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Board Member Johnson inquired if the Fire Departments primary concern had to do with a fire <br />starting on the roof of the building. <br /> <br />Mr. Streich replied that the Fire Departments primary concern is always rescue. <br /> <br />Mr. Gilbertson stated that the City has a mutual aid agreement with neighboring cities and those <br />cities don't even use their aerial ladder trucks. <br /> <br />Dick Kruger, 7640 145th Lane, Ramsey, stated that his understanding is that the building will <br />have smoke free towers, with hose connections on each floor. <br /> <br />Mr. Streich noted that the Fire Department has not discussed fire suppression with the developer. <br /> <br />Bruce Iverson, 14301 Neon Street, Ramsey, inquired if the only issue regarding the variance had <br />to do with the fire safety issue. <br /> <br />Chairperson Nixt replied that that is predominately the main issue. <br /> <br />Mr. Iverson stated that the 35-foot height restriction was probably put into place for more reasons <br />other than safety concerns. <br /> <br />Chairperson Nixt replied that the primary reason for the 35 foot height restriction does have to do <br />with fire suppression. <br /> <br />Mr. Iverson inquired as to what the benefit would be to the City of Ramsey for allowing them to <br />exceed the 35 foot height restriction <br /> <br />Board Member Johnson inquired if it was Mr. Iverson's opinion that there is no benefit to the <br />City. <br /> <br />Mr. Iverson replied that that was correct. <br /> <br />Board Member Reeve stated that the Board of Adjustment is not there to decide if there is a <br />benefit to granting a variance, but are there to enforce the ordinances on the books and maybe <br />further clarify them. He stated that he did not see the hardship for granting the variance. <br /> <br />John Foley, 5829 142"d Avenue, Ramsey, questioned what the benefit was to the City. He <br />assumed that the height restriction had been in place for a long time and is presuming that the <br />larger building is being proposed so that the developer can receive a higher profit. The developer <br />is asking the City to take on a great risk. If the variance is such a big issue and there are safety <br />concerns what is wrong with saying that if they want to build an apartment they have to limit it to <br />a two-story unit. <br /> <br />Board of Adjustment/June 5, 2001 <br /> Page 8 of 11 <br /> <br /> <br />