Agenda - Council Work Session - 06/17/2008

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CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION Topic Report: Mis~issippi National River and Recreation Area Presentation By: Chris Anderson, Environmental Coordinator Background: City Staff was approached last year by the Friends of the Mississippi River (FMR) and the National Park Service (NPS) about their interest in offering a workshop on the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area (tvlNRRA) designation and what that means for Ramsey. With the comprehensive plan update process underway, this seemed like a timely opportunity to get reacquainted with the river corridor and its significance. Furthermore, this workshop should provide a good.base of information that could.be utilized as we attempt to bring our Mississippi River zoning regulations into conformance with the comprehensive plan. Representatives from FMR and NPS will be on hand to present an interactive workshop looking at various aspects of the corridor, such as why this seventy-two (72) mile stretch of river was designated as a national recreation area, some benefits and implications of this designation, and tools and resources that are available for communities to successfully manage the river corridor (a copy of the workshop invitation has been included). City Staff would also like to include. in the discussion information regarding some broader economic development possibilities that could be explored with regard to the river corridor. The workshop invitation that City Council received was also sent to members of the Planning Commission, Park & Recreation Commission, Environmental Policy Board, and Economic Development Authority. Funding: There is rio direct cost associated with this workshop. Action Statement No action needed as this is for informational purposes only. Reviewed by: ~...J \ ( . .7') ... '\ City Administrator: ~ ~ _ ~. ~) Community Development Director . ~ Parks. Supervisor CCWS: 6/17/08 J;