07/22/08 Twon Center WS Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Councilmember Elvig stated that there is no developer. Councilmember Dehen stated that the City should let them know what is out there and have them bring a proposal to the City. Councilmember Elvig stated that he would like to keep this discussion behind closed doors and keep the project close to the vest. He suggested that the City put out some RFPs to say the City is considering "XYZ" and wants your opinion on what can be done. He stated that it should be clearly stated that this information is not to be shared and the City is interested in partnering with the developer and just see what comes back. Community Development Director Miller stated that if the City wants to actively market this land, it can't because it is tied up in foreclosure and nobody wants to touch it until it is clean. Councilmember Elvig stated that he agreed and they also want to know exactly who is in control of the land and who they can negotiate with. Councilmember Dehen stated that this should be the same concept that the bank wants. He stated that the bank must also want to market the land. Community Development Director Miller stated that they do, but the City doesn't want to give up control of the development agreement, so there is an adversarial relationship with the bank. Councilmember Elvig stated that if the City renegotiates the development agreement, then the bank will also want to renegotiate the assessments. Mr. Lasher stated that the bank does want to sell the property but they cannot with the existing development agreement. He stated that the City could look at how to repackage and renegotiate with the bank and let them know what the City is willing to do. He stated that the bank is key. City Administrator Ulrich suggested that rather than the full contract, perhaps the contract with the consultant could be broken down into pieces, or phases. He asked what Mr. Lasher felt would be the most critical issues. Mr. Lasher stated that steps 1-4 of his proposal would get a thorough understanding of what parts of the development agreement can be recast into a new vision for the RTC. Councilmember Strommen stated that she would feel more comfortable if this was stated as "a new plan, consistent with the vision for the RTC". Mr. Lasher stated that these steps would get the City to the point that it can understand what the RTC can be, including the primary goals and the market forces, and then the City could sit down with the bank and let them know what the City can and cannot do. He stated that if they were unwilling to sit down and talk with the City, the City can look at acquiring all of the land which Ramsey Town Center City Council Subcommittee Work Session / July 22, 2008 Page 6 of 10