Laserfiche WebLink
Flahave indicated that he is concerned that the cost of the development will become very <br /> expensive for the taxpayers of the City. Larson replied that the City has a responsibility to clean <br /> up the site to help protect Long Lake and the residents of the City. Black noted that the City will <br /> consider scooping out a portion of the soil and treating other areas; while this was considered a <br /> few years ago and rejected, it may be more cost-effective than removing all the soil. <br /> Black reported that on the east side of the Old Highway 8, staff is working with MnDOT to <br /> determine if they still need the 150 feet they have requested for the widening of the Hwy 35/694 <br /> interchange, or if they can work with less land. Barr is also working on getting the test results <br /> from the east side to the PCA. Fernelius noted that every time the test results are submitted the <br /> City runs the risk of new standards and new PCA staff, which means a reevaluation of the plan <br /> for the dump area. <br /> Potential Developers <br /> Black reported that API Group, Inc. has approached the City about developing the bowling alley <br /> site and they would like to start this project next spring. While they are suggesting a high- <br /> quality building, staff has some concerns that the project is smaller than what the City wanted for <br /> the site, does not have structured parking, and does not conform to the design guidelines for the <br /> Northwest Quadrant. He stated that staff has talked with the company about the conflict with the <br /> design guidelines; they are reluctant to change their site plan, but there may be a way to <br /> compromise. Black added that staff is concerned about the design guidelines because this is the <br /> first building proposed for the area and it would be difficult to enforce the guidelines if the first <br /> project is allowed to ignore what it is required. However, it would be great to have new <br /> construction start to help sell the rest of the development. <br /> Black reported that staff will be meeting with Ryan Companies to discuss their response to the <br /> Request for Qualifications. Ryan has also proposed less development on these sites than what <br /> was hoped for. Black added that staff was disappointed that there was only one response to the <br /> RFQ. Fernelius stated that staff's plan is to continue talking with both API and Ryan. At this <br /> point staff is not ready to make a recommendation on either proposal without more information. <br /> Witkowski asked if there were any other negative impacts other than the design guidelines <br /> issues. Black replied that originally the site was originally planned for an 83,000-square foot <br /> building and what has been proposed is 47,000 sf, but when you look at what they are willing to <br /> pay for the site and the fact that it would be done early, the proposal is more attractive. <br /> Nustad inquired if API is proposing any warehouse space. Black replied that what has been <br /> proposed is all office space. Witkowski asked if they are looking at any additional sites. <br /> Fernelius replied that this is the only site that they are interested in. <br /> Chamber of Commerce Report <br /> Nustad reported that the Chamber has started a program for young professionals between the <br /> ages of 21 and 35. A need has been identified for structured programming for that age group in <br /> the northern area. The Chamber will also be doing a seminar on business dining and gift giving <br /> at the end of the month. <br /> Page 4 of 5 <br />