Minutes - Council Work Session - 10/02/2007

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Public Works Director Olson stated that for the Bury Carlson property to be purchased between now and the end of the year is a very tight time line. Councilmember Elvig asked if the City could legally put a small amount of money down on the property this year and the rest at a later date. Public Works Director Olson stated that there would need to be an intemalloan because the levy amount has already been set and then, in 2008, the City could change the CIP to reflect a land acquisition and issue a CIP bond. Councilmember Elvig stated that the old City Hall site has 23 acres and asked why this land would not be used for a Public Works Campus. Public Works Director Olson stated that this land is surrounded by residential and would not be a good fit for a Public Works Campus. 3) Outdoor Pool/Community Center Discussion Assistant City Administrator Nelson noted that 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 City 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 and completed a YMCA facility. In recent years, discussions have focused on the site designated in Town Center for a community center facility. As the City 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. Public Works Director Olson stated that the City did not complete the contract with DJR Architects because it was felt by the previous City Administrator that DJR Architects was not listening to the City. Assistant City Administrator Nelson reviewed the information that DJR Architects completed, . including the area calculations, building square footage and the multiple uses planned for the facility. She stated that in .early 2007, Jim Deal brought forth a proposal to develop a fitness facility, hotel and community center space to be located just east of the Municipal Center. She stated that this included a proposal for a fitness center with Gold's Gym. She stated that she is unsure how strong the Gold's Gym portion is. She stated that there was also discussion for the RTC Park and Trail agreement for a swim pond in North Commons, however because of parking and traffic issues, it was found that this area would not be suitable because of the residential area. She stated that at the last work session, there was some discussion about .including questions about a community center on a City-wide survey. City Council Work Session / October 2, 2007 Page 6 of9