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Mr. Allen noted that the water tower site does not have a lot of buildable use and they would be <br />willing to purchase that property for this development, and use it for golf holes, which would be <br />a great use of the property. <br />Tom Gamec stated that the underpass could be used not only for golf use but also for all other <br />residents of Ramsey, and would be connected to the trail system. <br />Member Riley stated that he would like to see a larger trail plan to provide additional <br />connections, and justify the tunnel for the public. He stated that he would like to see further <br />negotiation and cost share on the underpass element. <br />Chairperson Steffen asked if the Park and Recreation Commission would provide input. <br />Economic Dev. Mgr./Assistant City Administrator Brama confirmed that there would be further <br />investigation on elements such as trails and connections to parks and it would be routed through <br />other Boards/Commissions, including the Park and Recreation Commission, assuming the <br />Council was comfortable with further investigating this project. <br />Community Development Director Gladhill noted that there are discussions with the new <br />elementary school and with this development as well, it would make sense to look at a broader <br />trail plan for this overall area of the city. <br />Chairperson Steffen asked and received confirmation that golf carts can travel in the city with the <br />correct permitting and noted that the underpass would allow people to travel across the highway <br />to access each side. He asked if the business subsidy `but -for' test would apply to this request. <br />Economic Dev. Mgr./Assistant City Administrator Brama stated that this project is gray as it is <br />not a traditional economic development project, like a business park. He stated that the <br />assistance request includes a road cost -share and the construction of an underpass. He stated that <br />both of these requests are made and processed by the city for non business subsidy situations. <br />Determining if this project is a formal business subsidy is a challenge and can be subjective. He <br />stated staff intends to be cautious with this request, and intends to treat this as a formal business <br />subsidy request, and will recommend requiring general underwriting of the benefiting business. <br />Chairperson Steffen asked if the business would have a problem with the City reviewing their <br />financing as part of this process. <br />Mr. Allen replied that their source of income would be the sale of the land. He noted that the <br />funding of the project would be coming from an outside source. He stated that they would not <br />have a problem with the financials being investigated. <br />Mr. Toilette stated that most of the golf course owners live on the course and their intention is to <br />see the course improved. <br />Member Skaff asked for the action requested from the EDA. <br />Economic Development Authority/December 14, 2017 <br />Page 5 of 9 <br />