2000-09-05 City Council minutesPage No. I
September 5, 2000
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY
STATE OF MINNESOTA
Minutes of the Regular Meeting
Held Tuesday, September 5, 2000
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the regular meeting of the City Council, City of Mendota
Heights, Minnesota was held at 7:30 o'clock p.m. at City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve, Mendota Heights,
Minnesota.
Mayor Mertensotto called the meeting to order at 7:30 o'clock P.M. The following members were
present: Mayor Mertensotto, Councilmembers Dwyer, Huber, Krebsbach and Schneeman.
AGENDA ADOPTION Councilmember Krebsbach moved adoption of the revised agenda
for the meeting.
Councilmember Schneeman seconded the motion.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Councilmember Krebsbach moved approval of the minutes of the
regular meeting held on July 18, 2000.
Councilmember Dwyer seconded the motion.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
Councilmember Dwyer moved approval of the minutes of the regular
meeting held on August 1, 2000.
Councilmember Krebsbach seconded the motion.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
Councilmember Huber moved approval of the minutes of the regular
meeting held on August 15, 2000.
Councilmember Schneeman seconded the motion.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
CONSENT CALENDAR
Coancilmember Schneeman moved approval of the consent calendar
for the meeting, revised to move item j, NDC4 Joint Powers
Agreement, to the regular agenda, along with authorization for
execution of any necessary documents contained therein.
a. Acknowledgment of Acknowledgment of the minutes of the
August 9, 2000 Airport Relations Commission meeting.
Page No. 2
September 5, 2000
b. Acknowledgment of the minutes of the August 22, 2000
Planning Commission meeting.
c. Acknowledgment of the Building Activity Report for August.
d. Acknowledgment of a report regarding the Linders Greenhouses
2000 season at Mendota Plaza.
e. Acknowledgment of a memo regarding use of the City Hall
parking lot as the site for a non-profit car wash and confirmation
that use of City Hall facilities for any commercial purpose is not
appropriate.
f. Acknowledgment of a draft antenna ordinance amendment and
direction to schedule a public hearing on the September Planning
Commission agenda.
g. Approval of the Metricom Right-of-Way Agreement and
authorization for its execution by the Mayor and City Clerk.
h. Authorization for the issuance of a sign permit for a two sided 8
foot wide by 4 foot high sign to Farris Incentives.
i. Approval of a minor amendment to the Mendota Meadows PUD
to allow construction of a three-season porch addition at 778
Monet Court.
j. Adoption of Resolution No. 00-71 , "RESOLUTION
ADOPTING PROPOSED BUDGET."
k. Adoption of Resolution No. 00-72, "RESOLUTION
APPROVING TENTATIVE 2000 LEVY COLLECTIBLE IN
2001."
1. Adoption of Resolution No. 00-73, "RESOLUTION
APPROVING FINAL 2000 TAX LEVY FOR SPECIAL
TAXING DISTRICT NO. I COLLECTIBLE IN 200 L"
in. Adoption of Resolution No. 00-74, "RESOLUTION CALLING
FOR HEARING ON ASSESSMENT ROLL FOR THE YEAR
2000 STREET RECONSTRUCTION/REHABILITATION
PROJECT AND SURROUNDING AREA IMPROVEMENTS
(IMPROVEMENT NO. 2000, PROJECT NO. 1)."
Page No. 3
September 5, 2000
n. Adoption of Resolution No. 00-75, "RESOLUTION CALLING
FOR HEARING ON ASSESSMENT ROLL TO SERVE THE
AREA REFERRED TO AS AUGUSTA SHORES
(IMPROVEMENT NO. 2000, PROJECT NO. 4)."
o. Adoption of Resolution No. 00-76, "RESOLUTION CALLING
FOR HEARING ON ASSESSMENT ROLL TO SERVE THE
AREA REFERRED TO AS ALICE LANE SUBDIVISION
TWO (IMPROVEMENT NO. 2000, PROJECT NO. 3)."
p. Approval of the list of contractor licenses dated September 15,
2000.
q. Approval of the List of Claims dated September 15, 2000 and
totaling $411,768.75.
