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COUNCIL/COMMISSION BUSINESS <br /> <br />Case #1: Appeals Board <br /> <br />Councilmember Haas Steffen explained that many Minnesota townships have an appeals board <br />to resolve or conduct a second hearing for some of the situations that come before their planning <br />and zoning. Councilmember Haas Steffen suggested considering an appeals board process which <br />would occur between the Planning Commission and the City Council levels in Ramsey. <br /> <br />Zoning Administrator Frolik explained that there are several provisions in City Code for an <br />appeals board. She advised that the City was unable to fill the Building Board of Appeals due to <br />lack of interest. Another appeals board is the Board of Adjustment which is comprised of the <br />Planning Commission members, and they act on variance requests. The third provision for an <br />appeals board in City Code acts on all other issues in the zoning chapter generally, and it is <br />supposed to be comprised of the Planning Commission. <br /> <br />Councilmember Haas Steffen suggested the make-up of the general appeals board could be <br />members from the Planning Commission, City Council, and citizens at large. She noted that <br />townships usually have three members, however, due to the size of Ramsey, perhaps five <br />members would be appropriate. <br /> <br />Discussion ensued regarding the cost of the land use application process and whether residents <br />are not using it because of the economic risk factor of being denied. <br /> <br />Councilmember Zimmerman suggested researching state statutes to determine whether the <br />appeals board can come between the Planning Commission and the City Council. <br /> <br />Commissioner Thorud believed an appeals board should be considered but that it should be made <br />up only of members of the Planning Commission and Council. <br /> <br />Commissioner Jensen stated she would like to see a layperson on the board. <br /> <br />Councilmember Haas Steffen suggested that Staff research the appeals board make-up and <br />process from the various townships. <br /> <br />Commissioner Terry was concerned that an appeals board decision overturning the Planning <br />Commission's decision might open the City up for a lawsuit. <br /> <br />Councilmember Zimmerman explained that a zoning decision is not something that can be <br />applied to an appeals board. <br /> <br />Mayor Gamec directed Staff to get information regarding scope and structure of the board, what <br />can be appealed, and in what order the process should occur. <br /> <br />City Council-Planning Commission/August 6, 1997 <br /> Page 2 of 6 <br /> <br /> <br />