Minutes - Council Work Session - 05/11/2022 - Joint WS

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Mayor Kuzma stated that he does not like the word COR. He stated that the sign on Highway 10 was changed to the City of Ramsey. He recognized that funds were spent on developing the logo and brand but believed that the first change they should make is with the name. Planning Commission Chair Bauer stated that the Commission has been hearing from the EDA that more retail would like to be along Highway 10 for visibility and was concerned with lack of visibility if located in The COR. He commented that there have been multiple variances to sign height to promote the businesses within that location. He believes that Highway 10 and The COR should be discussed together. He recognized that the large draw retail would most likely be along Highway 10, with secondary retail uses in The COR. He wanted to ensure all the groups are on the same page. He stated that planning tends to look long-range, while reviewing the immediate applications, but believes there has been too much deviation in the review of plans. He used the PACT project as an example where they originally proposed their project for the site behind Casey's which is guided for retail/commercial. He stated that there was also commercial development interest in that site but yet it was still being considered for PACT as well. He believed there has been too much reaction to proposals without thinking about the overall plan and best use of the parcels. He agreed that COR is an almost meaningless description. He also agreed that a new name could incorporate the Highway 10 development and the area described as The COR. Councilmember Heineman agreed that The COR should be renamed as it is very ambiguous. He agreed that discussion should continue at another time and the focus should remain on topic. Acting Mayor Riley agreed that there should not be much time spent on that and it could be a future topic. He confirmed the consensus of the group to rename The COR. Interim City Administrator/Community Dev. Director Hagen stated that there is a specific vision identified within The COR and the question is whether that needs to be changed as it was created in 2005 and revised a few times. He noted that coming out of COVID it would be appropriate to reevaluate and determine if the plan should again be adjusted. Economic Development Manager Sullivan provided additional details on specific parcels that have been discussed by all groups present and the inquiries that have been received for the parcel. He stated that it is helpful to ensure all groups are on the same page. Community Development Director/Deputy City Admin Hagen commented that there is future infrastructure needed and asked if the City should look at doing some of that proactively to draw attention and interest. Mayor Kuzma referenced 213, which seems to have a very low-lying area and asked the cost that would be needed to make that development ready. Interim City Administrator/Community Dev. Director Hagen replied that the EDA and Council have directed staff to create an estimate for that work to make it a shovel ready site and staff is working through that process. City Council Joint Work Session/May 11, 2022 Page 2 of 16