Minutes - Council - 05/19/1981 - Special Airport Study

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Mayor Gamec stated so far the grants are 80% funded and we have spent approximately $600.00 because of the way we finance our time. Also Greenberg's Industrial people did pay for the first phase of the study. Jerry Jurva, 7710 165th Avenue, came before the Council and stated he lives in Ramsey and commented on an airport in Lakeville that created many jobs and stated he is in favor of the airport. The citizens don't realize the benefits an airport here could provide. Roger Buchanan stated the only place they can put an industrial park in would be in the City of Elk River and that would not benefit ~he City of Ramsey. Mr. Buchanan stated "based on what we have brought you will you give us a yes or no on the airport". Jack Epnik, 16447 Jaspar St. N.W., stated he is studying to be a pilot and there is an airport in Burlington, Wisconsin he is familiar with. The pilots are paying for it there by fuel taxes. The City of Burlington is making a profit on their airport and it has provided many jobs for citizen in that area. Don Greenberg stated Ramsey has an Economic Development Committee. Part of this committee is the Airport Committee. The main purpose of this committee is to try to bring about a good economic community. A large protion of Ramsey is zoned industrial. The study was done because the committee thought that it would assist in the development of the City of Ramsey. At present Gateway has 5 company planes; 2 of which are based in Ramsey, also a new airport could provide commuter flights to the International Airport for our present business people and development of industry will bring a good tax base. He stated we are in a basic study stage and requested holding off with a decision until the project is completed without spending any Ramsey funds. The Department of Transportation funds used come from gas for plane taxes and licensing of planes tax funding. He asked the citizens if they would wait a year until the project is completed. Citizens of Ramsey were unfavorable to his request. Susan Sundall is buying a farm in Ramsey because she presently lives in an area where she is in a crosswind runway area and wants to move here to get out of a crosswind runway area. If Ramsey goes ahead with the airport, her farm would be in a crosswind runway area. She doesn't want %he airport here. Mrs. Pat Martin, 8441 154th Lane N.W. stated pilots were invited to sign the petition and attend this meeting and asked how did Plymouth and Maple Grove economically develop without an airport, why should so many acres be taken off the tax rolls for an airport and how many business commuters are there in the City of Ramsey at this time. Mayor Gamec stated the major consideration in development is trucking lines and water and sewer. He also stated that without a complete study the other two questions could not be answered at this time. AIRPORT IIEETING May 19, 1981 4