Minutes - Council - 07/02/1996 - Joint with Planning Commission

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COUNCH_JCOMMISSION BUSINESS Case #1: Open Forum Discussion Zoning Administrator Sylvia Frolik suggested there be a discussion regarding the proposed ordinance to amend Chapters 5 and 9 of the Ramsey City Code regarding parking and storing vehicles and equipment in Residential Districts. She explained City Council has sent it back to the Planning Commission, commenting on a provision needed for visitors and a possible exemption for commercial vehicles not exceeding 8 feet in height or 22 feet in length. The height and length exemption is a result of a letter received from Minnegasco, who employs many people in this area, and requires them to take their vehicles home. Commissioner Holland asked if there were similar exemptions in other communities. Ms. Frolik referred to the Bloomington city ordinance, "any commercial vehicle that doesn't exceed 8 feet in height and 22 feet in length can be brought home, anything larger than that cannot be brought home". Chairperson Bawden asked if this exception was to be made, where would they draw the line. Commissioner Jensen stated that size should be defined. Ms. Frolik explained the size of the vehicle was easier to enforce than "1 ton". Commissioner Deemer stated the size guidelines were discriminatory and would not hold up in court. Councilrnember Beyer stated that the current proposal would not hold up in court. Commissioner Deemer stated the money that individuals saved by using a company vehicle, rather than funding their own transportation, justified the extra cost to screen that commercial vehicle. Councilmember Beyer stated individuals should not be pe~allzed for using a company vehicle and commented that the majority of Ramsey residents are blue collar workers. Commissioner Deemer stated the 75% screening rule was a small request. Chairperson Bawden stated this topic has been discussed before. Councilmember Beyer relayed that /Vfmnegasco had just heard about this, and many of their employees that brought their vehicles home were on call. Commissioner Jensen stated that these people will have to put their company vehicle in the garage and their family vehicle in the driveway. Councilmember Beyer stated that individuals should not have to store their family vehicle outside. Commissioner Jensen explained that she was concemed that the large vehicles would be an eyesore. Councilmember Beyer replied that was discriminatory. Chairperson Bawden observed both sides of the argument and explained that they needed to agree on where to draw the line. Commissioner Deemer stated the registration of the vehicle would have to be at the address it is parked Joint Meeting/City Council and Planning Commission/July 2, 1996 Page 2 of 6