Minutes - Council Work Session - 01/21/2014

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City Administrator Ulrich stated there might be the possibility of some joint funding on a State or regional level, or possibly through the Met Council. Mayor Strommen stated the water supply is a regional resource, and Ramsey residents should not have to cover the costs of a water treatment plant. She added she believes the DNR is considering a dual solution involving both surface and ground water, and a solution should be figured out at the regional level. Ms. Scott stated the Met Council is already extremely powerful due to multiple projects that the legislature has passed on to them, and she is opposed to that. She added cities are capable of coming together to find a solution. Mayor Strommen stated she hopes that can happen with the help and support of the DNR. City Administrator Ulrich stated a number of cities along the Mississippi River are working with Anoka County to draft rules that are favorable to property owners and developers. He added there is a movement afoot to exempt cities from rule making. He noted the City will take a "wait and see" position with regard to this issue. City Administrator Ulrich stated, with regard to the Anoka County legislative platform, the City is currently focused on discovering fiscal disparities and its ability to maintain its net gain. Ms. Scott requested clarification on the City's net gain. Mayor Strommen requested that City staff provide that information to Ms. Scott. City Administrator Ulrich stated the City has used acquisition loan funds to purchase a number of properties along Highway 10, to preserve the corridor for future construction. Ms. Scott stated she thought the Met Council did not allow access to those funds. City Administrator Ulrich confirmed this, adding the City has not made any purchases lately. He noted 15 properties have been purchased and the City is committed to this program, but no further acquisitions are possible until the resources are available again. City Administrator Ulrich stated the City is currently reviewing ways to fund road reconstruction, possibly through the initiation of a road improvements utility. He added the City has considered various methods, including general tax, franchise fees, and potential assessments. He noted most cities use assessments or general fund resources. City Administrator Ulrich stated the City's business development program, with financing provided by the Minnesota Investment Fund, assists with business expansion and improvement, for the purposes of economic development. Ms. Scott asked whether the City has used these funds in the past, and for what purpose. City Council Work Session / January 21, 2014 Page 8 of 11