Minutes - Council Work Session - 09/23/2021 - Joint

Home

Councilmember Musgrove stated that while she agrees with the intent stated by Councilmember Heineman, she would also be open to having the company provide additional information on political ads. Councilmember Woestehoff stated that when he was on the Planning Commission it felt that there historically have been decisions where the vision for The COR have been sidestepped. He stated that it would be great to have it solidified that the desire is for a Main Street concept down Sunwood, but variations continue to be allowed. He asked if the vision is for a Main Street and small-town feel, or whether the desire is for something else. He stated that he would favor holding out to create the desired vision rather than continuing to accommodate variations. Councilmember Heineman stated that it appears that Champlin does not allow political, tobacco, vaping or other adult ads on their billboard. Planning Commissioner VanScoy commented that there is a plan for monuments along Highway 10 to advertise for the businesses within The COR. He stated that those monuments would serve a good purpose. City Administrator Ulrich stated that the broader topic is development within The COR. He referenced the parcel at the corner of Ramsey Boulevard and Sunwood Drive which has had some retail development and has additional interest from PACT Charter School for a High School location. He stated that although that type of tax-exempt development within The COR does not generate income, it does create a destination use. He stated that the original vision for that area was office type use. He asked whether the Council would be open to different use on that parcel, whether that be PACT or retail. He stated that options will come forward as that corner will continue to have good visibility. He recognized that the retail market has changed and there has to be some flexibility to the vision in order to accommodate market forces. He stated that The COR has been in existence for 20 years and this is a time where adjustment may be needed to adjust to the market. Jason Tossey, PACT Charter School Board of Directors member, stated that the school has a vision to double, which would include multiple sites. He stated that the school can financially support the vision to expand. He stated that PACT uses Northgate Church for its plays and other programs. He explained that PACT is a public charter school and they would like the opportunity for students th to continue from kindergarten to 12 grade. He stated that utilizing the space across Sunwood would allow them to create a campus feeling. He stated that they would like to work with the City to possibly double the size of the school within The COR. Josh Nyquist, Executive Director of Building Operations, PACT, stated that they are a public school and they continue to grow with a waiting list. He stated that they want to be the high school for Ramsey. He stated that they have looked at a number of sites but would prefer to have a site close to the existing school. Kao Vang, Development Manager, PACT stated that they are early in the process. He stated that using the existing enrollment and waiting list, they have generated a model to predict future space needs. He stated that they have reviewed opportunities within Ramsey and did not find many City Council Special Work Session / September 23, 2021 Page 5 of 11