Minutes - Council Work Session - 01/24/2017

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noting that the wording would require thought to ensure that the snippets do not all focus on big box retail. Commissioner Bauer stated that the Council's agenda tonight supports the reasoning that The COR needs this type of plan. He noted that there is a request the Council will consider tonight for a business, that while it is a great business, perhaps is not the best fit for the center of The COR. He stated that when you have piecemeal development it loses the ability for an overall vision. Councilmember LeTourneau asked if the Commission feels that their recommendations are not being heard by the Council. Commissioner Bauer stated that the Commission provided input on the old municipal center that although the Council heard, they did not agree with. Councilmember LeTourneau stated that he wants to ensure that the comments from the Commission are being heard and are relevant, as that is how this process will be successful. Commissioner Bauer stated that the Commission recognizes that they are an advisory body to the City Council and the Council makes the final decision. He stated that the Commission and Council need to be on the same page, along with the EDA, to ensure that the overall vision is the same and their actions are not in conflict. 2.04: Discussion on Roles and Responsibilities in the Land Use Planning and Development Review Process Mayor Strommen stated that her perspective is that Ramsey's greatest asset is its people and has no doubt that the City has the right people in the right places to work through these issues. She stated that this Council has a strong focus on public input and respect for the members of the Boards and Commissions. She stated that these issues are challenging because the City is wearing two different hats, one in the traditional role of land use control but the second as the landowner and master developer. She stated that the goal is to determine how those roles can work in harmony but acknowledged that there will be challenges that arise. She stated that the EDA provides input to the landowner position of the City while the Planning Commission provides input to the land use control position, which sometimes places the Council in an awkward position to make the ultimate decision. She stated that everyone is at the table and brings different perspective based on their position and role. Commissioner Bauer stated that having everyone at the table is an advantage, as otherwise everyone works in a vacuum and can lose focus. He stated that if everyone is on the same page that helps reach the end goal. He stated that while the City is in an awkward position as the landowner, it also provides the City with more control in the type of development that is created. He stated that as long as there is a good vision, being the landowner provides the City with more control. City Council Work Session/January 24,2017 Page 6 of 9