Agenda - Council - 07/08/2003 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

way to prosperity and we are in the process of achieving this goal as we speak. However, this type of metamorphous for a community takes time and we are not yet there. Ramsey has a strong and nearly completed business plan but the "pay day" is still three to four years away (by my calculations). Therefore, a franchise fee might well be the bandage we need to maintain services until we get the inertia of our critical mass built up and available to harvest. In times of financial strife, non profit organizations such as the City of Ramsey, (as they should), often look to the individuals and corporations that are making profit dollars during these tough times, in an effort to assist in leveling these economic ailments. I commend our staff and this Council for their efforts and successes in looking in these profiting entities to pay for our opportunities rather than to our taxpayers. I'm primarily referring to the developers working within Ramsey and paying for most of our improvements, studies, and infrastructure. The other suggestion I would like you to consider is that of having a "sunset" of three years on a franchise fee, if in fact it is passed. It would give some direction of absolution to both the Ramsey residents and to someone like Connexus, that they may be willing to participate. If in fact the growth in this community is to benefit the taxpayers by building a stronger tax base, then it is paramount that the taxpayer eventually realize this benefit directly in their own pocket books. How better to show this benefit than to start reducing rates as the "Ramsey game plan" comes together. This is something that most of us have never experienced - a true levy/fee reduction due to proactive planning and realized benefits. We the City Council of Ramsey have it in our ability to make this happen if we hold fast to the notion." Mayor Gamec stated that the City gets by really quite cheap because most communities that are of similar size have a lot more staff. The City is faced with real critical times and they have to find ways to fix it. Councilmember Cook stated that the Town Center is not costing the City money because the developers are paying their own way with the exception of Sunwood Drive where MSA funds will be used as well as an $800,000 grant. The developer has also agreed to set aside funds to pay for additional staff during the time the development is occurring. The development is happening at the developer's expense to the benefit of the City. A few years ago there was a vote by the residents of Ramsey for a multi-use area to be developed within the City. City staff and the City Council are trying to bring forth something that a majority of the City asked for. Currently the City is spending the sales tax in Coon Rapids and Elk River because the City of Ramsey does not have retail. The City has been behind the Town Center project, not just the City Council. The City has already made a lot of cuts. They removed about $10,000 from the park and recreation budget by reducing how often the grass will be cut and last week his park was not mowed and he received three complaints out of 16 residents. People are used to a certain standard. The City will probably receive the same complaints when they have to wait for four inches of snow before the roads are plowed. If people can tell them which staff to get rid of because they are not doing their job or are not needed then he will be happy to let them go, but he does not see any place where they are spending money frivolously. The general funds pay for services they are receiving and if the residents want services cut then tell them which ones. Councilmember Pearson stated that he recently attended the League of Minnesota Cities meeting and the number one discussion was budget shortfalls. Cities everywhere are scrambling to find City Council/June 24, 2003 Page 17 of 37