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Our Mission: To work together to responsibly grow our community, and to provide quality, cost - effective, and efficient government services Please Note: there are no city meeting this week. Preview of Next Week Council Update December 11, 2014 Quest for Ramsey zip code results in a new Ramsey "Contract Postal Unit" located at Coborn's within The COR. For the past two decades City Staff and elected officials have routinely attempted to work the U.S. Postal Service to secure an independent zip code for the City of Ramsey. In 2013, City Staff made yet another attempt at the new zip code challenge and fell short. At the time, U.S. Postal Service officials reported an effort was being made to actually reduce the number of post offices in the Twin Cities; and subsequently, a potential reduction in zip codes. In early 2014, a very motivated and passionate Ramsey resident took it upon herself to lead a new charge to secure a Ramey zip code. In response to a well - presented request, the U.S. Postal Service has officially agreed to establish a "Contract Postal Unit" in the City of Ramsey (as of July 2, 2014). A "Contract Postal Unit" is a business partnership with a local retailer that provides U.S. Postal products and services to the community (third - party/broker relationship). Since May 2014, Staff has worked with the U.S. Postal Service to identify potential Contract Postal Unit locations and facilitate communication with Ramsey businesses and property owners. Recently, the U.S. Postal Service made their selection: Coborn's Grocery Store located within The COR. This new "Contract Postal Unit" will open by February 2015; and will offer all services currently offered at the existing Anoka P.O. Although a Ramsey "Contract Postal Unit" will not result in a new zip code for Ramsey, this is a positive step in the right direction. It should be noted, based on Staff conversations with the U.S. Postal Service on July 22, the U.S. Postal Service has again stated they do not plan on creating a new zip code for Ramsey now or in the near future. The U.S. Postal Service will make their decision based on actual population and business growth. The U.S. Postal Service will not establish a new zip code based on requests from individual communities. Staff will circle back with the U.S. Postal Service again in 2015. Supervisor Training Program Implemented. As part of the City Council's 3 -year strategic action plan, the need for a "supervisor training program" was identified as a tactic within the "Effective Organization" imperative. About 20 Ramsey supervisors /managers recently completed a three part training series. The series was facilitated by Anoka Technical College and included three four -hour classes: (1) team building, (2) coaching and, (2) engaging employees. Overall, the class was a huge success. Staff members were exposed to new managerial approaches and