Minutes - Council Work Session - 10/29/2013

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2.01: Discussion Regarding the Annual Performance Review of the City administrator, an Individual who is subject to the City Council's Authority Human Resources Manager Lasher advised that under Minnesota Statutes, the meeting can move into closed session to discuss personnel issues. She indicated the closed session discussion will relate to the annual performance review of the City Administrator. The closed session will be tape recorded and that tape will be maintained for a period of eight years. Motion by Councilmember Riley, seconded by Councilmember LeTourneau, to move to Closed Session to discuss the annual performance review of the City Administrator. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Mayor Strommen, Councilmembers Backous, Johns, Kuzma, LeTourneau, Riley, and Tossey. Voting No: None. The City Council meeting moved into a Closed Session at 5:36 p.m. The City Council reconvened in Open Session at 6:34 p.m. 2.02: Planning Commission and Environmental Policy Board (EPB): Review Status of Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area (MRCCA/Critical Area) Rulemaking Process by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) as Directed by the 2013 Minnesota Legislature Development Services Manager Gladhill noted that the intent for the meeting tonight is to simply obtain general input and determine if staff is on the right track. He asked for input on critical red flags to ensure that responses to other agencies are made appropriately. He identified the critical area, which is a 72 mile stretch of Minnesota along the Mississippi River, and provided a brief history. He reviewed the intent of the rulemaking process, which includes protection of key features, to clarify inconsistent or conflicting standards, and to create a baseline of common standards throughout the corridor. He summarized the current district standards and reviewed the rulemaking schedule, which includes additional time to obtain input from local municipalities and residents. He advised of a tiered land use district, which is included in the draft plan and would be beneficial to Ramsey. He noted that although some nonconforming structures would still exist, the proposed districts would help to create local control and flexibility as well as removing some structures from nonconforming status. He advised of a recent meeting, which occurred and noted that the detailed comments and issues identified were included in the packet. He highlighted a DNR meeting he attended on October 24 and noted that following that meeting 88 percent of the participants, which included staff and elected officials from affected municipalities, were either very satisfied or somewhat satisfied with the DNR process. He reviewed the other review meetings, which have been conducted and attended thus far in the process. He referenced the Draft Statement of Policy, suggested that the title possibly be changed to Official Response, and highlighted the course moving forward following tonight's meeting. City Council Work Session / October 29, 2013 Page 2 of 11