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monopolize the meeting minutes, and has made reference to Councilmember Zimmerman <br />agreeing with what he is saying. Ms. Pieper stated she has not heard Councilmember <br />Zimmerman saying much or if he disagrees with Councilmember Hendriksen. She stated that is <br />different than what she supported and had thought of Councilmember Zimmerman as being an <br />independent thinker and decision maker but that is not happening. She urged Councilmember <br />Zimmerman to go back to his roots, think it through, and make independent decisions. Ms. <br />Pieper stated Councilmember Zimmerman has strong and sincere interest in Ramsey and she <br />believes that deep down he agrees the City needs to be progressive. She stated that <br />Councilmember Zimmerman believes in Ramsey and knows the City will benefit from <br />progressive action and a community center. Ms. Pieper urged Councilmember Zimmerman to <br />"step up to the plate" and support the residents of Ramgey. <br /> <br />A1 Pearson, 14821 Bowers Drive NW, Ramsey, stated he is a former Councilmember and in the <br />1980's the Council was seriously looking at a bridge crossing, farther east than the current site. <br />He noted that the River Center site is open land so nothing needs to be disposed of. Mr. Pearson <br />noted that the new proposed bridge crossing farther to the west would be a good thing to get the <br />free study done on the land. He urged the Council to go along with the Comprehensive Plan and <br />get the study done. <br /> <br />Mayor Gamec asked Mr. Pearson if he supports that area for the bridge or thinks it is a detriment <br />to his property. <br /> <br />Mr. Pearson stated his property is close to the proposed bridge location and he is not interested in <br />selling or developing his land. He explained that he is a farmer and wants his land to stay a farm <br />forever but if his property is close to the bridge, he will have to go with that. He stated the City <br />has the chance to get a free study and the Plan has been worked on for quite a few years with a <br />lot of citizen input and now is the time to act. <br /> <br />Mayor Gamec stated they have had meetings with Metropolitan Council Representative Haas <br />Steffen and the Metropolitan Council staff. He commented that no plan can be completely <br />satisfactory to all about everything and there are still some areas that everyone does not agree <br />with. Mayor Gamec stated, however, that there is some point where it must be moved forward. <br />He thanked the audience for providing their comments about the Comprehensive Plan and <br />bridge. He complimented Metropolitan Council Representative Natalie Haas Steffen for getting <br />money for the City of Ramsey for this study. Mayor Gamec stated he serves on several <br />committees with area mayors and believes Ramsey has a great opportunity to move forward and <br />get this study done. He extended his appreciation and thanks to Natalie Haas Steffen. <br /> <br />Councilmember Zimmerman stated it looked like the gathering is here to put pressure on him. <br />He stated he ran for office on a couple issues. One was to not run sewer and water down existing <br />streets and he believes the Plan does this. He stated he also ran to protect neighborhoods and we <br />are not totally through with that. He stated he does not think he can vote for this Comprehensive <br />Plan. Councilmember Zimmerman stated he has supported business in the community but can't <br />vote for the Comprehensive Plan the way it is. <br /> <br />City Council/March 13, 2001 <br /> Page 24 of 31 <br /> <br /> <br />