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7.3.
CC Regular Session
Meeting Date:
10/08/2013
Submitted For:
Patrick Brama
By:
Patrick Brama, Administrative Services

Information

Title:

15153 Nowthen Blvd Property Development: Adopt Public Input Process

Background:

General Background
This case is related to the development of City owned land located at 15153 Nowthen Boulevard; known as the Former Municipal Center Site (“Subject Property”). The Subject Property is 21.24 acres in size and is zoned Public/Quasi-Public.

This Subject Property was vacated in 2006, when the City moved its municipal center campus to The COR (NOTE: Fire Station #2 temporarily operates from the Subject Property).  Since 2006, the City has explored various options for selling the Subject Property in conjunction with the construction of a new fire station on an adjacent City owned site. In 2012, the City was approached by Connexus Energy regarding the development of the Subject Property for a data center(s).

The City is considering two general development scenarios for the Subject Property: data center and single family residential. The City completed a feasibility study on said development scenarios in February 2013 (which included site concept maps); and, a public open house in April 2013.

Case Background
Because the Subject Property is zoned Public/Quasi Public today, the next step in the process to develop this site is to consider the appropriate future land use and zoning--specifically: consider submitting an application for a Comprehensive Plan Amendment.

In June and July 2013 the City Council directed Staff to re-engage surrounding property owners before submitting an application to amend the City's Comprehensive Plan--specifically, regarding a potential data center development.  Below is a summary of the proposed study group.
 
Proposed Study Group
PURPOSE: better understand under what circumstances would a data center development be an acceptable use for the Subject Property. The key outcome of this process is a proposal for Council consideration; which will include (1) further documentation/information addressing specific concerns (2) mitigation proposals addressing specific concerns (3) updated site concept maps and cost-benefit analysis.

NOTE: The purpose of a study group is identify and consider compromises/ solutions; it is possible the study group may conclude certain concerns cannot be mitigated.

STAKEHOLDERS: 13 surrounding/at-large property owners will be primary study group participants.  One Councilmember, one EDA member and one Planning Commission Member will also be involved with the process.  See Observations/Alternatives section of this case for a detailed list.

TIMELINE: 4-6 sessions, two hours per session from November to January.  Results will be reviewed by the EDA, Planning Commission and City Council.  Subsequently, the City Council will consider submitting an application for a Comprehensive Plan Amendment.

PROCESS: Council directed Staff to pursue a 'hybrid style' public process in July of 2013.  For specific information please review the attached description.

Additional detailed background information is available on this project at: www.cityoframsey.com/formerrmc.

Purpose of Case
(A) Select a Councilmember XXXXXXX to participate in the proposed study group.
-and-
(B) Adopt the formation of the 'Old Municipal Center Study Group.'
-and-
(C) Direct Staff to begin the proposed public process.
 

Notification:

No notification required at this stage. However, Staff has contacted surrounding Property Owners multiple times preceding this discussion and has set up a project webpage at www.cityoframsey.com/formerrmc.

Observations/Alternatives:

Participants for the proposed study group were solicited by direct mailing (250 surrounding parcels) and with an article in the Ramsey Resident (September/October edition).  Copies of both correspondence are attached to this case.

Proposed Study Group:
  1. Aaron Brendel, 5911 157th Lane NW
  2. Kent Cunningham, 15211 Helium Street NW
  3. Brandon Doyle, 15109 Helium Street NW
  4. Mike Hoeschen, 7005 156th Ave NW
  5. Al Kempf, 15220 St. Francis Blvd NW
  6. Kristen Kimsey, 5722 152nd Way NW
  7. Jennifer Kulseth, 15225 Helium St NW
  8. Donna McLain, 15133 Nowthen Blvd NW
  9. Jon Olds, 5660 146th Circle NW
  10. Gail Penner, 15232 Helium St NW
  11. Nancy Norman Sommer, 14451 Potassium St NW
  12. Steve Swenson, 5734 152nd Way NW
  13. Eric Zaetsch, 6521 154th Lane NW
  14. LIAISON: 1 Planning Commission Member (TBD)
  15. LIAISON: 1 Economic Development Authority Member (TBD)
  16. LIAISON: 1 City Councilmember (TBD)
Staff recommends all residents whom submitted interest in participating in the proposed study group be accepted by the City Council.  Although a study group consisting of 7-10 participants would be an ideal size for the proposed process, Staff believes 16 participants is manageable and will still be productive (as proposed above).

Recommendation:

(A) Select a Councilmember XXXXXXX to participate in the proposed study group.
-and-
(B) Adopt the formation of the 'Old Municipal Center Study Group' as proposed.
-and-
(C) Direct Staff to begin the proposed public process.

Funding Source:

Normal staff duties (Administrative Services Department and Community Development Department [Planning Division]).

Council Action:

(A) Select a Councilmember XXXXXXX to participate in the proposed study group.
-and-
(B) Adopt the formation of the 'Old Municipal Center Study Group' as proposed.
-and-
(C) Direct Staff to begin the proposed public process.

Attachments

Form Review

Inbox Reviewed By Date
Brian Hagen Tim Gladhill 10/03/2013 10:19 AM
Kurt Ulrich Kurt Ulrich 10/03/2013 02:13 PM
Form Started By:
Patrick Brama
Started On:
10/02/2013 02:40 PM
Final Approval Date:
10/03/2013