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-198- <br />Note on the PLANNING PROCESS: <br />As part of the part of the strategic planning process, it is important to take an inventory of or <br />identify those things the City has going for it -- assets seen as strengths. it is equally important <br />to be realistic about what disadvantages or weaknesses the city is facing. Some of those <br />can be overcome or changed while others have to be "worked around ". <br />Leveraging the strengths and working with the weaknesses will be necessary toward fulfilling <br />the Ramsey's vision and goals. From these exercises, strategic issues are identified and plans <br />to address them get on both the council's and staff agendas. <br />Council and staff shared their thoughts regarding these topics in the pre - retreat survey and <br />they were discussed and ranked during the retreat. <br />3. City Staff: <br />CITY OF RAMSEY'S ASSETS AND /OR STRENGTHS <br />Ranked <br />Council and Staff <br />City of Ramsey <br />Council /Staff Retreat <br />February 1, 2, 2008 <br />1. Natural Amenities, Resources: <br />1. Trott Brook, <br />2. The Mississippi and Rum Rivers <br />3. Wetlands, woodland, etc. <br />4. Large properties with natural resources and wildlife. <br />5. Parks and trail system that connects <br />2. Transit Opportunities, <br />1. Ramsey Star Express and North Star <br />2. Hwy corridors - to enhance business viability <br />3. Location: Along transportation and transit corridors and land <br />available for growth of industry, commercial and residential; <br />Location to the Twin Cities. <br />1 City Services in place, organization sized to be responsive to <br />,community needs <br />2. Strong public service departments <br />3. Dedicated staff <br />4. Well thought of by county, state, federal, and regional people <br />5. Works well as a team and is able to understand big picture issues <br />while also working on daily tasks in an efficient manner. <br />6. Relatively young staff, open to new ideas, ideas for change <br />7. Most people seem to like working here (see employee survey) <br />4. Community not yet defined; it is undeveloped <br />1. Much of what we have is a blank slate <br />2. Space for commercial development <br />3. We can look at others and not reinvent the wheel <br />4. Town Center Potential - infrastructure ready to go <br />5. Plenty of valuable open space for development. <br />Quality schools and associated activities. <br />