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<br />I <br /> <br />I <br /> <br />I <br /> <br />Council Meeting Minutes <br />May 24, 1999 <br /> <br />Page 4 <br /> <br />Council Business. continued <br /> <br />Economic Development Specialist Jill Bishop presented consideration to solicit Requests <br />for Qualification (RFQ) for a Master Developer for Redevelopment of the Northwest <br />Quadrant. This is the largest redevelopment site identified in the Hwy 8 Vision Study, <br />and staff has met with many developers to determine the best process for optimum <br />redevelopment of the area. Several alternatives were considered: use of a master <br />developer, City development of a detailed Master Plan, or use of a broker. <br /> <br />The Economic Development Commission (EDC) and Planning Commission discussed <br />the merits of alternative approaches. Their consensus was to recommend a master <br />developer which would provide a marketable project while still allowing City control. <br /> <br />The RFQ would request an outline of an approach to creating a plan and general project <br />description, developer background and comparable project experience, and type of <br />contractual arrangements. Staff would send the RFQ to interested developers, and initial <br />screening would occur in July. Hoffman noted the importance of selecting a developer <br />who will work closely with the City. <br /> <br />Mark Nelson, Councilmember of the Month and EDC member, feels staff has done an <br />excellent job in preparing the documentation. <br /> <br />Benke feels the correct approach would be the Master Developer, and noted that the <br />redevelopment of this area could occur over a period of many years. <br /> <br />Motion by Hoffman, seconded by Larson, to AUTHORIZE STAFF TO SOLICIT <br />SUBMITTALS FOR REQUESTS FOR QUALIFICATIONS FOR A MASTER <br />DEVELOPER FOR THE REDEVELOPMENT OF THE NORTHWEST <br />QUADRANT OF I-35W AND 1-694. <br /> <br />4 Ayes - 0 Nayes, Motion Carried. <br /> <br />Fulton said the Mounds View School District will hold a Bond Referendum on May 25. <br />As part of the referendum, the District approached the City requesting participation in <br />construction of a gym at Highview Middle School. If the referendum is approved, the <br />District would fund $2 million toward the gym cost, and the City's share would cap at <br />$300,000. Staff recently completed a Facility Use Study which indicated a demand for <br />additional gym space within the community. If the referendum is successful, <br />construction of the gym would occur within the next 3-5 years. <br /> <br />Benke added that City staff, School District, and community representatives have <br />discussed this space needs issue often. Staff has worked very hard to accommodate <br />community needs, but a longer term objective is construction of a new gymnasium. <br />Also, there is a great need for additional baseball fields which could be accomplished by <br />using Arsenal land. <br /> <br />Larson agreed the lrondale Basketball Association has had a difficult time securing gym <br />space, and these needs will only increase. <br /> <br />Council Business <br /> <br />NW Quad Master <br />Developer <br />Report 99-126 <br /> <br />Highview Middle <br />School Gym <br />Construction <br />Report 99-127 <br />