Agenda - Council - 08/28/2001 - Laserfiche WebLink

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I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Ms. Albrecht replied that she does not want to see the apartment building. Chairperson N[xt inquired as to how the proposed building compares in height to the existing senior complex. Principal Planner Trudgeon replied that he was n~>t sure without researChing the information. Chairperson Nixt inquired as to what the response time was if they needed to contact an adjoining city for assistance. Jerry Streich, Ramsey Fire Department, replied that the response time from Elk River to the senior housing complex would be 15 to 17 minutes. Anoka has the fastest response time at six minutes. Chairperson Nixt inquired as to what the response time would be from the Ramsey Fire 'Department if the City had its own aerial ladder-truck. Mr. Streich replied that the P, amsey Fire Department could respond in 15 minutes, including a six to eight minute transport time to the fire s~ation for the firefighters. He noted that the previous response times did not include the six to eight minutes for the firefighters to reach their fire stations. Board Member Sweet stated that if the City s.tays within their regulations of the 35 feet they would not need to purchase an aerial ladder tm'ck. Board Member Johnson inquired if the Ramsey Fire Department would be able to rescue people · from the building, with their existing equipment, with the proposed window heights. Mr. Streich stated that the reason they are recomme, nd.i, ng denial of the variance has to do with public salary as well as concern of the property. Savanna Oaks was granted a nine foot variance with the understanding that the City would be purchasing an aerial ladder truck in the near future. In this case they are proposing a 15 foot height deviation and there is no proposal to include decks on the building. The Ramsey Fire Department has ladders that will reach the windows, but they would have to walk around to the back of the building to get the ladder up, which is why the driving pad was recommended. The building wi~ll be constructed i.n compliance with the State Fire Code, but the City cannot restrict where handicapped people can live within the building. Board Member Johnson verified that the Ramsey Fire Department would have the ability to reach the windows with their current equipment. " Mr. Streich replied that they could reach the bottom of the window, but the fire fighters would have to lift the ladder manually. Board of Adjustment/June 5, 2001 Page 7 of 11 -17-