Agenda - Council - 03/11/2003 - Laserfiche WebLink

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I I I I I I I I I Councilmember Elvig stated that he thinks the project is very eXciting. What the citizens of Ramsey are looking for is the retail sector. He inquired as to how much of an element. "big box" retail will have. Mi'. Feges explained that they are trying to push the envelope to redefine the idea of "big box". He stated that they wouldn't discourage a "big box', retailer, but have it redefined. Councilrnember Cook stated that he personally likes the flow of the green Space and how it ties in the residential and retail areas. He inquired if there is as much interest in commercial development as there has been in the residential. Mr. Feges replied that they are a little bit behind on the discussions of the retail area because they were waiting for certain studies to be completed. There is nOt a lack of interest in the project and they hopefully will begin to move forward this summer. Councilrnember Elvig expressed concern with stacking issues along Highway #10 with the railroad tracks. Mr. Feges replied that they have someone working on that issue with MnDOT. 2) Charter School Discussion City Administrator Norman explained that the City has been in discussions about the possibility of a PACT School (Parents Allied with Children and Teachers) moving into the Town Center site. A fiscal irnpact study is being put together showing revenues of the Town Center, which becomes very important. The one difficulty with the school being placed within the Town Center site is that all of the land the school is on becomes tax exempt, which would be about 11 acres, There is one other site in the City of Ramsey being considered for the school, which is ialong Highway #10 near the future site of Hope Fellowship and Diamonds Sports Bar. From the City's perspective, the property along Highway #10 is already tax exempt because it is owned by a Church. Daniel Boone, PACT Charter School, stated that they have met with Mr. Feges regarding the Town Center location, which they are very excited about. The timing is ideal with the Town Center because they need to get the project started as soon as possible. They currently have 41 of the 319 students that are residents of Ramsey. The school will be providing a service for the' connmmity. Councihnember Cook inquired as to which site the PACT school would prefer. ' Stephen Bosacker, PACT Charter School, explained that there are two factors they have to consider. One is they have to make their timeline and budget and Secondly who their neighbor will be. There are challenges with the site south of #10 logistically, and the shapes of the land and there might be issues with the Church. City Council/February 18, 2003 Page 3 of 4 -30-