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Member Riley stated that doing nothing is not an approach he will support, but stated that he <br /> does understand that there is a lot going on right now that could attract additional interest. He <br /> stated that the City should be prepared to say what they want when the time is right. <br /> Chairperson Steffen stated that the City is doing all of the things outlined in the case under the <br /> recommendation and confirmed the consensus of the EDA to follow the steps of the interim <br /> route. <br /> City Administrator Ulrich stated that the recommendation was to stay the course identified and <br /> let the pieces get into place in order to reassess the situation and identify a long-term strategy. <br /> He stated the recommended approach was not to wait and do nothing. <br /> Member Riley stated that Mr. Pankratz has knowledge of where the City has been in the past, to <br /> where they are now, and where they may end up in the future and asked for his opinion. <br /> Mr. Pankratz stated that perhaps there is a happy medium in between that involves the City, a <br /> broker, and developer. He stated that the RFP process is unknown, noting that Shakopee is <br /> selling their old City Hall for $2, plus incentives through TIF. He stated that from where the <br /> City was three years ago to where they are now has changed the perception of the City in a <br /> positive manner. He stated that the City is creating a positive momentum. He explained that the <br /> retail market has changed so dramatically in the past year that retailers are gun shy. He stated <br /> that the housing market continues to boom. He stated that the City could probably get a master <br /> developer but he was unsure how much skin those developers would be willing to put in the <br /> game. He stated that the unknown with an RFP is how much the developer is willing to put into <br /> the game and what they are going to do. <br /> Mr. Kuker stated that ISD #11 is looking for a bond and identified Ramsey as one of their <br /> biggest areas. He noted that another school would bring additional interest. He agreed that the <br /> perception of Ramsey has changed in the past few years in a positive measure. <br /> Member Riley stated that although there are projects to be excited about, these are not the <br /> projects that residents have been asking for. <br /> Member Williams stated that the City does not know the cost to engage a developer, and what <br /> the deliverables would specifically be. She stated that this interim plan maintains the status quo <br /> but the EDA still needs to identify what they want and what they are willing to pay for. <br /> Mr. Deal noted that restaurants are a tough market and will be a tough sell. He noted that hotels <br /> have also been a discussion but those developers are also shy because they are unsure that the <br /> traffic flow would support that development. He stated that those projects will come once the <br /> City has more activity. <br /> Mr. Pankratz stated that if residents want restaurants they should email those businesses to tell <br /> them they would like to see their business in Ramsey. <br /> Economic Development Authority/July 13,2017 <br /> Page 3 of 9 <br />