Agenda - Council Work Session - 01/09/2018

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(6) Performance Requirements These assistance requests are being made by RRH based on how this project will help the 167/47 Node. Staff feels it's appropriate to make performance requirements a part of this project. Meaning, the developer must deliver XYZ by ABC date in order to receive City assistance. If the developer doesn't perform, what penalties/ claw -backs should exist? Staff wants to avoid this item being an afterthought, and come up at the end of the negotiation process. Staff thinks the City's expectations should be set upfront. Staff would also ask for direction to develop a recommendation on this item. The EDA reaffirmed this suggestion on 12/14/2017. (7) Get the Deal on Paper Staff would suggest the Council provide general direction to negotiate a 'draft version' of a formal purchase agreement. Depending on where we settle, this too will effect staffs recommendation on this project. At this point, Rum River Hills is informally offering about 30K per usable acre, and about $7,500 per acre for non -buildable land. From a very preliminary perspective, this seems like a reasonable deal for the city, based on the land transaction only. However, until we review an actual agreement, we are only speculating. The PA would also cover other important items (proposed cost -share agreements, performance requirements, infrastructure improvements, etc.). A draft PA will help everyone involved with this project better track, within one document, what the deal looks like. The EDA reaffirmed this suggestion on 12/14/2017. (8) Planning Commission: Land Use Items to Address This project will require a zoning change and a comprehensive plan change. The Planning Commission reviewed this case on 12/07/2017. The Planning is generally supportive of further reviewing this project. Attached to this case is the suggested land use review process. Staff would note a few items upfront that will need to be addressed during the land use review process: (A) the proposed Quicksilver alignment cuts through two private property owners parcels that have yet to be contacted, (B) the proposed width and length of roads don't comply with existing city code, (C) much of the proposed project is located in areas near wetlands and staff would recommend a delineation be completed ahead of time to avoid surprises, and (D) the project will likely require a traffic study for Highway 47, and may trigger intersection improvements at 167th. (9) EDA Comment: Cost Share for Pedestrian Underpass As proposed by the developer, the City would pay 100% for the pedestrian underpass. At the EDA meeting on 12/14/2017, a couple EDA members suggested the pedestrian underpass be cost -shared. EDA members felt the underpass serves two functions: (A) a public use, and (B) a private golf course use. As a result, is was suggested costs should be split. Staff will ask Rum River Hills to respond to this request before this case is brought back again. The EDA has also requested the developer better indicate how this underpass will serve the greater community (i.e. clearly map out the proposed connections). (10) Review by other Commissions The EDA, Planning Commission, and staff have suggested this project be reviewed by other appropriate boards and commissions as well, moving forward. Specifically, the Parks Board has been identified --due to the proximity of this project to Elmcrest Park. Funding Source: Recommendation: Staff, the Planning Commission (12/07/2017), and the EDA (12/14/2017) have reviewed this case. Please see observations section for a summary of feedback. It appears all three parties generally feel the preliminary concept proposal has merit and are generally comfortable with further reviewing this project --assuming the 10 items identified in the observation section can be addressed. Staff would also note that Rum River Hills is a valued local business. They have provided the community a quality golf course, pro -shop, and bar/ restaurant for decades. They employ several people and pay significant property taxes. Rum River Hills is proposing a project that they feel will not only benefit them, but the greater Ramsey community. Staff has enjoyed working with Rum River Hills through this development proposal process and has a great deal of respect for their investments in Ramsey.