Minutes - Council - 11/14/2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Consensus of the Council was to direct staff to cancel the December 26, 2006 City Council meeting, and that the meeting be rescheduled if necessary. 2) Resignation of City Administrator City Administrator Norman read the following prepared statement to the City Council: In just a couple of months I will have been with the City of Ramsey for a full nine years. I have been fortunate enough to be part of many exciting events and changes that will remain a large part of Ramsey's future. This list of achievements is extensive and includes important transportation initiatives along Highway 10, improvements along Highway 47, Bunker Lake Boulevard, East/West Corridor connections, the new Highway 47 study, right-of-way acquisitions for the future of TH 10, freeway realignment, and advancement of the bridge crossing over the Mississippi River for the future 169 route through Dayton. Industrial development projects include the completion of Business Park 95, the Anoka Electric Business Park, the creation of Gateway Park No. 5, Sunfish Lake Business Park, and the redevelopment of the industrial area west of Sunfish Lake Boulevard and south of Bunker Lake Boulevard. Residential development includes 2,400 new homes starting up during my tenure. The City of Ramsey secured approximately $40 million in grants and other forms of funding from various sources for studies of infrastructure and roadways, conservations, and right-of-way property acquisitions for projects during that same period of time. The municipal parking structure has been constructed for bus transit, and potentially the commuter rail project. The Happy Days festival was initiated that now draws nearly 5,000 people over that two day event. Three of the five community parks were developed over my tenure, as well as half of the 30 miles of trails. The Fire Station and Water Tower were built, and plans are now underway for the water treatment facility. All while retaining the triple rated bond rating and keeping the tax capacity at 37% to 41%, which still remains in the lowest third of all municipalities in the metropolitan area of similar size cities. Perhaps the largest project that has been initiated is the Ramsey Town Center and we are soon to initiate Ramsey Crossings. The new municipal center includes both City Hall and Police Department offices; we will begin holding meetings there soon. I am proud to play a role in all of these accomplishments. When I began in Ramsey it was never my intent to remain in Ramsey for the remainder of my career. Certainly changes in my personal and family status a few years ago made it more convenient for me to stay longer in this community. The wonderful opportunities, excellent staff working relationships, and progressive City Councils have provided an added incentive to remain in the City over an extended period of time. I have recently begun entertaining opportunities outside the employment of the City. It is my intent to pursue new challenges in my chosen field of public administration. It is with this in mind that I provide notice to the City that I intend to resign my position as City Administrator December 31 of this year. It is my heartfelt desire that the City continues its track record of successes and accomplishments. Councilmember Elvig stated it has been a great run with Mr. Norman, and he has accomplished a lot. Mr. Norman left the City with a tremendous staff to work with. He asked if there is a transition piece the City needs to be concerned about immediately. City Council / November 14, 2006 Page 27 of 31