Minutes - Environmental Policy Board - 08/17/2015

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Community Development Director Gladhill stated this all originated from a joint meeting. One of the questions from that meeting was what is the goal for that development. Sometimes it feels like there are multiple goals. He asked if the development should happen quickly so it can get on the tax role, or if the consensus is to wait for the long term vision to come. Board Member Bentz commented the issue is with the interchange. People do not like using frontage roads because they are difficult to use. The interchange does not seem welcoming right now. Ramsey has resources to market. If Ramsey wants to attract businesses, we need to look at parking issues when there are events, maybe looking at a water park or other features geared toward families. He said he doesn't see a big box store doing much of anything. Community Development Director Gladhill explained the Planning Commission is not suggesting the original plan be followed. The Commission acknowledged that was aggressive for the market that is Ramsey. The Commission would like to put together a plan that matches the goals. He said he has hopefully captured some of the additional topics needed for that survey. Each Board has come up with more questions along the way. He said Staff recommends the City Council adopt this document, with the understanding that it will be revised as it goes through the different Boards and Agencies. Motion by Board Member Lewis and seconded by Board Member Valentine to recommend that the City Council adopt the attached Comparison Document for The COR, including the revisions and questions suggested at this meeting. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Chairperson Stodola, Board Member Lewis, Valentine, Bentz, and Covart. Voting No: None. Absent: Board Members Bernard, and Hiatt. 6. BOARD / STAFF INPUT • Receive Presentation from Smart Irrigation Forum The purpose of this case is simply to provide the Board with a copy of the presentation that was offered at the Smart Irrigation Forum hosted by the Anoka County Water Task Force. • Girl Scout Recognition Councilmember LeTourneau stated he runs through the north loop frequently. There is a garbage can that the Girl Scouts put up there. He asked if it would be of interest to put a plaque on it recognizing their hard work. City Planner Anderson noted the City had worked with the Girl Scouts to determine how best to recognize their work. They had asked if they could handle the recognition at one point. He said he would be in touch with them. Motion by Board Member Lewis and seconded by Board Member Valentine to recommend that the City follow through with the commitment previously made to acknowledge the work the Girl Scouts have done in the north loop. Environmental Policy Board / August 17, 2015 Page 10 of 11