Minutes - Council - 05/26/1987 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Motion by Councilmember Pearson and seconded by Councilmember Sorteberg to approve Duane and Bonnie Lundeen's request for a conditional use permit to construct an addition for residential use on the property at 6710 Highway #10 N.W. Further Discussion: Councilmember Cox inquired as to how many similar situations there are to this in Ramsay. Councilmember Sorteberg replied that this would be the first incidence of a residence located above a business. Councilmember Cox inquired as to how the situation would be handled if at a future date the business were sold, but not the residence; how would taxing be handled; although it is not reason to deny, is it appropriate to encourage airport development and then encourage residential development in that same area; the request is not consistent with City ordinances and has the potential to create problems in the future; the City has been restricting businesses from locating in residential areas and it would be inconsistent to encourage the opposite. Mr. Lundeen noted that the City allows beauty shops in homes and inquired as to how his situation is different from that. Mr. Lundeen stated that he will be providing adequate sewer; the business is equipped with an alarm system; he knows of other businesses in Ramsey where the second story is for residential use; car accidents are more risk than air traffic accidents; he is trying to expand Ramsey's tax base and provide jobs; the residential portion of the building would be the only part that is homesteaded. Councilmember Cox stated that there isn't much point in encouraging Menkveld's PUD for residential/commercial development if the City is going to allow residential development in commercial areas. Councilmember DeLuca stated that some businesses lend themselves to an on-site residence, i.e., motels; Lundeen's application states the basic reason for the request is for security reasons. Mr. Lundeen explained that often his customers harass employees and damage his property; he could get to the problem quicker if he lived on site; video stores are the biggest target for thefts. Councilmember Cox stated that many businesses have security problems; Council wants Mr. Lundeen's business in Ramsay but allowing the request will mean that the City better prepared to approve every other similar request; why should the city send Mr. Menkveld's PUD proposal through the hoops if developing residences in commercial areas is going to be allowed. Mr. Lundeen noted that Mr. Dale Wirz has a residence above his nursery. Ms. Norris explained that because of Mr. Wirz' nursery business, he is classified agricultural and exempted from normal city permitting processes. Councilmember DeLuca stated that another concern of his is how this request relates to the Highway #10 Corridor Study in process at this point; allowing Mr. Lundeen's request may put the City at a disadvantage with respect to benefitting from that study. Ms. Norris noted that the study completion date is estimated as October or November of this year. Councilmember DeLuca stated that because of the Hwy. #10 study in progress and not wanting to create more problems, he is opposed to Mr. Lundeen's request. Mr. Lundeen stated that unlike many others, he never approached the City for assistance in locating his business in Ramsey; that if his request is not approved, he will sell and locate his business elsewhere; the City puts up with the dump and it's a worse situation than a residence above a business; there is another person in Ramsey living above his business; the City approves beauty shops in residential areas which creates more problems than a residence in a commercial area. Mayor Reimann called for a roll call vote: City Council/May 26, 1987 Page 15 of 21