Minutes - Council - 06/27/2000 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

Mayor Gamec stated that the Ramsey Lion's have been one of the largest contributors to the City of Ramsey which included the donation of the first City Police car. Mayor Gamec thanked the Ramsey Lion's for their dedication. CITIZEN INPUT Gary Hanson, President of Azurite Business Community Association and Owner of Bake Star, Inc., stated that he was speaking in regard to the ACE Solid Waste transfer station. He received a letter fi'om the City Attorney addressing the concerns he had presented to the City Council. One of those concerns was whether or not the site contains a wetland and the synopsis was that, based on the information, the site was not a wetland. He explained that he visited with the Anoka Conservation District who signed a wetland certificate for the site and they viewed the depression area and found numerous species of wetland plants, as well as White Oak and Bur Oak as upland trees. Mr. Hanson also stated that he had been told by a friend that the oak trees on the site were of wetland variety such as the Pin Oak and White Oak. He also did some research on the internet and found that Bur Oak is adaptable to many different environments but primarily found in bottomlands. Mr. Hanson presented pictures of the different variety of trees shown on the site which included trees that are on a list provided by the City of Ramsey for identifying trees that are adaptable to wetland areas. Mayor Gamec replied that the letter from the City Attorney states that there is no indication of wetlands on the site and so at this time the site meets all of the conditions. He stated that if Mr. Hanson had any further concerns to direct them to the City Attorney in writing. Mr. Hanson reviewed the Local Improvement Council Powers dated 4-3-95, subsection 8. He stated that, regardless of what the Council feels in regard to the wetland, the animals seem to indicate that the area is a wetland, explaining that a turtle came into their business. Mr. Hanson also noted that he is still in disagreement as to whether or not the Council violated any of the guidelines returning the case to the Planning Commission and that the letter did not make any reference to their concern regarding the 1,000 foot setback requirements for dwellings that are close to the site and highway. City Attorney Goodrich replied that the letter did reference setback by stating that ACE must comply with all City requirements. Mr. Hanson stated that the other provision was if the City was required to hold a public hearing on the conditional use permit for the truck facility based on the Premise that the trucks are going to arrive empty and leave empty. There have been presentations by ACE that they do intend to wash the trucks on site and the provisions of the ordinance do seem to be very clear regarding the transportation of any solid waste facility and in disagreement with the Council on that issue. Mayor Gamec replied that the City Attorney has reviewed the issues and feels that the Council followed the proper procedures and noted that they will take no further comment regarding the City Council/June 27, 2000 Page 3 of 26