Minutes - Council - 03/22/2005 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mr. Dick Church, 6900 168th Avenue NW, stated Bob Hamborg has said what they all want to say and he thinks the City Council knows how the residents feel. Mr. Church stated if audience members were sitting in the Council's seats, this development wouldn't happen. He noted the Sweet Bay soil is contaminated with lead and he would like to see compliance from the MPCA belbre the Council considers passing a Comprehensive Plan amendment. Mr. Church pointed ()ut that going up to the Brookfield development; there is only one main entrance from Highway #5 into the development. The other entrances come south through the residential areas. He would like to see two entrances so it takes labor off those City streets. He stated he would also like the Council to look at traffic flow should a stoplight be put in. He stated all want to know how the Council will keep the City of Ramsey safe. Mr. Church stated he is concerned about the safety of people running through the neighborhoods that should not be doing so. He also questioned how many resident dollars have to support extended police, fire and public works to maintain these issues. Mayor Gamec noted Mr. Church's comments relate to Case #6. Mr. Jim Overtoom, 16660 Jaspar Street, stated residents heard that if approved, both developments require an EAW to be completed to study effects on the areas around them. l lowever, an EAW for each project will only look at the individual damage done to streets, open spaces, safety, water quality, traffic, and noise due to that project. It would study only the effect on areas immediately around those projects and not take into consideration the effect of each project on the overall traffic, noise, safety, street maintenance requirements, public safety for the City in general. He suggested that the Comprehensive Plan of 2001 has been effectively scrapped by the City Council and, in its place, indiscriminate random development allowed to dictate to the City what is to be done. Rather, each development gets approved on its own microcosm ~vithout consideration of the effect on the whole. He commented on the studies ordered and joint agreements entered into with Anoka County and the public meetings that were attended by l'esidcnts. However, Planning Commission Chair Nixt indicated those who attended those meetings don't qualify as a cross section of Ramsey's 22,000 residents, and more public involvement and input is needed to determine "what is Ramsey." Mr. Overtoom asked if residents want to be part of a rural community with 1-5 acre lots or an urban packed community. If the latter, the Town Center is already planned to be packed with 2,000 residential units; and the area south of MUSA is already packed with happy residents. He asked where is Ramsey of rural areas where those other residents can live. Mr. Overtoom noted the City Charter requires the Council to prepare and hold a public hearing each year detailing the long term financial plan for the City, including a capital improvement plan and five-year financial forecast. He voiced questions whether planning has included the northeast/northwest sewer alignment alternatives and cost of associated sewer connectors, watermain improvements, connections, construction of existing City streets, costs resulting from increased traffic demands, or additional maintenance of infrastructure. In addition, he asked whether the cash flow of unplanned random development designed to maximize profit potential of the developer and minimize input from citizens is enough to suppm~t those additional costs. Or, does the City borrow deeper into bonded debt. Mr. Overtoom maintained that the Comprehensive Plan has served the residents well for 20 years. However, it is no longer effective and will not be until a City Council / March 22, 2005 Page 13 of 38