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City Administrator Norman replied that staff would argue against collecting revenue for <br />structured parking because people don't tend to pay for parking when coming to retail shops. <br /> <br />Councilmember Elvig stated that structural parking is a key element to the development but there <br />is also critical mass and how much can the City afford to do at one time. He inquired if there <br />were any staging ideas at this time. <br /> <br />Mr. Feges explained that they have been looking at the different options for parking but one key <br />issue to remember is that if the area is taken up by black top parking, then it cannot be used for <br />retail and housing, which bring in taxes. <br /> <br />Mr. Engen noted that there are different funding mechanisms the City can provide such as using <br />MSA funding for the roads to assist with the project. <br /> <br />Principal City Engineer Olson reviewed the roads that would be constructed using MSA funds <br />and other areas of the project where the City may need to participate. <br /> <br />Councilmember Elvig inquired if a list has been put together identifying the different elements. <br /> <br />Principal City Engineer Olson explained that they know which areas and what funding <br />mechanisms may be utilized, but beyond that they would negotiate with the developer as to who <br />contributes what to the different areas of the project. <br /> <br />Councilmember Elvig stated that he was feeling a sense of urgency with moving forward with <br />the process. <br /> <br />Mr. Feges replied that that was correct. <br /> <br />Councilmember Elvig inquired if at preliminary plat approval would the City be committing to <br />spending any City funds. <br /> <br />Principal City Engineer Olson replied that there would have to be a document in place at the time <br />of preliminary plat approval identifying who will pay for what. <br /> <br />Councilmember Zimmerman stated that if the developer is looking at the City to contribute to the <br />project they need to let the City know, but typically the developer constructs the infrastructure <br />and then turns it over to the City. <br /> <br />Mr. Feges replied that the community is embraced in the development and they look at what is a <br />community benefit and possible participation by the City, but if the City does not have the funds <br />to assist with certain portions of the project they will still find a way to get it done. They will not <br />hold the City hostage on the project. <br /> <br />Councilmember Kurak stated that she has said all along that the Town Center project will not <br />become a burden on the taxpayers of Ramsey. She inquired that if the developers need money <br />for the project are they going to come to the City for those funds. <br /> <br />City Council Work Session/May 6, 2003 <br /> Page 7 of 11 <br /> <br /> <br />