Minutes - Planning Commission - 11/07/1996 - Public Hearing @ 7:47

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CITIZEN INPUT 1) Mr. Bob Tomaszewski, 15645 Yakima Street N.W., Ramsey, requested clarification about the ordinance at hand and how it correlated with the ordinances under Chapters Five and Nine of the Charter. Ms. Frolik responded that Chapter Five addresses junk vehicles and the condition of a property's premises, while Chapter Nme establishes parking regulations on a given property. Commissioner Deemer added that Chapter Nine would still be effective until an ordinance such as the one at hand would supersede/replace it. 2) Mr. Bruce Hoeke, 15901 Sodium Street N.W., Ramsey, indicated he has a fifth wheel recreational vehicle which is parked in his back yard. He added there have been no complaints fi.om his neighbors about his KV. Ms. Frolik clarified if the R.V. is not motorized, a prepared surface is not required to park it in the rear yard. If it is parked in the side yard, however, it would need to be placed on a prepared surface. 3) Mr. Thomas Williams, 5180 157th Lane N.W., Ramsey, cited State Statute 168-10 Subdivision 1.e. He requested definition of the City's understanding of the term "operable" and "running" and how this applies to different types of vehicles such as race cars, antique/classic cars, military vehicles, etc. Mr. W'flliams added there is a big difference between vehicles which will simply start and run and those which are actually safe for road use. As well, he believed there is a correlation between perceived junk yards and decreased property values. Mr. Williams questioned boundaries and suggested anything rural be referred to as "outside the MUSA". He also questioned screening issues and felt they should be further defined. Zoning Administrator Sylvia Frolik responded the MUSA line is much more established in its boundaries. Ms. Frolik read specifics from the State Statute 168-10 Subdivision 1.e which pertains to "outdoor storage" and requires vintage and mih'tary vehicles to be screened. Commissioner Bawden acknowledged there are areas of the ordinance which may require future daritication, and that this could be enacted as an amendment to the ordinance at hand. However, this was a starting place to address already-present issues. 4) Mr. Jim Green, 5850 51st, Ramsey, indicated Champlin has a similar ordinance in place. He pointed out that such an ordinance does not govern the view a person may have of a neighbor's yard as a result of a split level entry house. Instead, the view taken into account would be one fi.om the street only. Another issue to consider is the reasoning for a non-licensed vehicle that is required to be operable, especially when a car is being dismantled for parts to build another car. Ms. Frolik responded that under ordinance, the parts car would need to be stored inside. Chairperson Bawden and Commissioner Deemer stated there was need for officials to compromise on issues, but the main purpose of the ordinance at hand was to address a major existing problem. And that this was a starting place. Mr. Green encouraged officials to look at specific areas in the future. 5) Mr. Dennis V'dhauer, 15340 Ramsey Boulevard, Ramsey, recently purchased a fifth wheel recreational vehicle which is parked on the side yard, which is not on a prepared surface, per proposed ordinance standards. Mr. Vilhauer does not have the ability to move the KV. and will not possess this ability until Planning Commission/November 7, 1996 Page 2 of $