Councilmember Krebsbach seconded the motion.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
JOINT POWERS AGREEMENT Council acknowledged and briefly discussed the final draft of the
NDC4 Joint Powers Agreement.
Councilmember Krebsbach moved adoption of Resolution No. 00-
70, "RESOLUTION APPROVING JOINT AND COOPERATIVE
AGREEMENT WITH NORTHERN DAKOTA COUNTY CABLE
COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION."
Councilmember Schneeman seconded the motion.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
CASE NO. 00-32, TUMINELLY Council acknowledged an application from Mr. Carmen Tuminelly
for replatting of the Carmen Court Addition to provide for the
division of Lot 2, Block 1 into two parcels, along with lot width
variances. Council also acknowledged associated staff reports. Mr.
Tuminelly and Mr. Peter Coyle were present for the discussion.
Mr. Coyle informed Council that the neighborhood is united in its
support for the application. The plat was created in 1996 and was
replatted in 1997 to create Lots 4 and 5. One of the existing lots has
a long extended driveway similar to what is before Council. The
division of existing Lot 2 as proposed is for one lot of 17,000 square
feet (easterly lot) and another of 30,000 square feet (westerly lot).
The westerly lot is enlarged by Mr. Tuminelly's acquisition of
former Mn/DOT right-of-way. The issues raised by the Planning
Page No. 4
September 5, 2000
Commission were whether the length of the drive is appropriate, but
the drive was already approved in the 1997 replat. The second issue
was the inability of the property owner to achieve 100 feet of width
at the 30 foot setback line. Both of the lots satisfy the requirement at
the building line but not at the 30 foot setback line. When the
project was approved in 1997, two of the lots did not satisfy that
requirement but the replat was approved.
Mayor Mertensotto asked what differentiates this application from a
lot split.
Mr. Coyle responded that Mr. Tuminelly needs to incorporate the
Mn/DOT property into the plat. Otherwise a lot split would have
been appropriate.
Mayor Mertensotto asked how the lots would be served with
utilities.
Mr. Tuminelly responded that the sewer is on the back of the
property and that he installed the sewer line to serve this property.
He showed Council where the water line is and stated that he has
permission from St. Paul Water to connect to the line.
Mayor Mertensotto asked if the sanitary sewer line is deep enough to
provide gravity flow.
Mr. Tuminelly responded that it is and that he has reviewed the
matter with city engineering.
Interim Administrator Danielson stated that Mr. Tuminelly's home is
connected to the sewer line and that sewer was installed to serve his
property. Staff would need to make sure the line is enclosed within
the easement.
Mayor Mertensotto asked if the homes can be served without a force
main.
Mr. Tuminelly responded that he will verify with city staff that it can
be served without a force main.
Councihnember Dwyer stated that council must address whether
there is a hardship under the ordinance in terms of the lot widths.
Mr. Coyle responded that the lot width issue is a policy question that
Council must answer. This property has been marketed as a single
Page No. 5
September 5, 2000
lot and there has been no interest. One reason for the lack of interest
is that there is too much land. Also, this is an odd shaped piece of
property and it is difficult to satisfy the city's requirements in this
area of the city. In Crown Point there are possibly many lots that do
not have 100 feet at the setback. He suggested that this is a fair use
of the property and there is a hardship because of the way the plat
was approved in 1997. He stated that he believes the variances and
the lot split are necessary to market the property. Also, the
neighborhood would like to have this done so that the development
is final.
Councilmember Dwyer stated that he remembers the Planning
Commission discussions from 1996, and there was a concern
expressed by the people on the frontage road about the number of
lots that might develop. He felt that if Council allows the replat to
occur, it will be going contrary to the wishes of the people who were
part of the dialogue four years ago.
Mr. Coyle stated that there will be one more lot than what was
approved, but the original plat did not envision the two lots created
in 1997. The frontage road serves a residential neighborhood, and
while there would be an increase in traffic he did not believe the
impact of one additional lot would be a significant impact.
Moreover, the people in the neighborhood support the proposal.
