Minutes - Council Work Session - 09/11/2007

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Councilmember Dehen stated this happens at any event, including soccer matches and Vikings games with unruly people that are drinking too much and getting out of hand. His concern is the lack of organization. Councilmember Look expressed his preference in catching this early because it is not organized. It could be addressed again once the State organizes this and addresses parameters. Police Chief Way indicated without certified officials overseeing the matches they are more of a free for all. He has heard that the State will be looking at ultimate fighting and putting it under the boxing commission. Councilmember Look stated for the residents to engage in this, it spills over into the streets and the rest of the community is affected by it. There is an element of boxing that can be civilized, but this is just animal instinct. Councilmember Jeffrey stated he agrees with putting something together on this. This is putting a name on something that kids have done in high school forever. He asked if people that are on the street or in a bar that are caught violating this would be charged differently than a disorderly conduct ticket. Police Chief Way indicated a violation of the ordinance would likely be more than a gross misdemeanor. Consensus of the Council was to direct staff to proceed with the process of preparing the ultimate fighting regulation ordinance for Council consideration. 3) Board of Review Due to extra time, City Clerk Jo Thieling added a case to the agenda entitled Board of Review. She reviewed with Council that after the 2007 Board of Review meeting, she was contacted by the Anoka County Assessing Department because the City did not have a current Board certified member sitting on the Board of Review. Mayor Gamec was the only current certified member and he was absent that evening. Therefore, the City of Ramsey's Board of Review meeting was redefined as an "Open Book Meeting". Ramsey then "lost its privilege" to hold a local Board of Review meeting for 2008. That will be handled entirely by the County Assessing Department. In conversation with the County, it was noted that Ramsey's residents would not lose any privileges by having the County Assessing Department conduct the meetings to review property valuation. In fact, the meetings would be advertised, they would be held in Ramsey, and the residents could still appeal to a higher board if they are unsatisfied with their valuation. Ms. Thieling reported that an added bonus is that even if the resident does not attend this "local" board, they may still appeal to the higher board - which is something they could not do before. They needed to attend the local board first. If Council wants to leave this meeting with the County, nothing has to be done. If Council wishes to continue as the Board of Review beginning with year 2009, they must petition the County prior to December 2008. City Council Work Session I September 11, 2007 Page 5 of6