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City Planner Anderson stated this was not a City requirement. <br />Brandon Sis, 7214 167th Terrace NW, thanked the Commission for their time. He stated his <br />primary reason for making the Variance request was for safety purposes. He explained that last <br />year a brush fire was started on the south side of the pond. He indicated he wanted to keep his <br />rear yard safe for his children and believed a fence was the best option. <br />Jason Hubler, 7218 167th Terrace NW, explained he has lived in his home for the last eight years. <br />He commented on the wetland in his rear yard and how it flooded throughout the year with heavy <br />rains. He discussed how Mr. Sis has begun altering the area abutting the wetland by mowing and <br />pumping. He asked that the City protect this area and not allow a permanent fence to be installed <br />in a protected wetland area. <br />Commissioner Anderson asked if Mr. Hubler had a fence in his rear yard. <br />Mr. Hubler stated he had a two to three-foot plastic white picket fence in his rear yard. He <br />reported that all of the land between his property and the wetland was undisturbed. <br />Commissioner Brauer requested further information on the wetland altering or draining that was <br />conducted by Mr. Sis. <br />Mr. Hubler explained that Mr. Sis had dug a trench in order to put in drain tile, which was <br />removed after receiving complaints. He indicated Mr. Sis has been running a pump with a hose <br />to the pond. <br />Mr. Sis reported he was not aware of what could and could not be done in the wetland area. He <br />stated after installing drain tile he was informed this was not allowed and has since removed the <br />drain tile and restored the area to its original condition. He commented the pump was used to get <br />rid of the standing water in his rear yard after a large rain event. He explained the water was <br />pumped to other areas of his property. He did not believe he has modified the wetland area over <br />time. <br />Catherine Epp, 7158 167th Terrace, stated she formed a petition for this Planning Case. She <br />explained she has lived in her home for nearly eight years and has enjoyed living in Ramsey. She <br />indicated she purchased her lot with the understanding the land behind her home would remain <br />untouched. She expressed concern with how the pond has deteriorated over time and was <br />frustrated by the fact her neighbor was doing things he was not supposed to be doing. She <br />believed the wetland had become an eyesore when it should have remained untouched. She <br />stated that Mr. Sis had removed the natural barrier between his property and the wetland. She <br />provided further comment on how Mr. Sis has been adversely impacting the wetland over the <br />past several years. She expressed frustration with how the City has handled this situation over <br />time and encouraged the Commission to deny the fence request as this would further reduce her <br />property value. <br />Planning Commission/July 6, 2017 <br />Page 4 of 16 <br />