Laserfiche WebLink
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 />