Agenda - Parks and Recreation Commission - 06/10/1999

Home

resolution so we would be the second city to file this. A gentleman from FERC had stated that we did not have to send in another resolution, however, some of our concerns are different from those of Andover. Ms. Sherman disseminated some information on how to intervene and added that Council will want to make certain the resolution covers our concern and that we send a cover letter of protest and our intent to intervene. She stated that the filing of a protest or intervening serves the same function, however, intervening could only be done in a court situation. The pipeline will go in so we do not want to stop the process, but we do want to voice our concerns. Councilmember Haas Steffen noted the resolution in front of Council and the letter to FERC that says Ramsey is submitting the letter regarding concerns listed in the resolution. She thought the cover letter should have essentially the same language as the resolution. We are concerned with safety aspects. We would want to preserve our rights to intervene. City Attorney Goodrich stated that he has three "whereas" statements to add to the resolution if the City desires to become an intervenor. Motion by Councilmember Haas Steffen and seconded by Councilmember Anderson to adopt Resolution #99-03-053, as amended, protesting the authorization to install and operate a pipeline for Northern Natural Gas Company. The amended/additions are as follows: Whereas, the City, pursuant to FERC regulations, has the right to become an official party to the proceeding as an intervenor; and Whereas, the proposed pipeline easement traverses a large area of the City and, therefore, presents a significant interest in the pipeline placement as a matter of health, safety and welfare for the residents of the City; and Whereas, the City is the local unit of government entrusted with the responsibility of protecting the health, safety and welfare of its citizenship. The cover letter should be added to the resolution. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Mayor Gamec, Councilmembers Haas Steffen, Anderson, Hendriksen and Zimmerman. Voting No: None. John Enstrom, 8702 - 181st, was present to voice the concerns he and his neighbors have regarding the pipeline being close to homes and that this may devalue their property. Case #8: Administrative Hearing Relating to Tobacco Compliance Check; City of Ramsey vs. JR's Saloon and Food City Attorney Goodrich stated the primary issue here is whether or not there was a violation of Ramsey Ordinance #98-02, on April 30, 1999, when the Ramsey Police Department conducted a City-wide check to identify licensed tobacco retailers whose establishments sold tobacco products to a minor during that operation. There were four licensees in violation. Two plead guilty and agreed to the fine and two contested their guilt. The violation of the ordinance was heard here in front of an administrative law judge. A mini trial was held and the findings of facts are included in Council's packet. The judge had agreed there was a violation and said there should be a $500 City Council/March 23, 1999 Page 15 of