Councilmember Krebsbach recalled that the original proposal was
for multi-family development consisting of 12 townhouses and there
was significant neighborhood opposition and much discussion about
the impact from traffic from multiple family development.
Mayor Mertensotto stated that there are many lots in the city that do
not have 100 feet of frontage but they do have 100 feet at the setback
line. He pointed out that this is an isolated neighborhood, the lot
sizes are much larger than required, and the density is well below
standard residential developments. One additional house would not
be inappropriate as long as 100 feet of frontage can be achieved at
the building setback. He stated that he cannot see how one
additional house would be an additional traffic burden on the
frontage road. His concern is whether the lots can be served by
gravity flow (sanitary sewer). He stated that the 17,000 square foot
lot is much smaller than the others in the plat and suggested that the
lot could be enhanced by moving the lot line on the larger lot at least
another ten feet closer to the proposed building pad. That would
bring the smaller lot up to 18,500 square feet. He informed Mr.
T-Luninelly that the barn that exists on the proposed westerly lot must
Page No. 6
September 5, 2000
be taken out. He pointed out that this is an isolated subdivision that
is not connected to any other subdivision and no further lot division
can occur.
Councilmember Dwyer stated that he believes four years ago
Council said there could be no further subdivision. He did not see a
hardship and the Planning Commission voted unanimously to
recommend denial.
Mr. John Heinz, 907 Carmen Lane, stated that he would not be living
in the development if accommodations had not been made in the
plat. He stated that he plans to live in his home for a very long time,
which is one of the reasons Council received a letter from all three of
the neighbors who live on Carmen Lane. He and his neighbors are
anxious to see the completion of the development. He invited
Council to walk the property with any of the neighbors and see what
the completion of the development would add to this neighborhood
and the city as a whole. He invited Council to walk down Carmen
Lane at any given time and see the number of cars that are parked in
the approach to the area. He stated that his neighbor's children play
in the cul-de-sac and he is not worried by the increase in traffic. He
stated that if the proposal is approved he would benefit as a resident
of the city and the city would benefit. He has already benefited
because if it were not for the allowances made four years ago for this
development, he would not be living in Mendota Heights.
Mayor Mertensotto asked about the impact of air noise on the
development.
Mr. Heinz responded that it is quiet in this development, perhaps
because of the way the houses were constructed but also the way the
neighborhood lots are configured. He stated that he lived in South
Minneapolis before this and he could not talk on the phone when a
plane came over. He stated that if someone came to him with a
petition about air noise he would not sign it. He stated that he knew
the airport existed and the freeway existed when he bought his
property. He further stated that if the discussion were over several
lots he would oppose it, but one lot is not a problem.
Mr. John Traxler stated that he purchased the existing house on Lot
1. He informed Council that he attended the Planning Commission
meeting and the issue of noise came up. He stated that this past
weekend he and his children spent the night in a tent and the noise is
not a problem, at least not in his back yard. The number one item he
wanted to bring up to Council is that when he bought his lot it was
Page No. 7
September 5, 2000
with the understanding there would be development to the west of
his house. He has been waiting for that to happen. He appreciates
the opportunity of having Mr. Tuminelly and his wife and Mr. Heinz
and his family as neighbors and views this as an opportunity for
another neighbor. He stated that he has been driving past this lot for
several years and always wondered who would develop it. Now he
is here to ask Council to let the development be finished. If it is not
done now, it would just prolong doing something with the property.
He stated that his lot is the closest lot to the property that will be
divided.
Councilmember Krebsbach asked if the neighbors on the cul-de-sac
behind Carmen Court have been informed on the proposed replat.
Mr. Tuminelly responded that they were notified. He further stated
that the discussion in 1996 was none of his doing. The first proposal
for development (multi-family) was by John Mathem, and Mr.
Tuminelly had no part in that proposal.
Mayor Mertensotto stated that traffic was a real concern for the
neighbors on the frontage road. Also, the complaints from Eagle
Ridge about the noise from the freeway were a concern. Council
does not take an action because adjoining neighbors approve it, but
rather, Council has rules to follow. In this case, the lot widths are
not standard, but this is not a normal subdivision. If the
development can meet the requirement for 100 feet at the setback he
could see no reason to deny it.
