11-08-06 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL NOVRMB)CR 8, 2006 Parker reported that the Ramsey County Library system has been rated in the top five in the country. She noted that Che County's library system is heavily used, and that Che Roseville Library has the highest circulation in the State. Parker also updated the Council on the Maplewood Library project and noted that the current site is back on the market. Parker reported that the North St. Paul library is doing extremely well pointing out it was relocated to the North St. Paul Community Center. Parker next updated the Council on the County's budget, indicating that the 2007 Budget will have a 2% increase, but an 8% increase in the tax levy. The difference is the decrease in Federal money available to the County as well as increased costs with the 800 Mhz radio system. Parker noted that the County has subsidized some of the City's costs for the 800 Mhz system. Blesener disagreed, noting that the contracting cities are paying their share of the system. Parker indicated that the County is absorbing dispatching costs into its budget. Parker reported that the County Board will be requesting that MN DOT conduct a speed study on Edgerton Street. She noted that some cities are talking about pursuing legislation that will lower the speed limit on city streets to 25 miles per hour. Blesener indicated that the City would like to know the timing of the speed study as well as the appropriate contact people at MN DOT. Parker pointed out improvements that the county is making to Keller Park which include additional restrooms and expansion of picnic shelters. Parker next reported on County efforts relative to emergency services and public health issues and indicated that there may beatable top exercise scheduled for next year relative to pandemic outbreak responses. Parker also reported that Che Ramsey County Sheriff's Department is suggesting that all Ramsey County cities adopt a uniform meth clean-up ordinance. Blesener pointed out that Little Canada has already adopted such an ordinance, and its language appears to be fairly standard to what other cities have adopted. The County's free yard waste/composting sites were highlighted next, which all agreed was a tremendous service offered to Ramsey County residents. Parker explained the County's work in the area of regional rail, and the planning that is underway for the conversion of the Union Depot to a multi-modal transit hub. The County has received a $50 million grant for this project. Part of this project will include a light rail line connecting 2