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<br />a. Ramsey Star Express and North Star <br />b. Hwy corridors - to enhance business viability <br />c. Along transportation and transit corridors and land available for growth of <br />industry, commercial and residential <br />d. Location to the Twin Cities <br />H. Combined with G <br />1. Combined with E <br />J. Staff/Council, work very well together <br />a. An active and engaged Council and Staff <br />K. Quality Schools and associated activities <br /> <br />There was discussion on the following comments about Ramsey's weaknesses submitted by <br />Council and staff prior to the retreat. Consensus was reached to modify the list of assets as <br />follows. The majority of Council selected the top three weaknesses as J, A and B. The majority <br />of staff selected the top three weaknesses as and A and L, with J and B tying for third. <br /> <br />A. Lack of adequate transportation corridors <br />a. Not only are the roads woefully inadequate, but we don't have a bridge crossing <br />over the Mississippi <br />b. No major roads that intersect <br />c. Railroad that borders the entire city <br />d. Transportation challenges - we are challenged by our geography (bounded by <br />two rivers) <br />e. Infrastructure that has not kept pace with development <br />f. 47 and hwy 10 are in need of upgrade; they are overused, under-funded, and <br />deadly <br />g. Not being a station (at this time) on Phase One Northstar fear we will be left <br />behind while others on the line see progress <br />h. All railroad crossings at grade <br />B. Poor public image <br />a. Sometimes perpetuated by some on Council <br />b. Distrust due to failing projects <br />c. A culture of bad attitudes about the city and opportunities it has <br />d. Current image with Town Center <br />e. Hwy 10 <br />f. Blighted industrial parcels <br />C. A "Build and they will come" attitude <br />D. Imbalance between Residential and Commercial taxes (80-10) <br />E. An urban vs rural mentality among citizens. As the city and the region grows, it will be <br />increasingly difficult to provide a fair balance to both lifestyles. <br />a. The community does not understand that change is inevitable and that an exciting <br />vision is attainable. <br />b. They speak poorly of themselves and their ability to become. <br />c. Small town attitude still exists. "This is the way it has been so that's the way I <br />want it to stay." <br />d. Active and vocal "NIMBY" group <br /> <br />City Council/Staff Strategic Planning SessionJ February 1,2008 <br />Page 6 of 10 <br />