Minutes - Council Work Session - 04/09/1998 - Comprehensive Plan Workshop

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Comprehensive,Plan Concept Review Ses, si0n At the Ramsey Elementary School Held Thursday, April 9~h, 1998 at 7:00 para On Thursday evening April 9t~, 1998 at Ramsey Elementary School, roughly 50 City of Ramsey residents, businesspersons and landowners mcr to discuss the future of the community. The meeting, which was facilitated by the Hoisington Koegler Group, was structured to provide public comment to the Comprehensive Plan while it is in working form. INTRODUCTION Mayor Tom Garnec opened the meeting by welcoming the public and introducing the Hoisington Koegler Group. PRESENTATION Fred Hoisington began the presentation by explaining that two concepts (A and B) would be presented to the public that represented ideas about the future community. He stated that the meeting is intended to have the public comment on the ideas and provide the consultants with direction as to which ideas should become part of the plan. Fred explained that the concepts incorporate issues, concerns, and ideas that the consultants have learned about through the Vision Session held in September, the special interest meetings held in October, the community survey completed in November, the focus group meetings held in December, the studying of previous planning documents and meetings with the various stakeholders. Fred discussed the findings of these meetings and the consultants research by pointing out where a~eement was reached such as; a desire to protect natural resources and preserve the rural character of the community; the need to upgrade highway 47; the need for a new brid~ crossing of the Mississippi River; the desire to improve the image of Highway i0; the extension of urban services westerly along Highway 10 for commercial and industrial uses; and the need for new development to be sensitive to existing development. A participant noted that there was a misprint in the handout (page 1 of Ramsey Policy Ideas). Under the "Rural Patterns" cate~ry densities in Concept B should read "1 unit per 2 to 5 acres" rather than "2 to 5 units per acre". This was acknowledged and corrected. Concern was expressed regarding the Comprehensive Planning process as k relates to the City Charter. A participant felt that since this process will probably result in an action to extend the MUSA line, a referendum is needed (per City Charter) to obtain a majority vote of the public to proceed. It was noted that the consultant does not include the provision for such a referendum in the Comprehensive Planning process. Fred explained that this matter will be discussed with the City Attorney, but in no way is the process intended to circumvent the City Charter. Hoi$ington Koegler Group, lnc Concept Review Session Page I of 6