Approve Memorandum of Understanding (MOA) between City of Ramsey & United States Department of Veterans Affairs

The city has received a request to allow a vehicle to be parked within the Municipal Parking Ramp next to City Hall.  The vehicle would be used to transport veterans to VA clinics and hospitals.  As part of the request, the Minnesota and the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, Minneapolis VA Health Care System (MVAHCS) is seeking a Memorandum of Understanding granting a permit to park in the ramp as such.  City Attorney Knaak has reviewed the permit and has no changes.  If approved, staff will work to identify a specific parking stall to dedicate to the use.

The Municipal Parking Ramp has 793 stalls.  Stall allocation allows 350 for transit, 275 for Residence at the COR, 143 for City Hall and 25 unallocated.  Based on this information, there are excess stalls open for public use.  Furthermore, visual observation of how the ramp is utilized today for parking needs shows several unused stalls throughout the day.  Annually the City adopts a budget for maintenance costs, two parties are responsible for the costs.  The City pays for the transit, City Hall and unallocated stalls, and the Residence at the COR pays for their portion covering their 275 stalls.  Under the proposal being considered, the City would not charge maintenance costs to MVAHCS.

Alternative 1: Approve the MOU as presented.  Staff supports this alternative.
Alternative 2: Approve the MOU with changes
Alternative 3: Do not approve the MOU.
 

Staff recommends approval of the MOU as presented.

Motion to approve Permit For Use of City of Ramsey Property by the Minnesota and the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, Minneapolis VA Health Care System.