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Councilmember Zimmerman stated that he was in favor of continuing the meetings with the <br />facilitator. <br /> <br />Councilmember Kurak stated that they have sat through hours of arguing and personal attacks <br />and accomplished nothing. She does not think that the Council will ever come together on the <br />issues. She stated that there was an agreement drafted by the Met Council and signed by all five <br />Councilmembers, and now there are some of those Councilmembers who are not following <br />through with that agreement. <br /> <br />A lifetime resident of Ramsey expressed disappointment with the Council for not resolving the <br />issues. She inquired as to why some members of the Council would not be in favor of positive <br />development of the City. <br /> <br />Councilmember Hendriksen stated that he did vote on a Comprehensive Plan, which was <br />forwarded to the Met Council and then three members made numerous changes to that Plan that <br />he disagrees with. He noted that he disagrees with the densities, the fact that the density <br />transition language was removed, the 1,000 acres designated as a central planning area, and the <br />mixed~use designation. He stated that he would vote for something positive when he sees it. <br /> <br />The resident inquired as to how long the Council had been discussing the Comprehensive Plan. <br /> <br />Councilmember Hendriksen replied three or four years, but noted that the facilitator has only <br />been involved for a few meetings. <br /> <br />Resident inquired as to why the process is taking so long and how long does the Council <br />anticipate the disagreement to continue. <br /> <br />Councilmember Hendriksen replied that the Council has made some progress with the facilitator <br />and hopes that the issue will be resolved before the next election. He noted that there are some <br />things he won't compromise on because they are things that citizens have stated they want. <br /> <br />Motion by Councilmember Hendriksen, seconded by Councilmember Zimmerman, to continue <br />meetings with Larry Bakken and direct staff to request that Len Levine also be present during the <br />meeting. <br /> <br />Further discussion: Councilmember Kurak stated that Councilmember Hendriksen has already <br />stated that he will not change his mind so why should they continue discussions. <br />Councilmember Anderson stated that he thought that Larry Bakken had been helpful and she was <br />willing to continue with the meetings. Councilmember Zimmerman stated that they have <br />reviewed several of the issues, except the central planning district, which means running sewer <br />and water down existing streets. He felt that they have come to somewhat of a consensus on <br />those issues discussed. Councilmember Anderson stated that it was her understanding that the <br />establishment of the central planning area was not to run sewer and water down existing streets, <br /> <br />City Council/August 28, 2001 <br /> Page 32 of 36 <br /> <br /> <br />