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CITY COUNCIL/ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY CITY OF RAMSEY ANOKA COUNTY STATE OF MINNESOTA The Ramsey City Council and Economic Development Authority conducted a joint meeting on Monday, May 1, 2000, at the Ramsey Municipal Center, 15153 Nowthen Boulevard NW, Ramsey, Minnesota. Members Present: Mayor Thomas Gamec Councilmember Susan E. Anderson Councilmember Terry Hendriksen Councilmember Gerald Zimmerman EDA Member Chris Riley EDA Member Lydia Scheiber CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 7:06 p.m. City Administrator Norman stated that the meeting is to deal primarily with the topic of the redevelopment study. He added that the EDA has two vacant positions that will be appointed this month, he hopes. He gave a brief overview of the redevelopment study. The City Council has discussed this and at the last EDA meeting it was discussed. He gave a brief description of Area #1. The consultant described this area as the commercial node at St. Francis Boulevard and 167th avenue. The consultant indicated that this would be a difficult redevelopment project, as it would not provide a great level of community benefit or economic return. Its image is one that can be dealt with through site improvements and landscaping rather than full-scale redevelopment. Because the commercial area serves a low-density area, its marketability as a commercial node is limited and therefore redevelopment options are limited. While the area appears to have a high turnover in tenants, a few key anchors have been relatively stable and the area is generally maintained. The consultant suggested that this are would not be a good redevelopment project for phase two of the study. However, the City should monitor the condition of the area and be prepared to intervene should conditions deteriorate and vacancies rise. Area #2 the consultant described as the site of Ken's Automotive. redevelopment of this site was suggested largely because of the unsightliness and enviromnental concerns of an automobile repair shop. In reviewing the area, the consultant pointed out the vacant land south of the business at the intersection of St. Francis Boulevard and 153rd Avenue as being an important factor to redevelopment of this site. The current zoning ordinance and the draft comprehensive plan guide this intersection as a commercial node. This particular property is in a good location for commercial development that would serve the Ramsey community and travelers on St. Francis Boulevard. Market forces will likely dictate the redevelopment of Ken's Automotive as new development occurs at the intersection. The consultant suggested that this area would not be a good redevelopment project for phase two of the study but that the City should ensure that Ken's Automotive site is included with or planned for during development of the vacant land south of Ken's Automotive. Redevelopment of Ken's Automotive should be pursued at the time that private development shows interest in the adjacent property. A Joint City Council/EDA - May 1, 2000 Page 1 of 5