Minutes - Council Work Session - 06/04/2002

Home

Jim Steffen-EDA Appointment: Stated that he was looking for a way to contribute and volunteer in the community. He stated that he and his wife feel that they have found their dream house in Ramsey and plan on being in the City for a long time. Mr. Steffen explained that as a financial advisor most of his day consists of meeting with clients, discussing solutions and solving problems. Recently he had a client that had an issue with one of the insurance companies he represents where the client had thought he cancelled a policy and the insurance company disagreed. Mr. Steffen worked as the middleman to resolve the issue the best he could to keep the customer happy. In regards to current development in the City he stated that he lived off of T.H. #47 and has some concern about the location of the Holiday Gas Station, and adding another liquor store across from an already existent liquor store. He stated that he sees a lot of things going on in the City such as the town center, which will be very important. Jerry Wallner-EDA Appointment: Stated that as a new resident of Ramsey he felt that he would like to become involved in the City and lend his expertise. He stated that he was impressed with the amount of people that are interested in being involved with the community. In regards to his experience he explained that for five years he worked in Long Prairie in Todd County on building a new courthouse facility/jail. The big issue they had in Todd County was that they wanted a facility that would house the county jail and court system and do it within their own means without bonding. They showed the public what could be done and had a final product that they were proud of. During that process he dealt with many people including citizens to get the facility constructed. As far as current development in the City he was impressed with how the City of Ramsey had contained their growth protecting the farmland and agricultural uses. He liked the way things have been progressing in the area and hoped to see that continue. John Dehen-EDA Appointment: Stated that he wants to be more civic minded and involve himself more in community affairs. As a Lawyer he felt that he could be a benefit to the EDA. He explained that he is fairly adaptive to dispute resolution and grew up in the community. He explained that he recently had an individual who was killed when he ran into a cow and looking at action to the person who served the individual and the person who let the cows run loose. There was a dispute amongst the family members as to who was going to take charge of the suit. He had to work out an arrangement where the mother managed the situation and the rest of the family was allowed to give input. He was able to get them to work together and be on the same page. In regards to development in the City he felt that there needs to be a balance between the business growth and residential development. He stated that he did not know if his thoughts are as important as the Council's thoughts. He would see his role as more of an advisory role rather than an important decision making role. Alison Ward-Public Safety Board: Stated that she lives in the community and is always concerned about the safety of people in general. She explained that she is accustomed to working with people, she is very patient, works well as a team, and is a good listener. As an employee of GE she went around to various departments and determined areas of change. In dealing with controversial issues she recently had a student that she was concerned about their speech and language and she worked directly with the parent to address those concerns. She stated that she has always been impressed with the public safety officials in the City of Ramsey. City Council/June 4, 2002 Page 2 of 8