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RHRA Meeting Minutes – Monday, August 29, 2016 Page 33 Chair of the Finance Commission and their recommendations that the city not take on spending any new money for new assets, given the significant list of short- and long-term purchases of late, renovations made and staffing of those new assets. Member Etten stated he was very cognizant of that advice coming from one of the city’s advisory commissions when it came to decision-making like this, even though they were referencing mostly park and recreation as well as other city assets. Member Etten noted he was given further pause when hearing Ramsey County’s lack of interest in the property; and in his opinion that the School District would probably not be interested either. Member Etten stated his biggest concern had been voiced by President Roe in defining the city’s purpose in acquiring the building and/or property; and the process identified by Member Willmus to identify a new purpose for the land. Member Etten recognized several excellent ideas for that property’s future; but questioned if that was the only location they could happen, and even though many good uses were brought forward, he wasn’t sure if that balanced moving against the advice of the City Council’s own Finance Commission. President Roe, as seconder of the motion, stated that should indicate his level of support for the motion. President Roe noted there was not question that people had considered possible uses for that site, and while not wishing to be disrespectful of that, he didn’t think it was prudent to make a decision on acquiring the property without having an inkling for its future use. President Roe noted there would be challenges in re-using a 60,000 square foot facility, with Ramsey County considering that it had no future use for institutional uses. Therefore, President Roe suggested if it was redeveloped as a different use, and based on earlier discussions tonight on growing and diversifying the city’s tax base with this building not currently on the tax rolls, he recognized that it cost the city no money to not acquire and/or develop it, but to allow redevelopment of the site by the private market and spread that tax base out among the city and reducing costs for other residents and businesses in the community who receive city services it provided. President Roe noted the city would not only be acquiring a large building, but a deteriorated parking lot, roofs and mechanicals – whether needing maintenance or replacement now or later – creating potential programming for the city’s CIP and rehabilitation needs. President Roe noted that was always a consideration when the city was asked to make decisions. President Roe stated he wasn’t prepared to commit to any expenditure or time to purchase an existing property for city use or uses with partners not identified for any use at this significant of a price tag and at the potential detriment to other uses of those funds. President Roe stated it didn’t make sense from his perspective to go that route, and opined he was more comfortable having a