Minutes - Public Works Committee - 02/21/2023

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Councilmember Musgrove commented that there are two areas where less fill could be needed if the City sold the dirt, or the City could use the dirt itself. Chairperson Riley commented that it seems the priority would be excavation and moving the fill and then Zeolite and Center Street as feasible. City Administrator Hagen asked for details on Ramsey Parkway as that is kind of a cut through and near the waterfront. Councilmember Musgrove asked if Ramsey Parkway would be fourth on the list. Economic Development Manager Sullivan replied that he would agree for the western arm of Ramsey Parkway and reviewed different development potential in that area. City Administrator Hagen noted that it would be helpful for the TIF District to be extended. Chairperson Riley asked if there has been an all staff meeting on this topic to ensure everything is being considered. Parks & Assistant Public Works Director Riverblood confirmed that they are going to have a meeting to discuss that, and what could be completed within the TIF window. City Administrator Hagen confirmed that once the information from the analysis is completed, they are going to have a staff meeting to determine what could be done. Councilmember Woestehoff asked if the available TIF funding is $2,000,000 or $20,000,000 or whether there is any sense of the available balance. He stated that if the available balance is less than the cost to move the dirt, that may change his opinion. City Administrator Hagen stated that if the goal is to have the COR pay for itself, they need to determine if that is feasible. He stated that some of the development that has come was not anticipated. He stated that the analysis will provide those more accurate numbers so they can make those decisions. Economic Development Manager Sullivan explained that the Sapphire development did not use TIF funds and was not in the TIF projections but will generate TIF funds for the next 20 years. He stated that there are some scenarios that he provided on potential development and the impacts that would have on TIF going forward that will be included in the Ehlers presentation. He estimated between $2,000,000 and $12,000,000 that may be unallocated depending on what development is projected and what comes. He stated that if the Waterfront is excavated and the dirt is placed and that is all that could be done, that still creates 20 acres of land that could be ready for development therefore there are benefits created by only moving the dirt. He noted that also begins the Waterfront project, which is important. Parks &Assistant Public Works Director Riverblood stated that the soil boring chart was included and shows that this dirt that would be excavated would be excellent fill, so that is a known factor. Public Works Committee/ February 21, 2023 Page 6 of 12