Agenda - Council - 01/22/2013 - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Administrator Ulrich stated Ramsey has a closed landfill and approached the PCA about adaptive reuse for some of that property. The City purchased a lot of acreage around the landfill that has good exposure to the roadway and usability. However, the PCA Commissioners told Ramsey that State monies were used to purchase the land so it has many restrictions and cannot be sold for private use or public use. The PCA is concerned about the trail of liability so while private use may not make sense, Ramsey would like the PCA to work with the City and County to use some of this land, with indemnifications. City Administrator Ulrich explained that State law would have to provide those guarantees to allow the PCA to deal with uses such as this landfill that have been identified. Representative Abeler asked if a bill has been drafted. City Administrator Ulrich indicated it has not. Representative Abeler stated Ramsey will have to work through the issue of whether it is something they want the PCA to "may do" or be "required to do." City Administrator Ulrich stated the City would be supportive of a narrow bill addressing only the Ramsey landfill. Mayor Ramsey explained the City had discussed whether the property could be used for a Public Works facility or recycling center and the PCA seemed receptive. Representative Abeler stated he would provide City Administrator Ulrich with names of researchers and write the bill in `may/permissive" language if a project should be presented. Councilmember McGlone stated the PCA is required under federal law to maintain this type of property almost into perpetuity so it may be a waste of time. Representative Abeler explained that if Ramsey has a bill, then at least the State law will not be a barrier. He noted that at some point, Ramsey will run out of land and want to use this site. Representative Scott indicated that Andover used its closed landfill for ball fields. Cost of Additional Employer Contributions to Public Employee Retirement Association (PERA) City Administrator Ulrich stated the impact for Ramsey to make additional contributions to PERA is $17,000/year. This is for an additional 1.8% employer contribution, which is a significant impact to the Ramsey budget. He asked the Legislative Delegation to keep that in mind and look at impacts to local units of government as well as employees. Representative Abeler stated PERA is funded up to 75% and a big deal in police and fire negotiations. City Council Work Session / December 11, 2012 Page 7 of 12