Agenda - Council - 05/22/2007 - Laserfiche WebLink

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CASE # '1 REQUEST TO CONSIDER ADOPTING RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF PROMOTING ACTIVE LIVING AND AUTHORIZE STAFF TO SUBMIT PROPOSAL TO BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD By: Breanne Daines, Associate Planner Background: Since the fall of 2006, Staff has been attendiJ.?g seminars sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) that highlight the importance of integrating public health with municipal planning. The series has included discussions entitled "Safe Routes to School" and "Land Use Practices for Active Living~" In the process of attending these workshops, Staff became aware that Blue Cross Blue Shield has published a Request for Proposals (RFP), with the last round to be selected in June of 2007. The RFP is asking for proposals that outline how the applicants would, through their comprehensive plans, encourage an increase in physical activity through land use, , transportation, facilities, and park and recreation planning. Staff is proposing to submit a proposal in response to the RFP. The draft proposal is included in your packet. Discussion: The first portion of work plan proposes to utilize the grant to fund the update to the park and trail section, the transit and walkability portion of the transportation section, and the land use section of the Comprehensive Plan. The selected consultant, DSUlBonestroo, would be utilized for this work. The second portion of the work plans includes an in-depth study of the land use, transportation, and trail connections within the area surrounding the Mississippi trail corridor. This includes examining the feasibility of pedestrian and biking connections from the regional trail to Ramsey Town Center and across the river to the Three Rivers Park District, and exploring ways to incorporate the Mississippi River Corridor regulations into the City's land use plan. A separate RFP for this portion of the grant would be written and a consultant would be selected. It is anticipated that the result of this study would be incorporated into the Comprehensive Plan. If the City of Ramsey were chosen to become a partner with BCBS, the City would be required to enter into a contract with BCBS, outlining how the City would utilize their financial resources to produce a more active community. The proposal outlines a request for $67,750.00 total. Approximately half ($35,000.00) of this would be used toward the update of our Comprehensive Plan, which is a write-down to the total cost of the update. The remaining amount would be used to conduct a small-area study of the Mississippi River Regional Trail Corridor. The details of the request are included in the proposal. Recommendation: Staff recommends adoption of the enclosed resolution establishing a commitment on behalf of the City Council to consider incorporating active living principles into the Comprehensive Plan. A separate, contract process would be conducted, if Ramsey is selected by Blue Cross. The proposal does not obligate the City until the contract is negotiated. -201-