Laserfiche WebLink
<br />would identify opportunities that the City could review, and it would not bind the City to any <br />action. <br /> <br />Councilmember Specht stated that he likes that the RFI states that space must be reserved for City <br />and local advertising and asked for details on the type of advertising that the City may do. <br /> <br />Economic Development Manager Sullivan replied that they are open to any and all City messaging <br />that could enhance the message the City is attempting to spread, using the example of local events <br />that the City advertises. He stated that if the City is going to move forward, it would be important <br />to identify City input and restrictions along with the time and space that would be reserved for <br />Ramsey businesses. He used the example of the sign in Champlin, which identifies a minimum <br />amount of time and space for local Champlin businesses. He stated that the City can also prohibit <br />content that it does not feel appropriate through ordinance. <br /> <br />EDA Chairperson Steffen commented that bringing retail and restaurants to The COR has been a <br />long-term goal of the EDA and Council. He stated that in the past six years the City has added <br />rooftops and therefore he does not believe that lack of rooftops is a continued barrier that the City <br />once faced. He noted that the Armstrong Interchange has also not been the golden ticket in <br />attracting those types of businesses. He stated that the issue at this time seems to be related to <br />visibility and lack of exposure. He stated that RDH has contacted almost every national retailer <br />and restaurant in the country and continues to hear that the businesses are not interested because <br />of the lack of exposure. He stated that this process is simply a request for information for <br />something that would have zero cost to the City. He stated that many businesses do not have the <br />ability to have a sign on their property, if located on the interior of The COR, that could be visible <br />from the highway. He stated that this request for interest will answer some of the questions that <br />have been brought forward tonight. <br /> <br />Councilmember Specht stated that originally, he was not a fan of this idea based on how this would <br />look, but as he hears the feedback from staff, the EDA, and businesses, he would respect the idea <br />of gathering more information. He stated that he will support this effort to gather additional <br />information. <br /> <br />Councilmember Woestehoff stated that he agrees with the comments of Councilmembers Specht <br />and Musgrove. He stated that he has hesitations because of the current sign regulations which do <br />not allow billboards but is happy to entertain what this might look like and how it could help and <br />attract businesses. <br /> <br />Councilmember Howell stated that she was also hesitant about this idea. She asked the radius of <br />local businesses that would be allowed to advertise on the sign. <br /> <br />Economic Development Manager Sullivan commented that the sign would be available to all <br />Ramsey businesses and not just those within The COR. He stated that whatever the design of the <br />sign, it would be complimentary to the existing signage. <br /> <br />City Council / January 26, 2021 <br />Page 5 of 13 <br /> <br />