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STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS <br /> <br /> I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself as your new Mayor. With only a few <br />meetings under my belt, I will admit it is quite a leaming experience. The City Staff and the City <br />Council have been very helpful to me and easy to work with. We are getting more comfortable <br />working together as each meeting goes by. <br /> <br /> So, where are we at here in Ramsey? With the new Governor's budget reduction coming to <br />local govemments, the new Council and City Staff will have some very challenging times ahead. It <br />will be a struggle, at best, to keep our goods and services at its present status quo. Our budget for <br />Ramsey will have to be carefully scrutinized to keep us out of the same financial problems that the <br />state has now inherited. To date, all we have heard are percentages floating around. Once we get <br />the real facts and figures, the adjustment process will then be addressed. <br /> <br /> The Ramsey Volunteer Fire Department now has the necessary equipment needed to comply <br />with Mutual Aid with our neighboring cities. Monies were put in place for a second pumper track <br />which fulfilled our obligation for mutual equipment. <br /> <br /> As usual, we will be addressing the landfill issue, which will be coming up. There are some <br />new state laws in the works for this year that could be very helpful for the Ramsey citizens. We <br />will be watching this carefully. <br /> <br /> The Council approved the go-ahead for federal funds (distributed through Anoka County) for <br />low income, senior citizens and handicapped persons. These funds were available at no cost to the <br />City and as they had not been designated in 1990, we combined 1990 and 1991 allocations for <br />several programs. <br /> <br /> The City of Ramsey was once again named "Tree City U.S.A." for the second year in a row. <br />My congratulations to the people who put in their time and effort and came home a winner. There <br />will be the annual tree sale again this spring. <br /> <br /> There are a great number of issues I haven't touched on that will also be coming up in the <br />future. If you have questions, complaints, input, or constructive criticism, tell us. That is the only <br />way we will know. All of us at the City of Ramsey are here to serve our residents. <br /> <br /> We have a number of community organizations and committees that can use your help. Fully <br />realizing that most residents have full-time jobs, time seems to be in short supply. However, many <br />of the groups or committees require about two to four hours a month. It's a good way to meet <br />your neighbors and to help mold your community the way you think it should be. Every pair of <br />hands is much needed and appreciated. <br /> <br />Thank you for your support and your time. <br /> <br />Sincerely, <br /> <br />Jim Gilbertson <br />Mayor, City of Ramsey <br /> <br /> <br />