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<br />concerned tall weeds/grass or the lack of an established yard altogether, and another third <br />or so involved temporary signs (it should be noted that these were just complaints <br />received, there were also numerous inspections and notifications throughout the year <br />concerning temporary sign violations initiated by Staff). The remainder of the <br />complaints mostly involved illegal home businesses. Many of the concerns were <br />resolved; however, three (3) cases were forwarded to the City Attorney to initiate <br />prosecution. <br /> <br />The Planning Division also initiated a series of inspections for all businesses subject to <br />the City-issued motor vehicle sales, repair, and/or rental license. Historically, Staff has <br />had a very difficult time working with individual businesses that were in violation of <br />certain regulations, usually displaying/storing merchandise on unimproved surfaces <br />and/or in the right-of-way. These inspections provided Staff an opportunity to contact <br />each of the businesses and uniformly enforce the regulations. The results of this program <br />have led to the need for further discussion between Staff and Council on how to proceed. <br /> <br />Recycling Program: <br /> <br />In 2006, approximately 2,640 tons of recyclable materials were collected from the <br />residents of Ramsey. This was more than enough to exceed the tonnage goal (1,754 tons) <br />established by Anoka County for Ramsey. The City again coordinated two recycling <br />events, one in the spring and one in the fall. Both Recycle Day events were well attended <br />with nearly 400 vehicles passing through the events. The events provide an opportunity <br />for residents to recycle materials that are generally not accepted through the curbside <br />program such as electronics, tires, scrap metal, and appliances. <br /> <br />The City converted to a simple sort recycling system in 2006 that eliminated the need for <br />residents to separate any materials. The response from residents regarding the new <br />system has been overwhelmingly positive. Participation in the recycling program jumped <br />from around seventy percent (70%) to almost ninety percent (90%) and the overall <br />tonnage collected also increased dramatically. Increased participation and tonnage were <br />both desired outcomes and, along with simplifying recycling for the residents, were major <br />factors in determining to convert to the new system. <br /> <br />Environmental Issues: <br /> <br />Through the assistance of a consultant, Staff and the Environmental Policy Board are <br />finalizing a functions and values study on Ramsey's wetlands. One of the end products <br />of this study will be a municipal wetland management classification map that will be <br />instrumental in applying the regulations of the wetland protection ordinance. Staff and <br />the EPB also began drafting a Wetland Guidebook, similar to that of the Tree Book, <br />which will serve as an educational reference guide for residents. <br /> <br />The City received DNR ReLeaf funding for continuing Oak Wilt Control Cost Share for <br />the 15th year. Participation in the control program declined somewhat in 2006. While <br />the cause of the decline is currently unknown, it certainly may be the result of an <br />effective control program over the years. In addition to the Oak Wilt program, the City <br />also assisted residents with numerous other tree-related concerns/issues. <br /> <br />2006 Annual Report <br />-8- <br />