Minutes - Council - 03/13/2001 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

Mayor Gamec asked where sewer will be run down residential streets in this Plan. Councilmember Zimmerman answered in the Central Planning Area. Mayor Gamec noted that the City Council is the group that would make that decision and asked Ms. Haas Steffen to comment on this issue. Natalie Haas Steffen stated the reason to identify the study center is two-fold. She noted that in the negotiation of the agreement, it was made clear to her that Ramsey wanted a number of acres in the 4 in 40 put into the 2.5 acre lots. She tried to make it clear that when the Comprehensive Plan comes to the Metropolitan' Council, if there is a substantial departure from the Regional Blueprint, it is denied. She stated the agreement made when the letter was signed was that she would try to address the desire of Ramsey to move the acres into 2.5 acre lots. The way to do that and get the Metropolitan Council to pass it, was to identify a study area. Her understanding is that Metropolitan Council staff met with City Staff and Planning Staff and looked at an area that still had vacant land in it, was in an area by older homes with the potential of mass sewer failures, and in the future would need or want sewer. She stated she does not know if you can get sewer to the homes but she was trying to get the study. Ms. Haas Steffen stated if the City wants to change the study area, that is fine. No one is asking to put sewer in it. She explained that in the 1970s the City asked for sewer pipe and CAB interceptor but the Metropolitan Council approved considerably less than they asked for. She stated it is unacceptable to have in the ground a very expensive pipe that is not going to be utilized between 35% to 40% which is what was estimated on the plans the City submitted. Recognizing the uniqueness of Ramsey with more dense property to the south, 2.5 acres in-between, and vacant land with acreage north of it, they are tl3,ing to find a way to get around having a substantial departure from the Regional Blueprint by declaring a study area. She stated that is what the study area is about and if the City wants it in a different location, she will see what she can do. Councilmember Zimmerman asked if industry gets added into the area. Ms. Haas Steffen stated it would be added and the count of what flows through the pipe would be added into that pipe. She stated the Metropolitan Council anticipates 40 to 50 years to fill the pipe. However, she is asking for a study out to the year 2020, unless the Council changes their minds. Councilmember Zimmerman asked what happens when something gets put into the study area and then something happens in a year. Ms. Haas Steffen asked when such a thing occurred. Councilmember Zimmerman stated he does not know but it could be studied. Councilmember Hendriksen stated at one time cities were asked to sign up for Livable City Council/March 13, 2001 Page 25 of 31