Minutes - Council - 01/09/2001 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Councihnember Kurak replied that she has already talked to staff regarding that issue and they will be publishing an agenda every week in the Anoka County Union. Marguerite Henke, Alpaca Estates, stated that the residents of Alpaca Estates have formed an Alpaca Estates Citizens Association, to actively pursue and promote the City Charter and its amendments. She stated that they are very concerned that 3-½ years ago citizens voted for a density transition ordinance that the City Council is obligated to implement. The Council was elected to represent the citizens of Ramsey and uphold the Charter and it appears that the City Council is more interested in upholding the Met Council's stipulations rather than the will of the residents. Jeffrey Menth, 14726 Ramsey Boulevard NW, Ramsey, stated that the Density Transition Ordinance needs to be put together in "black and white" and then if a variance is needed in certain situations, that process can be used. He urged the rest of the residents to get behind them. · Councilmember Zimmerman stated that he is behind the residents regarding the Density Transition Ordinance and wished other members of the City Council would reconsider their position. Becky Bowman, 142"d Avenue NW, Ramsey, stated that she is concerned about the zoning changes. She explained that she moved out to Ramsey three years ago after being pushed out of Coon Rapids and Brooklyn Park all because of changes in zoning. She stated that she does not have a problem with more development, but does have a problem with apartments and subsidized housing. She also requested that the 350-foot notification rule change, because she was not notified of any of the discussions that have been taking place. Currently, her daughter goes to Anoka High School and has to ride a bus four times a day because there is not enough room in the school. She stated there are already too many kids in the schools and asked where are they going to put more kids. John Jacobson, 14691 Bowers Drive NW, Ramsey, questioned the definition of high density. He stated that he works at the school and they are already very crowded. Councilmember Hendriksen replied that the definition of high density has moved and shifted and could continue to do so. It was originally 15 units per acre, but on a three to two vote in July, the City Council voted to reduce high density down to seven units per acre. The Met Council is demanding that the City move it back up to 15 units per acre, but that has not been determined at this time. Mayor Gamec presented a letter that was received from Jerry and Cynthia Sherman, 7041 - 147th Avenue NW, Ramsey, which stated the following: "I am sorry that I am unable to attend the Council meeting tonight. Please read my comments into the record at the appropriate time. I watched with dismay the last two City Council meetings of 2000, and the behavior displayed by some residents and elected officials. As a past City Council/January 9, 2001 Page 6 of 35