Minutes - Council - 02/24/2004 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Case #! 3: Consider City of Ramsey Policy Positions for 2004 Legislative Session City Administrator Norman explained in an effort to support various legislative initiatives and represent the interests of this City and region with regard to legislative policies, staff is recommending that the Council consider support of the policies outlined in the City of Ramsey Policy Positious for 2004 Legislative Session. The policies will be utilized during the LMC Day at the Capital during early March and other meetings with legislative representatives during the session. Councilmember Strommen indicated she will be attending the League of Minnesota Cities Day at the Capital. Councilmember Zimmerman inquired if this action would circumvent the League of Minnesota Cities action. City Administrator Norman explained there is nothing that conflicts with the League of Minnesota Cities' policies. These policies are items that are most important to the City of Ramsey and some of them are not on the list of the League of Minnesota Cities. Councilmember Elvig suggested something be addressed to allow the creation of a special taxing district to include mixed use residential projects. His understanding is that it cannot be used for anything other than commercial property at this time. Assistant Public Works Director Olson indicated staff would research this and bring it back to the Council. Councihnember Kurak inquired how it should be handled if she disagrees with one of the items on this list, as she is opposed to the policy on Moratoriums for Land Use Consideration. City Administrator Norman suggested this policy be pulled from the list for voting. He explained the Builders Association is attempting to limit the government's right to have the full 30 months allowed for the moratorium. He explained when the Mississippi Bridge Crossing study was done staff would never have been able to complete this within the 12 month period. Motion by Councilmember Elvig, seconded by Councilmember Strommen, to adopt the City of Ramsey Policy Positions for 2004 Legislative Session, with the omission of "Moratoriums for Land Use Consideration". City Administrator Norman questioned if the motion includes "Protection of Eminent Domain Process". City Attorney Goodrich explained the proposed bill states the City should pay a landowner's attorney fees it' the City obtains an appraisal and offers that appraised amount to the landowner, and the landowner gets an appraisal of 20 percent or more than the City's appraisal. City Council/February 24, 2004 Page 27 of 31