Minutes - Council Work Session - 01/01/1998 - 02/17/98 Work Session

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WORK SESSION BUSINESS Mayor Gamec summarized 1997 and stated he hoped to have even better communication with Commissions in 1998. He noted a concern of the Park and Recreation Commission was lack of dollars and the fact that the City may have lost a large park parcel because of problems with a development. He also noted that in letters from Commissioners requesting reappointment, some comments were made that the communication between Council and Commissions was better than it had been in the past. Some Commissioners stated they would like more information from citizens. They also requested more training and additional updating from the City. It was felt by some Commissioners that the Commissions could be made more effective with training, etc. Mayor Gamec noted the Administrative Weekly report that City Administrator Norman puts out on Fridays which he felt is very helpful. He announced that the next big thing that the Planning Commission and the Park and Recreation Commission will be working on is the Comprehensive Plan. He suggested that the Commissioners could familiarize themselves more with areas of the City - know where things are located. He briefed those present on the T.H. #47 project progress and what is to be expected. Mayor Gamec described the Youth First program - who's involved and what's happening with it. He touched on term limits and noted that Administrative Services Manager Waite Smith is working on that with the Commissions. He commented on Anoka Vo- Tech expanding - either up - or to the west. Another item for discussion has been the commuter rail. Anoka County is looking into this and it appears to be very well received. Sites are being looked at and it is a possibility that Ramsey may be one of the depots. Mayor Gamec announced the Commission Appreciation Dinner is set for April 20, 1998, at Majestic Oaks, and all who serve on Commissions will be invited to attend. The Becky Weiss Bike Road-eo is scheduled for May 2, and the Environmental Expo/Tree Sale, Spring Recycling Day and Pet Clinic are all scheduled for April 25. August 19, 1998, is the Business Appreciation Day and October 3 has been set for the Fall Recycling Day. Councilmember Haas Steffen commented that the Commissions notice the lack of money as does Council. She stated that her #1 priority right now is transportation. Because of the strong need for better roads, parks are a little further down the line. She is hoping that with Mr. Norman joining us, that we will have some kind of a finance meeting where Council will be given an overall view of the finances. She pointed out that Council does appreciate input from the Commissions. She explained that Council had a work session with the new City Administrator and discussed staff organization. Within the next few months, Council and staff will work on being more efficiently organized. Councilmember Haas Steffen felt that there would be more volunteers available in the City with regard to plantings, etc., if people are given the opportunity and also if there is some type of recognition/award. She asked that the Commissioners feel free to give input on this subject. With regard to term limits, she hoped that the present Commissioners would not feel that it means they are not appreciated. She suggested there are so many people who should get more involved in their community. She talked about getting creative - or having to get creative because of levy limits. Reid Droegemueller, Park and Recreation Commission, stated that the Commission had talked with the Anoka Park and Recreation Commission. Anoka is re-doing the Charles Horn Pool and they have offered Ramsey's residents a discounted fee if the City of Ramsey contributes a dollar amount. He inquired where this request was at as he had not heard anything about it of late. He Council-Commission-Staff Work Session/February 17, 1998 Page 2 of 6