Minutes - Council - 06/06/1990 - Joint with Airport Commission

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Terry Veech, 7210 - 163rd Avenue N.W., Ramsey, spoke of the quality of training he received at Gateway and the hopes of becoming an instructor there. Steve Nichols, Minneapolis stated he's flown out of Gateway. He's in the recycling business and he's looking for a place to do business. He stated Ramsey has room to grow. He also elaborated on the aviation education available and stated that the City should let the landfill go and support the airport since it's a better use of land. Steve Kerr, Coon Rapids gave Virgil Barnes' class an excellent review. He also stated that by people coming to fly out of the airport from other towns, or coming for the classes, they will not only spend money at the airport on gas, etc,. but they probably buy food and other things in the area which helps other local businesses. Dave Langseth, 3385 - 174th Avenue, Andover, stated he's been a house builder in the area for 24 years and he has been very impressed with Ramsey's growth, however, he's seen stagnant growth lately. He feels the airport improvements would help get the City's growth record back on track. Another resident stated the Airport was an economic value to the City and the improvements should definitely be done. Gene Walters, Waltek, stated he has had a lot of use for the Gateway North Airport in the past year, however, some businesses have chosen to go to Anoka County Airport because of the dirt strip at Gateway. He feels the improvements would be a definite advantage. Commissioner Barnes read a letter given to him by Allen Lund, 1146 Benton Street, Anoka stating that he is a business owner and pilot and he is asking for support of the Airport. MAYOR/COUNCIL/COMMISSION INPUT: Commissioner Barnes explained that the word expansion scared people. They were afraid it meant the "jumbo jets" would be flying in and out of Gateway North Airport. That's not what it means at all. You need to look at what is in the best interest of the majority of people in the City of Ramsey, what will get the best return for the investment and what will attract the type of businesses we want. The Airport Commission can make recommendations based upon the facts they find, however, the City Council has to take these facts and make decisions as to what is best for the City. He feels the airport issue stands on its own merits. Commissioner Chapman felt the people in the audience expressed themselves well. The economic benefits, long term, and also the educational benefits are a resource. We are protective of water and air resources, we should also be protective of economic and educational resources. We are in economic competition with those around us. We have very little credibility in the business community if we can't support this economic resource. We are asking for people with vision 10, 20, 25 years down the road as the decision made will effect our future and our children and their future. Commissioner Emery informed the City Council that he's been on the Airport Commission three years and this is his first dealing with the City's government. He moved to Ramsey from Champlin as Champlin was becoming a "bedroom community" and Ramsey seemed to be growing. He saw the industrial park as a good tool for the City to grow and attract businesses. He feels strongly about the airport expansion as a private citizen and also as a commissioner on the Airport Commission that this is a fantastic opportunity to do City Council/Airport Commission Meeting June 6, 1990 Page 4 of 7