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<br />MEETING CALENDAR
<br />
<br />April 1987
<br />
<br />April 2 Thursday Economic Development Company City Hall 4:30 p.m.
<br />April 7 Tuesday Board of Review City Hall 7:00 p.m.
<br />April 7 Tuesday Planning & Zoning Commission City Hall 7:30 p.m.
<br />April 8 Wednesday Economic Development Commission City Hall 7:30 a.m.
<br />April 8 Wednesday Airport Commission City Hall 7:30 p.m.
<br />April 9 Thursday Park & Recreation Commission City Hall 7:00 p.m.
<br />April 23 Thursday Board of Adjustment City Hall 7:30 p.m.
<br />April 28 Tuesday City Council City Hall 7:30 p.m.
<br />
<br />Agendas for all Council, Commission and Committee meetings are available at City Hall two working days
<br />prior to the date of the meeting.
<br />
<br />ITEMS TO BE PLACED ON THE COUNCIL AGENDA MUST BE SUBMITTED TO CITY STAFF BY NOON
<br />ON MONDAY OF THE WEEK PRECEDING THE SCHEDULED COUNCIL MEETING.
<br />
<br />r
<br />
<br />Several of our readers have called to thank
<br />us for last month's article on sanitary sewer titl-
<br />ed "The Sky Is Falling! The Sky Is Falling!".
<br />We want to continue to serve the residents of
<br />Ramsey with factual and usable information,
<br />but we need to know from you what topics are
<br />of interest. If you have suggestions, write or call
<br />Sylvia Frolik, Ramsey Resident Editor, City of
<br />Ramsey, 15153 Nowthen Blvd. N.W., Ramsey,
<br />Minnesota 55303 (427-1410).
<br />
<br />COMMISSION MEETING NEWS
<br />
<br />Planning and Zoning met on March 3 and con-
<br />ducted public hearings regarding L&G Rehbein's re-
<br />quest for a conditional use permit to excavate and
<br />create a man made lake in the Northfork PUD, an
<br />amendment to rezone property owned by Mr.
<br />Schaumburg from R-1 R to R1-U, an amendment to
<br />flood plain boundaries, Mr. Charles Christian's re-
<br />quest for a conditional use permit to operate an
<br />automobile sales lot in the RB District, Mr. Richard
<br />Duggan's request for a conditional use permit to
<br />manufacture steel horseshoes in the B-1 District, and
<br />Barton Sand and Gravel Company's request for a
<br />conditional use permit to extract aggregates and
<br />establish a bituminous asphalt operation in the 1-1
<br />Industrial District. The Commission tabled Mr. Chris-
<br />tian, L&G Rehbein and Barton Sand and Gravel re-
<br />quest. They recommended approval of rezoning Mr.
<br />Schaumburg's property, amending flood zone boun-
<br />daries, Mr. Duggan's request to manufacture steel
<br />horseshoes and Now and Then Estates preliminary
<br />plat.
<br />The Economic Development Commission met
<br />on February 18 and reappointed Mr. Greenberg and
<br />Mr. Hardin as Chairman and Vice Chairman of the
<br />Commission. The Commission recommended that
<br />Council pursue a municipal sewer and water project
<br />to bring utilities to Cty. Rd. #116 and Sunfish Lake
<br />Blvd. and across to the south side of Hwy. #10. The
<br />Commission recommended that Council appoint Mr.
<br />Steve Gorecki to fill the Commission vacancy.
<br />The Economic Development Commission met
<br />on March 11 and directed that a letter be forward-
<br />ed to Senator Dahl and Representative Larsen op-
<br />posing proposed legislation regarding increases to
<br />minimum wage and the 11 :00 p.m. curfew working
<br />hour for high school age persons. It was recom-
<br />mended that Council reappoint Mr. Kurak, Mr. Vevea
<br />and Mr. Wagner to the Commission. The Commis-
<br />sion recommended that Council approve Mr. Robert
<br />Muller's request for establishment of a tax increment
<br />district in the vicinity of 167th Avenue N.W. and St.
<br />Francis Blvd. along with city participation in the
<br />development of a strip center on that property. The
<br />Commission discussed the fact that the increase to
<br />property valuation and therefore property taxes,
<br />caused by the availability of trunk utilities may create
<br />a financial hardship to owners of undeveloped pro-
<br />perty. The Commission discussed ways in which that
<br />property valuation increase could be limited or frozen
<br />to prevent creating hardships for property owners.
<br />A motion was passed unanimously informing Coun-
<br />cil that the proposed airport zoning does not interfere
<br />with economic development planned for in Ramsey.
<br />The Airport Commission met on February 18
<br />and discussed the airport zoning ordinance public
<br />hearing to be held on March 11.
<br />The Airport Commission met on March 11 and
<br />requested that Planning and Zoning deny Barton
<br />Sand and Gravel's request for a conditional use per-
<br />mit to extract aggregates and operate an asphalt
<br />plant at the corner of Cty. Rd. #116 and Ramsey
<br />Blvd. N.W.
