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CASE #3 PROPERTY AND BUSINESS OWNERS MEETING By: James Gromberg, Project Manager Background: As many of you are aware, the Economic Development Commission, in conjunction with Anoka Mediation Services, conducted a meeting for the property and business owners located in the Ramsey Industrial Park area generally bordered by County Road #57 on the east, County Road #56 on the west and County Road #116 on the north. This meeting was held on December 29, 1992 at the Ramsey Municipal Center with approximately 30 business and property owners and the EDC members attending. The mediator split the group into three different subgroups with each subgroup discussing and developing a list of issues of concern for their particular group. The mediators attempted to have equal representation for each different type of person at the meeting. For example, making sure that both property owners and business owners were represented in each group and, that if possible, a member of the EDC was also in each group. The groups then caucused for approximately 30 to 45 minutes and when everyone was brought together, the following issues came to light: Group One: How light and heavy industry co-exist Outdoor storage aesthetics and equipment abandoned - sink Grass mowing on both City and business property A better job of snow plowing Better lighting along 153rd Avenue N.W. Group Two: Fair enforcement of codes equitably across the board to all property owners Confusion as to whom the City Code applies (more specifically, new versus existing businesses and grandfather clause. Possible development of self governance in relation to the City Code Group Three: Small interests seem to get favored treatment (tail wagging the dog) Unfounded complaints seem to get preferential treatment Absence of "Notice of Zoning Changes" Disparate treatment of similar businesses Tax Increment Financing Disparity of treatment and amounts, property tax rates are unduly burdensome - business versus residential - taxes are used as regulation versus revenue raising Quirky development requirements, favored and exceptions, curbs versus hard surfaced streets, subjectivity regarding aesthetics. Following discussion of these issues, the representatives present decided to form an advisory committee representing both the property owners and business owners in the industrial park area. As you may be aware, this group is meeting on Wednesday, January 13, 1993 at Ramsey Municipal Center. The advisory committee will be reviewing the following areas and trying to develop solution to present to the EDC who will, in turn, make its recommendations to Ramsey City Council: Outdoor storage Lend consistency to Code enforcement to the satisfaction of City governments Improving communications