Agenda - Council - 08/27/2024 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

Authentisign ID:6C092315-BC4E-EF1 1-86C3-0022482708El July 30, 2024 Sean Sullivan - Economic Development Manager [Dear Sean, I first would like to thank you, your staff and the City of Ramsey for your willingness to work for and with Stories Foundation as we pursued the construction of The StoryTeller of in Ramsey. It was a project that we both envisioned a different ending for. It appears that it is concluding in a manner that we knew could happen—and worked hard to prevent it from happening. Thank you for all you did. The next step for Stories Foundation is to exercise the Right of Re-Entry process- As we were pursuing any and all options to raise funds, the cost of construction increased and this caused us to take a realistic approach to this project. Our hearts say that we should continue moving forward with fundraising until the end of the year, but logic says otherwise and that now is the time to take this step. As a part of this process, Stories Foundation is requesting that the full purchase price of$67,953.60 as stated in the purchase agreement between the City of Ramsey and Stories Foundation be refunded to Stories Foundation. Stories Foundation is a 501 C3 non-profit organization that is in constant fundraising mode. The fundraising efforts for The StoryTeller of have involved many people and countless hours that began before we secured the land in Ramsey. It certainly is not because of lack of effort that the funds have not been raised to begin construction. The following is not an exhaustive list, but does provide a picture into the fundraising efforts that have been made- Numerous events; Galas, golf tournaments, silent auctions, Stories Foundation Markets, 5K runs. Stories Foundation/The StoryTeller of has been on multiple TV stations including WCCO channel 4, KSTP channel 9 and local station CCX TV. Social media— Facebook and Instagram. Hundreds of phone conversations and email s. Awareness events and gatherings for anyone, anywhere. In addition to the above information, we believe it is important to note that Stories Foundation has invested close to$85,000 (lot price is not included in this number) in General Contractor fees, property taxes, and prep money for events listed above. These monies were spent in good faith for the project that no longer is a reality, and monies that will not be recouped. We humbly ask that the EDA and the City of Ramsey would honor our request of a full refund of the purchase price. With Gratitude, iAuthenti Authenti ^A- epAah ie 141% Stephanie Page Mark Thurston Executive Director- Stories Foundation Vice Chairman- Board of Directors www.storiesfoundation.org 500 W Main Street Suite 23 Anoka, MN 55303 612.268.1937 r