Minutes - Council - 03/22/2011 - Laserfiche WebLink

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properties. Senior Planner Gladhill replied this is the first request the City has processed. Other properties have made the same request but have not brought forth information for a discussion. Councilmember Wise indicated that since the MnDOT's transportation plan has changed, the City should be more proactive on having the fronts of places along Highway 10 up to code, and give them more options for the use of the back of their property. Senior Planner Gladhill inquired if this property should be required to have a screen to shield the inoperable vehicles from view of adjacent property. Mayor Ramsey commented he would like them screened, but at the minimum, have the vehicles lined up to look better. Chad Lundquist, 8110 Highway 10 NW, property owner, stated he had a situation with a violation last July 9 and has had none since then. He admitted he did not allow for this amount of snow, which is unusual, and makes it more difficult to keep the property cleaned up. He noted there is natural screening on his property and the adjacent property has not had any complaints. Mr. Lundquist said he has driven around and witnessed inoperable vehicles on other properties that are not screened. Mayor Ramsey clarified that he did not intend to make a motion to require screening on his property, but he would like to see it more organized. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Mayor Ramsey, Councilmembers McGlone, Jeffrey, Backous, Elvig, Tossey, and Wise. Voting No: None. 7.04: Introduce Ordinance to Amend Section 117 -90 "map" of Chapter 117 of the Ramsey City Code Related to the 2030 Comprehensive Plan; Case of the City of Ramsey Senior Planner Gladhill reviewed the staff report. He acknowledged rumors about forced City sewer and water hookup, and issues with taxes. He explained the Charter protects citizens from forced City sewer and water. In terms of impact to taxes, that is a focus of market conditions. Mayor Ramsey invited citizens to speak. Lonnie Gray, 17530 Nowthen Boulevard, stated the initial concerns were the economic implications due to taxes, though much of this has already been clarified. He sought clarification on the ultimate implications to move from rural zoning to residential zoning and questioned why this is being done. He pointed out there is an individual that has a lot of acreage and wants to sell some and asked if it would be better to grant that individual a variance to divide his land rather than rezone everyone's property. Mr. Gray stated he is concerned about the wetlands behind his home. He stated many residents did not receive proper notification; many were unaware of what was going on. He requested a continuance so residents can understand the impactions. Senior Planner Gladhill explained this is part of an intense process driven by the residents. He explained the notification system that was used and indicated that natural resources will be protected. He added the City is working with the individual that would like to sell some property and no rezoning has been done with that area. Mayor Ramsey indicated he was part of this process before becoming the Mayor. He explained that because it is being reclassified does not mean it will develop. It is an opportunity for those landowners to develop. City Council / March 22, 2011 Page 7 of 10