Agenda - Council - 09/10/2019 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Councilmember Heinrich stated that she was onsite for the inspection. She referenced the deck platform and asked if the ordinance interpretation would be different if the deck platform is removed. Community Development Director Gladhill noted that while that could help, the ordinance language applies to the use and therefore removing the deck would not solve the issue. Dave Niles, 15415 St. Francis Blvd. NW, stated that the deck on the camper is not permanent or attached to the camper. He stated that his brother is not in the camper all the time but uses the camper as a place to relax and smoke as smoking is not allowed in the home. He referenced the vehicles behind the garage, noting that all the vehicles will start and drive. He stated that the vehicles are not leaking fluids and are not different from any other vehicles at any other home in Ramsey. Mayor LeTourneau arrived. Councilmember Kuzma asked if the resident would be willing to lay gravel for that parking surface. Mr. Niles confirmed that he would be open to placing gravel in that area. He noted that he would also be willing to install a fence to help screen that area when the leaves fall. He provided details on the material and equipment stored in the trailers, noting that he could move those behind the barn. Councilmember Kuzma stated that he would support the gravel for the parking area along with the fence for screening. He stated that he would also not have a problem with the camper. He asked that the trailers be shifted behind the barn. Councilmember Musgrove asked if the camper could be moved into the lawful noncompliance loop. Community Development Director Gladhill stated that if the Council would like to allow the activities, staff can review the mechanics of how to best allow the activity. Councilmember Musgrove stated that she has concern that if a fence is put up and the trailers moved, that could encourage the resident to multiply that activity. She stated that she would also be concerned with possible contamination of soils. She noted that perhaps both short-term and long-term solutions are reviewed. She agreed that perhaps moving the trailers behind the barn, with the specification that additional vehicles are not added, could be a short-term solution. Councilmember Heinrich stated that she would support moving the trailers as discussed. She stated that if the property owner is willing to install the fence and gravel, she would also support that. She stated that in regards to the camper, she would have a difficult time telling the property owner to remove that item as there are several properties in Ramsey where residents have campers that they hang out in. She stated that perhaps the deck could be removed to minimize the perception that the camper is a permanent structure. City Council Work Session / July 23, 2019 Page 2 of 7