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Councihnember Cook stated he hears time and again that the Council is not listening but there is <br />a difl'~rentiation between listening and agreeing. He explained the Council hears different sides <br />of' the issues all. the time and the vote is on what they decide is the best decision to make. That <br />docs not mean the City Council is not listening, it means they are not agreeing. He stated that he <br />moved to Ramsey 18 years ago and there were 85 acres around where he lived that <br />Councilmember Pearson farmed. At that time, no one complained about the 2.5 acre lot that he <br />bought. Since that time, he has heard residents saying they have been here 10, 15j 20 years but it <br />is not fbr him to say they don't belong here any more than the audience members should be <br />saying the new residents don't belong here. Councilmember Cook stated the Council has to <br />provide l~br the residents coming into the community. He stated he hears about the "present <br />MUSA line" but that line does not exist any longer and it is now up to cities to decide where the <br />sewer and water services should be. That is decided by the most cost effective and appropriate <br />way fbr Ramsey to grow. He noted the requested Comprehensive Plan amendment does not <br />approve this plan but allows for a proper density. Once the density is set, a process is followed <br />that addresses green space, park dedication, traffic, and road alignment. Development does not <br />happen until the developer is sure the density is appropriate. The amendment occurs so planning <br />can start that will answer many of the questions asked tonight. Councilmember Cook stated one <br />resident said "don't consider the amendment until the lead contamination is resolved." But, the <br />developer will not pay for a $25,000 EAW until he is sure the property can be developed as the <br />amendment proposes. <br /> <br />Councihnember Elvig stated contamination and soil borings have been done on a preliminary <br />basis and that consultant could speak tonight. He agreed that the Gun Club activity will continue <br />until a development plan is in place. <br /> <br />Councihncmber Cook stated developments have occurred around the Gun Club. <br /> <br />Councilmember Elvig stated many commented on the funding of an $18 million project but the <br />total project 'cost is $7.2 million. <br /> <br />Assistant Public Works Director Olson stated the cost is $10 million for the northwest project or <br />about $13-14 million for both projects because there is a significant cost savings if both projects <br />are done at the same time. <br /> <br />Coun. cilmember Elvig stated he has been very tenacious that the dollars forecast are truly there <br />and noted this is actually a "cash cow" for the City, not cash draining. He stated the developer is <br />being paid as new homeowners connect to the pipe. It will take a long per/od of time for Mr. <br />Peterson to get paid back and does not come from the City's budget. Councilmember Elvig <br />pointed out that Peterson has to pay for the connection on every home. <br /> <br />Councihnember Elvig ~tated he has not ever seen where a propeyty value has decreased by a <br />single-family development. Rather, it has increased and sometimes substantially. He stated it is <br />a falsehood to say that property values will drop. <br /> <br />City Council / March 22, 2005 <br /> Page 18 of 38 <br /> <br /> <br />