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Transportation: Discussion ensued relating to trails for snowmobiles, go -carts, etc. They talked
<br />about "complete" streets and about connection of 167 Avenue. Mr. Ulrich gave an update on
<br />the funding for the rail station.
<br />Housing: Council received the status of this goal — and talked about development in the "Town
<br />Center" area as well as 167 Avenue/Highway #47 areas. It was noted it may be worth it to do
<br />another master plan for that area — look at a mixture of housing. They talked about executive
<br />type housing — Ramsey has a lot of amenities — we can incent executive type housing.
<br />Budget & Finance: Roads, parks and trails are on hold until the street study comes back.
<br />Policies/Programs. Staff will continue to work on performance standards.
<br />2010 Accomplishments: Department of Motor Vehicles housed at City Hall, VA Clinic, Allina
<br />Clinic, Acapulco, design build bridge, TIF District, plowing streets during a snow storm, park
<br />projects — boat ramp, progress for rail, Flaherty & Collins Apartments, Suite Living, elimination
<br />of rental licenses, water tower, school zoned sidewalk, the boardwalk, The COR — marketing —
<br />ICSC, added Economic Development position, maintained business services, future planning for
<br />parking ramp, etc., kept our tax rate constant without reducing services, going paperless,
<br />AgendaQuick, new Ramsey Resident, website, upgrade to Bunker Lake Boulevard, talked down
<br />some RALF properties, redesign of Dysprosium, repaving of dirt roads, Ute /151 Lake Itasca
<br />Room, good job governing the City, civil election, and reasonable governance.
<br />Councilmember Jeffrey arrived — 4:34 p.m.
<br />Lessons Learned: Proving good stewardship to the public, worked harder legislatively and
<br />continue to do that — do not take foot off the gas, do not take no for an answer, number of public
<br />hearings, do not take relationship for granted, stay connected, stay involved, do not wait for
<br />anything, creativity — thinking outside the box, do not be afraid to play hardball, understanding
<br />our strengths better, pushing/taking advantage of our strengths, capitalize on our network in
<br />keeping public better informed, embrace technology, clear communication to the public, and
<br />Mayor's Town Hall meetings.
<br />10- minute break: 4:45 to 4:55 p.m.
<br />Disappointments in 2010: the press getting out incorrect information, spent more money than we
<br />wanted to for the net result — return on investment. A mistake is only a failure if we fail to learn
<br />from it.
<br />Lessons Learned: Control media message — provide the media with already written articles.
<br />Mayor Ramsey stated he did not share the same concern about the return on investment.
<br />Councilmember Elvig stated that the things we have here are not ours. To date, the money we
<br />spend for what we have gotten back is disappointing. Mayor Ramsey stated he is in favor of that
<br />— what Mr. Deal has gotten done will increase our value. Councilmember Elvig stated we need
<br />to make sure we are clear with our expectations. Mayor Ramsey stated to not get carried away
<br />City Council/Staff Strategic Planning Session / January 24 & 25, 2011
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