Agenda - Planning Commission - 11/02/2006

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2) Discuss Acquisition of Boike Property Councilmember Strommen stated the Finance Committee had a long discussion regarding the acquisition of the Boike property. Also present were EI Tinklenberg and Jodi Reuhle of The Tinklenberg Group and the Boike's. Mr. Norman presented the possible option of utilizing the port authority legislation if it is approved, as well as the possibility of utilizing TIF funds, and clearing up the issue of the eligibility for reimbursement through RALF funds. The issue came down to a matter of policy and financing. The Finance Committee directed staff to work with the Boike's to explore the possibility of a partnership or an option agreement to buy another six months to know if there will be other funding options available. Councilmember Cook stated if the Metropolitan Council is interested in this purchase going forward they should make a determination on whether the City will be qualified for RALF funds when this is officially mapped. At this ,point it encumbers the City's finances for 10 to 15 years, while if they know the property could be turned over to RALF after it is mapped a financing decision could be made for a year or two. Councilmember Elvig concurred. He stated the Council is in agreement this purchase is something that should be done. It is not necessarily that tools such as port authority or TIF should be used; they are trying to be prudent on whether the purchase should be done, and if so how it should or should not be done. Councilmember Jeffrey noted this is the same discussion that was held during the Finance Committee. Staff was directed to come back with some of these answers for the Committee to consider. Councilmember Strommen indicated staff was also directed to include the long term fiscal impact study in the consideration of this purchase. MAYOR, COUNCIL AND STAFF INPUT 1) Ramsey Express Commuter Coach City Administrator Norman indicated during the work session prior to this meeting the Council discussed the open house scheduled for November 2nd at the new Ramsey City Hall for the Ramsey Express Commuter Coach. The open house will be held the same time as the NCDA meeting scheduled at the new City Hall facility. Mr. Jim Deal has indicated he would match the City's funding for the open house in the amount of $10,000. Mr. Norman requested Council authorization for the open house in the amount of $10,000 as discussed during the work session. Motion by Councilmember Cook, seconded by Councilmember Olson, to authorize the use of marketing services from Goeff & Howard for purposes of promotion and marketing of an open house event to be held on November 2, 2006 to promote the new express commuter pus service for an amount not to exceed $10,000. Funding would come from the Council Contingency Fund. City Council! September 26, 2006 Page 37 of 38 P57