Agenda - Council - 05/27/2014 - Laserfiche WebLink

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The Council voiced support for this innovative offering and willingness of Connexus to be a community partner. Mr. Haller stated support for the ordinance and indicated they found nothing in the ordinance that would limit their solar program. He described the ease of procedure to transfer `solar panel ownership' should a house be sold by filling out a Connexus-supplied form. Motion by Councilmember LeTourneau, seconded by Councilmember Kuzma, to Introduce Ordinance #14-04, An Amendment to Chapter 117 to the City Code, Which Chapter is Known as Zoning and Subdivisions of the City Code of Ramsey, Minnesota. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Mayor Pro Tem Backous, Councilmembers LeTourneau, Kuzma, Riley, and Tossey. Voting No: None. Absent: Mayor Strommen and Councilmember Johns. City Administrator Ulrich reminded the Council that certain actions require a super majority (4/5ths) vote rather than a simple majority vote. 7.02: Consider Adoption of Resolution #14-05-089 Authorizing the City to Participate in the Minnesota GreenStep Cities Program City Planner Anderson reviewed the staff report and recommendation of the Environmental Policy Board (EPB) to authorize participation in the GreenStep Cities program. In addition, it is part of the Council's approved Work Plan. He reviewed the Council's past consideration and decision to postpone to draft guiding principles and ensure participation aligns with the City's goals and core values. City Planner Anderson presented the guiding principles as drafted by the EPB and considered by the Council at its April 8, 2014 Work Session. Mayor Pro Tem Backous invited the audience and EPB Members to provide comment. Jim Bendtsen, 14131 Junkite Street NW, spoke against participation in the GreenStep Cities Program. Wayne Buccholz, 14621 Neon Street NW, spoke against participation in the GreenStep Cities Program and furthering the `reach' of the EPB. Mike Valentine, 9030 160th Lane NW, EPB Member, stated the EPB carefully looked at this Program to assure it was not a "Trojan Horse" and found it was also not a regulatory program. Rather, it helps communities do more with less and leverages resources among communities. Mr. Valentine stated 65 communities have joined this Program. Councilmember Tossey stated he does not second-guess the intentions of the EPB but would not support membership as this Program does include restrictive options and could evolve to impact personal liberty and private property rights. Rather, he supported the City instituting the guiding principles without membership. Councilmember LeTourneau stated his support for the Program as the guiding principles narrowly focus on Ramsey and the concerns previously expressed have been addressed and mitigated through those guiding principles. City Council / May 13, 2014 Page 5 of 12