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~ ~ Metropolitan Council ~ Working for the Region, Planning for the Future October 4, 2000 RRC1j:;\ t\~ n'rl' -D" - - A /Ji...:.J-'^- !/ JL..,,- Jim Norman City Administrator City of Ramsey 15153 Nowthen Blvd., NW Ramsey, MN 55303 OCT 11 2000 BY: RE: Ramsey Comprehensive Plan Update Metropolitan Council District 9 Referral File # 18160-1 Dear Mr. Norman, On September 8, and September 25,2000, we received the city's responses to the Metropolitan Council's August 2,2000, letter regarding the completeness of the city's comprehensive plan. Based on the information submitted regarding the city's management program for individual sewage treatment systems (ISTS) and for adoption of a surface water management plan, the plan is now complete for review. The 60-day review period extends to December 3, 2000, and may be extended for an additional 60 days if needed for the Council to complete its review. Although complete for review, several comprehensive plan elements, including ISTS, are inconsistent with regional policies and are not in conformance with regional systems plans. When a plan substantially departs from or significantly impacts a regional plan or system, the Council can require plan modifications before the city can put its plan into effect. The plan also remains internally inconsistent du~ to the density amendments submitted by the city on July 24, 2000. On the positive side, we understand the city is considering a village development concept for the area around the proposed commuter rail station that would offer additional housing opportunities within the MUSA. We encourage the city to pursue station-area development. The comprehensive plan also includes the city's required Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area plan element which also addresses the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area (MNRRA). There are a few items that still need to be addressed prior to the Council's final review and recommendation to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for approval. Council staff would like to work with city, DNR, and National Park Service (NPS) staff to address the final matters described in the April 21, 2000, letter from the Council with DNR and NPS attachments. As a reminder, the city received a grant from MNRRA through the Council to be used specifically for the river corridor plan update. This grant agreement has expired and needs to be addressed ina timely manner. Please contact Kristina Smitten, River Corridor Planner, at 651/602-1535 for Critical Area and MNRRAplan and funding agreement assistance. 230 East Fifth Street St. Paul, Minnesota 55101-1626 (651) 602-1000 Fax 602-1550 TOO/TIY 291-0904 Metro Info Line 602-1888 An Equal Opportunity Emplnyer