Councilmember Huber noted that staff had provided Council with
the minutes of the Planning Commission and Council meetings from
1996 and 1997 to assist in the decision making process.
Councilmember Krebsbach stated that those minutes speak against
the twelve unit development that had originally been proposed.
Mr. Heinz stated that he would also speak against such a proposal
but is pleased to support the current proposal and completion of the
neighborhood.
Councilmember Schneeman stated that her only concern was the
length of the driveway. She asked what the Fire Chief says about the
driveway length.
Mayor Mertensotto responded that there is a 500 foot driveway
length limitation.
Page No. 8
September 5, 2000
Mr. Coyle stated that the driveway is about 190 feet and it was
actually approved in 1997.
Councilmember Huber stated that he is sensitive to Councilmember
Dwyer's comments about neighborhood concerns in 1996 and 1997.
The original proposal was for ten townhomes. Then a proposal for
eight single family lots was discussed. The latter was a proposal by
Mr. Tuminelly and Mr. Mathern. The discussion eventually went to
five lots, which is as the development now stands. The question is,
if Council had a proposal for six lots at that time, would it have been
approved. He was sensitive to Councilmember Dwyer's comments
that Council came to a conclusion and now would be changing their
minds. Council may have accepted this proposal for six lots in 1997.
When the subdivision was approved, five to six lots seemed to be a
decent proposal to approve.
Councilmember Krebsbach stated that the discussion by Council in
April, 1997 was that the neighborhood would prefer six lots over the
eight lots, and the development ended up being five lots. She stated
that if the proposal is approved, Mr. Traxler would have a house
behind him. There was discussion at one time about five to six lots
and now the additional Mn/DOT property has been added.
Mayor Mertensotto stated that he would like the lot line to move to
increase the size of the smaller lot by taking an additional ten feet to
its northwest. It would then be closer to the size of the other lots.
Also, Council does not want a force main for sanitary sewer.
Coimcilmember Schneeman moved to approve the preliminary plat
with the following findings with respect to hardship: the
configuration of the land; the replat is within its own "community;"
the lot sizes exceed the minimum required size; and, 6,000 square
feet of land will be added to the property through the right -of -way
acquisition from Mn/DOT; approval being subject to the following
conditions: 1) that the westerly line of the easterly lot be extended to
the west at least ten feet; 2) that the driveway in the location that was
approved in the existing plat; 3) that the street entrance can be shared
but each owner must have his own access to the entrance; 4)
verification by city engineering that a force main is not required; 5)
that the utility easements be shown on the plat; 6) that approval is
contingent on Mn/DOT approval.
Councilmember Huber seconded the motion.
Ayes:4
Nays: 1 Dwyer
Page No. 9
September 5, 2000
Councilmember Krebsbach asked Mr. Tuminelly to provide
information on the landscape screening when Council considers the
final plat.
Mayor Mertensotto stated that the developers agreement will have to
address the park contribution, SAC and WAC, and other issues.
CASE NO. 00-33, CASHILL Council acknowledged an application from Mr. Mike Cashill for a
conditional use permit for an accessory structure to replace an
existing shed at the Mendota Heights Par 3 Golf Course. Council
also acknowledged associated staff reports. Mr. Alan Spalding was
present on behalf of Par 3.
Mr. Spalding stated that the existing 1,200 square foot maintenance
shed would be demolished and replaced with a 2,600 square foot
maintenance building. The 15 foot tall building will be screened by
a slope and will be on the same grade as the existing shed. The
hillside going to the east is substantial, and the existing building is
built five feet into the hill and its roof can barely be seen from the
clubhouse. The roof can be seen from Bachelor. From the southeast
and south, the building can barely be seen. There are significant
woods to the north and the northeast. He stated that he is not sure
whether the building exterior will be cedar siding or vinyl.
Councilmember Krebsbach stated that Council required Mendakota
Country Club to dress up its maintenance structure.
