Minutes - Council Work Session - 01/27/2015

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Councilmember Riley noted the task may expand to fill the time allotted, but maybe it will get done on time. He asked if the Council is to provide direction on whether the Comprehensive Plan should only be tweaked rather than undertaking a major update. Community Development Director Gladhill stated that has not yet been determined but based on conversations that have been occurring, he has not heard a desire to make any great changes to the Plan laid out several years ago. However, there may be several parcels of property that are exceptions. Councilmember Riley supported looking at every aspect but assumes the large majority of the Comprehensive Plan will remain untouched. Councilmember Shryock asked how Metropolitan Council plans will impact the City's timeline, such as the population projections that are driven by what the Metropolitan Council expects the City to attain over certain time frames. Community Development Director Gladhill stated a lot of those decisions have been made by the Metropolitan Council and the City commented on those forecasts at every opportunity. He noted that during a meeting several weeks ago with the Metropolitan Council representative, information was presented on the Metropolitan Council's Plan requirements. He stated it is understood that a significant issue with the last Comprehensive Plan was the forecast, which is also impacted by water supply and transportation. Councilmember LeTourneau stated with regard to community involvement, he supports creating an Ad -hoc Committee that also represents citizens and to expand that to include outreach opportunity to obtain comment on the Comprehensive Plan elements and components. Mayor Strommen stated the Council learned during past Comprehensive Plan Updates that consideration of a 200 -page document is overwhelming and not often handled well. She supported starting prior to there being a document to which to react so the City can obtain the public's comments on what is important to residents, values, and what residents want Ramsey to look like in 20 years. Then those documents can be drafted to follow that input. In addition, the Council's informal conversation with the community can seek out those comments. Community Development Director Gladhill stated the small area plan process has found good success with a Steering Committee overseeing the process that incorporates citizen engagement. He described different formats that offer opportunity for residents to provide input and make comment, such as Happy Days and informal venues. Mayor Strommen recognized the effort of Community Development Director Gladhill and City staff for their work on this process. She also recognized the Council's determination to invest in the City's staff because they know Ramsey's residents better than a consultant. She stated she is thrilled with that outcome from the last Comprehensive Plan Update that had relied heavily on consultants. City Council Work Session / January 27, 2015 Page 6 of 8