Minutes - Council - 04/24/2001 - Laserfiche WebLink

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meeting which stated that the City has to have a plan to extend sewer and water to the .area as well as a plan to connect all residents within the MUSA area. Ms. Dvorak replied that if the Met Council approved the Comprehensive Plan as written then it is up to Ramsey's Council to enforce the plan not the Met Council. What is stated in the Comprehensive Plan is what is relevant not what was in the minutes. Eric Watson, 146t~' Avenue, Ramsey, inquired as to what action the Council would be taking on the Comprehensive Plan during this meeting. Councilmember Zimmerman stated that the Council would be referring the Comprehensive Plan to the Planning Commission for a public hearing. Mr. Watson inquired if a mediator had been hired to work with the Council to resolve the density transition issues. Mayor Gamec replied that a meeting has been scheduled for April 30th. Sandy B ertzyk, 6001 - 146th Avenue NW, Ramsey, stated that the schools are overcrowded in the City and the City needs to do something to increase its tax base. Councilmember Hendriksen stated that the City has held the area between Ramsey Boulevard and Armstrong Boulevard for 30 years for industrial development. Now the area is designated as mixed use with one of the permitted uses being residential, which does not contribute its fair share towards the City's tax base. The only place the City has for commercial and industrial is that area. He stated that he is very concerned that a mixed use development would only worsen the problems. Ms. Bertzyk replied that that is the purpose of the Cal Thorp study. Councilmember Hendriksen stated that Cal Thorp will not go forward with designation of "study area", and if the property is designated as mixed use and a developer wants to develop the site all residential then the City would be obligated to do so. Ms. Bertzyk replied that she has been at meetings where Ms. Steffen said exactly the opposite. David Elvig, 17201 Tungsten Street NW, Ramsey, stated that his initial interest regarding mixed use, was the financial impacts on the City and the impact it might have on City schools. The City of Ramsey has one of the poorest tax districts in the metropolitan area, and yet they seem to receive lower state participation. Residents of Ramsey pay as much, or higher taxes, as people who live in Edina. He questioned what is happening with the City's funds. He does not have City sewer or water or street lights. The other concern with Ramsey is the commute across the Champlin bridge as well as labor force in the area. He stated that he was excited about a river bridge being located in Ramsey and would like to see that move forward. Currently there is a City Council/April 24, 2001 Page 10 of 27