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<br />Councilmember Look questioned the County's argument for the medians. He stated as a City <br />unless they have a vested interest in the whistle free zone they need to take care of these <br />businesses. <br /> <br />Interim City Administrator Nelson questioned how the City owning the businesses would solve <br />the problem of access. <br /> <br />Acting Mayor Elvig replied if the City is involved in the access because they are trying to <br />improve the road and the business' volume is down 40%, it could be that the only way the <br />business can be maintained is by reducing rent. There could be a policy initiated where the City <br />would step in and offset rents to make it a more equitable situation. <br /> <br />Councilmember Strommen pointed out this type of policy would bring into play the issue of <br />being below market rate. She stated she does not see the relationship of the medians on Ramsey, <br />Armstrong and Sunfish Lake Boulevards as related to Highway 10, and she is not sure this would <br />be the solution warranted to dealing with the traffic situation. The City of Ramsey is stepping <br />out so much with this; they are only one city and cannot carry it all. <br /> <br />There was considerable discussion of the effect of the median closings on the businesses and <br />what the City's role should be. <br /> <br />Councilmember Look stated his understanding is that there are multiple ways of getting whistle <br />free zones but there are not multiple options being presented. He would like to look into the <br />option of horns at the intersection that are directed towards the cars. <br /> <br />Public Works Director Olson indicated this could be considered on Alpine Drive. The three <br />intersections they are discussing are Ramsey, Sunfish Lake, and Armstrong Boulevards. These <br />intersections need to be upgraded and the thought process was that it is just a matter of the design <br />to make them eligible as whistle free, so why not do both at the same time. It is not that much <br />more expensive to put a median in if that is all it is and if it's not hampering anything. He <br />requested discussion regarding the RALF acquisition priorities. He explained the RALF <br />program was set up with the intent to save money by buying vacant or underutilized properties <br />today instead of buying a four-story bank 25 years from now when the construction funds <br />become available. He advised the City will need to up front relocation costs until the <br />construction funds are available. This makes it more advantageous to purchase the underutilized <br />properties due to the large relocation costs that would be associated with a major business. <br /> <br />Acting Mayor Elvig stated his thought is these would be the number one properties to pursue, <br />secondly, looking at properties that do not have tax and job implications. He stated if a hardship <br />is being put on businesses with the medians it is just a matter of time before the City will need to <br />pick them up as blighted. He would rather keep the businesses in the City with the jobs and <br />taxes. He would like to have a business like Burger King meet with the Council and provide <br />them with real numbers. <br /> <br />Councilmember Dehen requested clarification that the suggestion is that the RALF acquisition <br />priority would be properties with a hardship first and secondly underutilized properties. <br /> <br />City Council Work Session / May 15, 2007 <br />Page 7 of9 <br />