06-08-05 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL JUNE 8, 2005 Parker reported on budget challenges that the County continues to deal with in light of funding cuts from the State as well as unfunded mandates from the State and Federal governments. Parker noted that an open house is planned at the County's new public works facility in Arden Hills on June 22"d from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Another open house is planned for the fall at which there will be activities for children and families. The next issue is the fact that the new Ramsey County Court located on White Bear Avenue in Maplewood is expected to open on Monday, June 206. Parker noted that the County is realizing a savings of $13,500 per year by owning this space versus leasing it. Parker noted that the County is putting the finishing touches on the Gervais Beach improvement. Funding has been allocated for the next light rail phase, i.e. the Central Corridor. Given the Governor's veto of the transportation bill, the County has had to postpone several projects, including the Centerville Road improvement. Parker also noted the County's efforts to work with cities that will be impacted by the Unweave the Weave project to develop plans for dealing with the impending traffic impacts. Parker reported on the smoking ban that the County enacted and asked if the Council has had any feedback from Little Canada bar and restaurant owners. The Council had not. Blesener asked if the County would be reviewing the ban after a period of time. Parker replied that the plan was to revisit the issue in two years. She asked that the City keep her informed of any comments they may get on this issue. Parker reported thaC the County has been working on a new initiative, "Active Living by Design", that she learned of while attending a national conference. The focus is to make communities more walkable, thus addressing the problem of inactivity, and brings representatives together from public health agencies, public works, parks and recreation, community development, and local communities. Meetings have begun to start this initiative. With regard to the Ramsey Nursing Home, Parker reported that the County is facing budget issues in subsidizing the cost of running this facility. The rates at this facility have not been increase for the past 15 years. The County will likely seek special legislation to increase rates so that the facility can remain open. Parker indicated that while this is not a mandated service, there is a lot of history at this facility. She noted that the County has provided this service since the 1850'x. 3