Minutes - Council Work Session - 04/01/2025 - Special

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Economic Development Manager Sullivan stated a lot of this will have to do with the development of RALF properties along Highway 10. He noted that the Council has had a hands -off approach for code enforcement along Highway 10 because they knew the struggles and uncertainty they would go through. He said Highway 10 is the front door to the City and now they have made a huge investment in it and this will largely be the City's identity. He added that they have an opportunity in TIF District 14 with their ability to incentivize deals and pay for new infrastructure which will sunset in November of 2026. Mayor Heineman asked if a part of this area is already carved away for something. Economic Development Manager Sullivan said yes. Councilmember Peters asked if there just has to be a purchase order by the sunset date or if the project has to have already begun. Economic Development Manager Sullivan said they would need to have TIF agreements already in place or improvements already in place and invoiced. City Administrator Hagen explained that Staff could come back with a COR TIF 14 development strategy to discuss with the Council. Economic Development Manager Sullivan noted that they have an opportunity to go after some grant funding now for the old Town Hall building. He added that there would also be a huge opportunity with the Anoka -Ramsey Athletic Association if this moves forward. Councilmember Buscher stated there is an opportunity for a Community Center. Councilmember Peters said there is an opportunity for more medical facilities and resources. Mayor Heineman asked if the Council had any additions, deletions, or amendments to the Strategic Plan action items. City Administrator Hagen reviewed the current action items, goals, and strategies. Councilmember Specht said he would like to find regulations that are not needed or could be eliminated to make things more efficient. He added that he would also like to see if any of these measures could be cost -saving. Mayor Heineman shared that a strategy for this could be to find creative ways to save money and reduce redundancies. Councilmember Specht added that he would also like the City to advertise what they have done to be more efficient and save money. He noted that he also likes the idea of having a small employee wellness budget. He said this would be a small investment that could make a big impact on Staff. City Council Special Work Session / April 1, 2025 Page 13 of 15