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Member Strommen stressed the importance of the City departments coordinating prior to <br /> contacting the MPCA. <br /> Economic Development Consultant Mulrooney advised the state would be hard pressed to stand <br /> in the way of additional industrial land in the City, which would provide more jobs and tax base. <br /> Economic Development/TIF Specialist Sullivan indicated it is his understanding that the Public <br /> Works Campus and the industrial land acquisition could work hand in hand. He stated it was <br /> brought to staffs attention that there is a potential project that might be going in just north of <br /> Sunwood Drive on the MPCA land. This project is supported by MPCA because it would utilize <br /> the methane from the landfill to serve as a fuel source for the greenhouse project. This project <br /> does not appear to be the type that would increase the tax base significantly and it would not fit <br /> well with the surrounding development. He recommends that the EDA identify this land as a <br /> high priority for future industrial development, and express that they are not happy with the <br /> answer of the MPCA at this time. He suggested a separate motion could be made to coordinate a <br /> proposal with Public Works in addition to identifying the land for purchase. <br /> Acting Chairperson Steffen asked if the City is able to stop a greenhouse project. Economic <br /> Development/TIF Specialist Sullivan responded in the affirmative. He indicated the project <br /> would need a conditional use permit or an interim use permit to proceed. <br /> Member Kiefer inquired about the status of St. Paul Terminal. Economic Development/TIF <br /> Specialist Sullivan replied the site has been vacant for over two years. The City will be <br /> purchasing the property this morning and it will be cleared for development. <br /> Motion by Member LeTourneau, seconded by Member Strommen, to identify and prioritize the <br /> land south of the landfill for acquisition for future industrial development, with the condition that <br /> there is coordination with the Public Works Department. <br /> Motion carried. Voting Yes: Acting Chairperson Steffen, Members LeTourneau, Strommen, <br /> and Kiefer. Voting No: None. Absent: Chairperson Riley,Members Elvig and Gromberg. <br /> Further discussion: Member LeTourneau inquired about other possible sites in the City for <br /> industrial development. Economic Development/TIF Specialist Sullivan replied there is not <br /> another large tract of land available in the City. The MPCA site already has infrastructure, sewer <br /> and water. Member Letourneau suggested the EDA become involved in discussions regarding <br /> industrial land in the City. He noted a recommendation to the Council may be needed that <br /> additional industrial land is needed in the City. Economic Development/TIF Specialist Sullivan <br /> stated the EDA has been successful in bringing businesses to Ramsey, and has done a good job <br /> of providing enough land for businesses to expand on site. They do not want businesses that <br /> need to expand further to leave their community, and an inventory of land is needed for these <br /> businesses. For the most part, industrial development is the best money maker for the City; the <br /> least amount of cost is required to go into the land, it does not require as much police and fire <br /> protection, and the tax base is high. Member LeTourneau stressed the need to have industrial <br /> land made available as the inventory is depleted. Economic Development/TIF Specialist <br /> Economic Development Authority/November 16, 2005 <br /> Page 3 of 5 <br />