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codes in Ramsey are enforced, those low budget businesses will either move on <br />ot put in the type of investment they should be putting into their businesses. <br /> <br />Chairman Greenberg stated that once industrial property is platted, the taxes <br />rise sharply; landowners are hesitant to plat and develop because if the <br />property doesn't sell within 5 years, the owner could not afford to hold on to <br />it. Future generations will be glad this city reserved so much area for <br />industrial development. <br /> <br />Commissioner Hardid stated that Ramsey has a good mix of sewered and unsewered <br />industrial property; we have to clean up the eye sores and set an appropriate <br />time for that to happen. <br /> <br />Chairman Peterson stated that if the general consensus is that the ordinances <br />are in place and adequate, then why aren't they enforced. Is it a lack of <br />staff, turn over in staff or a choice to look the other way. <br /> <br />Chairman Greenberg stated that an unwritten policy of the City has been to do <br />nothing unless there are complaints. <br /> <br />Commissioner Fults stated that he doesn't believe staff has been given enough <br />authority and Council has not been adhering to P&Z recommendations. P&Z, EDC, <br />and Parks should have representatives present at Council meetings to explain <br />their respective recommendations on issues. <br /> <br />Mr. Hartley agreed that there is a great need for a liaison type activity to <br />take place. One way would be to have commissions represented at the Council <br />meetings; another way would be to get the information to Council in a concise <br />and complete manner. <br /> <br />Discussion ensued regarding past actions show that some council, commissions <br />and staff are afraid to take a stand to enforce the codes. Commissioner Hardin <br />stated that it will take a commitment from all to follow coes and get everybody <br />moving in the same direction. Commissioner Ippel stated that it is unfair to <br />the predecessors not to enforce the code. <br /> <br />Mr. Hartley stated that the city has to work for better communication; there <br />are too many instances of misinformation. Code enforcement and misinformation <br />are part of integrity and the integrity of staff and city has to be built up. <br />Ramsey does not have the time and staff to deal with all violations; we should <br />be setting criteria that will void violations from happening. We have to <br />recognize violations that are discrepancy in nature and those that are life and <br />property value threatening. <br /> <br />Discussion ensued regarding development approval processes in other <br />communities; development criteria is laid out in a clear and concise form; <br />adhering to that criteria assures that the project will not be denied for <br />political or public opinion reasons after the developer has made a substantial <br />investment complying with criteria. <br /> <br />Commissioner Ippel stated that the City of Coon Rapids does not require a <br />formal complaint being signed to initiate action against violations; issues are <br />not brought to court but rather put through an appeals process. <br /> July 15, 1986 <br /> <br />Page 3 of 5 <br /> <br /> <br />