Agenda - Council Work Session - 10/02/2007

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3 - CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION Topic Report: Community Center & Outdoor Pool By: Heidi A. Nelson, Asst. City Administrator Background: Over the past ten years, the concept of a community center in Ramsey, or a joint facility with neighboring communities, has been discussed by the Council. In 1999, Ramsey was part of a feasibility study for a three-city facility, including Andover, Anoka and Ramsey. That project obviously did not proceed; however, Andover did move forward to complete a YMCA Facility. In more recent years, discussions have focused on the site designated in Town Center for a community center facility. As Council may recall, in 2005, the City entered into a contract with DJR Architects for design work for a community center facility. Preliminary work was completed, including an activity and programming analysis, a "fit -test" for the site, and renderings were created of the facility to assist in identifying the components that could be included. It should be noted that in past discussions, this type of facility was envisioned to be a private/public partnership that could also includea hotel and a city winter garden facility. The land designated for the Community Center in Town Center (directly north of the Municipal Center) is included in the RTC LLC foreclosure. The City does have an option on the property; however, it is unclear whether the option agreement will withstand the foreclosure process. Council will recall that in early 2007, PSD LLC (Jim Deal) brought a proposed development of a fitness facility, hotel and community center space to a Council work session for consideration. The status of that proposed development is unclear at this time. This proposed development by PSD LLC would be located on land owned by PSD LLC directly east of the Municipal Center. Also of note, during the discussions for the RTC Park and Trail Agreement, a proposal was made for a swim pond in North Commons. Due to the parking demand for such a facility and North Commons location in the middle of a residential neighborhood, it was thought that such a facility might be better suited elsewhere in the City. J"hus, the development of North Commons was not covered under the RTC Park and Trail Agreement. Action Statement: Staff is seeking" direction with regard. to proceeding with further study of a Community Center and/or Outdoor Pool facility. . Reviewed by: ~J. ~ City Administrator: '<-. ~~ CCWS: 10/02/2007 " -17-