Agenda - Council - 10/22/2013 - Laserfiche WebLink

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The City of Ramsey acknowledges that the draft rules do correct documented concerns we have had with our existi ng ordi nance in the past. However, the City of Ramsey also acknowledges concerns raisedbyour partners and peer communities within the corridor. If updated rules are to be adopted, we wouldwantto ensure that local communities have the flexibility to meet the needs of their community, its existing development pattern, and future land use plans (Comprehensive Plans). 3. Flexibility in vegetation management A number of Ramsey residents expressed concern of limitations on vegetation management. Understanding the DNR'sassumption that natural vegetation hasa benefit to bluff stabilization, water quality, and scenic qualities of the corridor, Ramsey Staff would like to clarify our role in determining proper vegetation management and what activities a homeownercan complete without approval from the City. We have a finite amount of resources to provide to administering these rules; any additional duties, if any are proposed, above what is being provided underthe existing rules comes at an additional cost to the City. 4. Support Draft Standards by providing technical analysis for need A number of Ramsey residents expressed a desire to have access to technical resources to support the methodology utilized to develop specific draft standards. Ramsey's Comprehensive Plan notes [paraphrased] that our land use decisions should be supported by peer -reviewed science. Ramsey Staff recommends the creation of a Resource Library to help in our decision -making process by providing important details on how these draft standards protect the resources identified in existing rules as well as why these resources need to be protected through corridor -wide rules. 5. Provide examples of current issues The Ramsey Staff understands there may be examples of river bank failures that have comeclosetohaving an i mpact to existing structures, or have directly impacted existing structures. It would be helpful for us to see those examples and see how those circumstances apply to the built -environment in Ramsey. 6. Discuss relationship and separation between the Mississippi National River & Recreation Area (MNRRA) and Mississippi River Trail (MRT) The Ramsey Staff understands that the Critical Area, MNRRA, and MRT are separate components. However, it appears that the relationship and separation are still unclear to many of our stakeholders. This is especially true as it relates to the Critical Area and MNRRA, as they share the same boundary. In addition, the MRT traverses within the boundary of the Critical Area. A resource explaining what the MNRRA is and what it means to private property owners would be helpful in our analysis. Conclusion The City of Ramsey Staff reiterates that this document is simply a summary of the information provided to us by our key stakeholders and previous policy statem ents. This document is not an official Statement of Policy on behalf of the City of Ramsey until the City Council has an opportunity to adopt said Statement of Policy. It is anticipated that the City of Ramsey will adopt an official Statement of Policy and detailed Technical Review in November. The City of Ramsey Staff is forwardi ngthis document at this time tomeet the October 11, 2013 deadline forcomment priorto the DNR completing a revised Draft Rules document.