Minutes - Council - 01/22/2008 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Councilmember Dehen asked if Councilmember Strommen is connected with the entity that the EPB would use with the open space referendum. Councilmember Strommen stated the reason she abstained from discussion regarding the open space referendum at the previous City Council meeting was because she sits on the board of the organization to which the EPB was proposing that the City apply for funding. She clarified in terms of a general issue of open space or an open space referendum, the entity that she sits on the board for does not conduct or advise the EPB. Councilmember Dehen stated he does not think the open space referendum should be advocated to the City Council. The process for a referendum can be independent of the City. Mayor Gamec stated he does not see a problem with the EPB work plan. Direction was given to the EPB at the last meeting, and things must come back to the City Council for final approval. Councilmember Elvig concurred. He stated he would like to know if there are funding opportunities available. He would like a group of volunteers to keep their eyes open and find out what is available; they have found financing in the past due to some of these groups. He stated he does not see this as something that threatens his ability to put a stop to something he does not agree with. The Planning Commission makes recommendations all the time, and the City Council does not always agree. It is a recommending body. He does not see this policy to be in conflict with the Council's authorities or abilities. Motion by Councilmember Elvig, seconded by Councilmember Strommen, to adopt Resolution #08-01-026 approving the Environmental Policy Board's 2008 Work Plan. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Mayor Gamec, Councilmembers Elvig, Strommen, and Jeffrey. Voting No: Councilmembers Dehen and Look. Absent: Councilmember Olson. Case #4: Introduce Ordinance Amendments Regulating Chapter 5 of City Code, Section 5.07, Firearms within the City of Ramsey, Minnesota Police Chief Way stated the Police Department currently reviews and approves permits for bow and arrow hunting and has done so since 1973. In 2006, Council directed the Police Chief to review and issue permits for firearm hunting, contrary to City Code. Prior to that time, citizens would bring their request directly to Council or a special permit. The current ordinance does not give authority to the Police Chief to issue permits and staff would like to amend the code to add language to reflect the City's current practice. Mr. Way advised the current ordinance allows the Chief of Police to issue permits to carry concealed weapons. State law no longer allows the Chief to issue the permit so this portion needs to be removed from the ordinance. Mr. Way presented the proposed ordinance amendment for Council consideration. Mayor Gamec clarified with Police Chief Way that the Sheriff requests information from the City when Ramsey residents request a gun permit. City Council! January 22, 2008 Page 12 of 22