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MINUTES <br />CITY COUNCIL <br />NOVEMBER 21, 2001 <br />criticism if it did not go through the RFP process. The City Administrator <br />pointed out that other cities have used the RFP process as is being proposed <br />this evening, and have been able to select a developer and ended up with <br />excellent projects. The Administrator pointed out that the RFP asks the <br />developer to show what lie or she can do. The City then rates the proposals <br />received and makes a selection. This is similar to what was done when the <br />City selected Presbyterian Homes to develop The Mayfield, <br />Johnson expressed concern about the previous discussion of townhomes as a <br />buffer between Lakeside and the retail/senior project, and asked if this would <br />be a criteria considered as part of the RFP process. The City Administrator <br />indicated that the City is aware that developers will want to maximize the <br />density of the project. Those interests are not necessarily in conflict with the <br />City. Fahey indicated that the City is not wedded to the idea of townhomes. <br />While the residents of Lakeside may prefer a townhome buffer, the City has <br />not yet made that decision. However, if a majority of the development <br />proposals include townhomes, this is sanething that the City will consider. <br />There was some discussion about whether Phase 1 and Phase II has to occur <br />simultaneously. Fahey noted that if the City is forced to purchase the Rutzick <br />property, the preference will be to do both phases at once. <br />Rutzick stated that he would like the City to appoint him and Johnson as the <br />developers for the project. Johnson indicated that they would make some <br />presumptions and put a development proposal together. Johnson indicated that <br />they would be requesting some TIP assistance. Rutzick pointed out that the <br />25,000 square feet of retail space is a huge gamble. Johnson agreed, and <br />pointed out that the retail space that is part of the Shakopee project is of lower <br />quality. Rutzick pointed out that there are two strip centers in Little Canada <br />that have gone back to the bank twice in recent years. <br />Scalze pointed out that the Phase 1 development is a prime corner in the City, <br />and she felt that the Council had to try to attract the best development it could <br />for that corner. <br />Johnson reported that the senior housing component is the easy part, it will be <br />the 25,000 square feet of retail that will be diff cult. Johnson pointed out that <br />they are trying to work through the retail and again mentioned his contacts <br />with Joe Vitale about The Venetian Inn locating in that space as well as getting <br />a bank. <br />Fahey suggested that if the City decides to go the RFP route that Johnson and <br />Rutzick not take that as an indication that the City is not interested in working <br />with them. Fahey again indicated that all things being equal, he would prefer <br />to work with the owner of the land. <br />x <br />