Minutes - Council Work Session - 08/24/2021

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Zoning Code Enforcement Officer Raines stated residents often disagree with the Ordinance, and she explains to them that it is not something she can change. She added she encourages residents to contact their Councilmember. She noted that information could be added to the letter. Councilmember Musgrove stated the Ordinance does not require that cases must be brought before the City Council. She added abatements could be reviewed at a City Council work session, the same way road projects or development projects are reviewed. She noted there may be some privacy issues and residents may not want to be on the consent agenda. City Administrator Ulrich stated it is optional for abatements to be reviewed by the City Council, as an extra measure for information sharing. He added a work session would suffice, and it is a really good solution. Councilmember Woestehoff asked how many abatements the City usually gets. He added many issues could be handled via email, and potentially added to a work session agenda for further discussion. He added he wants to be respectful of the Councilmembers’ time too. He noted he agrees that work session is the right environment, but some can still be handled by City Staff. City Administrator Ulrich stated that is a reasonable solution. 2.03: Discuss Mississippi River Cities and Towns Initiative Membership Mayor Kuzma stated he believes the City of Ramsey should be a part of the Mississippi River coalition. He added, if the infrastructure budget passes, there will be a lot of money for the City to go after for the bridge. He noted it would be worth it to be a part of this group, as there is an opportunity for potential funding. Councilmember Musgrove stated the river crossing bridge project is scheduled for approximately 10 years out. Mayor Kuzma stated there is no funding for the bridge project. He added there is funding that is earmarked for all the cities along the Mississippi through the coalition. He noted the City should take advantage of this opportunity. Mayor Kuzma stated the participation fee is $3,000. Councilmember Musgrove stated she participated in the river bridge study. She added she would prefer using the $3,000 participation fee for bridge crossing planning and development. She added Dayton does not even have the bridge crossing in their CIP. She noted it will be necessary to start with meetings and getting buy-in from other communities, for a project that might be planned 10- 20 years from now. Mayor Kuzma stated it is difficult to know what the plans are without being involved in the process. He added this would be a way to jump start the process, and he would like to be proactive about it. City Council Work Session / August 24, 2021 Page 17 of 19