Agenda - Council - 01/23/2024 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

Councilmember Woestehoff asked if Mr. Nozzerella already has a bill for the legislature. Mr. Nozzerella said no and shared they are hoping to finalize the bill within the next few weeks. He added he has already written a one-pager for the bill and they are working on a two-page report to supplement it. He shared they hope to pass the resolution in front of the Council so they can show the State that they are serious about bringing this facility to Ramsey. He explained they have already been working with a number of Senators and they are aware of this project and mission. Councilmember Musgrove shared her concerns with the resolution and the City committing to some things that are unknown. She stated she is not sure how they would agree with all of this information without knowing what some of the unknowns are with regard to the funding and the pass through. She asked how important this resolution is as opposed to a letter of support. Mr.Nozzerella shared that they would like to set a tone to the State that they would like the funding but they would not like it to be overbearing on the community and that they would support this program as long as it fits within the guidelines of the City. He noted the only piece that they really do not know at this time is how the money is reflected into a management package. He added they want it to be minimized as far as the burden on the City, while reassuring the State that they have a proximity and plan and they know who they will serve and what the outcomes will be. Economic Development Manager Sullivan explained this would be a two step process. He stated that if this bill is drafted and gets to a situation where it may pass, the City would need to be a party to this agreement which would require additional Council action. He noted that they would be able to not accept the grant if it becomes something the City would not be supportive of. He said this resolution just starts the process. Councilmember Musgrove asked if any of the funding would be able to go directly to the business rather than having to be passed through the City. Mr. Nozzerella shared that they will not know until the bill is presented. He added that they do have a foundation that is a 5013c registered through the State. He stated that they feel that if it goes through a City partnership then it will have a better opportunity as there are more people who would be involved in the program. Mayor Kuzma asked if there was a concern of the Council to support this. Councilmember Specht shared his support for this. Councilmember Musgrove shared she is slightly hesitant to support this because of the unknowns; however, she loves the idea of the medical aspect. Councilmember Howell said this sounds very interesting and intriguing; however, she would like more time to contemplate this rather than make a decision right away. City Council Work Session /January 9, 2024 Page 4 of 9