Minutes - Council - 05/22/2001 - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Administrator Norman suggested adding wording to #13 of the findings of fact that would state that the City recognizes the existence of a mutual aid agreement with surrounding cities that do have reach capabilities, but it might be necessary for the City to purchase an aerial ladder truck to provide adequate fire protection. Director of Public Works/Fire Chief Kapler stated that he felt that the wording would be a welcome addition to the findings. City Attorney Goodrich requested time to draft the appropriate language to include in the findings of fact. Councilmember Anderson stated that she had reviewed the Board of Adjustment minutes and they had brought up the issue that the need for an aerial ladder truck was there when the City gave approval for the hotel to be built as well as when the senior complex was built. The City needs to begin the process of purchasing an aerial ladder truck so that they can receive it as soon as possible. Councilmember Kurak agreed with Councilmember Anderson. She stated that the City is not going to get smaller and as the City grows there are going to be more requests to exceed the 35- foot height restriction. An aerial ladder truck would have a life of 25 years and the cost of the truck will not get any less. She recommended that the Council consider including the purchase of the truck in the 200~budget since it will take a year to receive the truck once ordered. The City is currently in the position of considering denying a reasonable variance for a business that needs to grow and operate in Ramsey which she did not think was the best thing for Ramsey Councilmember Hendriksen stated that Amcor's building is probably the least likely to catch fire out of all the buildings in Ramsey, but they as a Council need to grapple with some of the spending decisions. Last year when the Council adopted the budget and set the tax rate for the residents in Ramsey they went as far as they could go. When the Council starts throwing around the sums of money of 3.5 million for City Hall, and .5 million for a fire truck, they are going to be in a situation where they have to significantly raise taxes. Motion by Councilmember Hendriksen, seconded by Councilmember Kurak, to table action until after Case #6. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Mayor Gamec, Councilmembers Hendriksen, Kurak, Anderson, and Zimmerman. Voting No: None. Case #5: Request for Site Plan Review of Amcor Precast; Case of Amcor Precast Community Development Director Frolik stated that the City of Ramsey has received a request for site plan review from Amcor Precast. The site plan is proposing to construct an addition to the existing office and warehouse facility. The area is located at 6640 Industry Avenue. The site City Council/May 22, 2001 Page 12 of 23