<br />The Airport Zoning Board (City Council) con-
<br />ducted a public hearing on March 11 regarding the
<br />proposed Airport Zoning Ordinance; the results of
<br />that hearing will be featured in April issue of this
<br />newsletter.
<br />The Park and Recreation Commission met on
<br />February 19 and Finance Officer Graczyk was pre-
<br />sent to explain budget information with respect to
<br />park funds and expenditures. Commissioner Shum-
<br />way suggested that consideration be given to the
<br />possibility of developing a multiple use trail system
<br />in conjunction with the winter trail system being pur-
<br />sued. The Commission reviewed the need and
<br />estimates for expansion of warming house and ice
<br />skating rink facilities. The subject was placed on the
<br />next Park agenda and the upcoming joint Coun-
<br />cil/Parks agenda for further discussion. A subcom-
<br />mittee was formed to review the City's Comprehen-
<br />sive Park Plan. Representatives of RY AA were pre-
<br />sent stating the need for water and restroom facilities
<br />at Central Park in order to meet standards for soft-
<br />ball tournaments. RY AA also noted that soccer and
<br />football fields have to be painted according to State
<br />law. The Commission advised RYAA to provide a let-
<br />ter listing their concerns and needs that can be for-
<br />warded to Council.
<br />The Board of Adjustment met on February 26 and
<br />approved Mr. McLaughlin's request for a variance
<br />from the required side yard setback for a property
<br />in River's Bend.
<br />
<br />A WORD FROM YOUR
<br />TREE INSPECTOR
<br />
<br />Bruce Bacon
<br />
<br />Citizens, our winter has had very low precipitation.
<br />In mid-March there is no snow cover and the dead
<br />grass, leaves and even the soil is quite dry. It's time
<br />to consider trickle watering of your favorite and most
<br />prized trees and plants.
<br />Please consider the fire danger as you commence
<br />spring clean-up. Even if you have a burning permit
<br />for disposal of diseased trees, you are responsible
<br />for exeucting.the burn in a safe and controlled way.
<br />Sparks can updraft and float off-of-site and out-of-
<br />sight. Embers can reignite with a wind. If you don't
<br />have a burning permit, your liability is further increas-
<br />ed. The example you set lures others to unsafe
<br />pracitices and increases loss and accidental
<br />victimization.
<br />Tree disease control depends on consistent and
<br />prompt effort in cutting infected Elm and Oak trees
<br />and disposal by chipping, burying, burning or
<br />transporting to Anoka County disposal site in An-
<br />dover on County Road #78 (Hanson Blvd.) just north
<br />of East Main Street (Hwy. #242). Disposals at the site
<br />are by appointment only on Tuesdays and
<br />Thursdays; appointments can be arranged by call-
<br />ing 757-3920. The site is for diseased trees only and
<br />does not accept tree stumps. The disposal fee is
<br />$2.50 per 1/2 ton pickup load and $5.00 per 1 ton
<br />pickup load.
<br />You should not store Elm firewood outside where
<br />it can harbor the Elm Bark Beetles which fly and feed
<br />on neighboring Elm trees. However, you can save
<br />the diseased Oak wood as it requires a certain
<br />amount of moisture to sporulate. By cutting Oak
<br />firewood into firewood lenghts, splitting and stack-
<br />ing in a sunny spot or covering to keep dry, it's
<br />reproduction by fungus spores is denied.
<br />
<br />You should NOT give diseased Elm or Oak wood
<br />away since this is an effective way to spread the
<br />disease overland as well. Several known Oak wilt in-
<br />fection sites in Aitkin County resulted from
<br />homeowners transporting firewood from diseased
<br />trees at home.
<br />If you have a "wild" area on your property, you
<br />can distribute non-diseased branches, leaves and
<br />grass as natural debris in the woods or on edges of
<br />wetland. If you scatter it, it won't be an unsightly pile
<br />and will decay in a year or two.
<br />If you are a gardener or concerned with soil quality
<br />for your trees and plants, you can add twigs, small
<br />branches, leaves and grass cuttings to your com-
<br />post. However, you need to excercise caution about
<br />what you add to your compost if you are going to
<br />use it to grow vegetables for edible fruits and nuts.
<br />Dandelion sprays, herbicides, chemical lawn ad-
<br />ditives, ice melting chemicals or street sweeping
<br />residues can introduce contaminants that are not
<br />safe and healthy for plants and other living creatures.
<br />Testing for such residue is rather expensive so most
<br />people just exercise caution and good judgment to
<br />minimize risk. Lack of knowledge does NOT
<br />decrease risk.
<br />Outdoor recreational "campfires" for ceremonial
<br />food preparation or social purposes are permitted
<br />provided only wood, coal or charcoal is burned. The
<br />size of such fires, however, is limited to a few feet
<br />in diameter.
