2025 Planning Commission Meeting Schedule Discussion

Staff will soon be preparing the 2025 calendar for Planning Commission review and adoption so that potential applicants can plan accordingly.  The Planning Commission has met at 7:00 pm on the fourth Thursday of the month for several years.  Staff is asking if the current schedule is still desired. 

This year, the City has had several projects come through the entitlement process.  One of the required components of a standard entitlement package is a Lower Rum River Watershed Management Organization (LRRWMO) permit.  This is required on any project where at least one acre of land is disturbed.  The deadline for submitting to the LRRWMO is the third Thursday of the month for the next month's meeting, also on the third Thursday.  They will not accept an application until after the Planning Commission has at least discussed the proposal.  With the Planning Commission's meeting on the fourth Thursday, the LRRWMO application cannot be made until the following month.  This winds up being after the City Council reviews the proposal too.  Therefore, LRRWMO approval can come five to six weeks after City Council approval.  This is a big delay for developers, builders, and businesses looking to do projects in Ramsey and several have complained about this schedule.  

A shift in the Planning Commission's meeting schedule to a Monday or Wednesday just before the third Thursday could make it so the applicants do not have to wait as long to submit to the LRRWMO.  Tuesday nights City Council and Public Works Committee Meetings.  Park and Recreation Commission meets on the second Thursday.  The Environmental Policy Board meets on the third Monday.  

Additionally, does the Commission still prefer a 7:00 pm start time or would an earlier start be desired (5:30, 6:00, etc.)?  

Please direct staff on the desired night and time for the Planning Commission meeting.  

Direct staff to prepare a 2025 calendar with the meetings being on ____ .