09-23-2019 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION DRAFT 2 Director Cotton remarked that staff wanted to present information to the council. It’s a 46 view to think about moving ahead. 47 48 Mayor Reinert said the City need that he sees is for equipment storage and to update the 49 repair garage as needed. He also sees other important work that needs to be funded by 50 the City such as road work. 51 52 Council Member Rafferty remarked that the facility cost was discussed around $4 million 53 but he hears now that soft costs bring that amount to $6 million and that is a big jump. 54 He understands that this is just a preliminary look. 55 56 Council Member Stoesz remarked that school buses are parked outside. 57 58 Council Member Maher said she is worried about future levies. She understands the 59 need to house equipment and wonders why pole barns wouldn’t work. She isn’t sure that 60 a nicer building wouldn’t actually translate into better service for the residents. 61 62 Council Member Rafferty concurred that this discussion involves looking toward the 63 future and therefore it’s not possible to know all the facts. 64 65 Council Member Maher asked if there is land near the current campus that could be 66 acquired and used for something like a pole barn. 67 68 Mayor Reinert remarked that the scope of a project still needs to be studied. The 69 financing options are pretty clear. Deciding where such a project fits into the City’s 70 priorities moving forward is an important discussion. 71 72 Council Member Rafferty asked if trucks are stored outside all the time. Mr. DeGardner 73 said yes. 74 75 Director Cotton suggested that staff will report back as part of the 2021 budget 76 discussion. Mayor Reinert again suggested more discussion on scope. 77 78 2. Proposed Jet Ski Flipping Ban, John Swenson79 80 3. MN Technology Corridor (35E) Update – Community Development Director81 Grochala explained that the City has been working with Anoka County to increase 82 economic development efforts. Part of that discussion is the possibility of establishing a 83 technology corridor along Highway 35E. The City has many acres of land that is guided 84 correctly for that type of activity. The name brand suggested is “The Minnesota Tech 85 Corridor”. A website is in place and interest is being seen. The goal is high value 86 technology projects. There is one site that is being promoted based on a large section of 87 land available. Mr. Grochala reviewed how the City is working the concept and 88 preparing for possibilities, as outlined in the written staff report. 89 90