Agenda - Council - 12/13/2011 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

Mayor Ramsey felt it was important to know what cities around Ramsey are doing and for Ramsey to be more builder friendly by considering development fees. He agreed with the need for staff's input and more discussion. Councilmember Strommen commented on the need to assure enough time is scheduled so consideration is completed by the time the 2012 fee schedule needs to be acted on. She noted that some of the fees are not insignificant policy issues and some fees are based on costs. Mayor Ramsey asked staff to provide a recommendation if that is the case. Councilmember Strommen stated if it involves a policy issue, she wants to be sure the Council has enough time to complete that consideration. Finance Officer Lund stated this item will be scheduled for the November 22, 2011, Work Session. She noted that SAC charges are State mandated and the majority of fees that will change are development or utility related. Public Works Director Olson asked whether the water utility fee will be approved. City Administrator Ulrich stated the issue is whether the City wants to fund a water treatment fund with water utility rates. To answer that question, the Council needs to know the ramification to fees and determine whether a water treatment plant is needed. If so, those costs can be backtracked into the water fees being charged. Mayor Ramsey commented that actions have been taken by other government agencies that made this a regional issue, not just a Ramsey issue. 2) Consider Approval of Agreement with the Metropolitan Council to enter into the Transit Taxing District This item was considered prior to Case 1. 3) Discussion of Space Needs Analysis for Fire Station #2 Fire Chief Kapler reviewed the staff report and space needs analysis, noting the estimate is $3.6 million for construction of a new one-story building. He asked whether the Council would like more information and if staff should enter negotiations for the property. Councilmember McGlone stated he thought the previous discussion was that the cost would be $2.5 million. He asked whether another training area is needed, or a duplication of existing facilities. Councilmember McGlone stated he doubted Ramsey will ever have paid firefighters so a bunk area may not be necessary. Mayor Ramsey concurred and indicated that BKV did the job it was hired for but the current station does not have some of these features so he questions why they are needed now. Mayor City Council Work Session / November 7, 2011 Page 8 of 10