CCWS 03-21-2005 - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORKSESSION MINUTES MARCH 21, 2005 6 . The next step after adoption of the TCAAP Framework Vision and Public Financing Policies would be to enter into a new interim agreement with CRR, Inc. The purpose of the agreement would be to bridge the gap between the present interim agreement and the adoption of a Master Development Agreement. A critical element of a new interim agreement is the ability of the City to fund additional steps that are necessary for this project to move forward. The City needs additional revenue to pay for legal fees, creation of a local resource plall, and negotiations of a Master Development Agreement, and other costs associated with the Phase IV portion of this proj ect. Mr. Clark stated that City Attorney Jerry Filla has reviewed the public financing policy. In his legal opinion, the public financing policy is not legally binding for the City. Changes can be made to this policy at any time. There was some discussion regarding two 60,000 square foot retail sites in the framework vision. Mr. Clark stated that the retail development sites are a place holder for future developments and can be changed by the City Council at anytime. A question was asked about financing options other than TIF, such as tax abatement. The concern that was raised was whether or not Ramsey County would agree to financial abatement of the TCAAP site. Ramsey County has not participated in this process in the past and is not sure if they would be interested in this option. . Mr. Clark mentioned that negotiation meetings are scheduled for April 14th and 15th. An informational meeting is being proposed for April 13th (7:00 to 9:00 PM) at City Hall. Michael Comedeca (City's TCAAP Environmental Attorney) will be on hand to address any questions or concerns that the City Councilor residents may have regarding insurance, indemnification, and environmental concerns regarding the TCAAP site. Meeting information will be posted on the City's web site, local cable access Channel 16, newspaper press releases, and the TCAAP list serve group. Community Development Director Clark asked the City Council if they had any additional questions or concerns regarding the TCAAP Framework Vision. Councilmember Holden stated that she is comfortable with the framework vision, but she is still concerned about the public financing policy. She asked what is the City's definition of a big box development. Community Development Director Clark said that the current vision calls for two 60,000 square foot retail sites. The existing vision does not call for a lot ofretajl development at this time. The City can divide the 60,000 square foot development anyway that it sees fit. Mayor Aplikowski said that in her opinion big box developments are large building-construction stores that have outdoor storage areas. . Councilmember Grant believes that Cub Foods could be considered a big box development. 6