Mayor Mertensotto asked if Mr. Spaulding plans to bring sewer and
water to the facility.
Mr. Spaulding responded that he is researching the cost and if it is
not prohibitive, Par 3 would like to put a toilet in the building for
staff and not for patrons of the golf course. He also stated that he
will put some distance between the exterior portable bathroom and
the slab for the soda machine.
Mayor Mertensotto pointed out that the trash containers must be
screened by a fence.
Mr. Spaulding responded that Par 3 plans to screen the containers
with a cedar fence.
Page No. 10
September 5, 2000
Mayor Mertensotto felt that the driveway should be blacktop all the
way from Bachelor because dust from a gravel driveway would
impact the neighborhood.
Mr. Spaulding responded that the use of the driveway will not
change and the activity will be the same. He stated that other golf
courses nearby have substantial amounts of gravel.
Mayor Mertensotto noted that other golf courses are not asking for
new structures. He pointed out that the blacktop would not need to
be more than eight to ten feet wide.
Mr. Spaulding stated that gravel is natural looking and several of the
neighbors have expressed interest in maintaining the gravel surface.
Councilmember Krebsbach pointed out that the Planning
Commission discussed that dust is an issue.
Mayor Mertensotto stated that Par 3 should build something that is
attractive and that landscaping should be something more than just
lilacs. He informed Mr. Spaulding that the landscaping plan must be
approved by the city. He stated that Council's interest is to satisfy
all of the concerns of the people in the neighborhoods near the golf
course.
Councilmember Huber stated that he could go either way with
respect to blacktopping the driveway but would like the exterior of
the structure upgraded to cedar.
Mayor Mertensotto stated that the neighbors to the west complained,
which is why the Planning Commission wanted the first fifteen feet
of the driveway blacktopped. He did not feel just fifteen feet of
blacktop is adequate and also informed Mr. Spaulding that there
cannot be any outside storage.
Mr. Spaulding responded that Par 3 wants to expand its facility so
there is no outside storage. He stated that traffic flow of the
maintenance vehicles goes away from the facility in several
directions but does not go towards Bachelor. The maintenance
people park their cars next to the maintenance shed. He stated that
he was going to propose blacktop for 20 to 30 feet because 15 feet is
not a very large apron from the road.
Page No. 11
September 5, 2000
Councilmember Dwyer asked Mr. Spaulding what the length of the
drive is from Bachelor Avenue to the shed and what vehicles use that
drive.
Mr. Spaulding responded that the driveway is about 200 feet long
and that three maintenance people use the drive. Two of them go in
in the morning, park their cars there and go out with maintenance
equipment throughout the day. He stated that the maintenance
people are not using much of the gravel road with maintenance
equipment.
Mayor Mertensotto asked about rubbish haulers and other service
vehicles.
Mr. Spaulding responded that if it is an issue with the neighbors he
would be willing to consider blacktopping the entire driveway but
that it would be a bigger benefit to the golf course to keep it gravel.
Mr. George Vadis, 758 Bachelor, stated that his home is on the
southern side of the golf course. He informed Council that he was
not aware the structure would be fifteen feet tall, and that is a
concern. He further stated that he would prefer that the siding be
natural and that at least fifteen feet of the driveway length be
blacktopped because dust does occur. He asked Council to place two
conditions on approval — that the facility fit architecturally in the
neighborhood and that the noise level respect the nuisance times.
Mayor Mertensotto pointed out that Par 3 does not have a rendering
of the building and that the Council should have more than what has
been presented as an application.
Mr. Spaulding responded that the drawings before Council are
preliminary and if he gets preliminary approval he will contract with
someone to prepare drawings.
Mayor Mertensotto stated that Council can give concept approval but
will not give formal approval on anything without knowing what the
facility will look like.
Mr. Spaulding responded that his first proposal was for a vinyl
exterior but that he will use cedar siding.
Mayor Mertensotto stated that Council could approve a conditional
use permit but that Mr. Spaulding would have to meet Council's
requirements and agree to those requirements in writing.
