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<br />Economic Development Coordinator Sullivan stated staff has identified two prospects that wish <br />to develop on the same lot in the City of Ramsey. The first business is a light industrial rigging <br />company and the other is a start-up 2/3 size hockey rink/training facility. The selection process <br />should take into account business diversity, tax impacts, job creation, growth potential and other <br />factors. Mr. Sullivan indicated he has been working with both businesses and made it clear that <br />after today's meeting exclusive negotiations will move forward with one of the companies. <br /> <br />Economic Development Coordinator Sullivan stated both businesses are requesting a subsidy to <br />write down the cost of land for the project. He presented sketch plans and provided an overview <br />of the following analysis of each business: business type; proposed square footage; estimated <br />market value; estimated property tax generated; current employees; job creation; wage range; <br />city of origin; and finish date. Mr. Sullivan stated both are good projects. What stands out to <br />him is the quality of jobs offered by the rigging company that would be available to Ramsey <br />residents. The 2/3 size hockey rink could potentially provide more of a tax base, and there is <br />currently not an indoor hockey rink in the City. However, there is not a commitment for a full <br />size rink. <br /> <br />Member Schindel questioned if the hockey rink provides a good fit in the industrial park. <br />Economic Development Coordinator Sullivan replied this decision needs to be made by the <br />EDA; his personal opinion is that it is not a good fit. Member Strommen pointed out that the <br />rink would be located right next to Commercial Asphalt in a heavy industrial area. <br /> <br />The Board and staff discussed the analysis of the potential businesses in relation to the subsidy <br />requests. Members expressed interest in the hockey rink being located in a different location in <br />the City due to concern with the fit for the rink in the industrial park. <br /> <br />Economic Development Coordinator Sullivan suggested the possibility of putting representatives <br />of the hockey rink together with ParkslUtilities Supervisor Riverblood to discuss the possibility <br />of locating the hockey rink in one of the City's parks. Member Strommen noted the possibility <br />of an arrangement similar to a community center where the residents would have a privilege <br />status in using the facility through some type of partnership. She suggested Mr. Sullivan contact <br />Mr. Riverblood about the feasibility of this type of agreement prior to putting the individual <br />representing the hockey rink in contact with Mr. Riverblood. <br /> <br />The Board expressed interest in proceeding with negotiations with the rigging company due to <br />the following reasons: the location in an industrial park is not a good fit for the hockey rink; the <br />location with the asphalt plant behind the railroad tracks does not present the best picture of the <br />City for visitors utilizing the hockey rink; the rigging company would not create a lot of public <br />traffic; the quality of jobs and wages provided by the rigging company. The Board expressed <br />interest in facilitating something with the hockey rink in a different location. <br /> <br />Motion by Member Strommen, seconded by Member Schindel, to recommend staff to negotiate <br />a development agreement with the rigging company based on the reasons outlined above, and to <br />further recommend staff to explore other options with the hockey rink, including the possibility <br />of a City park / hockey rink partnership. <br /> <br />Economic Development Authority/May 10,2007 <br />Page 2 of7 <br />