Agenda - Planning Commission - 05/01/2003

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P28 Case #8: Authorization to Accept and Execute Metropolitan Livable Communities Grant Principal Planner Tmdgeon stated that in July 2002, the City of Ramsey applied for a Livable Communities Grant from the Metropolitan Council to assist in the funding of the Sunwood Drive extension through the proposed Ramsey Town Center. At the February 25, 2003 City Council meeting, the Council tabled action on accepting the grant in order to determine the obligation of the City for accepting the grant for construction of a road on property that is not currently owned by the City. Mr. Trudgeon offered the following options: 1) 2) 3) 4) Accept grant and enter into the agreement, but not incur any costs for the project until the land necessary for the road is deeded over to the City. .. Accept grant and enter into the agreement, and also start negotiations with the property owners to purchase the land necessary for the road. As an alternative, the City could begin negotiations with the landowners and not accept the grant until the negotiations are complete. Accept grant and enter into the agreement and begin condemnation proceedings to acquire the necessary land for the road. As an alternative, the City could begin condemnation proceedings and not accept the grant until the negotiations m'e complete. Table action on the grant at this time and instruct City Attorney Goodrich and City Staff to meet with Metropolitan Council legal and contract administration staff to determine the obligations of the City on entering into the grant agreement without the City having possession of the necessary land to construct the new Sunwood Drive. Mayor Gamec and Councilmember Zimmerman stated that they would leave in favor #4. Councilmember Cook inquired as to why the Council would not accept the grant and just not incur any costs until the land is acquired by the Ramsey Town Center LLC group. Councilmember Kurak stated that if the Council accepts a grant for a road to go through only for Town Center, where is the City at risk if they don't spend any money until the land is acquired. She questioned if the City was risking losing the grant by delaying the issue because she would hate for the City to lose $850,000. Councilmember Cook stated that if the Council is saying that they are for the Town Center and they have a developer looking at breaking ground this summer and the project is dependent on Sunwood Drive, then why would the Council be saying that they would not be installing the road. Councihnember Kurak stated that she was concerned about the "waffling effect" of not accepting a grant when Town Center is a reality. Councilmember Elvig replied that he did not think that they were "waFfling", but felt that they were moving forward slowly. At this point, the City does not have the ability to enter onto the City Council/March 11, 2003 Page 14 of 23 I I I I I I I I I ! i I I I ! I I I