Page No. 12
September 5, 2000
Councilmember Dwyer stated that the conditions should be: that the
exterior treatment be cedar siding; that the entire drive must be
asphalt given the vehicles that will be using it (employees and
deliveries, etc.); and that landscaping be of the highest quality. He
pointed out that while Par 3 will not be enlarging the driveway, they
will be increasing the size of the facility and its use.
Councilmember Krebsbach stated that she remembers the gravel
driveway from when she has played the course and it is relaxing. If
the driveway cannot hold the additional weight the traffic generated
by the new facility, she would support the requirement for blacktop.
Mr. Spaulding responded that the driveway will serve the same uses
as the existing building. He asked if he can take a poll of the
residents along Bachelor Avenue.
Mayor Mertensotto responded that the city has already heard from
the neighbors. He informed Mr. Spaulding that Council must make
its decision based on what Council believes to be in the best interest
of the overall community.
It was the consensus that Par 3 should provide professionally
prepared elevations of the proposed structure along with landscape
and lighting plans, and that the following conditions should apply:
that siding on the facility should be cedar; that the entire length of
the driveway must be asphalt; that the dumpster on the west side of
the building must be fenced and fully screened; that the beverage
machine and portable bathroom must be on separated concrete pads
outside of the building; that there can be no outside storage of
equipment or materials; and, that the portable bathroom facility
should be permanently anchored to prevent vandalism.
CASE NO. 00-34, KUBAT Council acknowledged an application from Mr. Jeffrey Kubat for a
16 foot front yard setback variance for a garage addition at 2341
Kressin Avenue. Council also acknowledged associated staff
reports.
Mr. Kubat informed Council that his new proposal address all of the
earlier concerns. His original proposal (denied by Council in July)
was for a full double garage. One of Council's objections to that
proposal was the size, and he has reduced the footprint of the
building by one-third. He stated that he is adding one window and
the existing landscaping will continue. An existing blue spruce will
cover at least half of the addition and there will be additional
Page No. 13
September 5, 2000
landscaping. He reviewed the proposed site plan and showed
Council photos of his home. He stated that the addition would have
the same roof line as his house and that it will have two double doors
rather than two single doors. The existing walkway will be retained.
He showed photos of his neighborhood to illustrate the setback.
Mayor Mertensotto stated that the Zoning Ordinance requires a 30
foot front yard setback, but in an established neighborhood, the
setback is established by the original homes and other homes must
maintain that setback.
Mr. Kubat stated that he is trying to illustrate that the setback could
not be seen because of the landscaping. Because of the existing
trees, people could not see how far the addition is set back.
Councilmember Huber responded that the most important aspect is
the impact on the immediate neighbors. What Mr. Kubat is
proposing is to move the setback forward for the entire block. If
Council approves the variance, it should allow everyone on Kressin
to do the same. He stated that he is not willing to say that the
setback line should be brought forward for the whole block.
Councilmember Krebsbach stated that Mr. Kubat's point in showing
the photos is that the neighbors can-not see one another's properties.
Mr. Kubat stated that if the intent of the ordinance is that people can
see from one end of the block to the other, the city should regulate
the landscaping. He stated that he could plant a window of spruce
around his house.
Mayor Mertensotto stated that the reason for the setback is so
everyone has the same view tip and down the street. He informed
Mr. Kubat that he cannot equate his property with Friendly Hills,
where Council has granted front yard setback variances, because the
lots in Friendly Hills are much smaller. He asked Mr. Kubat how
large his lot is.
Mr. Kubat responded that his lot is 90 feet wide and 190 feet deep.
Mayor Mertensotto responded that the lots in Mr. Kubat's
neighborhood are all very deep, which is why the front yard setback
is 45 feet. This contrasts with Friendly Hills where the lots are only
60 feet wide and about 10,000 square feet. In Friendly Hills there
are no sideyards to extend into.
Page No. 14
September 5, 2000
Mr. Kubat responded that he cannot extend into the sideyard because
he only has ten feet on either side of his house.
Councilmember Schneeman pointed out that Mr. Kubat could build
the addition to the rear of his home since the lot is so deep.
