Minutes - Planning Commission - 04/01/1997 - Public Hearing @ 8:36

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At this point, Teri Svare evidently noticed someone in the audience whispering or making a comment about her and she told that person to please make their comments about her to her face. Mr. John Peterson stood up at this point and stated that he wanted the record to show that he was not the person making the under-breath comments and that Ms. Svare was not addressing him. Ms. Svare confirmed that she was not speaking to Mr. Peterson at this point and that it was someone else in the audience who had made a comment. The public hearing recessed at 9:25 p.m. Chairperson Bawden called the public hearing back to order at 9:32 p.m. Jacob Barthold, 1206 Bunker Lake Boulevard NW, stated that he has some concern because he is the property owner and this project has been jerked around since January, and he and the developer have complied with all the rules of the ordinances and the residents have caused the developer to change the plat five times. The staff recommendation is that you pass this onto Council with a recommendation for approval and Mr. Barthold stated that he feels it is the duty of the Planning Commission to do just that. Rick Hasbrook, 6040 Radium Circle NW, Ramsey, stated that Mr. Barthold has told the Commission it is their duty to pass this plat onto the City Council, but until the Planning Commission finds out if it is properly zoned, they cannot pass anything onto the City Council. Charles Johnson, 6010 - 159th Lane NW, Ramsey, referred back to the issue of schools and stated that he realizes that John Peterson is on the school board and all parts of the government should work together. Regarding parks, Mr. Johnson stated that, until 1993, the City was pooling money from developers and putting it into Central Park and Hall Anderson got shafted on this deal and now the City is going to do the same thing in this area. The City made the mistake before and it is time to have green space and parks within neighborhoods because these kids are going to have nowhere to play but in the streets. Every development should have a neighborhood park from this point on. Chairperson Bawden noted that park-related concerns should be addressed to the Park Commission. Mr. Johnson replied that he can't make all of these City meetings. In addition, Mr. Johnson stated that perhaps the Park Commission felt it was okay at their level but the Planning Commission has the authority to make a decision as it is passed up the ladder. Ramsey needs parks in the new neighborhoods so we don't have to have kids walking along T.H. #47 or going through neighbor's yards to get to a park. At this point, Ms. Frolik provided the Planning Commission with a letter dated April 1, 1997, from Deputy Anoka County Assessor Scott Varner indicating that they have not found any evidence to demonstrate that there is an adverse impact to property values when locating urban residential lots adjacent to rural residential lots. Planning Commission/Public Hearing/Apple Ridge/April 1, 1997 Page 7 of 9