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CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION <br />APPROVED <br />46 Director Cotton remarked that staff wanted to present information to the council. It's a <br />47 view to think about moving ahead. <br />48 <br />49 Mayor Reinert said the City need that he sees is for equipment storage and to update the <br />50 repair garage as needed. He also sees other important work that needs to be funded by <br />51 the City such as road work. <br />52 <br />53 Council Member Rafferty remarked that the facility cost was discussed around $4 million <br />54 but he hears now that soft costs bring that amount to $6 million and that is a big jump. <br />55 He understands that this is just a preliminary look. <br />56 <br />57 Council Member Stoesz remarked that school buses are parked outside. <br />58 <br />59 Council Member Maher said she is worried about future levies. She understands the <br />6o need to house equipment and wonders why pole barns wouldn't work. She isn't sure that <br />61 a nicer building wouldn't actually translate into better service for the residents. <br />62 <br />63 Council Member Rafferty concurred that this discussion involves looking toward the <br />64 future and therefore it's not possible to know all the facts. <br />65 <br />66 Council Member Maher asked if there is land near the current campus that could be <br />67 acquired and used for something like a pole barn. <br />68 <br />69 Mayor Reinert remarked that the scope of a project still needs to be studied. The <br />70 financing options are pretty clear. Deciding where such a project fits into the City's <br />71 priorities moving forward is an important discussion. <br />72 <br />73 Council Member Rafferty asked if trucks are stored outside all the time. Mr. DeGardner <br />74 said yes. <br />75 <br />76 Director Cotton suggested that staff will report back as part of the 2021 budget <br />77 discussion. Mayor Reinert again suggested more discussion on scope. <br />78 <br />80 <br />81 3. MN Technology Corridor (35E) Update —Community Development Director <br />82 Grochala explained that the City has been working with Anoka County to increase <br />83 economic development efforts. Part of that discussion is the possibility of establishing a <br />84 technology corridor along Highway 35E. The City has many acres of land that is guided <br />85 correctly for that type of activity. The name brand suggested is "The Minnesota Tech <br />86 Corridor". A website is in place and interest is being seen. The goal is high value <br />87 technology projects. There is one site that is being promoted based on a large section of <br />88 land available. Mr. Grochala reviewed how the City is working the concept and <br />89 preparing for possibilities, as outlined in the written staff report. <br />90 <br />