06/14/18 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

Member Riley stated that doing nothing is not an approach he will support, but stated that he does understand that there is a lot going on right now that could attract additional interest. He stated that the City should be prepared to say what they want when the time is right. Chairperson Steffen stated that the City is doing all of the things outlined in the case under the recommendation and confirmed the consensus of the EDA to follow the steps of the interim route. City Administrator Ulrich stated that the recommendation was to stay the course identified and let the pieces get into place in order to reassess the situation and identify a long-term strategy. He stated the recommended approach was not to wait and do nothing. Member Riley stated that Mr. Pankratz has knowledge of where the City has been in the past, to where they are now, and where they may end up in the future and asked for his opinion. Mr. Pankratz stated that perhaps there is a happy medium in between that involves the City, a broker, and developer. He stated that the RFP process is unknown, noting that Shakopee is selling their old City Hall for $2, plus incentives through TIF. He stated that from where the City was three years ago to where they are now has changed the perception of the City in a positive manner He stated that the City is creating a positive momentum. He explained that the retail market has changed so dramatically in the past year that retailers are gun shy. He stated that the housing market continues to boom. He stated that the City could probably get a master developer but he was unsure how much skin those developers would be willing to put in the game. He stated that the unknown with an RFP is how much the developer is willing to put into the game and what they are going to do. Mr. Kuker stated that ISD #11 is looking for a bond and identified Ramsey as one of their biggest areas. He noted that another school would bring additional interest. He agreed that the perception of Ramsey has changed in the past few years in a positive measure. Member Riley stated that although there are projects to be excited about, these are not the projects that residents have been asking for. Member Williams stated that the City does not know the cost to engage a developer, and what the deliverables would specifically be. She stated that this interim plan maintains the status quo but the EDA still needs to identify what they want and what they are willing to pay for. Mr. Deal noted that restaurants are a tough market and will be a tough sell. He noted that hotels have also been a discussion but those developers are also shy because they are unsure that the traffic flow would support that development. He stated that those projects will come once the City has more activity. Mr. Pankratz stated that if residents want restaurants they should email those businesses to tell them they would like to see their business in Ramsey. Economic Development Authority/July 13, 2017 Page 3 of 9