Agenda - Council - 01/24/2012 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Chief Way stated he will make changes to the City's ordinance and bring it back to a Council meeting. City Administrator Ulrich stated, in the interest of time, we could waive the first reading. The members of the snowmobile club felt this is important to get published in the Ramsey Resident. It was noted there would not be another issue coming out until January. Discussion ensued relating to avenues to get this information out to the public. Mayor Ramsey noted that we are adding privileges so maybe the word will get around faster. Councilmember Elvig expressed concern about waiving the first reading of the ordinance — stating it could appear as if we are pushing this through if we shorten the timeframe for dealing with the ordinance. Chief Way offered that staff will work on this for next week's meeting. 2.2 Discuss Utility Easement Resolution City Administrator Ulrich stated that residents and Council have expressed concern over current practices regarding the management of rights -of -way and easements and as a result of those concerns, staff drafted a resolution for Council consideration, which spells out more what is requested of each utility company doing business in the City. He noted the resolution is advisory and, if approved by Council, would be sent out to all utilities. He summarized the resolution. He added that it was also suggested by a staff member that we are a Tree City USA and have been for the past 19 years and we could maybe use that as the preamble. Mayor Ramsey stated he has no problem with this resolution and he would actually like to take it farther. He would like to express his frustration with the lack of common sense with regard to utility companies. Councilmember McGlone stated that Councilmember Wise contacted him to voice his opinion that he objects to e) which reads for large -scale tree clearance operations an environmental worksheet be completed. Councilmember Wise suggested this might be overkill. Environmental Coordinator Anderson stated that depending on the voltage of the line, rights -of- way can vary. He had a conversation with someone from a tree service that does work with Excel Energy. They are very open to tree preservation. He talked about general mandates and regulations. Councilmember Backous stated he has a couple of issues. He feels it' s a little overkill — and that "e" jumped out at him too. Also g) which reads restore all habitat within the right -of- way /easement to a level consistent with surrounding habitat. He did not know how some of these are really being practical but he did not have a problem with the concept. City Council Work Session / November 1, 2011 Page 5 of 10