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the timing of this consideration, noting staff is waiting for completion of the State Legislature's <br /> plans. At that point the City will have 60 days to complete its work and then Anoka County will <br /> do redistricting, all before the 2012 primary elections. <br /> Deputy City Administrator Nelson stated staff is requesting the Council's feedback on what it <br /> would like, noting staff will prepare to bring this matter back for Council consideration in early <br /> 2012. <br /> Acting Mayor Wise restated the need to take residential development into account. <br /> Councilmember McGlone suggested main roadways be used as ward boundaries to make it <br /> easier for residents and people trying to get elected. <br /> Councilmember Tossey noted Wards 3 and 4 are within the +10 % threshold so the adjustments <br /> for Ward 1 has to shed and Ward 2 has to grow. <br /> 3) Discussion of Building Code and Fire Suppression Requirements <br /> City Administrator Ulrich stated there was some confusion between the Fire Code and Building <br /> Code so staff wanted to take the opportunity to discuss how the two Codes relate, opportunities <br /> to change existing Code, and get Council direction. <br /> Fire Chief Kapler reviewed the staff report and explained that, prior to 2004, the City saw an <br /> influx of multi -unit housing. The challenge for public safety with higher density housing was the <br /> issue of private roads so street standards were developed that met the Fire Code requirements <br /> and addressed the issue of maintenance to assure adequate protection to residents in those homes <br /> and responders. In 2004, the City looked into optional Chapter 1306 and could have chosen one <br /> of two chapters. One chapter required retrofitting every building in the City but staff felt that <br /> exceeded what the City wanted to accomplish. The other chapter dealt with new construction <br /> and change of occupancy. Fire Chief Kapler explained the original drive for Chapter 1306 came <br /> from the fire service. <br /> Building Official Kaehler explained that in 2004, Chapter 1306 had requirements for the type of <br /> occupancy based on size. Then, in 2007, the Code removed townhome requirements from the <br /> optional chapter and placed the requirement to sprinkle townhomes into the general body of the <br /> Code. The change of use issue is still in Chapter 1306 so when occupancy changes, some <br /> thresholds have to be met. <br /> Fire Chief Kapler asked about major remodeling or building expansion. <br /> Building Official Kaehler explained that expansions or remodeling that opens the floor print <br /> triggers fire suppression requirements. <br /> Councilmember McGlone noted Fire Chief Kapler had mentioned that allowing higher density <br /> construction with smaller roads created a scenario of potential access problems and adding snow <br /> City Council Work Session / December 6, 2011 <br /> Page 4 of 12 <br />