The purpose of this case is to provide a broad overview of Ramsey's Community Development Commissions and Authorities as a lead-in to a series of work plans to be approved by the City Council.

• Planning Commission
• EPB - Environmental Policy Board
• EDA - Economic Development Authority

Notification is not required.

BOARD AND COMMISSION TYPES

There are a variety of boards and commissions that advise the City Council before the City Council takes action on a policy topic or capital project. 

• Advisory Board/Commission
• Authority
• Council Committee [not discussed this evening]
• Agency Representation [not discussed this evening]

Advisory Board/Commission

The City has established multiple advisory boards and commissions made up of citizen volunteers to advise the City Council on policy and capital improvement matters. City Code authorizes the City Council to appoint a non-voting liaison to advisory boards and commission.

• Planning Commission
• Environmental Policy Board
• Park and Recreation Commission [not discussed this evening]

Authorities

Minnesota Statutes authorize local municipalities to create certain authorities that have taxing authority and broader powers when compared to advisory boards and commissions. Attached is background on Economic Development Authority (EDA) powers authorized by Minnesota Statutes. 

• Economic Development Authority (EDA)
• Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) - dissolved

Council Committees [not subject of tonight's discussion]

The City Council can establish committees and subcommittees of the Council representing a smaller group of Councilmembers focused on a specific topic. 

• Public Works Committee
• Highway 10 Subcommittee

Agency Representation [not subject of tonight's discussion]

The City has representation, including voting authority, on several outside agency boards. These include, but are not limited to Youth First, Lower Rum River Watershed Management Organization (LRRWMO), etc. Powers are typically laid out in a Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) or similar legal document. 

RAMSEY COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BOARDS, COMMISSIONS, AND AUTHORITIES

There are three groups that help advise the City Council on Community Development matters (planning and development). The Planning Commission and EPB represent a Citizen Advisory Board/Commission. The EDA represents an authority under Minnesota Statutes allowing taxing power and certain other powers laid out in Minnesota Statutes. 

Planning Commission

In order to have a Zoning Code that places limitations on use and design of private property, Minnesota Statutes requires the establishment of a Planning Commission. A vast majority of Minnesota communities set this up as a separate advisory commission. There are some municipalities where the City Council serves as the Planning Commission. Attached is a guide prepared by the League of Minnesota Cities pertaining to the role of Planning Commissions. 

The Planning Commission is the advisory board to the City Council on land use planning and zoning administration. The Planning Commission sets the stage for private development through the Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Code. The Planning Commission reviews all land use applications and makes recommendations to the City Council.

The Planning Commission does not have a Council Liaison. 

Although not required, the Planning Commission does prepare a Work Plan as needed. The current work plan is now outdated and in need of a refresh. This is anticipated to occur in early 2020.

Environmental Policy Board (EPB)

The EPB was created originally as an ad-hoc task force in response to community objection to large scale tree and wetland impacts created by The Ponds Subdivision. This task force created the City's original Tree Preservation Ordinance and Wetland Protection Ordinance (since repealed to default to State Requirements). The Board's current role is to continue to advise the City Council on all policy matters pertaining to environmental protection. The EPB also reviews all major land use application for compliance with applicable environmental regulations before being reviewed by the Planning Commission. The EPB's role in the land use review process has ensured that their environmental policy recommendations are not an impediment to our economic development goals, while still enhancing our natural resource environment. 

The EPB is the only advisory commission that has a Council Liaison. City Council does have the ability within City Code to select a Commission Liaison as a non-voting member.

The EPB is also the only advisory commission that is required to have a City Council approved work plan.

Economic Development Authority

The EDA is unique in structure compared to other advisory commissions of the City Council. State Statutes enables the creation of several authorities, including Economic Development Authorities (EDA). Authorities are allowed to have taxing authorities. Local EDAs are established through an 'enabling resolution' of the City Council. While the City has established an EDA Levy as allowed by Minnesota Statute, the City's enabling resolution restricts the approval process of the EDA. Where Minnesota Statutes would allow the EDA to have final approval over the EDA Budget and Levy. However, the Ramsey enabling resolution requires City Council approval of the EDA Budget and Levy. Attached is a document prepared by several local economic development entities as a background for EDAs. 

Minnesota Statutes also require City Council representation as a voting member due to the taxing authority. 

The EDA does complete an Annual Work Plan. 

This case is being handled as part of normal Staff duties.

This case is for informational purposes only.

Action is not requested. This case is for informational purposes only.