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<br />Mr. Levine replied yes. He is here to inform the Council that the Foundation started out as a <br />narrowly seoped project that has expanded to the point of being incorporated and has laid out a <br />larger scope and opportunity for the citizens and the City. The Board is hoping the City wants (0 <br />bc partners with the Foundation. <br /> <br />It was suggested that the Board contact Natalie Hans Steffen and Mr. Jim Deal regarding <br />membership on the Board. <br /> <br />Mayor Gamec asked if Council would like to consider a resolution of support at a Council <br />meeting. <br /> <br />Mr. Levine stated a resolution of support would be very important for publicity and to <br />demonstrate the Ramsey Foundation is the real deal and is moving forward. <br /> <br />Councilmembcr Elvig stated the only concern he has is that this started ofT with a black eye <br />because of the China situation. He is conccrned that there has not been any other input to the <br />community to share what Mr. Levine has shared with the Council tonight about the Foundation. <br />He suggested determining a way to separate this for a period of time and get people interested in <br />the Foundation as its own entity that is not tied with a single project like the Sister City. The <br />Foundation has a good story that needs to be displayed before Council takes action to endorse the <br />Foundation so people understand what the Foundation is doing. <br /> <br />Mr. Levine stated the way the Ramsey Foundation has been designed it goes much further <br />beyond the Sister City relationship. Ho\vever. in some people's minds that sits back there, so it <br />is important to get this story out. It would be nice to get the story out with the City saying the <br />Foundalion is a good thing for the City. He would like to leave today saying Council will have a <br />resolution of support for the Ramsey Foundation. If there are other things they need to do from <br />the standpoint of the Foundation ahead of that, the Board is open for advice. <br /> <br />Mayor Gamee indicated a lot of people would be more apt to get involved with fundraising if the <br />City has offered their support with a resolution. <br /> <br />Councilmember Olson stated the Sister City relationship with China is what started this, and <br />from that seed has grown something that is very good for the City. She questioned \vhat is not to <br />like about something that stands to benefit the City. <br /> <br />Councilmember Jeffrey stated he does not have a problem supporting the Foundation. He had <br />questions at the last meeting, which have been aired. <br /> <br />Consensus of the Council was to direct staff to include a resolution of support for the Ramsey <br />Foundation on the agenda of the next City Council meeting. <br /> <br />4) 2007 Legislative Issues <br /> <br />Community Development Director Trudgeon indicated with the 2007-08 Legislative Session <br />underway, staff would like to discuss legislative priorities with the Council. In the last session, <br /> <br />City Council Work Session / .January 30, 2007 <br />Page 8 of 16 <br />