Agenda - Council - 02/08/2011 - Laserfiche WebLink

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with assistance from the IT Manager, and the City looks forward to ways to enhance the accessibility of this resource. The City has been an active participant in a web -based property data system update known as LOGISmap. This web -map is an integral part of many of the City's staff members daily duties. In addition to the land use applications and ordinance amendments summarized above, the Planning Division actively participates in Code Enforcement in conjunction with the Ramsey Police Department. The Planning Division supports these efforts through enforcement of the City's zoning ordinances. The City has monitored and is preparing for an active 2011 Minnesota legislative session for land use issues. In addition to the rulemaking procedures that may see legislative requests in 2011, the City is actively monitoring and exploring possible alternatives in response to a 2010 Minnesota Supreme Court ruling regarding Variance. The ruling changed the face of how each Minnesota City processes variances, and eliminated a tool of flexibility previously available. The City explored options for a more flexible zoning ordinance and expects to review alternatives in early 2011. Recycling Program: In 2010, approximately 2,302 tons of recyclable materials were collected curbside and roughly forty (40) additional tons were recycled at the spring and fall recycling events, resulting in a total of 2,342 tons of materials recycled by the residents of Ramsey. This was more than enough to exceed Ramsey's tonnage goal (2,051 tons), which is established by the Anoka County Board of Commissioners. In fact, this is the fifth consecutive year now 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 (no separating of materials required) collection system. The City once again coordinated recycling events in the spring and fall of the year. 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. At these events, residents can also bring in personal documents for shredding, at no cost to them, which not only assures that the material is recycled but that residents can help prevent identity theft by having their documents securely destroyed. A new addition to the events in 2010 was the ability for residents to recycle mattresses, box springs, and sleeper sofas, regardless of their condition, for a small fee. In 2010, Ramsey teamed up with several other Anoka County municipalities (Andover, Anoka, Blaine, Coon Rapids, East Bethel and Fridley) to coordinate a rain barrel and compost bin sale. These products help conserve water and turn food waste into compost (rather than disposing of it in the garbage). This event was a hit with well over 400 rain barrels sold and over 200 compost bins sold. Environmental Issues: Shade tree diseases and pests continue to be a major concern. Staff continues to respond to concerns about oak wilt, a very prevalent and devastating shade tree disease, and provide recommendations for management and control strategies. Now that Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) has been found in the metropolitan area, Staff has responded to numerous inquiries and concerns about this insect and has