04-11-2012 Council Workshop Minutes

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL APRIL 11, 2012 given that the City has limited funds and those funds should be utilized for projects with the highest priority rankings. Boss asked the status of the Country Drive Trail Project. The Administrator indicated that this project will be included in the Trail System Plan. He also noted that there are options for improving this trail that result in the trail not being constructed entirely along Country Drive. The Council reviewed the action plan for "Conduct RFP for Hotel /Motel ". The Administrator noted that some of the potential hotel sites which were identified in 2007 are no longer viable. He presented minutes from a past Council meeting showing that the Council's consensus was that the Country Drive site was the preferred location. The key issue relative to this location is Don Gagne's willingness to proceed. The City Administrator indicated his hesitancy to proceed with an RFP if the City does not have control of the entire site. The Administrator reported that in discussing this issue with Mr. Gagne, he indicated that while he would be willing to cooperate if a good project came along, he is not ready to look for another house at this time. Blesener stated that the County Drive location is preferable given the freeway visibility. The Administrator noted the three potential sites with freeway visibility include the one that incorporates the Gagne property, the Spruce Street site, and the former Knox location which is no longer available. It was pointed out that the Spruce Street site is 2.66 acres. The Administrator felt that at some point in time Mr. Gagne will be ready to sell his property. Next reviewed was "Focus on Redevelopment Projects ". The Administrator noted that some of the previously identified redevelopment projects have been completed. He noted that an additional are with the potential for redevelopment is the area at Rice Street and Demont Avenue. He indicated that RJ Marco is looking at this area for the potential development of a 36,000 square foot building. (This is very preliminary.) The Council discussed the Little Canada Road strip malls, and the City Administrator reported that he would contact the owner to determine if they have any building or signage upgrades planned. The Council also discussed "Acquisition Plan for Remaining Round Lake Properties ", and it was noted that the City has acquired these properties over the years as they became available. Staff will attempt to obtain an option in the one willing property. "Complete Country Drive Redevelopment" was discussed with the City Administrator suggesting that this action plan be modified to reference the potential hotel development. He also suggested that he contact the Ketchmark's to determine their willingness to sell. The Administrator 4