Minutes - Economic Development Authority - 06/14/2007

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Consensus of the Board was to direct staff to obtain sales records from the businesses affected by the CR 116/ Highway 47 median closure prior to the June 26th work session. Chairperson Riley commented on the likely increase of traffic through the residential neighborhood due to the median closure. Interim City Administrator Nelson indicated that the City should work with the County, but the concerns about the business community should be raised and available data regarding the CR 116 median closure should be presented to the County. Chairperson Riley asked whether the EDA should address anything to the County from the standpoint of the businesses that is not being addressed by the City. Interim City Administrator Nelson suggested a memo expressing the concerns on the impact to the businesses would be appropriate, as well as the EDA's representation at the work session. Member Elvig suggested the CR 116 petitioners be requested to provide substantiated data. Member LeTourneau stated the County will likely indicate that the developer should have supplied frontage roads for the businesses that will be affected by the median closure. Economic Development Coordinator Sullivan commented that this corner does not lend itself to frontage roads. Member Elvig noted in addition, this area is 40 years old. Member Steffen inquired whether there will be a response from the EDA to the businesses that participated in the CR 116 survey. Member Strommen noted the request for additional information would be a good response. Update and Discussion; Ramsev Crossines / Ramsev Town Center Economic Development Coordinator Sullivan indicated Community Development Director Trudgeon is present to provide an update on the status of Ramsey Crossings and Ramsey Town Center. Community Development Director Trudgeon stated Council will meet in closed session on June 26th regarding Ramsey Crossings to discuss the pending legal action. Staff has been in discussions with Target. Target has determined that they cannot guarantee to build a store in 2009, but they are still very interested in Ramsey as a future site. The constraint is due to the timing of the eminent domain legal action, which will expire the end of July. Mr. Trudgeon stated he still receives phone calls on a weekly basis from another developer that is interested in the Ramsey Crossin~s site. The current status with the site is that Council will make a final decision on June 26t and they will move forward from there. Staff is sensitive to the affected business owners and has been communicating with them. At some point, the City will have to make a decision, and it looks like at this time they will have to seriously consider whether they want to buy the property and keep working with developers, or pull the plug. Economic Development Authority/ June 14,2007 Page 4 of7