Minutes - Planning Commission - 12/01/1998

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encroaching suburbs and by providing a demonstration of organic fraction recycling through the certified tree nursery, organic food production, and the preservation and restoration of local landscape diversity. Additionally, suburban residents can learn appropriate techniques for designing and managing their landscapes. Plan: I want to develop a sustainable agriculture incubator and learning site that would focus on organic specialty crops. The idea is twofold. First, I'd like to turn my farm into a host site where individuals with an interest in niche market farming, gardening, or value-added specialty products can develop their skills, test the viability of their concept with low-capital investments, and work with others with similar interests. Because my farm is located 30 miles northwest of the Twin Cities and is in the middle of suburbia, it is an ideal location to attract landless people who want to dabble in farming or people who are thinking about going into farming but would like to practice before they take the step of buying land and equipment. I currently have a number of people who are willing to cooperate on this project both as resource people and as potential "enterprise developers." The initial phase would include developing a detailed landscape map of the farm and identifying micro-niches for production and restoration. It would also include developing guidelines for working with the individuals and groups who would want to come to the farm for training or to incubate their start-up enterprise in order to ensure this is a Win-win situation for these individuals and myself. The plan would be put on paper in its initial phase and would be evaluated and updated as the project proceeded. After the planning phase, the concept would be implemented with current collaborators and other interested individuals that would be recruited. The second component to this project is providing training, hands-on learning, and practice of the techniques that I currently use on my farm. This component would include developing marketing materials and accessing networks to recruit individuals for internships and workshops. It would also involve planning and developing workshops. The site and location also can be available for other parties to develop or test their rural business concept. B.F. Bacon, Environmental Specialist, City of Ramsey - "This document needs to refer to "Recycling" as an opportunity and issue: to make it easy to recycle batteries, fluorescent lights, H.H.W., and especially opportunity for decentralized recycling of organics, and recovery of value for growing plants. Organic recycling lends itself to low tech, decentralized, (not collected) compost, worm bins, and wood chips uses; community development works well with technical examples by neighbors, and cost savings need to be passed on by haulers. Diverse strategies with looped return to soil; food, yard waste; woody debris." Ron Jankowski, 15637 Juniper Ridge Drive NW Generally, does not like the draft Comprehensive Plan. Dislikes housing diversity; this continues urban sprawl and taxes the road system. It also continues use of non-renewable resources. Suggests that City Council listen to the citizens. Most people moved out for larger lots and more open space -- need to maintain that. Strongly suggests that paid City employees listen to the citizens of Ramsey -- postpone vote on Plan and zoning until after January 1. Louise Jankowski, 15637 Juniper Ridge Drive NW - "I want to see the proposed plan be consistent with citizens' desires for a more "rural" type area. We moved here for larger lots and were told it would remain so. Our elected officials need to listen to and follow the voter's general wishes. Increasing housing density puts too much pressure on roads and schools making it a less desirable place to live." Planning Commission/December 1, 1998 Page 5 of 11