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<br />Observations: <br /> <br />During the discussion at the December 11 meeting regarding this resolution, there was some <br />uncertainty about the status or result of an abstention vote, and more specifically, whether it in fact <br />constituted a 'yes' vote. The City Attorney has researched this matter with the League of Minnesota <br />Cities and has determined that an abstention vote is not a 'yes' vote, nor does it reduce the number of <br />affirmative votes needed, as stipulated in City Charter, to adopt or approve a resolution. <br /> <br />Since the December City Council meeting, Staffhas been informed by Embrace Open Space that the <br />City of Ramsey's requests for technical and financial assistance with both a land conservation <br />feasibility study and a public opinion survey were approved. The requests were approved for <br />combined funding of up to $20,000.00. However, the approval is contingent upon the adoption of a <br />resolution of support. <br /> <br />Funding: <br /> <br />There would be no financial obligation on the City's part ifthe resolution is adopted. Embrace Open <br />Space would provide up to $20,000 (roughly $4,500 for a feasibility study and up to $15,000 for a <br />survey) to complete both activities. While there is no required match from the City, a modest <br />contribution toward the cost of the feasibility study would not only be welcomed but would also <br />demonstrate the City's commitment to this work. The resolution being considered does not contain <br />any provision for a monetary contribution. <br /> <br />Recommendation: <br /> <br />Staff would like to reiterate that the sole purpose of this resolution is to affirm the City Council's <br />support for the City to seek and accept assistance with its effort to research and evaluate the potential <br />of a land conservation ballot measure. There is no obligation to commit to a ballot measure and, <br />more importantly, it does not imply Council support for a land conservation measure. Both Staff and <br />the Environmental Policy Board recommend that City Council adopt the resolution. <br /> <br />Council Action: <br /> <br />Motion by Councilmember and seconded by Councilmember to <br />adopt resolution # 08-01-_ affirming the City's effort to seek technical and financial assistance <br />with researching and evaluating the potential of a land conservation measure. <br /> <br />Review Checklist: <br />Interim Community Development Director <br />Interim Asst. Com. Dev. Director <br />Assistant City Administrator ~ <br /> <br />City Administrator J! C (~"--./ <br />I <br /> <br />CC: 1/8/08 <br /> <br />-208- <br />