Minutes - Council - 02/13/2001 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Councilmember Hendriksen stated that the largest change he sees on the Land Use map is that the entire portion of land between Ramsey Boulevard and Armstrong Boulevard has been changed to mixed-use. In regards to the commuter rail station, the Met Council is demanding 150 acres that would be predominantly housing. He believes that there is a very viable area in the City for that type of development, but with the most recent proposal placing the station between Ramsey Boulevard and Armstrong Boulevard it ends the light industrial in the City. Mr. Hendriksen referenced a statement that had been added to the Comprehensive Plan which stated "By mixing high density residential with civic and office, a vibrant downtown is created where life goes on around the clock". He stated that he did not recall any residents requesting such a development, but did recall many residents saying that they enjoy the peace and quiet and rural atmosphere. City Administrator Norman explained that staff went through the Comprehensive Plan and made the changes as they interpreted the agreed upon te~xns in the letter approved by the City Council dated November 14, 2000. Mr. Norman noted that he had explained the reasoning for the changes during a Council work session. Mayor Gamec noted that the Met Council is not asking for 150 acres for the commuter rail station. Mr. Watson stated that there are two main concerns as a citizen of Ramsey. One is the poor communication with residents, no citizen input, and no public hearing. He stated that he sees a clear conflict of interest if there is someone on the Council, who on the land use map, has density changing on the property they own. He inquired as to why one persons private interests outweighs interests of the City. Motion by Mayor Gamec, seconded by Councilmember Kurak, to authorize City staff to make necessary changes to the 2020 Comprehensive Plan submitted by the City of Ramsey and to continue working on with the concerns regarding zoning. Further discussion: Com~cilmember Zimmerman stated that there are changes that have been made to the plan that have not been discussed as a complete City Council. The North Star Corridor station has not been thoroughly reviewed by the City Council and he does not think the Council has adequately addressed the issue. City Attorney Goodrich noted that there needs to be a simple majority vote not a super majority vote to forward the Comprehensive Plan to the Met Council. After the Met Council completes their review, the Comprehensive Plan would be sent back to the City Council and the Planning Commission for a public hearing. Mr. Goodrich also noted that there have been public hearings regarding the Comprehensive Plan in the past. Councilmember Anderson inquired if the Comprehensive Plan is already at the Met Council. City Attorney Goodrich replied yes. Councilmember Anderson inquired if at this point the City is trying to address concerns already pointed out by the Met Council. Councilmember Hendriksen stated that the Comprehensive Plan that was sent to the Met Council was done so on a 4-1 vote, and now the Council is sending a Comprehensive Plan forward that not only does not achieve a 4-1 vote, but is fi~rther away from achieving that vote. He stated that the Council looks City Council/February 13, 2001 Page 17 of 28