<br />May is Arbor Month and Ramsey will be conduc-
<br />ting it's annual tree sale. Look to the April issue of
<br />this newsletter for further details and plan to plant
<br />a tree for a beautiful urban forest to be.
<br />
<br />WHAT'S HAPPENING AT
<br />CITY HALL
<br />
<br />City Council met on February 10 and proclaim-
<br />ed February to be "Heart Month" and April 26
<br />through May 2 as "Keep America Beautiful Week"
<br />in Ramsey. Council discussed with affected proper-
<br />ty owners, proposed alignments for the extension of
<br />Front Street for better traffic circulation on the south
<br />side of Hwy. #10. Council set a public hearing date
<br />of March 10 regarding proposed improvements in
<br />the Mississippi Storm Sewer Taxing District. Coun-
<br />cil established themselves as the Airport Zoning
<br />Board.
<br />Council met on February 17 and conducted a
<br />public hearing regarding proposed street im-
<br />provements in Itasca Heights. Council also con-
<br />ducted a joint meeting with the Planning and Zon-
<br />ing Commission to discuss issues in which there are
<br />differences of opinion and the need to resolve them
<br />so that both bodies can work together as an effec-
<br />tive team.
<br />Council met on February 24 and Mayor Reimann
<br />gave the "State of the City Address" and each of
<br />the council members gave their 1987 goal statement.
<br />Terry Miller of the Ramsey Jaycees received Coun-
<br />cil approval to various projects being planned for
<br />"Keep America Beautiful Week" including the
<br />distribution of litter bags carrying the logos of
<br />Ramsey, Waste Management and Keep America
<br />Beautiful program. Mr. Kurak stated that the owners
<br />of property on Sunfish Lake are requesting that the
<br />City participate in the restoring of the lake by obtain-
<br />ing aeration permits from DNR and carrying aera-
<br />tion insurance. Staff was directed to research the
<br />subject of aeration insurance. Autumn Meadows,
<br />Ramsey Ridge and River's Bend Plaza were granted
<br />final plat approval. Council approved the site plan
<br />for a car wash to be located in River's Bend Plaza.
<br />Blue Max received a conditional use permit to
<br />manufacture and retail canvas products in the B-1
<br />Business District (Alpace Estates). Mr. Root's revis-
<br />ed conditional use permit to allow the parking and
<br />driving area to be surfaced with traprock was approv-
<br />ed. Mr. Raudio was present for concept review of
<br />his proposed PUD for residential development with
<br />home occupations. Council stated that the proposal
<br />has merit but Mr. Raudio should seek professional
<br />assistance in writing a covenants and development
<br />
<br />standards. Council ordered a feasibility study to
<br />upgrade 167th from Nowthen to Jaspar to MSA stan-
<br />dards. Council directed staff to review privatization
<br />of the public works department. The Gateway North
<br />Industrial Airport Zoning ordinance was introduced.
<br />The City Attorney was directed to draft an ordinance
<br />requiring retailers to maintain X rated videos and
<br />other related materials in an area or room reasonably
<br />inaccessible to persons under 18 years of age. Elk
<br />River Veterinary was approved to conduct Ramsey's
<br />Annual Spring Pet Clinic. Council ordered the
<br />establishment of an Ad Hoc Liquor Committee to
<br />review the adequacy of Ramsey's current liquor
<br />license ordinance.
<br />Council met on March 3 and reviewed a proposal
<br />from Waste Management of Minnesota, Inc. which
<br />addresses environmental concerns, a sledding/ski
<br />area, a dedicated road across the northern 80 acres
<br />of the landfill site and an annual Ramsey Clean Up
<br />Day. In return, Waste Management would be seek-
<br />ing Ramsey's support of the request for vertical ex-
<br />pansion of the landfill. Staff was directed to research
<br />the pros and cons of Waste Management's proposal.
<br />During the meeting, representatives of Waste
<br />Management did agree to a Ramsey Clean Up Day
<br />in 1987. City staff was directed to request that the
<br />Postmaster General assign Ramsey's it's own zip
<br />code.
<br />Council met on March 10 and conducted a public
<br />hearing regarding proposed storm sewer im-
<br />provements in the Mississippi Storm Sewer Taxing
<br />District. It was reported to Council that the screen
<br />and gravel pack installed in Well #2 was not suc-
<br />cessful and the well continues to produce sand.
<br />Council approved a change order to remove the
<br />screen and gravel pack and accept the well at
<br />whatever rate it will produce sandfree water. Coun-
<br />cil set a public date of March 31 at 7:30 p.m. regar-
<br />ding sanitary sewer and water improvements in the
<br />Industrial and Commercial area.
<br />Council met on March 12 and conducted a joint
<br />meeting with the Parks and Recreation Commission
<br />to discuss park development and improvement plans
<br />and their priorities.
<br />Council met on March 17 and conducted public
<br />hearings regarding 1987 sealcoating projects.
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