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Senator Abeler stated he didn’t know where the moratorium originated from but places were <br />chosen based on populations. He stated more hospitals caused more cost. He offered to speak to <br />her more offline. <br /> <br />Councilmember Riley commented that it might be important at a State level but not for Ramsey. <br /> <br />Councilmember Musgrove replied that it is important from a development standpoint. There may <br />not be anyone looking to open a hospital in Ramsey but they might look at the process and look at <br />another state. <br /> <br />Councilmember Howell commented she added an item because a year ago the DNR wanted the <br />Council to adopt language related to a critical water deficiency ordinance. Model language was <br />obtained through the League of Minnesota Cities. In the process of asking Staff a lot of questions, <br />she stated, that it had come to her attention that based on the State statute that the rules could be <br />made after the fact. Whatever the Council puts in place could get overridden. Her concern with <br />that is that even in the model language from the League of Minnesota Cities, there is allowances <br />for agricultural growth of fruits and vegetables but there isn’t allowance for people to water their <br />own gardens. She stated it is important to her that residents be allowed to grow their own for food, <br />medicinal purposes, herbs and flowers without being limited to reclaimed water. She wasn’t sure <br />if there was a way to attach something small like this to a piece of legislation. <br /> <br />Representative Heinrich questioned if this is about well water and if it is being limited. <br /> <br />Councilmember Howell replied it is fine right now but the problem is that if the Council adopts <br />the language and the Governor declares a water emergency then it can be limited because the DNR <br />Commissioner can write whatever rules they want to write. She would like to see people be able <br />to have water to grow their own food and not have it limited to big agriculture. <br /> <br />Senator Abeler asked for clarity, if it would be Ramsey deciding on their own what is critical and <br />allowing irrigation of crops despite the governor declaring a water emergency. He thought this <br />would be done county by county. <br /> <br />Councilmember Howell replied, the problem is the DNR Commissioner can write the rules. <br /> <br />Senator Abeler asked if it is the case that if the governor has declared a water emergency and <br />Anoka County is drought stricken then no one can do anything and if that would be what the <br />purpose of the ordinance would be. <br /> <br />City Administrator Ulrich commented that everything could be shut down and residents wouldn’t <br />be allowed to water their plants and vegetables at a residential level. That is what they wanted to <br />protect. <br /> <br />Senator Abeler questioned if they are thinking about adopting an ordinance like that. <br /> <br />Councilmember Specht commented that it would be so that the governor is not able to restrict <br />personal gardens. <br />City Council Work Session / January 25, 2022 <br />Page 7 of 23 <br /> <br />