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I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br /> <br />I feel the ComprehenSive Plan update was seriously manipulated. The Planning Commission made <br />a wrong decision in ~omebody's mind on one issue and, therefore, the Economic Development <br />Commission was brought in. That Commission is chaired by Ken Wagner who is the campaign <br />manager for Glen H .a~d/n. Those are the kinds of things that lead me to concerns for manipulation. <br />If the EDC is invitedito provide input, they should do it like the Planning Commission provided <br />input to thc Park and ~ecreation Commission. Thc Charter amendment occurred in the hope that <br />the City of Ramsey ci[izens can determine the character of Ramscy as an urban or rural community. <br />We are using method~to ensure development at urban densities. I think that's contrary to the will <br />of the people. This athen.dment gives them that voice. <br /> <br />Chairperson Stcffen i.askext, if it appears that Council makes the wrong decision, such as on a <br />bridge location, shoul~t that be changed by thc people by a Chang amendment? <br /> <br />Commissioner DonaV~.n further asked what about a mall location or a road or a park7 <br /> <br />Mr. Hendriksen state~ that representative government does not always work. I tried to step away <br />from the specifics into a more global environment. This is what determines the essential character <br />of our community. I believe it starts with the MUSA line. <br /> <br />Chairperson Steffen s~ated that there is a straightforward way to do it by a zoning ordinance. Make <br />a minimum 2.5-acre 8rban lot and there won't be any development. <br /> <br />Mr. Hendriksen stated, I believe there should be urban density neighborhoods. <br /> <br />Chairperson Steffen iasked would it be reasonable to put urban densities next to an elementary <br />school? <br /> <br />Mr. Hendriksen answered, everyone goes to school by bus anyway. The issue is putting urban <br />development in a rural neighborhood. Two lots would be okay in Fox Knoll, 14 would probably <br />be okay, 22 is too r~any. He further stated that MUSA area designation for urban services <br />determines, to a grea~extent, density and essential character of that neighborhood. <br /> <br />Chairperson Steffen ~asked if the Commission feels strongly that this is an appropriate route, or <br />should the issue be b~ought before this Commission. <br /> <br />Mr. Hendriksen state :1 that you can come back with anything that you think is appropriate, if you <br />think it should be d( ne differently, please suggest something, but out of 350 people only three <br />people didn't sign th{i petition. <br /> <br />Chairperson Steffen !sked do you think this is your City? Its not my City. We are stewards. We <br />hold this City in trust for the people that come after us. <br /> <br />Mr. Hendriksen state{l, I think thc current citizens have a right to develop as they sec fit, regardless <br />of development stylei the.City will be full developed someday in some character. The citizens here <br />desire more input. <br /> <br />Chairperson Steffen istated, I could have gotten a petition against a certain drainage project but <br />that's not the way a Qity should be run. <br /> <br />Mr. Hendriksen stated, I was very honest, I didn't shade it or misrepresent it in any way and if I <br />did, the citizens will[have an opportunity to vote against it. If you have some subtle change you <br />want to make, we'relvery open to that. I would not be open to an amendment that takes all the <br />teeth out of it. <br /> <br />Charter Commission/June 1, 1995 <br /> Page 3 of 4 <br /> <br /> <br />