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//'"'Mr. Schroeder stated~that the average value of homes it~ Rarnsey is ,$,81,000 and the average value~x~ of homes in Andove~ is $91,000. He inquired if Council was "okay' with that. Discussion ensued r~garding covenants, etc. Mayor Gilbertson felt that covenants are a way to ensure decent subdivisions in the City. He added that he feels Ramsey has both middle income and executive homesi Councitmember Peterson suggested restricting the minimum square footage of a house being built. Councilmember Zi~merman disagreed with a minimum square footage requirement as he felt that as people get older, ~ey don't want as large a house and that with amenities, a smaller house could have as high a value ~as a larger house. Councilmember Petl:rson added there should be some wa), to protect someone with a $200,000 home from having a I$60,000 home built next to them. Mr. Schroeder agai~ inquired if Council wanted the average value of homes within the City of Ramsey upgraded or~ maintain the 5;70,000 to 5; 100,0130 homes. An architectural review ordinance was suggested. Mr. Jankowski stated that would cost the City money to which Co_uncflmember Peterson stated it would be worth it. It was determined that thc Planning and Z,oninl~ Commission should review that suggestion. Councilmember Peterson asked if the City should be lobbying to get the four in forty density zoning removed. Mr. Schroeder stateq:l that the City is basically out of land for residential development. He added that the City can slowly get the MUSA lines expanded. Councilmember Per.son inquired if there is too much land in the City zoned industrial and should the City look into reining. He inquired if industrial properfie~are a better tax base. Mr. Schroeder stated he has heard that single family homes are actually a better tax base. It was determined ttiat City Administrator Schroeder and Zoning Administrator Frolik would work on drafting a policy ?egarding building (where to build, etc.). I) Finanv. ial Position J) Tax Levy City Administrator $chroeder asked how important it is where the levy is at and how important it is to have a savings account in place before the City borrows money. Councilmember Pe~erson stated that he had seen the auditor's report and until 1991, the curve was going the wrong way, the expenditures were exceeding the revenue. He wondered how long the City could keep doing this. Councilmember Zirgmerman stated that the State w/il be another $700 million short again next year and they will look tO the cities for revenue. Finance Officer Hel!ing questioned where Ramsey wants to be Compared to other cities with regard to finances and taxes. She stated that the City has paid for sewer and water by not replacing equipment. City Council Goals Workshop~July 21, 1992 Page 6 of 8