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Mayor Gamec asked David Schulte what his biggest objection would be as a builder. <br /> <br />Mt'. Scbulte replied he has talked to quite a number of builders and the numbers are consistently <br />at $4,000 to $7,000 for installation. The options are to go to detached and lower the density, or <br />just to go single-family development. He is in an awkward position by being here, but a lot of <br />builders and developers are concerned. He is just asking that the Council consider some of their <br />options. They can get statistics nationally of a $2,500 to $3,500 cost, but if they talk to the <br />builders doing this they have the real costs. He understands the concern about a fire burning for <br />a mile with all of these units, but the fire walls work. A fire could spread, but it would be highly <br />unlikely with the way the fire walls are built. They should also consider the fact that when a <br />developer comes in they to have a project approved and go through staff. One of the concerns <br />addressed during staff's review is the distance to fire hydrants and accessibility by fire trucks. <br />These issues are all closely looked at. As far as the large single family homes, there was a model <br />home in Wayzata with a value of 1.8 million dollars where a sprinkler went off and caused over <br />t/2 million dollars in damage. <br /> <br />Public Works Director Kapler stated there is a disparity in the estimate of the costs, and they <br />should just agree there is a cost to this. The real issue is that staff is before the Council saying <br />they think this is an investment and a one time cost that will be another toot for their community <br />to ensure the safety of their residents. <br /> <br />Councilmember Strommen commented she looks at this like an insurance policy. <br /> <br />Fire Code Inspector Streich stated regarding the firewalls, they do work, but they fail as well. <br />They do not even want a fire to get to the fire walls. He stated 99 percent of fires are controlled <br />by one sprinkler head. He reviewed the insurance savings in residential structures <br /> <br />Councihnember Zimmennan commented this relates to community image. If there is a fire in <br />townhomes there are a certain amount of people that will question if it is safe. The City will do <br />better in thc long run if they can keep that number down. The City is going to high densities and <br />they have to give up something for that. Keeping the units safe is a big concern. <br /> <br />Councilmember Cook noted of 36 communities looking at this ordinance 30 communities have <br />adopted it, 2 are in the process, and 4 have said no. <br /> <br />City Administrator Norman explained there is a significant difference between a developing <br />community and an already developed community, which should be taken into account when <br />comparing the communities that have adopted the ordinance. <br /> <br />Mt'. Schulte stated there are options when adopting the ordinance. One option is for the City to <br />adopt an alternative that applies to 16 units and greater, which a number of the developing cities <br />adopted. The ordinance that affects properties with 8,500 square feet is more restrictive. <br /> <br />City Council Work Session/May 25, 2004 <br /> Page 3 of 6 <br /> <br /> <br />