05-27-2026 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL MAY 27, 2026 RAMSEY COUNTY COMMISSIONER MARY .JO MCGUIRE Ramsey County Commissioner Mary Jo McGuire introduced herself and provided information on the composition of the County Board. She presented information about Operation Metro Surge, including the financial impact on the County, County response, and next steps. She highlighted public works and street projects that the County and Little Canada are collaborating on. She provided information on the Little Canada community and economic development programs and awards, and an update on the Savage Lake name change process. Ramsey County Manager Ling Becker provided additional information on the engagement the County is completing related to the name change of the lake.- She thanked the City for its support of the new Economic Development Authority of the County, anticipating that programming would begin in January of 2027. She provided information on the Building Stronger Together initiative and related economic development strategies and goals. She reviewed the 2027 supplemental budget timeline. Malone referenced the plan of development/redevelopment and asked for more information about Snelling and University. Becker replied that she has not been involved in the details of that but believed that the owner is planning to develop that site. She stated that the County has a minimal role because the city would control the land use. She provided additional information about the County's Safe and Strong initiative, which helps to ensure that people feel safe and welcome coming to the downtown areas. Miller asked for the County's position on the issue of broadband and whether franchising should be allowed for the use of the right-of-way. Becker stated that they would love to have additional discussions on that topic. She stated that the County is opening the 911 Emergency Center Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) because the facility is in need of modernization. Kwapick referenced Rice Creek Commons and recognized that the TCAP site has been an issue for years. He asked if the County would look to sell part of that property for private redevelopment and what the largest hurdles for redevelopment would be on those remaining parcels. McGuire commented that they do want to divest themselves of that land. She stated that at one time, the concept was to sell the entire property to one development for a master plan, but those conversations have evolved to selling parts of the property for development. She commented that they are looking at the best way to move forward on that property and provided input on that process. She stated that the property would be a mix of residential, retail, and commercial development. Mayor Fischer referenced the statement that 49 percent of the downtown is tax-exempt and asked if there is any way to cap the level of tax-exempt status within the county. Becker commented that would be very difficult and provided some examples of tax-exempt properties, such as government, schools, and non -profits. Mayor Fischer and the Council thanked McGuire and Becker for attending tonight. K,