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Date: May 19, 1995 To: Bill Goodrich, Ramsey City Attorney From: David Bawden, Planning and Zoning Chairperson Subject: Comprehensive Plan Update This is in response to the memo that I received from Ryan Schroeder regarding the controversy over the comprehensive plan update. Attached you will find a copy of the memo that I sent to the various concerned individuals within the city government. The bottom line of my concern is the apparent agenda of Jim Gromberg to have the Economic Development Commission come up with their own plan instead of addressing the simple task of land use in the Highway 10 area. This authority may have been given to him by others (possibly senior staff or other elected officials) that may not have been happy with the plan that the Planning Commission was coming up with because he seemed to be pursuing this agenda without fear of repercussions. If there were objections to the plan then the procedure is to have a public hearing and City Council approval before the plan was adopted. During this process anyone could have raised objections so that City Council could hear "the other side of the story". This process also could have taken place in late 1994 instead of involving consultant time and unnecessary extra cost to the city. I don't know of any conduct by anyone that may have legal concerns but certainly questionable ethics plays a major role in what has occurred. I have also enclosed a copy of the city code that pretty clearly states the responsibilities of the Planning Commission and the Economic Development Commission. I am sure you are aware of this but I am including it to further support my position with regard to what the Planning Commission was trying to accomplish. If you have any questions please feel free to give me a call (H) 753-4055, (W) 753- 5923. Attachments: Memo 4/20/95 Memo 5/11/95 Boards and Commissions