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I feel the Comprehensive Plan update was seriously manipulated. The Planning Commission made <br />a wrong decision in somebody's mind on one issue and, therefore, the Economic Development <br />Commission was brought in. That Commission is chaired by Ken Wagner who is the campaign <br />manager for Glen Hardin. Those are the kinds of things that lead me to concerns for manipulation. <br />If the EDC is invited to provide input, they should do it like the Planning Commission provided <br />input to the Park and Recreation Commission. The Charter amendment occurred in the hope that <br />the City of Ramsey citizens can determine the character of Ramsey as an urban or rural community. <br />We are using methods to ensure development at urban densities. I think that's contrary to the will <br />of the people. This amendment gives them that voice. <br /> <br />Chairperson Steffen asked, if it appears that Council makes the wrong decision, such as on a <br />bridge location, should that be changed by the people by a Charter amendment? <br /> <br />Commissioner Donavan further asked what about a mall location or a road or a park? <br /> <br />Mr. Hendriksen stated that representative government does not always work. I tried to step away <br />from the specifics into a more global environment. This is what determines the essential character <br />of our community. I believe it starts with the MUSA line. <br /> <br />Chairperson Steffen stated that there is a straightforward way to do it by a zoning ordinance. Make <br />a minimum 2.5-acre urban lot and there won't be any development. <br /> <br />Mr. Hendriksen stated, I believe there should be urban density neighborhoods. <br /> <br />Chairperson Steffen asked would it be reasonable to put urban densities next to an elementary <br />school? <br /> <br />Mr. Hendriksen answered, everyone goes to school by bus anyway. The issue is putting urban <br />development in a rural neighborhood. Two lots would be okay in Fox Knoll, 14 would probably <br />be okay, 22 is too many. He further stated that MUSA area designation for urban services <br />determines, to a great extent, density and essential character of that neighborhood. <br /> <br />Chairperson Steffen asked if the Commission feels strongly that this is an appropriate route, or <br />should the issue be brought before this Commission. <br /> <br />Mr. Hendriksen stated that you can come back with anything that you think is appropriate, if you <br />think it should be done differently, please suggest something, but out of 350 people only three <br />people didn't sign the petition. <br /> <br />Chairperson Steffen asked do you think this is your City? Its not my City. We are stewards. We <br />hold this City in trust for the people that come after us. <br /> <br />Mr. Hendriksen stated, I think the current citizens have a right to develop as they see fit, regardless <br />of development style, the City will be full developed someday in some character. The citizens here <br />desire more input. <br /> <br />Chairperson Steffen stated, I could have gotten a petition against a certain drainage project but <br />that's not the way a City should be run. <br /> <br />Mr. Hendriksen stated, I was very honest, I didn't shade it or misrepresent it in any way and if I <br />did, the citizens will have an opportunity to vote against it. If you have some subtle change you <br />want to make, we're very open to that. I would not be open to an amendment that takes all the <br />teeth out of it. <br /> <br />Charter Commission/June 1, 1995 <br /> Page 3 of 4 <br /> <br /> <br />