The City of Ramsey's City Council had a full agenda during their November 26th meeting, with a series of notable decisions that included adopting new ordinances and setting the financial blueprint for the upcoming year. The meeting kicked off with a momentous beginning, officially welcoming incoming Police Chief Brad Bluml in a ceremonial swearing-in.
Among the matters addressed were significant changes to the city's financial structure, including a consent agenda with 31 items that passed unanimously. According to a social media post from City of Ramsey, the approved agenda sees the implementation of a credit card charge and increments in various utility rates. Set to take effect on January 1, 2025, these measures aim to replenish funds and finance infrastructural improvements.
Public engagement was facilitated through two public hearings. The first was the adoption of Ordinance #24-16, which proposed revisions to the 2025 Schedule of Rates, Fees, and Charges. These adjustments translate to an increase in utility costs, with a 10% hike for water, 5% for sewer, a slight 2% for street light billing, and a more substantial 15% for stormwater—all structured to counteract the financial strains emerging from the city's recent water treatment plant and infrastructure projects. The other public hearing covered the 2025 Tax Levies and General Fund Budget, which sees an 8.24% increase from the preceding year—a dollar rise that amounts to $1,670,993.
In terms of Council Business, the meeting witnessed the passage of four ordinances, including the contentious Ordinance #24-15, which removed the Crime-Free Housing component from the rental housing licensing program. Ordinance #24-14, despite opposition from the Planning Commission, succeeded in altering city code relating to the construction of residential driveways. Additionally, the council enacted Ordinance #24-17, establishing a lodging tax specifically for hotels and motels—receiving endorsement in the form of support letters from establishments such as Comfort Suites and Hilton Home2 Suites. The unanimous adoption of Ordinance #24-18 was significant, marking a declaration of critical water deficiency yet providing crucial exemptions for growers of food or medicinal gardens facing potential watering bans, "during droughts or emergencies like large fires," as per the City of Ramsey's social media post.
For those interested in the full context of the meeting, detailed minutes and agenda items are publicly available on the city's website, while video recordings of the proceedings can be accessed at QCTV's website.
