Minutes - Council - 09/26/2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Further discussion: Councilmember Cook stated he will be voting against this for the very reason that this authorization request came in after the work was completed, and it is very unfair to treat consultants differently. He clarified he is very much in support of the wetland study. Councilmember Strommen indicated this issue was discussed by the Finance Committee. One difference is that this study included a clear scope of services on the functions and values study. Although the authorized amount was exceeded the work completed was within that scope of services. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Mayor Gamec, Councilmembers Strommen, Jeffrey, Elvig, Olson, and Pearson. Voting No: Councilmember Cook. 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 nF 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 2 at the new Ramsey City Hall for the City Council / September 26, 2006 Page 37 of 39