Minutes - Council - 04/14/1998 - Laserfiche WebLink

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ramifications would be to adopt an i/legal ordinance. He did not know if any action would be taken at all. Gary Lien, 14620 Bowers Drive NW, Ramsey, stated that Bowers Drive was platted in 1948, and all lots were recorded with Anoka County. Since the property was platted in 1948, certain legislature has come about, for example the Shoreland Act, the City's ordinances, the executive orders of Governors Anderson and Quie, and also Minnesota Rules. He referred to Mr. Hovey's letter and commented that the Minnesota rules are not up to date. He stated that we have a legislation that the DNR wants to continue because it gives them power and authority in terms of this area. He stated this rule has been struck down in court cases. He noted the 200' setback requirement which he said expired in 1979 after Govemor Quie. He stated he (Lien) sent a letter to Ms. Frolik when the City was going to begin its review of the existing river ordinances. He applied for a variance last year and he wished the City ordinance would have been updated. The DNR used the setbacks against him. He suggested the residents on Bowers Drive should have the same setbacks as residents in Elk River and Dayton. He asked Council to introduce the ordinance that would give Ramsey residents the same setbacks as their neighboring cities. He suggested that Mr. Hovey's letter is an attempt to coerce the City Council. Mayor Gamec felt that the setbacks should be uniform along the whole river. Mr. Hovey stated there's a reason for the 200 foot setbacks. Mr. Quie's legislation did expire in 1979. The reason for the setback is you did not get approval under the critical fiver rules by the Metropolitan Council. These rules are out dated and that's why we are in the process of revising them. We feel they should be reviewed/revised in an orderly manner -- not in piecemeal. We also recognize the need for change. Mayor Gamec stated that because of the location of the property, he would not have a problem adopting this proposed ordinance. Mr. Hovey expressed concern about destroying sight lines. Mr. Lien stated that variances and building permits are two different things. He felt that agreements could be negotiated between neighbors instead of something dictated from St. Paul. Mr. Mueller, 14650 Bowers Drive NW, Ramsey, talked about buying lots next to your own for an ultimate investment. He suggested Council should adopt the ordinance as requested by Mr. Lien. Ms. Frolik explained that the City is currently working with the DNR, EQB and the Metropolitan Council to update the Mississippi River ordinance. Mr. Hovey is saying it's premature to "nit- pick" this. All of these things requested may come about anyway. She reminded Council there is a MNRAA meeting scheduled for April 30. Motion by Councilmember Zimmerman and seconded by Councilmember Beyer to refer this discussion to Mr. Hoisington, who is working on the City's Comprehensive Plan, and also not to make any decisions until after a report from the MNRRA meeting is received. City Council/April 14, 1998 Page 10 of 17