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Councilmember Reimann stated that a Charter policy could lead to special <br />interest groups controlling neighborhoods. He also stated that people <br />are so skeptical of Ramsey Council running City business and it has never <br />been Ramsey's policy to act hastily and Ramsey has always tried to learn <br />from other cities growth and development <br /> <br />Stan Data - Members of Ramsey Coalition do not have bad feelings toward <br />individual members of Council but a number of us are concerned about the <br />potential cost of public utilities and the quality of life in Ramsey. <br /> <br />Councilmember Reimann stated that he loves Ramsey, Ramsey is unique and <br />the assessment policy was adopted to protect citizens of Ramsey and that <br />he does not want sewer and water where it is not needed. <br /> <br />Ed Mingel - Stated that statutory government is good up to a point, but if <br />you refer to political science books you will find that it is better for <br />general bonds and obligation bonds to be put to a public vote. <br /> <br />Councilmember Reimann reiterated that Charter City leads to special interest <br />groups and that means that a small group of people can control the majority. <br /> <br />Audience replied that that is the situation in Ramsey right now. <br /> <br />Mayor Gamec stated that the citizens should not be so naive as to assume that <br />there will never be municipal sewer and water in Ramsey. <br /> <br />John Lich~er brought up the subject of public utility franchises, that the <br />developer install, operate and maintain utilities until the city can afford <br />to take over. <br /> <br />Mayor Gamec replied that Ramsey has heard from other cities who do have utility <br />franchises and their recommendations are to avoid them, that they cause <br />leapfrog development. If the City is going to get into the utility business, <br />you might as well get in on the ground floor and this would allow the city a <br />certain amount of time to get some funds built up. <br /> <br />Councilmember Reimann stated that the City would not have full control over a <br />utility franchise. <br /> <br />Susan Beale - 14851 Sunfish Blvd. - Replied that a franchise would be under <br />the guise of the City Engineer and the developer would be obligated to pay <br />for City Engineer's time. <br /> <br />Brenda Buaerkemper - 6855 162nd Lane - The City would be in the driver's seat, <br />the agreement between the developer and City regarding a franchise would depend <br />on the City. <br /> <br />John Lichter - How will additional commercial/industrial development lower <br />taxes? Referred to tax comparison article published in Minneapolis Tribune <br />and some of the cities listed had a lot more industrial/commercial base than <br />Ramsey and their residential taxes were much higher than those of Ramsey. <br />Stated that he can see more gross revenue generated, but what about net <br />revenue. More services will have to be provided by the City such as increased <br />police and fire protection and multiple dwelling areas will demand parks. <br /> <br />Councilmember Reimann presented estimated tax revenue to be gain from the <br />proposed Ramsey Center. <br /> <br />SP C/May 16, 1983 <br /> Page 3 of 9 <br /> <br /> <br />