Ramsey Resident - 2016 - January/February

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City 4 s Cofiy(efi, Smart, Citizen -Focused Government By Kurt Ulrich, City Administrator The concept of a smart, citizen -focused government is spelled -out as one of the key cornerstones for the City of Ramsey. At its heart, it means that citizens are well- informed about community issues, and that every citizen has an opportunity to regularly and freely express their opinion. Regular feedback from the community al- lows elected and appointed officials to make thoughtful, informed decisions for the overall benefit of the commu- nity. The strategy for achieving our smart, citizen -focused government focuses on several major areas, including: Enhance citizen participation on key issues by hold- ing more neighborhood meetings, conducting more feed- back surveys, improving opportunities for community volunteer work, and providing more citizen recognition. Improve and maintain the safety of the community through investing in public safety staffing and technology to enhance safety, security, and response times. The City will also be evaluating and planning for the expansion and preservation of the City's long term infrastructure needs, and seeking to protect the integrity of existing neighborhoods. Create strong residential neighborhoods and business districts by meeting or exceeding community expectations in regard to the response time for code com- plaints. Also, the City will seek to enhance the level of customer service by investing in staffing and technology to improve effectiveness. Focus on improving the general appearance and condition of key road corridors and commercial dis- tricts. These corridors include Highway 10, Nowthen Boulevard and Highway 47 corridors. Commercial dis- tricts include the COR, the 167th Avenue and Highway 47 area, and the future business park. The City will also seek new commercial projects, look at improved signage for the community, and continue to seek a new ZIP Code for Ramsey. If you are interested in finding out more about the City's efforts to promote a smart, citizen -focused govern- ment, please check out our web site at www.cityoframsey. com. Ramsey WantsYou - Get Involved - Serve as an Advisor to the City Council The City of Ramsey is accepting applications for its advisory commissions. City advisory commissions include the Economic Development Authority, Environ- mental Policy Board, Parks and Recreation Commission, or the Planning Commission. The purpose of an advisory commission is to make specific recommendations to the City Council on current issues facing the city. Currently, there is an opening on the Environmental Policy Board; however applications are being accepted for all commissions and will be kept on file for one year in the event of an unexpected vacancy. Applications and additional information are avail- able on the city's website at wwwcityoframsey.com and clicking on "Boards and Commissions': You may also call Human Resources at 763-433-9867 for additional information or to have an application mailed to you. Advisory commission seats are open until filled; however, the first review of applications is scheduled for February 19, 2016, followed by interviews and the start of new terms. To be considered for a seat on the board or commission of your choice, please submit a completed application by February 19, 2016, to Human Resources at the Ramsey Municipal Center, 7550 Sunwood Drive NW, Ramsey, MN 55303. Help Keep Snow Away From Fire Hydrants Please help us keep snow away from fire hydrants. Snow piled or shoveled close to hy- drants restricts operation during a fire emergency. After a snowfall, the Public Works Department is responsible for clearing snow from City streets. Depending on the amount and type of snow, this could take several days. We are requesting your help in keeping our fire hydrants accessible. Please clear a four -foot circle around the hydrant near your home to assure easy access for our Fire Department. If you have any questions or comments please call John Nelson, Ramsey Fire Department at 763-427-8254. Thank you for your efforts! Ramsey Resident • January/February 2016 3