2001 Correspondence - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

AU5 -24-2001 14:51 HAML I NE LAID SCHOOL most recent discussion for the new density transition plan. 5232236 P.04/05 The Council has not yet reached a consensus on what the comprehensive plan for the city of Ramsey should include. Much remains to be done. However, the Council has demonstrated its ability to reached consensus on some issues. They have reached agreement on sewer hook -ups, preservation of rural land and Metropolitan Council guidelines. The Council has also made significant progress on issues relating to mixed use and density transition planning. Some additional discussion may well be needed regarding these issues, but substantial progress has been made and a foundation for future agreement has been laid. No discussion has taken place regarding the central planning area and much remains to be discussed before any real conclusion can be made about the possible success or failure of council negotiations on this matter. The town center issue is contentious and divisive. Some general principles are beginning to emerge, but currently there is an impasse on this issue. Some new thinking or different approaches may need to be placed on the table before this issue can be settled. The Council has several options at this time. it may choose to address the unresolved issues. These issues require additional clarity and in some cases new thinking. The Council could if it desires begin to address the issues where there is consensus. This approach would reduce the number of issues to be negotiated in the future. The Council can continue its discussion of these issues on its own or it can proceed with the help of a facilitator. The Council has demonstrated that it can through guided discussion reach consensus on difficult issues and it has also demonstrated that its discussion can generate new solutions to perceived impediments. Because of the council's success it may be possible to find consensus on some of the remaining issues that are still unresolved. Some of the remaining issues may need, however, to be separated in order to provide a better focus and to clarify the existing disagreement among the council.