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land; what would be worse than accepting the grant and then realize the City doesn't have access <br />to the property or find out that the City can't afford the road. <br /> <br />Motion by Councilmember Elvig, seconded by Councilmember Zimmerman, to table action on <br />the grant at this time and instruct City Attorney Goodrich and City Staff to meet with <br />Metropolitan Council legal and contract administration staff to determine the obligations of the <br />City on entering into the grant agreement without the City having possession of the necessary <br />land to construct the new Sunwood Drive. <br /> <br />Further discussion: Councilmember Pearson stated that he initially was in favor of accepting the <br />grant but incurring no costs, but after hearing some of the discussion he would lean more towards <br />tabling and getting legal advice. Councilmember Elvig stated that whatever they can do to get <br />some of the information understood or any negotiations they can have with the Ramsey Town <br />center LLC so that they can get this accomplished in the most timely matter would be a benefit. <br />Councihnember Strommen inquired as to what the obligations are for the City accepting the <br />grant. Mayor Gamec replied there is a problem with the financial crisis that cities are facing. <br />Councilmember Cook summarized that the way the Council is going to handle the deficit, is to <br />not accept an $850,000 grant to construct a road that is needed. Mayor Gamec replied that he felt <br />that they needed more answers before they accept the grant. City Administrator Norman stated <br />that the Mayor keeps going back to the budget issues, but he does not see any relation between <br />the financial crisis and the grant. The real concern is making commitments on land that is not <br />controlled by the Ramsey Town Center LLC group. Councilmember Elvig replied that he felt <br />that that was the issue he was addressing. By taking the first step of accepting a grant before they <br />have the necessary land is a problem. He stated that he thought that it was all obtainable, but he <br />wants to make sure things are done in the right order. Councilmember Kurak stated that the <br />grant stipulates very clearly that the road has to go through a Town Center site so if the Town <br />Center does not become a reality, then the road is not constructed. Councilmember Cook stated <br />that the Council accepted a grant to study the area and now they have a developer that wants to <br />develop the land and the Met Council forwards another grant and now this Council is not going <br />to take the money. Councilmember Strommen replied that she did not think that that is what the <br />Council is saying, but some members need more time to get some answers. Councilmember <br />Zimmerman stated that they need to identify funding sources for costs associated with the Town <br />Center. City Administrator Norman noted that staff would not be able to provide those figures in <br />two weeks. Councilmember Elvig stated that the land ownership issues have to be addressed. <br /> <br />Motion carried. Voting Yes: Mayor Gamec, and Councilmembers Elvig, Zimmerman, Pearson, <br />and Strommen. Voting No: None. Abstained: Councilmembers Cook and Kurak. <br /> <br />Mayor Gamec recessed the regular meeting of the City Council. <br /> <br />Mayor Gamec called the regular meeting of the City Council back to order. <br /> <br />City Council/March 11, 2003 <br /> Page 15 of 23 <br /> <br /> <br />