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Presentation Principal Planner Trudgeon stated that The Lord of Life Church has submitted an application to receive a variance from the height restrictions in order to construct a seniors apartment building on their property. The proposed building will be located east of the current church building and along State Hwy. 47. City Code restricts the height of structures to 35 feet. The applicant has proposed to construct an apartment building that will reach a height of about 52 feet at the peak of the roof. The apartment building proposed to be constructed will be a three-story, 47-unit apartment building designed for senior citizens. The peak of the roof for the apartment building will be 52 feet tall at its greatest height. City Code restricts building height to 35 feet; therefore Lord of Life Church will need a seventeen (17) foot variance to be able to construct the apartment building as designed. The Fire Chief indicates that the maximum reach capability of the Fire Department for fire suppression and rescue operations is 35 feet. The Fire Chief has concerns regarding the possible impairment of fire suppression activities resulting from equipment that cannot reach the roofline and the difficulty in rescuing tenants on the third floor of the apartment building. However, Fire Chief Dean Kapler has noted that the City of Ramsey's preliminary budget includes the purchase of an aerial ladder truck in 2002. Given that fact, the Fire Chief is willing to support the request for variance as long as the aerial ladder track remains in the 2002 budget. It should also be noted that Ramsey has a joint powers agreement with the Anoka and Andover Fire Departments for emergency assistance and those departments do have aerial ladder trucks with reach capabilities in excess of 52 feet. Based on the Ramsey Fire Department's comments, City Staff recommends approval of the variance. Fire Chief Dean Kapler stated that preliminary discussions would indicate that apparatus needed to give the department the capability for fire and rescue operations for this height is in the budget and would be discussed the next evening. He stated he would like to support this type of building, but it would put public and fire fighters in an unsafe situation. If the equipment remains in the budget, he would feel comfortable supporting this development. Citizen Input Tom Wagener, 7250 181 st Avenue, Ramsey, stated he does not see that an approval can be made without the equipment in possession. Chairperson Nixt clarified that Mr. Wagener's objection is based on lack of safety equipment. Mr. Wagener confirmed. Motion by Board Member Kociscak, seconded by Chairperson Nixt, to close the public hearing. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Chairperson Nixt, Board Members Kociscak, Reeve and Watson. Voting No: None. Absent: Board Members Johnson and Sweet. The public hearing closed at 7:27 p.m. Board of Adjustment/September 10, 2001 Page 6 of 8