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10/19/1999 - City Council Special {)0305 MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING OF THE EAGAN CITY COUNCIL EAGAN, MINNESOTA October 19, 1999 A special meeting of the Eagan City Council was held on Tuesday, October 19, 1999 at 4:45 p.m. at the Eagan Municipal Center Building. Present were Mayor Awada and Councilmembers Bakken, Blomquist, Carlson and Masin. Also present were Senior Planner Ridley and City Administrator Hedges. Also present were Advisory Planning Commission members Carla Heyl, Ron Miller, Gail Anderson, Larry Frank, Meg Tilley, Gary Huusko and Planner Kirmis. AGENDA Councilmember Masin moved, Councilmember Bakken seconded a motion to approve the agenda as presented. Aye: 5, Nay: 0 VISITORS TO BE HEARD Mayor Awada acknowledged visitors to be heard noting there was no one present for this portion of the agenda. REVIEW PROPOSED ORDINANCES Property Maintenance, Vehicle Storage, Accessory Building City Administrator Hedges provided an overview on the three (3) ordinances that have been under review by the Advisory Planning Commission during the past several months. He stated that the ordinances include Property Maintenance, Vehicle Storage and Accessory Buildings. Mayor Awada recognized members of the Planning Commission who were present to participate in a joint meeting for the purpose of reviewing each of the proposed ordinances and including any additional comments and revisions before public hearings are scheduled later in 1999. Senior Planner Ridley provided background on each of the three (3) proposed ordinances. Planning Commission Chairperson Carla Heyl stated that the City needs to be sensitive to its neighborhoods and would encourage press releases for the newspapers, cable TV and City newsletters so the public is aware of the regulatory language contained in each of the three proposed ordinances. Councilmember Blomquist asked how the City intends to enforce the ordinances. Chairperson Heyl stated on a case by case basis. Councilmember Bakken stated that it is his suggestion that the City decide on a basis where the City enforces if there is a neighborhood complaint. Council member Carlson agreed with this approach and stated that over time the community will tell the story and it may mean additional staff needs if enforcement becomes a greater issue. Special City Council Meeting Minutes October 19, 1999 Page 2 OU30G Commission member Frank stated that outside storage can be in the eyes of the beholder giving the example of wood that might be an eyesore to a neighbor, but is used as a major heating source by the resident who owns a wood burning stove. Council member Masin asked if the City has regulations regarding the location for planting trees on private property that can impact adjoining property owners. Council member Carlson raised a question regarding storage of vehicles that exceed 9,000 pound weight limitations. Senior Planner Ridley stated that the City Code currently regulates the storage of commercial vehicles and that the proposed ordinance intends to regulate the storage of non-commercial vehicles in excess of a certain gross vehicle weight primarily due to the bulk or scale of such vehicles in relation to the character and scale of a neighborhood. Council member Carlson suggested that set backs on swimming pools be reduced since they are properly enclosed due to uniform code requirements. She further suggested that the City give consideration to providing a public storage location for boats, RV's and other recreational items. City Administrator Hedges stated that EZ Air Park, located on Lexington and north of Lone Oak Road, provides an outside storage opportunity for people with recreational vehicles. Chairperson Heyl clarified that the proposed ordinance does not prohibit the storage of boats, RV's, etc. on a residential property, but rather defines performance standards that must be met. Planning Commission member Meg Tilley suggested that the City provide a handout on the three (3) ordinances so that the public is informed of the proposed changes. Mayor Awada asked if these ordinances could help properties similar to a residence in Highview that was overrun by weeds, bad paint and a dilapidated outdoor swimming pool. Senior Planner Ridley stated that this ordinance does provide the ability to enforce cleanup given the type of violations that occurred on the Highview parcel. Planning Commission Chairperson Heyl stated that the ordinance needs to include a special assessment alternative so the City can enforce the ordinances and assess the cost if necessary. After further review and consideration by the Planning Commission and City Councilmembers, there was consensus that these items would be presented to the public as a Public Hearing before the Advisory Planning Commission and that ample notification would be given to the community. OTHER BUSINESS There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 5:45 p.m. October 19, 1999 Date ~TUI ~ City clerk