Agenda - Council - 02/08/2005 - Laserfiche WebLink

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surrounding the structured parking facility. In order to make the project more feasible, staff discussed the possibility of seeking Tax Increment Financing (TIF) legislation at a recent Council work session. A lobbyist specializing in TI~ special legislation has been contacted and has made a proposal to the City to work with this proposed special legislation. Bonnie L. Balach would be the consultant to facilitate the special legislation. A proposal of Ms. Balach's has been included in the packet. He advised staff Would recommend contracting with Bonnie L. Balach to facilitate special TIF legislation in the State Legislature in an amount not to exceed $2,500. Mayor Gamec asked if the fiscal impact for Town Center has been analyzed with the TW financing in relation to the retail. City Administrator Norman explained only the housing portion would be eligible for the TIF financing. Councilmember Cook noted this would provide an opportunity to have affordable housing in this area, which could be for the elderly or those who need assisted living. City Administrator Norman exPlained there is another project being put together that could include assisted living. :Assistant or senior':living is not planned in this area. Mayor Gamec directed Staffto provide the Council with an update on this. Motion by Councilmember CoOk, seconded .bY Councilmember Olson, to contract with Bonnie L. Balach to facilitate special TIF legislation in the State legislature in an amount not to exceed $2,500. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Mayor Gamec, Councilmembers Cook, Olson, Elvig, Jeffi'ey, Pearson, and Strommen. Voting No: None: Case #9: Authorize Consulting SerVices for Master Planning of Area Surrounding Ramsey Town Center, City Administrator Norman reviewed that hst year the City approved development proposals for the area to the southeast of Town Center in the Rivenwick neighborhood in the near vicinity of the Ramsey Town Center (RTC) project. Initially, staff had received questions and proposals by development interest west of the RTC and to the south of Highway #10 in the vicinity of the RTC. Staff discussed with the City Council at a recent work session that it has become apparent from these discussions that the City has: very little design or blueprint, other than the comprehensive plan, for~the development of the area surrounding the Town Center. City Administrator Norman indicated staff recommended that the City Council contract with Mike Gait of MFRA as the land use planning consultant, Jack Buxell of Buxell Architects as the residential architect, and Kathy L. Andemon of Architectural Consortium as the commercial architect consultant, to initiate a master planning of the area surrounding the Town Center Area. City Council/January 25, 2005 Page 21 of 24