Agenda - Council - 07/25/2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

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3) McKnight Foundation Grant . Community Development Director Trudgeon indicated the McKnight Foundation has informed staff that the Foundation will be awarding a $50,000 grant to the Ramsey3 Project; a lot of hard work will be beginning as the City proceeds with the project. Although the Council will be very involved with the project, the day to day things will need to be handled by a working group; the project was put together by an informal group which included Councilmember Strommen, and this group could continue with the process. The consensus of the Council was that Councilmember Strommen continue work on the . Ramsey3 Project. Councilmember Strommen stated it is important that the same group, which has a vision for this project, be kept in place. There will be a lot of work and it would be unfair to hand it all over to staff. The group would welcome input from others that have an interest in the project. Mayor Gamec requested further information on the main purpose of this project. Community Development Director Trudgeon explained the intent is to address how the City will grow over the next 30 years. There will be a series of forums to build capacity and knowledge in the community in the following four areas: · Future trends, demographics · Transportation, looking at alternatives . · Environment · Innovative zoning techniques Councilmember Strommen indicated national experts in these fields will be brought in for the forums. Community Development Director Trudgeon explained this process will include Open Space Technology. This consists of including as many people as possible in a forum and asking one basic question, such as how the City should grow over the next 30 years. The people attending the forum decide on the answer and draft a plan during the forum. The third part of this process will be the dollars to help staff and Council implement some of these tools. He advised this will be a lengthy process and the group should meet soon so the work can begin prior to work on the Comprehensive Plan. Councilmember Jeffrey inquired how individuals will be recruited to be involved in the project. He noted they will want people that will participate and be positive in the process. Councilmember Strommen explained the hope is to build the knowledge of the COminunity, with the community wanting to participate. A facilitator has been targeted that has ideas on how to achieve community involvement. . Community Development Director Trudgeon indicated the normalcharinels of communicating to . the re~idents will be utilized, but there will also be a need for additional outreach. -92- City Council Work Session I June 6,2006 Page 6 of9