Agenda - Council - 02/23/2010 - Laserfiche WebLink

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the data in 2010 and that information will help the City with its marketing efforts in the future. TIF Analysis was conducted for the 167 Commercial node and it was determined that this area was a viable Redevelopment TIF District. The EDA will continue to assist efforts to increase tax base, create new jobs, and assist in the development of the Town Center and 167 Commercial node. Ramsey Town Center As mentioned above, the City's HRA purchased 150 acres of land in the Ramsey Town Center project in June of 2009. Since that time, the City has been working diligently to reposition the project for further development. In the summer of 2009, the City held public meetings to review the vision for the project with the community. This effort resulted in adding flexibility to the project to accommodate large format retail projects, primarily on the west end of project. The long- standing vision of the project that included a mix of office, retail, housing, and civic uses that encourages walkability and is a transit oriented gathering place for community was renewed as a part of this process. The City's HRA looks forward to the commencement of several key projects in early 2010 with the construction of a new Allina Clinic at the corner of Sunwood Drive and Ramsey Blvd, opening of Acapulco Restaurant at the west end retail center, and several other projects that are projected to break ground later in 2010 or early 2011. Given the current economic conditions, the City has focused on those sectors of the economy that are investing and expanding such as medical facilities, senior housing, rental housing, and other civic uses. The City is confident that 2010 will bring new and exciting investment to the project. Recycling Program In 2009, approximately 2,389 tons of recyclable materials were collected from the residents of Ramsey. This was more than enough to exceed Ramsey's tonnage goal (1,961 tons), which is established by the Anoka County Board of Commissioners. In fact, this is the fourth consecutive year that Ramsey has exceeded its tonnage goal. There was a 90% participation rate amongst households in the recycling program, which remains consistent with the participation rate since 2006, when the City made the switch to a simple sort collection system. The City once again coordinated recycling events in the spring and fall, both of which were well attended. The events provide an opportunity for residents to recycle materials that are generally not accepted through the curbside program such as electronics, tires, scrap metal, good useable furniture, appliances and batteries. Additionally, the recycling events now include free document destruction /paper shredding. This not only helps protect residents from potential identity theft but also ensures that the fiber material is recycled. Environmental Issues Shade tree diseases and pests continue to be a major environmental concern. Staff continues to respond to concerns about oak wilt, a very prevalent and devastating disease, and provide recommendations for management and control strategies. Now that the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) has been found in the metropolitan area, Staff has responded to numerous inquiries and concerns about this insect and has prepared educational information for both the website and the newsletter. Due to a combination of factors (drought, insect attack and hail damage), many of the red pines are declining. The communities of Ramsey and Andover jointly applied for and received grant monies through the FireWise program to assist property owners most significantly impacted by this problem. Potential participants were identified for this program and invited to attend an informational workshop about potential options to address the dead /dying trees and staff continues to seek out a contractor(s) that can complete the work. City of Ramsey Page 2009 Annual Report 15