Minutes - Council Work Session - 11/03/2004

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He noted the Lions cannot own real estate, so when they are finished with the project it will be handed to the City. City Administrator Norman noted Councilmember Elect Jeffreys is a member of the Lions, and will be able to act as a liaison with the group when he begins his term on the Council. He reviewed the new projects in the 2005-2009 Capital Improvement Program. Councilmember Elvig stressed the need to be cognizant of how the water tower contracts are rewritten when they expire. Councilmember Elvig inquired about the process used with ditch digging, and explained the question is often asked of him how the area is restored. He noted the ditches tie in with the entire grid of the City's greenspace, trail plan and parks. Councilmember Strommen noted this subject has come up in the EPTF because of the association with the wetlands. Mayor Gamec commented on the attention needed in the ditches in the area of Highway 5. City Administrator Norman suggested a worksession be scheduled following a Public Works Committee meeting with Assistant Public Works Director Olson present to discuss the issue of storm water ditches. The Park Board and the Envirmm~ental Policy Committee will also be asked to attend the meeting. 3) Building Fees Finance Officer Lund reviewed that the 2005 Schedule of the City's rates, fees and charges was presented at the October 26, 2004 Finance Committee meeting. During this meeting, Councihnember Strommen presented a survey that was distributed by NAIOP (National Association of Industrial and Office Properties) that showed Ramsey's building permit fee as being extremely high and inquired as to the City's building fee schedule. It has been found that the City's Schedule of Rates, Fees and Charges represents the correct building permit fee. The 1% of Valuation that the NAIOP table used was incorrectly entered in the City's building permit software system when the system was begun in July 2003. She reviewed the overcharges that will be refunded. City Administrator Norman indicated this is the last survey NAIOP will be distributing. Councilmember Strommen suggested NAIOP be requested to send a correction letter to its members. Assistant City Administrator Nelson indicated staff could send a correction letter if a membcrship list can be acquired from NAIOP. Councihnember Elvig asked if this will cause any glitches in the budget. City Council Work Session/November 3, 2004 Page 3 of 5