Updates on Items of Interest

Below are various updates on items of interest.  This case is being provided as an FYI with no specific discussion planned.  Staff will be able to answer questions during the work session if needed.  If there are any other specific topics City Council would like to add to the case, please let staff know.

Historic Townhall
A grant application has been submitted for $40,000 to hire the necessary consultants to design plans to maintain the historic aspects for it to remain on the National Register of Historic Places, ADA accessibility and HVAC needs.  Results of awarded funds will be released at the end of November 2025.

• No formal decision on awarded funds has been released.  Staff has learned our project has received a recommendation to receive funding.
• The grant was awarded to Ramsey.  Formal approval is on the regular council agenda for January 13, 2026.

Veterans Memorial/Park
Staff will meet to discuss opportunities through upcoming park projects.  Staff will further identify and discuss community partner relationship to advance this effort.

Waterfront Park
Phase 1: Water Play Area

• Approvals are underway to progress the project for completion on or about July 1, 2026.
• Sewer and water installation is occurring fall 2025.
• The bathroom/support building for the water play area was ordered fall 2025, anticipated delivery is March 2026.
• Council approved the Construction Manager at Risk contract with H+U Construction on October 28, 2025.  The initial contract is to aid in finalizing design for bidding.  An amended contract for the construction phase will come later.
• Council approved fall grading work at the November 10, 2025 meeting.
• Council approved purchasing owner procured items on the November 25, 2025 agenda.  These items included tables, chairs, bike racks, benches, three pavilion structures, water meter and Adirondack chairs.
• Staff has requested authorization to purchase owner procured items on the November 25, 2025 agenda.  These items include umbrellas, tables for the pavilions and trash receptacles.

Phase 2: Additional Building Structure on remaining open area

• As planning efforts on this downtown regional park progressed through the years, the intent has been to construct a community center at this park location along with the water play area.
• In 2024, the City Council held multiple discussions on the plan for the park, with the ultimate direction being to construct the park in two phases.  The first phase would focus on the water play area that is currently under construction, and phase two would be the building to complement the remainder of the park. 
• A future Work Session Topic is on the schedule to discuss phase 2.
• Past Meeting Discussions
  • April 9, 2024 Work Session Case
  • April 9, 2024 Work Session Minutes
  • April 23, 2024 Regular Council Meeting Case
  • April 23, 2024 Regular Council Meeting Minutes
  • July 23, 2024 Work Session Case 
  • July 23, 2024 Work Session Minutes

Cannabis
Two pending retail locations are in the process of review by the Office of Cannabis Management.  Following approval by the state, City Council will have a case to approve the Business License Registration.

• Ramsey's first business registration is on the January 13, 2026 consent agenda for approval.  The business has satisfied state statute and building code requirements.

Outdoor Wood Burning Boiler
Per the direction of the City Council, the Environmental Planning Board (EPB) reviewed the City's current ordinance.  Amendments will be brought to the EPB to update language related to current state regulations.  Following the EPB's recommendation, City Council will have a case to adopt the amendments into the code.
 

No action required.