Agenda - Parks and Recreation Commission - 02/10/2022

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Commissioner Walker referenced the $730,000 estimated cash value to the City shown. He stated that if the event center does not become feasible, it is his understanding that the City could not sell the buildings/property because it was provided through park dedication. Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood replied that the Council could accept the property with the homestead and buildings as fee/title so that it could be resold in the future but noted that would impact the land Park Dedication calculations. Commissioner Walker stated that from his stance there is not a cash value unless it can be sold for cash. He referenced the projection that the farmhouse could be rented for $2,400 per month. He believed that the City would be hard pressed to do so with the surrounding construction and renovation. He stated that if he could live on the property with the barns in the existing condition, he is unsure that he would pay that amount to live there. He stated that he does not support this development and believes the residents in that area are getting screwed. Commissioner Olson asked for details on fire suppression and whether the buildings would be fully sprinkled. Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood confirmed that there is a line item to provide a diy fire suppression system. He estimated about $30,000 or $40,000 for fire suppression. Chair Bennett acknowledged that Commissioner Walker does not support the development as a whole. He commented that there some things in the concept that are a best guess at this time which makes it difficult to provide a sound opinion. He appreciated the details and costs shown in the report and believed this was a fair projection. He believed that this would be a nice amenity as the development appears to be moving forward. Commissioner Sis stated that he did not see the playground equipment or shelter costs included in the plan. Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood stated that those estimates were not included as of yet. He stated that he does have rough numbers and will work to bring them to better accuracy. He stated that his focus for this meeting was on the farmhouse and barn renovations, noting that he will bring additional details to the March meeting. He stated that he will look further into the rental estimates. He stated that in early phases the farmhouse would be rented while it would move to public day use in later phases. He believed that the park has considerable value to this area of the community, not only in this development but the surrounding residential areas and properties being developed in this area of Ramsey. Councilmember Heineman commented that a lot of communities have upscale amenities of this nature that generate a lot of revenue. He stated that it will be nice to have the free park amenity for residents and also have a business proponent in the ability to rent the event center. He stated that the ability to have elective revenue is a great opportunity for the City. He believed that having a connection between the EDA and Parks and Recreation is also a benefit. He believed that this will be a great resource that will generate elective revenue and be an amenity to the community. Park and Recreation Commission/January 13, 2022 Page 3 of 7