Minutes - Planning Commission - 09/10/1998 - Jt Mtg w City Council

Home

Town Center options were discussed. Referring to the civic campus theme for a town center, Councilmember Haas Steffen reported that Ramsey will not get a county library nor a county museum. Mr. Scheib suggested implementing a strategy to determine what should be included, indicating that a market analysis should be performed, and a task force developed to address this. He stressed keeping the options open to see what plays out down the line, however, he indicated that the land should be controlled until this is decided. Commissioner Deemer indicated the Planning Commission's purpose to eliminate retail from the civic campus. Referring again to the Mixed Use site, Mr. Scheib explained it included commercial and housing. He noted it met all the needs of a commuter rail station. Mayor Gamec expounded on the benefits and opportunities a rail station provides to a community. Councilmember Haas Steffen suggested keeping the options of both sites open by labeling them "Mixed Use." Discussion ensued regarding Council/Commission communication and confidentiality. Moving on to the Sewer and Water Elements, Mr. Scheib advised that they are not yet completed. Mr. Scheib went on to outline the schedule of the Plan, insisting on a general comfort level with it at this time in order to submit it to other agencies for their feedback. He went over the Staging of Development including future land demand and MUSA expansion areas through the year 2015. City Administrator Norman noted that the staging needs to be implemented with an ordinance to support it. Mr. Scheib summarized the changes discussed. The site on Highway #10 will continue to be categorized as mixed use, the site surrounding City Hall will be described as a civic campus with mixed uses, and the area in the vicinity of 153rd Avenue and T.H. #47 will be identified as a commercial node. It will be determined in the future as to what a town center is and where it will be located. One implementation strategy is to do a regional bridge study and plan for the land. The Comprehensive Plan can recognize a preferred site. This will be clarified on the map with a footnote. Commissioner Jensen inquired who had input with regard to the City's "image." Mr. Scheib replied they didn't try to create an image, merely it was determined based on what exists in Ramsey---abundant natural resources. He explained that the identity can be addressed in a landscape ordinance and also in performance standards through the site plan process. Mr. Norman suggested consideration be given to changing the city name explaining 'that confusion exists regarding the identity of "Ramsey". Mr. Scheib stated he could put a simple paragraph in and see how it's received by the public. There was discussion regarding where to hold the public hearing. The elementary school was suggested, however, it was indicated that the hearing should be recorded and broadcast live. City Council-Planning Commission Joint Workshop/October 8, 1998 Page 3 of 4