Laserfiche WebLink
political rhetoric displays a serious lack of professionalism, to say nothing about their lack of <br />professional courtesy to the City of Rarhsey. I don't know who the "chiefs" were that sat m'ound <br />noddling over this ill-advised action, but people at the head of an organization have a <br />responsibility to do their homework to understand the issues before they render an irresponsible <br />opinion. The efforts of Ramsey are to grow business, commerce and new housing opportunities <br />for this community. We would very much like to do that while protecting our citizens from <br />further financial burdens; but no one asked that question. I find the North Metro Chamber of <br />Commerce's actions on this matter and their lack of inquiry to be terribly unprofessional and <br />irresponsible. Mr. Mayor, if this was not just a bad idea that was carried out by a select few at <br />the chamber and it truly reflects the chamber's level of responsibility, I summit that the City of <br />Ramsey divorce its relationship with this organization as their decorum is not consistent with out <br />community." <br /> <br />Mayor Gamec stated that several of the Mayors from the surrounding communities are trying to <br />schedule a meeting with the Board of Directors of the North Metro Chamber of Commerce to <br />discuss some of the communication problems. It is good for people to get involved, but it has to <br />happen with knowledge. Other communities have had similar problems so'he would like to hold <br />that meeting with other Mayor's and then get back to the Council on the issue. <br /> <br />Gary Hanson, 14040 Azurite Street NW, Ramsey, inquired if the Council was denying the aspect <br />of the flyer in the fact that the Council was giving no consideration for taxing a 4.5 percent gas <br />franchise fee. <br /> <br />Mayor Gamec replied that he had no problem with presenting information on 'the gas franchise <br />fee. <br /> <br />Mr. Hanson inquired if the North Metro Chamber of Commerce had their facts right. <br /> <br />Mayor Gamec explained that :~he City Council conducted a public hearing on the igsue and met <br />with some of the smaller business groups in regards to the gas franchise fee, but there was no <br />communication with the Chamber of Commerce. <br /> <br />Mr. Hanson inquired if a vote was scheduled for tonight's meeting on the issue. <br /> <br />Mayor Gamec replied that it was an agenda item. <br /> <br />Councilmember Elivg stated that the purpose of his disappointment was that it was very <br />unprofessional for North Metro Chamber of Commerce to not to talk to staff to discuss what the <br />difficulties are. <br /> <br />Case #2: <br /> <br />Adopt Ordinance Implementing a Gas Franchise Fee on Centerpoint Energy, <br />Minnegasc° and Adopt ordinance Implementing an Electric Franchise Fee <br />on Connexus Energy and City of Anoka Electric <br /> <br />P26 <br /> <br />City Council/July 22, 2003 <br /> Page 6 of 33 <br /> <br /> <br />