Agenda - Planning Commission - 03/16/1999 - Special Meeting

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CASE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN By: Cindy Sherman, Community Development Director Background: The Comprehensive Planning Process has been underway in the City of Ramsey since 1997. The process began with the selection of a consulting firm to assist the City in developing a plan that was consistent with state and regional regulations and yet represented the vision of the Ramsey community. On September 18, 1997 nearly 100 people attended a citywide meeting to help establish a "Vision" for future Ramsey. Several more meetings were. held including focus groups, representing rural landowners, business owners, developers, youth/recreation, environment, river lot owners and urban landowners. Through these efforts two alternative concepts were developed which precipitated another citywide meeting. The result of all of the meetings and discussions was the first draft of the Comprehensive Plan that was published in September 1998. The Planning Commission reviewed and discussed the draft at a workshop meeting on September 10, 1998. Joint City Council and Planning Commission workshops were held on October 8 and November 17, 1998 to further refine issues and changes. A new draft was completed on November 9, 1998 that was sent to adjacent cities, counties, state agencies, school districts and the Metropolitan Council for review and comment. The first public hearing was scheduled and held on December 1, 1998. The hearing was held in an open house format and it was continued to December 3, 1998, the public comment period was open until December 28, 1998. A new draft dated December 18, 1998 was published and distributed to Council and commission members. Following the public hearing period, all comments were tabulated and the Planning Commission and City Council held another workshop on January 25, 1999. The Planning Commission held an additional workshop on February 16, 1999 with final comments and work direction to' staff and the consultant to schedule a second public hearing for March 16, 1999. City Commission input The Park Commission reviewed the Park, Recreation and Open Space chapter and they recommended some modifications that have been incorporated into the plan. They recommend approval of the plan. The Economic Development Authority reviewed the Economic Development section of the plan and they recommended modifications that. have been incorporated into the draft and they recommend approval. Notification: The item was published in the Anoka Co. Union on March 5 and 12 and was highlighted in the Ramsey Resident. The date has also been discussed during televised Planning Commission meetings and Council meetings. Additionally, it will be posted on the City reader board and the sign at Northland Security Bank prior to the hearing.