Agenda - Council - 05/05/1980 - Special

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-7- offers uninterrupted views of the river, islands, and other natural features. This situation provides the iopportunity to plan and develop a separate trail adjoining the river to provide direct public enjoyment of the unique river environment. The trail plan could be achieved through the use of existing parklands and the public dedication of riverfront lands. Such a program would be consistent with the city's plan which recommends the acquisition or dedication of areas of steep slopes, floodplain,-high groundwater (many of which adjoin the river) and the dedication of scenic easements. The Ramsey plan calls for integrating the regional trail with local streets near the river by marking a 4- foot lane on existing roadways and requiring developers to provide new roads that are four feet wider than normal to accommodate the trail. The City feels there are obstacles to a river trail alignment adjoining the river in that the privat~ land is susceptable to vandalism, and it would.violate the rights of privacy of future homesteads that may be developed. (See City of Ramsey memorandum dated January 22, 1980, page 3.) The city plan takes the position that recreational use of the river will consist of non-motorized or small fishing boats. The river is very shallow in many areas and not suited for boats with deeper drafts. Consistency with Metropolitan Council policies As indicated in the previous discussion of the city's proposed land uses 'policies, the Ramsey plan is inconsistent with the Metropolitan Development Guide. One, the plan does not designate an urban service area indicating the location of urban development and the extension or staging of metropolitan and urban services for the period 1980-90. Two, the plan recommendations for the development of commercial land uses and urban densities on 2.5 acre lots in the rural service area are inconsistent with metropolitan policies and guidelines. In May 1977, the Metropolitan Council reviewed an amendment to the City of Ramsey's comprehensive plan (copy attached). This review occurred in the transition period before the coordinated metropolitan and local planning process established under the Metropolitan Land Planning Act was implemented fully. (The city had received its preliminary Metropolitan Systems Statement as of May 1977.) The Council's findings and recommendations were presented as advisory, but they were based on the Metropolitan Development Framework and System. Plans.