Minutes - Council - 04/22/1997 - Joint with Andover and Anoka CC

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156. April 29, 1997 (special) Page 2 City Snapshots. Economic Development. Growth Issues of Each Ci _ty--Transportation Route Development Mr. Fursman gave a brief synopsis of the City of Andover's rapid residential growth rate, the commercial park that is being developed by the City, and the lot availability. Those present discussed various aspects of growth and development including lot prices, demographics, and the demand for single-family detached housing. Mr. Nagel reported on three major projects taking place in the City of Anoka. One is the reconstruction of Ferry Street to four lane from the Anoka-Champlin bridge to Highway 10, which is expected to be completed by November 1999. The other project is the recoustmction of Charles Horn Pool. Because the majority of users of the pool are not City residents, Anoka is putting together the statistics which have been asked for by the City of Coon Rapids to consider alternatives methods of other cities contributing to that project. Considerations have been to a one-time contribution by the other cities or establishing residential rates. The third project is the reconstruction of Goodrich Field. In discussing the pool usage, representatives from both Ramsey and Andover expressed an interest in being provided with the statistics gathered by Anoka and the recommendations regarding the costs. The discussion then turned to the transportation problems in the area, including the need for a cloverleaf from Ferry Street to access Highway 10, the traffic congestion, the need for another bridge over the Mississippi River, and the urgent need to earmark and preserve the location of that bridge very quickly before all of the land is developed. Ramsey Councilmember Haas-Steffen hoped that the cities would form a group on the issue of establishing another major north-south route. She felt the initial push would be to talk about turning back Highway 47 to the city or county. Possibly this is something that the North Metro Mayor Association should be pushing for. Representatives from all three cities agreed on the need to address the transportation issues, but nothing specific was set up at this meeting. Ramsey City Administrator Schroeder then reviewed the activities of residential and commercial growth in the City of Ramsey. He noted the ability to work with the City of Anoka because of their Enterprise Park has been a benefit in their commercial growth. They have about 50 acres of industrial land that is not yet spoken for. Andover City Administrator Fursman asked about the development policies of Anoka and Ramsey for commercial development. Mayor Beberg stated they have found that if they do not provide incentives other cities and states will. Mr. Nagel and Mr. Schroeder each agreed to send Andover the copies of their commercial development policies. Anoka County Community Consortium Mayor Beberg reported the results of a survey in the three cities identified alcohol use among young people as a major concern. The Consortium has been working for the last 1-1/2 years to identify ways to meet the needs of the youth. They had a $50,000 grant to begin the Consortium, and it is estimated they will have $20,000 left at the end of the year. A concern, though, is that they are losing a key player in the Consortium; and that position needs to be filled. They have adopted 40 assets for their goals. Mayor Beberg touched on a few goals and problems to address, noting the schools and churches have been very cooperative. The idea is to prevent problems, to meet the needs of the youth up front. They are to the point where a part-time director is needed, which would cost $12,000 to $15,000 per year. They will be coming to each of the cities during the budget process for some contribution to the program. Mayor Beberg stated there are four consortiums in Anoka County. One successful program has been the mentor program in Anoka and Ramsey that is designed to keep the youth from going through the court system. Instead, an adult works with the teen through peer mediation and other means. He noted one of the major pushes from the students at Anoka High School is for a community center so the teens have a place to go. The group discussed some of the needs and concerns of the youth, generally agreeing with the concept being promoted by the Consortium. No action was required on this item this evening. Cities Responses to Levv Limits Legislation There was a brief discussion on pending state legislation pertaining to levy limits. No action was taken. The special meeting was ADJOURNED BY VOICE VOTE AT 9:55 P.M. ATTEST: Peter M. Beberg, Mayor Mark Nagel, City Clerk