Staff Updates

Use of EDA Revolving Loan Fund (RLF)
At the February EDA meeting, restrictions to the EDA RLF were discussed.  In summary, clarification was needed as to whether or not State/Federal restrictions existed on the City's EDA revolving loan fund (does the EDA have discretion to spend RLF dollars where they see fit?).  Based on a discussion with the City's Finance Director and Economic Development Consultant, it was determined the City's RLF dollars are unrestricted and available for use as the EDA sees fit.  The only existing restrictions on the RLF is the 2009 adopted EDA RLF policy.


Closed Session Discussions
Minn. Stat. § 13D.05, subdivision 3 allows a meeting to be closed:
(1) to determine the asking price for real or personal property to be sold by the government entity; [and/or]
(2) to develop or consider offers or counteroffers for the purchase or sale of real or personal property.
 
This statutory language does not limit the discussion to just price.  The sale of land may, and often does, include terms other than price, such as earnest money, timing, title evidence, environmental issues, amount of land to be sold (if dividing a parcel), potential future use, division of closing costs, survey requirements, encroachments, etc.  All such terms may be part of the negotiation and considered in the review of an offer or in the development of a counteroffer.  This exception to the Open Meeting Law is designed to allow the government to negotiate all such terms in private for the public’s best interests.


New Ramsey (Anoka County Sponsored) "Open to Business Program"
Anoka County has sponsored all Anoka Cities to join an "Open to Business Program."  This program targets small/start-up businesses and fills the gap of expertise/ professional consulting/ and opportunities for micro loans that are not typically provided by banks and municipalities (for small/start-up businesses).  Below is a summary, the program coordinator will attend the April EDA meeting to provide an overview and answer questions.  Staff plans on advertising this program through: City website, Facebook and the Ramsey Resident.  This program/service is free to the City of Ramsey in 2015.  Anoka County hopes that Anoka Cities will consider joining/subscribing to this program in 2016.
 

RALF and Armstrong City Owned Properties
RALF: Over the past 45 days staff has spent a considerable amount of time working with tenants located on City owned properties along Highway 10 (commonly known as RALF properties).  PACT Charter and Northern Light leases are due for renewal in 2015; and both new leases may require modifications to the premises.  Staff expects lease proposals for both users to come forward in the next 60 days to the City Council.  Youth First is in the process of designing a new, commercial-grade, kitchen for their space.  A request for these improvements will come to the Council in the next 60 days.  Staff continues to work with Independent Auto regarding  number of property maintenance issues and other outstanding items.

ARMSTRONG: Over the past 60 days staff has spent significant time working with previous property owners/tenants located on City property purchased for the Armstrong Interchange project.  Anoka County, will be taking over the process of site demolition and clean-up for said properties in March.  Staff is working with Anoka County to ensure all properties have been vacated by tenants; and all equipment and personal possessions have been removed.  This includes an auction for equipment left in the Wiser Choice Liquor store building.


F&C (Residence at The COR) Refinance/Sale
As of late February, F&C has indicated they are now selling their property in Ramsey rather than refinancing.  They expect to close on this sale in late March.  As a result of F&C pursing a sale rather than a refinance, the City Council will need to re-adopt a set of new/ updated resolutions and amendments related to pervious agreements with F&C (this will be the second time the Council will review/ adopt said documents).


 Purchase Agreements: