Minutes - Council - 08/22/2017 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mayor Strommen stated that part of the confusion is that this discussion is regarding site location and the layout is different for each concept because it was developed by staff. Councilmember Williams stated that in the EDA meeting, the group liked Concept C because it would allow the commercial development to remain on Sunwood Drive and would push the residential development further from the roadway. She provided additional details on the road alignment and how that could be moved. She stated that there was also discussion with what a four-story building might look like compared to the existing buildings in The COR. She noted that Concept C was the preference of the EDA. Councilmember Johns stated that she is very excited to see this product come to Ramsey as it a much needed product here. She agreed with Councilmember LeTourneau that she does not want to see parking lots lining Sunwood Drive and perhaps drawing the building forward. She believed that either Concept C or D would be a good fit. She was very supportive of the project and would love to see it move through to the next stage. Mayor Strommen also agreed that this is a good project and agreed that Concept C is a good fit. She stated that people seem to be caught up on the parking for the remnant commercial parcel that would be left and noted that if the concept was drawn differently with the parking that could have eliminated the comments on that element. She noted that this appears to be heading in the right direction and hoped to see Mr. James back in the future. 7.07: Consider Approving Settlement Agreement and Mutual Release by and between the City of Ramsey, Minnesota and McDonald's USA, LLC City Administrator Ulrich reviewed the staff report and recommendation to approve the settlement agreement mutual release by and between the City of Ramsey and McDonald's USA, LLC. Councilmember Riley asked if this would release the City from all claims. Jason Asmus, Briggs and Morgan, confirmed that the settlement would give both parties release from any claims the other party may have. He stated that by virtue of filing the resolution and quick claim deed the title would be returned to the City. Mayor Strommen stated that this has been a thoroughly frustrating and disappointing experience. Councilmember Williams stated that while a McDonald's would have been preferred, she is excited to see what better options may come forward. Motion by Councilmember Williams, seconded by Councilmember LeTourneau, to approve the settlement agreement and mutual release by and between the City of Ramsey, Minnesota and McDonald's USA, LLC, and adopt Resolution #17-08-206 Authorizing Transfer of Right-of-Re- entry contained in Deed and Authorize the Mayor and City Administrator to execute and record the Quit Claim Deed. City Council/August 22,2017 Page 14 of 15