Councilmember Dwyer stated that it makes no economic sense for
Mr. Kubat to extend his home to the rear.
Councilmember Huber stated that if Mr. Kubat is allowed the
variance and his neighbors wanted to do the same thing, Council
would have no reason to say no to them.
Councilmember Dwyer stated that he would have no problem if all
of the neighbors said they want to go to the 30 foot setback. The
problem with this request is that a couple of the property owners
would want to expand into the setback and people's site lines would
be cut off. Either Council follows the rules or it does not, and
following the rules is what has maintained the property values in
Mendota Heights.
Mr. Kubat stated that Council has granted variances in Friendly Hills
and those homes are the same age as his.
Mayor Mertensotto responded that the age of the home makes no
difference. Council is bound to follow the city's rules irTegardless of
the age of the home. If Council approved the variance for Mr.
Kubat, it would have to grant the same to others. If the variance is
granted for Mr. Kubat, his lot would be different from everyone
else's. He stated that Council rarely grants variances to encroach
into the front yard except in Friendly Hills because the property
owners do not have any other room to expand because of the lot
sizes.
City Attorney Hart stated that the whole concept of a variance is that
Council goes through the process with each application. Before
Council can consider granting the application, it would have to find
there is something unique about the topography that makes this a
compelling case that there is a hardship for this lot. Council would
have to determine there is something unusual about this lot that
makes it unique. If Council does not find that unusual circumstance
it cannot approve a variance. The neighbors have a right to rely on a
consistent application of the ordinance.
Page No. 15
September 5, 2000
Councilmember Dwyer asked why Mr. Kubat did not look to see that
he would be locked into the 45 foot setback when he bought his
house. He stated that Council must identify a hardship and that is
not that it will cost more to expand to the rear. He pointed out that it
is physically possible to expand to the rear.
Mayor Mertensotto stated that Council denied Mr. Kubat's earlier
variance application and there is only a two foot difference in the
new proposal.
Councilmember Krebsbach noted that a number of the neighbors
have signed a statement of support for the proposal.
Councilmember Schneeman stated that she spoke to one of the
people who signed the statement and he did not care either way.
Another said he really did not want to see the addition approved.
Mr. Kubat stated that his hardship was to have handicap access for
his aging parents and his wife's aging parents.
Mayor Mertensotto responded that Mr. Kubat can build a ramp for
handicap access within the setback.
Mr. Kubat stated that he wants to contain it in the garage rather than
an unsightly ramp outside. The other hardship is the security issue.
His daughter comes in at night and her car has been broken into.
Attorney Hart responded that the hardship must be peculiar to the
property.
Councilmember Dwyer moved adoption of Resolution No. 00-77,"A
RESOLUTION DENYING A 16 FOOT FRONT YARD SETBACK
VARIANCE FOR A GARAGE ADDITION AT 2341 KRESSIN
AVENUE," on the basis that no hardship exists.
Councilmember Huber seconded the motion.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
BUDGET WORKSHOP Councilmember Dwyer moved to conduct a budget workshop at 7:30
p.m. on November 14.
Councilmember Krebsbach seconded the motion.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
Page No. 16
September 5, 2000
COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilmember Krebsbach asked about street signs on Douglas at
Victoria (both sides of Douglas).
Mayor Mertensotto stated that the Planning Commission has
requested that a representative of the Police Department be present at
their next meeting with respect to the traffic calming matter.
Interim Administrator Danielson stated that staff has met with
Mn/DOT and will bring information to the Planning Commission at
the next Commission meeting.
Councilmember Huber asked that the Public Works Department trim
the trees along Wachtler.
Councilmember Dwyer stated that he has received several
complaints about speed on Copperfield Drive and asked Chief
Johnson to increase the presence of squad cars in the area.
ADJOURN There being no further business to come before Council,
Councilmember Huber moved that the meeting be adjourned.
Councilmember Krebsbach seconded the motion.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
TIME OF ADJOURNMENT: 9:54 p.m.
K/athleen M. Swanson
City Clerk
Charles E. Mertensotto
Mayor