Resolution - #09-04-081 - 04/21/2009

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Councilmember Look introduced the following resolution and moved for its adoption: RESOLUTION # 09-04-081 RESOLUTION OPPOSING HF 1973 IN THE CITY OF RAMSEY WHEREAS, the City of Ramsey is aware of proposed legislation that would make a number of changes to the Mississippi River Corridor Critical Areas program; and WHEREAS, such legislation was originally introduced as HF 424 and SF 671; and WHERES, the language from HF 424 is now incorporated into HF 1973; and WHEREAS, Section 14 of HF 1973 sets forth criteria for establishing rules to carry out the purpose of the federal Mississippi National River and Recreation Area originally established pursuant to United States Code, Title 16, Section 460zz - 2 (k) and in the governor's executive order number 79-19 published in the State Register on March 12, 1979; and WHEREAS, Section 14 requires the Commissioner of Natural Resources to adopt such rules as are necessary for the administration of the Mississippi National River and Recreation Act program; and WHEREAS, the purpose statement contained within the proposed legislation does not include ample consideration for the rights or impacts to existing property owners in the river corridor; and WHEREAS, the proposed legislation includes definitions of terms that are best determined through the rule-making process; and WHEREAS, if this legislation is enacted as written, the City will be required to amend existing local ordinances to adopt standards as developed through the rule-making process, thus usurping the City's local decision-making authority in the Mississippi River corridor; and WHEREAS, the new standards may result in additional nonconforming parcels or structures; and WHEREAS, the parcels that become nonconforming may experience difficulties with mortgages, insurance, and sale/marketing of properties; and WHEREAS, the designation as a nonconforming parcel or property may reduce property value; and WHEREAS, a reduction in the City's riverfront property valuation would impact the entire City; and Resolution #09-04-081 Page 10f3