Minutes - Council - 04/12/2005 - Laserfiche WebLink

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(;hatter Commission has a regularly scheduled meeting on April 21, 2005 and the petition will be placed on the Charter Commission agenda for review and comment that evening. The Statute pmvi¢les that the form of the ballot shall be fixed by the City Council. This will be presented to 1he Council at a subsequent meeting. Mr. Zaetsch stated the ideal petition might have been different, but the actual petition had to look at realities. First of all, the Council can change an ordinance, but when there is something in the Charter it has to go to popular vote to be approved or changed. During his discussions with rcsidems when obtaining the signatures he only encountered one abusive person and a couple that ~aid they lhvor sewer and water. The bulk of the residents are just wondering why things are being done the way they are. There are concerns with leapfrog development and protecting households fi'om assess~nents that would be devastating. To have drafted a petition relating to ~h¢ way the City does planning would have been problematic and would have been struck down. I lc spoke' with Attorney Goodrich earlier, and he should know the focus of the petitioners is to look at revenue and expenditures. The legal analysis will probably show that the amendment should go forward. He stated he would like to thank the people that were courteous and friendly to him on their doorstep. No Council action necessary. Case #15: Report from Finance Committee 1) Consider Authorkation to Transfer Funds from Council Contingency Fund for China Sister City Program Councilmcmber Strommen explained this is the authorization for a transfer of funds from the Council Contingency Fund for the sister-city relationship with Loudi, China. Delegations from Ramsey will be sent to China and Ramsey will receive delegations from the City of Loudi. The l.'inance Committee recommended to authorize the transfer of funds in the amount of $8,600. Thc (~ommittee also requested this topic be placed on a future work session to discuss goal sclting tbr these trips and what is expected from the sister-city relationship, as well as presentations being made to the Council after the trips are completed. Mr. Zactsch stated there are many justifications that can be made for junketing to China. The ('.i~y has had an experience in the past of a franchise fee that was put on people because the City was in dire straits, and this junketing to China seems obscene. 2) Award Bid for Warning Siren Replacement Police (ihief Way explained on February 11, 2005 the City of Ramsey Police Department released requests for proposals for the replacement of two outdoor warning sirens. The City replaced six sirens in 2004. The City received proposals from three vendors. After reviewing the bids it wats staff's recommendation not to necessarily go with the lowest bid, but with the best fit. Staff recommends keeping the replacements the same as the sirens installed by American Signal in 2004. City Council/April 12, 2005 Page 27 of 35