Minutes - Council Work Session - 12/12/2006

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Councilmember Elvig stated he agrees overall with the CIP; however, he would question the effect of the slowed growth rate on the timing of a project like the Water Treatment Plant. He noted a project of this size takes a couple years of spending to even get to the point of being released. Councilmember Strommen indicated the timing can be adjusted with the discussion of the proj ect. Finance Officer Lund advised the cash flow for this account is based on utility rates. The consultant fees are rolled into this enterprise fund, and the fund is very healthy. Public Works Director Olson noted it would be beneficial to adjust the rates during the time period of an economic downtown. Councilmember Strommen directed staff to schedule another review of the CIP following the Council's goal setting session in January to be sure it is aligned with the strategic goals. City Administrator Norman stressed that the CIP is a snapshot in time, and if too much time is spent tweaking the plan it will not get adopted. Notes will be taken from the strategic goal session and included in next year's CIP. Consensus of the Council was to direct staff to include the scheduling of a public hearing for the 2007 - 2012 Capital Improvement Program on the agenda ofthe next City Council meeting. 2) Highway #47/Xkimo Street Property City Administrator Norman reviewed that the City of Ramsey has been involved with a joint powers T.H. #47 Alternative Alignments Study for the past few months. The study originated from the City of Ramsey's request to realign Highway #47 to Dysprosium and Thurston Avenue to Highway #10. Staff would like authorization to have an appraisal completed for the property immediately to the east of T.H. #47 and north of Xkimo Street. The property owner, Mr. Rick Foster, has indicated a willingness to sell the property. Consensus of the Council was to authorize staff to obtain an appraisal for the property owned by Mr. Rick Foster immediately to the east ofT.H. #47 and north ofXkimo Street. 3) Discussion of Facility Rental Policy Assistant City Administrator Nelson stated staff has recently been contacted by several local businesses requesting to utilize meeting space in the new Ramsey Municipal Center for business meetings. The current policy, which was revised on November 14, allows for rental/use of the space by not-for-profit and civic organizations only. Ms. Nelson advised staff believes there is an economic development benefit in allowing local businesses to rent meeting space in the Municipal Center for the purpose of conducting business meetings. Restrictions would be not allowing use for the sale of goods and restricting the number of reservations to no more than four per year. Businesses would also have to have completed their Current year BRC to be eligible to City Council Work Session / December 12, 2006 Page 2 of 4