Minutes - Council Work Session - 02/16/2021 - Special

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different, creative approach to bring businesses into Ramsey including businesses that meet the needs of these residents. 2.03: Review Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area Ordinance Update Deputy City Administrator Gladhill reviewed the staff report. Councilmember Musgrove asked for more information on the definition of tall grass and vegetative removal and how residents would be made aware. She asked about the segment of Sunfish that goes on the other side of 10 and whether that would impact Highway 10 construction. Deputy City Administrator Gladhill stated that vegetative removal is related to significant trees rather than mowing. He stated that of the complaints related to the river, the most complaints are received for tree cutting. He stated that when the district was established there was not authority to change the outside boundaries, which is how the subdistrict came forward, as separated from river. He stated that the boundary lines were created following section boundaries of the river rather than specifics in the area. Councilmember Musgrove referenced the standards comparison within the case and asked for more clarity on the items that generally remain unchanged. She stated that when she thinks of vegetation she thinks of grasses and plants rather than trees. She stated that it would appear people on private property would follow City Code rather than the district. Deputy City Administrator Gladhill replied that City Code administers these provisions. He explained that these rules have been provided by the State through the DNR and City Code enforces those regulations. He stated that there were questions related to vegetative removal during the rule making process and advised where additional information can be found on that aspect. Councilmember Riley stated that he is concerned with the undeveloped properties, noting that the City should watch what is being limited for the Nathe property and the parcel closer to Sunfish Lake Boulevard. Deputy City Administrator Gladhill replied that the Sunfish Lake Boulevard guiding would better match the Comprehensive Plan guiding and provide more flexibility. He stated that the City asked about the Nathe property and made official comment. He stated that the City comment was not accepted but there was a compromise and provided additional details. He stated that if the City wanted to be more proactive it could ask the legislature to make a change but noted that could open up more review of the corridor. He stated that the DNR would possibly be willing to provide flexibility, providing an example in the City of Champlin that was allowed by the DNR in order to allow the City’s project to move forward. Councilmember Specht stated that it sounds like this will benefit residents in some ways, like expansion on nonconforming uses but asked what some of the negatives may be. City Council Work Session / February 16, 2021 Page 7 of 12