manager Brama agreed that the timeline could <br /> be targeted to come back to the Council the second week in February. He noted that having <br /> professional help for the mockup with put a question mark into the timeline and perhaps it comes <br /> back to the fourth week in February. <br /> Mrs. Johnson stated that they were hoping to open for the 2017 school year and it probably does <br /> not look like that would happen. She thanked the Council for their time. <br /> Mayor Strommen stated that the goal is not to delay the project, but this is the first time is it <br /> coming before the City Council and it is a complex decision. She stated that the Council is <br /> attempting to find a path to approve the request in a manner people are comfortable with. <br /> City Council/January 24,2017 <br /> Page 15 of 17 <br />