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to how this particular project was selected; what percentage of funds <br />available are being expended on the project; what are the overall plans for <br />a storm sewer system. <br /> <br />Mr. Hartley - Replied that the reason for selecting this as the initial <br />project is because of the existing water problems in this general area, <br />it provides for a starting point for a connection to the Mississippi River <br />and because of MN DoT's indication to participate in the cost of it. The <br />~mount of funds available for the project has to do with the amount of <br />dollars being taxed. Mr. Hartley stated that he estimates the cost of this <br />project to be the maximum spent for at least another five years. There are <br />ways of managing storm water other than running it into the river but the <br />soils in Ramsey do not allow those methods to work. <br /> <br />Mr. Raatikka - Stated that there is a Ramsey Comprehensive Drainage Plan <br />showing drainage plans for the entire City. Mr. Raatikka also noted that <br />Fz. Hartley's comment regarding this project cost to be the maximum amount <br />spent for five years refers to the Mississippi district only. <br /> <br />Mr. Hartley - Stated that as property valuation increases, there will be <br />more tax dollars available to do other proejcts within the district. <br />Council has to make decisions regarding how much tax dollars can be used <br />and still try to maintain taxes on an even level. <br /> <br />Erika Sitz - Expressed concern for the natural basins. <br /> <br />Mr. Hartley - Stated that all of the designated wetlands and protected <br />waters will be protected. DNR and Ramsey have acknowledged which of those <br />wetlands exist and the level of protection that is necessary. The level to <br />which those wetlands can be dra~n down is legislated by Ramsey and other <br />regulatory agencies like DNR. <br /> <br />Erika Sitz - Inquired if the storm sewer project is complying with the <br />Water Management Act which requires maximizing natural drainage means. <br /> <br />Mr. Hartley - Replied that one of the ways in which wetlands can be used to <br />the greatest extent for drainage purposes is to cause their vegetation to <br />not be there so that all of the wetland surface is exposed for better <br />evaportion. <br /> <br />Mr. Raatikka - Replied that using the wetlands to the greatest extent <br />possible is being accomplished by minimizing pipe size. <br /> <br />Erika Sitz - Inquired if the City is heading for number problems by getting <br />involved in too many improvements and are the improvements consistent with <br />the development density plan. <br /> <br />Mr. Hartley - Stated that the City has to exercise good judgement regarding <br />permitting develol~nent to take place so that it does not demand or need the <br />kinds of improvements that cost a lot of money that the City is not ready <br />to provide. Mr. Hartley stated that in his opinion, wetlands for water <br />storage can also be considered open space. Drainage problems do not <br />respect develol~nent boundaries; those problems will definitely have to be <br />City Council Public Hearing/March 10, 1987 <br /> <br />Page 4 of 6 <br /> <br /> <br />