Laserfiche WebLink
CC Work Session <br />Meeting Date: <br />2. 2. <br />03/10/2026 <br />Primary Strategic Plan Initiative: Promote economic growth and development. <br />Information <br />Title: <br />Consider Approval of Process for Gap Assistance (Loan) for Anoka Ramsey Athletic Association Facility Project <br />Purpose/Background: <br />The purpose of this case is to review a proposed schedule to provide financial assistance (loan) to Anoka Ramsey <br />Athletic Association (ARAA) for construction of a 100,000 square foot athletic facility and to direct staff to start <br />this process. <br />ARAA Project History <br />In February 2023, the Anoka Ramsey Athletic Association (ARAA) received site plan and plat approval to <br />construct a sports dome structure at 14600 Ferret St. NW. ARAA eventually withdrew their landuse application, <br />and therefore, never constructed the dome. Since that time, Ramsey staff have continued to work with <br />representatives from ARAA as they sought out a new solution for an indoor sports facility to serve their <br />organization. ARAA has progressed through new plans to construct a facility at a different location within <br />Ramsey. The City Council met with ARAA at the January 13, 2026 work session and reached a consensus to <br />provide up to 2.3M in financial assistance, primarily in the form of a low interest loan. <br />Finance <br />After the January 13, 2026 meeting, Staff and ARAA have been working with Falcon Bank and Anoka <br />County on a financing solution to complete the project. ARAA is currently in the loan approval process <br />and the financing gap the city is looking to fill is around 1.3-1.5M which is much less than originally <br />communicated. A preliminary financing structure from January 16, 2026 has been attached for discussion <br />purposes. The final numbers and terms are subject to change but the previous consensus of the Council for <br />upwards of 2.3M in assistance will be able to accommodate any foreseen changes for the City portion. <br />The City has explored the use of its Ramsey HRA dollars levied in Ramsey by Anoka County in the form of a <br />loan. In order to use the HRA funds the City must create a Redevelopment Plan for a designated area which <br />allows the fund to be expended for eligible costs. Taft Law has put together a schedule showing what this process <br />and timing would look like. The County process to access the HRA funds is separate and will be worked into the <br />schedule. This process involves a simple resolution requesting the funds and an explanation of what the funds <br />will be used for. Although ARAA does not have financing approval at this time, staff is asking the City Council to <br />consider starting the City process to obtain the HRA funds and to start the creation of the Redevelopment Plan. <br />Staff is working with Taft Law on the boundaries of the Redevelopment Plan Area and hopes to include areas in <br />addition to the ARAA project area such as the 167th Commercial and residential node. The purpose of extending <br />this area to include more area is to be able to reallocate the payments of the loan to additional HRA eligible <br />expenses in the future. At the time of this memo, proposed maps were not available but staff plans on sharing <br />options at the work session. <br />Notification: <br />N/A at this time. However, the Redevelopment Plan/business subsidy process will require public hearings. <br />Time Frame/Observations/Alternatives: <br />