Agenda - Council - 07/14/2026 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Economic Development Manager Sullivan presented the staff report. Dustin Reeder, ARAA, introduced himself and provided information on the volunteer -based organization that has operated in Ramsey since 1979. He stated that they purchased land off Armstrong in 2022 and went through the development process, developed plans, and ultimately, that had to shift. He believed that the new location would be a better fit with access to the river and an opportunity to offer other programs. He stated that this would generate money and business for the community and provided examples in other communities. He stated that this location will become an amenity for the community and will attract families with children to Ramsey. Chairperson Wiyninger asked for a brief overview of the project. Mr. Reeder provided information on the proposed 100,000 square foot athletic facility building they would like to construct, which would allow all sports to be played inside the facility. He commented on the ability they would have to hold multiple games of different sports at the same time. He stated that the facility would be used for practices during the week and would also be used for tournaments. He stated that families travel for sports, and this will bring people from outside of the community into Ramsey. He stated that they would be moving forward with phase one at this time and have not yet set an identified timeline for phase two. He spoke about the ancillary development that typically follows this type of development, which would also be a benefit to the community. Member Hills asked if there is any risk of the verbal monetary commitments not coming to fruition. Economic Development Manager Sullivan replied that is always a risk, but they have been working on this for six months, and the lion's share of the $750,000 is from an interested party who owns the land adjacent, and therefore it is in their best interest for this project moving forward. He stated that should they come in a bit short of that commitment, there is flexibility in what the City could approve, noting that the City Council has expressed comfort in up to $2,000,000, and ARAA could also have some other funds that could be contributed. Mr. Reeder stated that they are very hopeful that everything will move forward as planned. He commented that they have been conservative in their numbers because they are a volunteer organization. Member Riley stated that ARAA is already paying for all of the spaces they rent, so this would not be a new expense and would consolidate the operations of the organization. Mr. Reeder replied that ARAA currently rents multiple facilities for the kids to play sports in multiple communities, which is stressful for parents commuting between sports. He stated that economically, bringing all those sports to one location owned by ARAA would be a benefit in many ways. He stated that the rent ARAA would be saving would be one source of revenue for the facility. Economic Development Authority/ May 14, 2026 Page 7 of 9