Minutes - Council - 07/26/1983 - Laserfiche WebLink

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e) Preliminary 1984 Levy Limitation Calculations and Local Government Aid - Council noted reviewing letter dated June 30, 1983 from the~iMinnesota Department of Revenue. Motion by Councilmember Reimann and seconded by Councilmember Sorteberg to approve of any Councilpersons or City Staff attending the Levy Limits and Local Government Aids Seminar, Thursday, August 4, 1983 from 1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. at the Earl Brown Center at the University of Minnesota at a fee of $5.00/person. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Mayor Gamec, Councilmembers Sorteberg, Reimann, Schlueter and Van Wagner. Voting No: None. Case #4: City Code Chapter 110.04 "Weeds"- a) Pa~a~ra~h 110.143 of the City Code entitled "Growing Grass" - Mr. Schnelle stated that there have been complaints from citizens regarding tall grass and weed growth and they are requesting that Ramsey enforce the code. Letters have been sent to some of the violators in the City. Mayor Gamec stated that in a City with such large lots it is questionable whether or not this code is even justifiable and would be difficult to enforce. Mr. Terry Petro - 6140 157th Lane - Stated that his parcel is 1% acres and has planted grass around the house and driveway and plants 500-1000 seedlings per year on the remainder of his property. Mr. Petro stated that he would prefer not to cut all that ground cover down as pheasants are nesting there. Mr. Petro also noted that he performed his own survey and determined that 8 out of 10 citizens in Ramsey are in violation of the subject code and further that the entire Council is in violation. Mr. Petro suggested that the ordinance be amended or eliminated. Councilmember Reimann agreed with Mr. Petro and stated that he too has planted a number of trees and will not drive the wildlife from his property by cutting down all the cover. Motion by Councilmember Sorteberg and seconded by Councilmember Reimann authori- z±ng Ramsey Planning and Zoning Commission review Paragraph 110.143 of the City Code entitled "Growing Grass" and report back to Council with their recommenda- tion. Further Discussion: Mayor Gamec inquired what should be done with present complaints on file at City offices. Councilmember Reimann suggested that the complaints be tabled until a decision regarding this ordinance can be reached. Councilmember Schlueter inquired as to why P&Z should review this ordinance. Counc±lmember Sorteberg replied that some of these ordinances originated at the P&Z level years ago. Resident - 6121 158th - Stated that she owns a vacant lot filled with growth and wildlife and that she pays higher taxes on that vacant lot and in reply to people stating that their property valuations are lessened by these uncut areas, she inquired as to what is the price tag on liberty. C/July 26, 1983 Page 11 of 25