Agenda - Council - 11/26/2024 - Laserfiche WebLink

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doing business and can be a hurdle to getting a business started. He said this would be incredibly helpful for the business. Councilmember Musgrove agreed with the EDA that she would be in support of the credits rather than changing the whole program. She noted that not very many businesses have come and asked for this type of assistance. She stated that in the EDA meeting, there was a discussion about the garage door in the back of the building. She asked if this would be far enough from Sunwood that it would not conflict with any of the structural codes regarding access. Economic Development Manager Sullivan shared that it is his understanding that the garage door on the back would just be to get the equipment in and out and would not be used on a regular basis. He noted that any designs for this building would have to be applied to zoning standards. He added that they are also interested in adding a patio at the location. He noted he has not seen what they are proposing to know whether or not it would be compliant. Councilmember Musgrove asked if the drive-thru lane on the west side of the building would affect people on the patio. Councilmember Woestehoff said this will have to go through the Planning Commission for review and they will look at these things. He noted he would imagine there would be enough room in this area. He added that in the past he had spoken to another brewery that was interested in Ramsey and their biggest hindrance was SAC and WAC fees. Councilmember Musgrove reiterated that she would support the credits; however, she is not pleased that there is not a sit-down restaurant in the brewery. She asked if they would decide the number of credits. Economic Development Manager Sullivan explained that the applicant is currently looking at whether or not the City is willing to provide support for SAC and WAC charges. He noted that the applicant will now put together his floor plan and design to be sent to the Met Council for review and they will tell him how many SAC credits have been assigned to this. He said they will know how many credits when the applicant comes forward to the Council. Councilmember Musgrove added that she would also like to look at the other possible businesses who may need these credits and make sure that they are not all used for the brewery. Economic Development Manager Sullivan stated if the brewery wanted to use all credits that were available, the City would likely not be supportive of this as they know that there are likely other areas that will also need this kind of assistance. The consensus of the Council was to direct Staff to work with Rustech Brewery on a business assistance application and to let Rustech know that the City Council is supportive of allocation of SAC credits to the project. City Council Work Session / October 22, 2024 Page 5 of 15