08-28-2024 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL AUGUST 28, 2024 Mayor Fischer opened the public hearing for comments from the general public. There were no comments from the public. Upon motion by Mayor Fischer, seconded by Kwapick, the public hearing was closed. Ayes (5). Nays (0). Motion adopted. Mayor Fischer commented that for those with a shorter driveway, it would be difficult to navigate to/from the garage without driving on the grass if the curb cut was only 18 feet. He noted that many of the properties left for development would not have large lots created and therefore an 18-foot curb cut would have a large impact on those properties. T. Miller asked and received confirmation that a driveway could span out after the curb cut to match the garage. Kwapick commented that as a former member of the Planning Commission, he did see a number of these plans for larger garages come through. He stated that the plans were well thought out and he appreciated that staff took the time to think about how the process could be made easier for the residents. Kwapick introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOL UTION NO. 2024-8-96 — ADOPTING ORDINANCE 898 AMENDING ZONING CODE CHAPTERS 904, 914, AND 915 FOR GARAGE SIZE AND DRIVEWAY CURB CUT WIDTH AND APPROVE PUBLICATION OF SUMMAR Y ORDINANCE The foregoing resolution was duly seconded by D. Miller. Ayes (5). Nays (0). Resolution declared adopted. PRESENTATIONS JOSH OLSON, RAMSEY COUNTY INTERIM COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR Ramsey County Commissioner Mai Chong Xiong introduced herself and stated that she is attending to represent the Housing Redevelopment Authority (HRA). She stated that a few years ago Ramsey ' County approved a specific HRA levy, and they will share how those funds have been used to meet the needs of the Ramsey County communities related to housing. She reviewed the vision, mission, goals, and strategic priorities of the HRA along with the countywide Strategic Plan priorities. She thanked the City for being a great partner. Josh Olson, Ramsey County Interim Community and Economic Development Director, provided information on the Community Economic Development (CED) department. He explained how the department has transformed over the past five years to become a dynamic team that has responded to many crisis situations and continues to navigate different funding opportunities. He commented that their funding portfolio is more robust and diverse than ever before with funding that is more sustainable and locally driven. He provided details on the strategies within the County Economic Competitiveness and Inclusion Plan. He stated that in 2021 Ramsey County approved an area of 3