Minutes - Council - 02/26/1990 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Virgil Barnes - 5415 151st Avenue N.W. - Stated that another aspect to the aLrport issue is Site P. The City has two chances not to have Site P, slim and none. The only chance for Ramsey not to have Site P is if the airport becomes municipally owned and thereby qualifying for Federal funds that could used to counteract the Waste Management people; Ramsey alone doesn't have the funds to fight Site P. Virgil stated that he has also heard innuendos of airport expansion; airport expansion has never been the case; the airport has been here for 14 years and needs improvements, not expansion. Tim Klosterman - 16333 Jaspar Street N.W. - Stated that he supports improvements to the airport. Tim stated that there is a lot of opposition to airport improvements based on the misconception that it will be expanded. If the airport is improved, there would be the same type of air traffic there that exists today and that type of air traffic is important. A City lives by it's transportation system and the more varied forms of transportation it can provide, the more businesses it will attract. Tim stated that he thinks Site P should be a primary consideration and if Gateway is improved with Federal funds, then the Federal law that says landfills cannot be located near airports will be upheld. Tim also noted that there has been discussion regarding locating a reliever airport in northwest Hennepin County (across the river from Ramsey) and it would be a larger type airport. If Gateway is improved, the likelihood of a reliever airport being developed across the river is less because of the proximity of Gateway. Dan Casey - City of Zimmerman - Stated that he got his pilots license at Gateway and it provides that same opportunity for a lot of people. If the airport issue is ceased, the City will be doing away with a valuable opportunity and asset. From an educational standpoint, Gateway is an asset, not only from an aspect of those who fly for enjoyment but for others who take training at Gateway through the Tech School program. It would be in the City's best interest to improve and maintain Gateway. Jerry Jurva - 7710 164th Avenue - Stated that he has been involved in the airport situation for 14 years; it has been a pro and con situation and the citizens have a lot invested in it. It seems the airport will be a definite plus in the immediate future but 25 years from now it may be inadequate and have to be moved. It would be beneficial for the City to take over the airport now and if in 25 years it is determined to be inadequate and needs relocating, the City will still have a valuable piece of industrial property. Dave King - 5410 Nowthen Blvd. - Stated that he has lived in Ramsey for 12 years and the inconvenience of having the landfill and garbage track traffic versus air traffic over the next 30 years scares him. Dave stated that he realizes City Council's hands are tied when it comes to landfill issues but the airport seems like an open door to holding back Site P and Council should take a good look at that. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Motion by Councilmember Pearson and seconded by Councilmember Peterson to approve the agenda with the following additions: City Council/February 26, 1990 Page 4 of 13