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<br />neighborhoods know what is going on and a better notification method than the US mail, which <br />has been proven to not work. Mr. Varner suggested the Councilmembers visit neighborhoods to <br />hand out the notices and visit with residents. The Councilmembers can also then realize what a <br />project would do to the neighborhood. Mr. Varner stated that lastly, he would like it <br />remembered that all City employees and the City Council work for the taxpayers of Ramsey, not <br />for T Mobile or the FCC, but for the taxpayers of Ramsey and he wished they would vote that <br />way. <br /> <br />Mayor Gamec clarified that everyone on the Council votes for the best interest of the City and he <br />resents Mr. Varner implying that they do not. He stated the City went through a lot of problems <br />and a lot of difficult decisions had to be made. Mayor Gamec stated that every Councilmember <br />here always works in the best interest of the citizens and the City of Ramsey. He stated he has a <br />lot of respect for Councilmembers and what they go through. Mayor Gamec stated that it is up <br />to families to look after their children and know what they are doing, noting Ramsey holds a <br />Safety Camp to help. Mayor Gamec stated the tower application was handled in the best interest <br />of Ramsey and the Council assured everything was legally handled and also got documentation <br />from the City Attorney and Administrator on the procedures taken. Mayor, Gamec stated the <br />tower was centered in that park away from residential and the Council felt that was the best <br />decision at that time. He stated he understands some are not happy but a decision had to be <br />made. <br /> <br />Mr. Varner stated he knows the Council has to make decisions that are not easy. His statement is <br />that residents didn't know because it said the western side. <br /> <br />Mayor Gamec agreed there was a lot of controversy and the tower could not be placed on the <br />west side because of people who came in. Then the Council looked at the other side and <br />established a 6-month moratorium to study the matter. Because of legal pressure, the Council <br />had to make a decision. <br /> <br />City Administrator Ulrich stated the City Attorney was asked to review the tower lease to see <br />what the options are in terms of the additional options. <br /> <br />Attorney Goodrich advised that one of the provisions for termination, in addition to default, is <br />that the owner can terminate the lease after the first option with a one-year prior notice if the <br />Council votes to redevelop the property for a public purpose. So, after the initial four years, with <br />a one-year notice, the City could make a determination that the property is better suited for a <br />different public purpose. <br /> <br />Mr. Varner asked if it has to be redevelopment, and whether the park being used more can be <br />considered "redevelopment." <br /> <br />Mayor Gamec stated Alpine Park is already at the maximum and the Council picked that tower <br />site because it lined up with possible lighting for the fields. Also, other communications can be <br />located on that tower. The Council assured access to the communications building was between <br />fields so it would not interrupt play on the fields. Mayor Gamec stated that the City looked into <br />a lot of things to determine that particular site. The tower height was determined because of the <br /> <br />City Council / August 12, 2008 <br />Page 5 of 26 <br />