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Councilmember Jeffrey noted the Ramsey Foundation wants to be more than the sister-city <br />conduit. However, the City has the right to state what they expect the Foundation to be <br />accountable for to receive the start-up funds being requested. <br /> <br />Councilmember Elvig questioned if Loudi is the only sister-city Ramsey will want to be involved <br />with. He stated there are wonderful relationship opportunities in areas wiped out from Hurricane <br />Katrina relating to things such as the City's building industries. He suggested the Ramsey <br />Foundation consider this type of relationship in a broader perspective when drafting their goals. <br /> <br />Councilmember Strommen stressed the need to get Ramsey businesses involved in this sister-city <br />relationship. She stated Ramsey is heavy in manufacturing, and a lot of these companies are <br />leaving Ramsey and going to China. The Council needs to understand the dynamics and bring <br />these businesses into the fold. They need to determine the public benefit and the opportunity for <br />Ramsey in this sister-city relationship. <br /> <br />Mayor Gamec commented on Loudi's lack of involvement with electrical components, which <br />could be a benefit to Ramsey. Also, Loudi is very interested in working with Ramsey in relation <br />to education in the medical field, and businesses in Ramsey are interested in exporting to Loudi. <br />He inquired if the Council is in agreement with hosting a dinner or reception for the Loudi <br />representatives when they arrive, which will be the end of January or beginning of February. <br /> <br />The consensus of the Council was to host a reception for the Loudi representatives when they <br />arrive in Ramsey; and to direct that Intem Schmidt draft Ramsey goals and objectives for a sister <br />-city relationship with Loudi, China based on the example included on pages 6 and 7 of the draft <br />document, and that the goals and objectives be included on the agenda of an upcoming work <br />session for Council review. <br /> <br />Councilmember Olson inquired about a Council liaison to the Ramsey Foundation. <br /> <br />The consensus of the Council was that the Ramsey Foundation meetings be posted so all of the <br />Councilmembers are able attend. <br /> <br />3) Reappointment of Boards and Commissions <br /> <br />City Administrator Norman reviewed that during the December 13, 2005 Council meeting, the <br />City Council could not reach an agreement on the reappointment of Planning Commission <br />Member Ralph Brauer. The City Council requested that Mr. Brauer's reappointment process be <br />referred to a Council work session for further discussion. The other aspect to be discussed is the <br />Personnel Committee's desire for changes in the appointment process for boards and <br />commissions. <br /> <br />Councilmember Cook stated he does not think it is wrong to disagree with the Council or to have <br />a different viewpoint when serving on a committee. He does think it is wrong for a <br />commissioner to tell citizens how to form a defense against the Council and to bring up <br />information on what needs to be done to defeat what is in process. He has seen Mr. Brauer do <br />this. Secondly, is the writing of the cluster ordinance. It is okay not to agree with the Council, <br /> <br />City Council Work Session / January 3, 2006 <br /> Page 4 of 7 <br /> <br /> <br />