Minutes - Council - 12/08/2015 - Laserfiche WebLink

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7.02: Discuss Follow Up of Recent Erosion Site Visit on Mississippi River and Consider Authorizing a Shoreline Inventory of Erosion Concerns along the Mississippi River Councilmember LeTourneau left the Chambers at 8:15 p.m. Community Development Director Gladhill reviewed the staff report and recommendation to engage the services of the Anoka Conservation District to complete a shoreline inventory at a cost not to exceed $5,000, to be funded through a cost -sharing agreement between Anoka County Parks and the City of Ramsey; this study would be completed whenever the Anoka Conservation District determines that conditions are most suitable. Councilmember Kuzma asked the funding source. Community Development Director Gladhill stated that the funds would come from the general fund, specifically the funds marked for professional services within the community development department. Councilmember Kuzma stated that as a representative of the Lower Rum River Watershed Management Organization he sees that this would be a great value to the City and its residents. Motion by Councilmember Kuzma, seconded by Councilmember Williams, to authorize staff to contract with the Anoka Conservation District to conduct a shoreline inventory of Ramsey's Mississippi River properties at a not to exceed cost of $5,000, with a cost -sharing arrangement with Anoka County Parks. Further discussion: Councilmember Riley asked if the City owns any land on the Mississippi River. Community Development Director Gladhill stated that there are trail easements that front the river and there are areas marked for future plans but did not believe the City owned any physical land on the river at this time. Councilmember Riley stated that it would then be a service the City is providing to the residents on the river. Mayor Strommen stated that this would be a small contribution that would leverage funds to address a huge erosion issue that exists on the river at this time and that would have.a larger impact that would affect everyone in the future. Community Development Director Gladhill noted that there would be a public benefit to water quality and this would assist in preventing public safety issues in the future. Councilmember Shryock stated that she is happy to see that Anoka County is cost -sharing the project as well. City Administrator Ulrich provided additional information on the grant structure with the Conservation District, noting that it would be a matching cost -share for the homeowners that choose to participate. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Mayor Strommen, Councilmembers Kuzma, Williams, Johns, Riley, and Shryock. Voting No: None. Absent: Councilmember LeTourneau. 8. MAYOR, COUNCIL AND STAFF INPUT Mayor Strommen noted that Jim Abeler is present tonight and wanted to speak during open forum but was unable to attend due to conflicting plans. City Council / December 8, 2015 Page 8 of 9