Minutes - Council - 11/12/1996 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mr. Carlson noted that the easement crosses a natural gas pipeline which feeds the northern suburbs. Permits are required to cross such pipelines with heavy equipment in a wetland. It is a dangerous situation for the safety of the gas line. City Attorney Goodrich asked if Mr. Carlson has reported this information to NSP. He would like to make sure this information is reported, as the pipeline is NSP's jurisdiction. They should be aware of this activity to determine whether Mr. Peterson has this right. He further advised Mr. Carlson to retain an attorney if Mr. Peterson is trespassing on his property. He explained that City police cannot resolve the issue unless a criminal law is violated. Mr. Carlson asked if liability insurance is needed to turn an agricultural area into a commercial traffic way on his property and turn a driveway into a road. City Attorney Goodrich responded that there is a statute of farm law that includes Christmas trees as selling produce, The easement is a separate issue from Mr. Peterson's right to sell. If he lives on the property, he has that fight to sell Christmas trees. If he does not live there, the City will enforce the appropriate laws. The City does not have any regulations pertaining to a private easement. If commercial business is conducted which requires a permit, then the City will enforce the requirements pertaining to road safety for customers coming and going. Mr. Carlson asked if there is a sign ordinance regarding advertising. City Attorney Goodrich stated that there is an extensive sign ordinance regarding advertising which Zoning Administrator Frolik can address. Mr. Wayne Jeffrey, 15921 Kamacite Street NW, stated that he is the owner of Ramsey Drug and has been in the City for 17 years. In 1985, the Allina Clinic asked him if he would like to participate in putting a sign on Highway 47 to list his business. He agreed to participate, and the sign is there today. Now the clinic has been sold, and the new owner has decided to reface the sign with no other business listed. This decision will impact his business, and he regrets his decision to participate in the cost of the sign. He would like to know what options are available to him to get his name in front of the community and let people know where his pharmacy is located. Approximately 40 percent of his business is customers who do not use the clinic. The new City sign ordinance prohibits him from putting his own sign on Highway 47. Although there is a sign on his building, the building is not visible from the Highway. Mayor Hardin asked if the clinic owns the land where the existing sign is posted or if the present owner has been contacted about the sign. Mr. Jeffrey replied that it is his belief that they do not own the land but have an agreement with the owner to retain the sign. Zoning Administrator Frolik stated that Mr. Jeffrey's position is similar to what will be needed by surrounding property when it is devdoped, which is identification advertising on Highway 47. At that City Council/November 12, 1996 Page 4 of 15