Staff Update

The following is a brief summary of approvals given in August that may be of interest to the Planning Commission :

Consider Preliminary Plat, Final Plat, and Zoning Amendment for COR TWO. The City Council approved the request for Preliminary Plat, Final Plat for COR TWO. COR TWO is the retail subdivision east of Armstrong Boulevard and south of the realigned Sunwood Drive within The COR.

Adopt Ordinance to Establish the Game Fair Off-Street Parking Overlay District. The City Council adopted the ordinance to establish the Game Fair Off-Street Parking Overlay District and will become effective 30 days following publication. 

Introduce Ordinance to Amend City Code Chapter 6 (Alcoholic Beverages), Section 6-4 (Consumption in Public Places). The City Council introduced an ordinance to create a process to allow for establishments to allow consumption of alcohol in public places. For example, the revised ordinance will allow for more special events in the transit/Municipal Plaza area, especially related to special event trains of the Northstar Commuter Rail. Establishments along sidewalks and other public plazas would also have a mechanism to utilize these spaces adjacent to their establishment, provided appropriate pedestrian corridors are maintained.

Consider Resolution Requesting that the Minnesota Legislature Review Minnesota Statute Chapter 462 Related to Permitted Residential Uses. Based on feedback received from area residents regarding licenses approved for permitted residential uses, the City Council has adopted a resolution requesting that the Minnesota Legislature review Minnesota Statute Chapter 462 to consider ways to assist cities better manages these uses, provided it is consistent with Federal Fair Housing Act regulations.

Update on Thrive MSP 2040 (Metropolitan Council Regional Framework). The Metropolitan Council has scheduled upcoming Listening Sessions related to the status and proposed process for the upcoming update to the Regional Framework. As this is the precursor to the next Comprehensive Plan Update for the City, it will be important to participate in these discussions. As the Listening Session that will be held closest to Ramsey coincides with tonight's Planning Commission, Staff will be requesting a separate meeting with the Metropolitan Council, as offered by the Metropolitan Council. Staff will attempt to schedule coinciding with the October Planning Commission date.