HomeMy WebLinkAboutSP March 30, 1989
~
~ March 24, 1989
Honorable Mayor and
Members of the City Council
Andover City Hall
1685 Crosstown Boulevard
Andover, Minnesota 55304
Dear Sirs & Madame;
It has come to my attention that the City of Andover may soon
be facing some difficult decisions with regard to the Bruce
Hay property located to the southwest of Round Lake in
Sections 29 and 30,
Over the past several years a number of us who have been
active in opposing high density housing on this parcel have
been sitting back trusting that the city would negotiate an
acceptable compromise with Mr. Hay, It now appears that
those efforts have been unsuccessful.
Before I make some recommendations on what options the city
has at this point, I need to provide some prospective on how
things got to where they are, I would like to indulge your
patience to read the following chronology of events as seen
from the eyes of an adjoining property owner:
Sometime in the late '60s Bruce Hay purchased from Rosella
Sonsteby the property in question,
Bruce Hay purchased the property for a price that was based
on allowed uses of agricultural or low density single family
housing. The total purchase price paid for this property was
probably between $15,000 and $30,000.
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On or about April 17, 1970 Mr, Hay applied for a special use
permit to develop a mobile home park on this'property, In
August of 1970 approval was given to another mobile home park
development in Grow Township (Andover), In December of that
year the Planning and Zoning Board denied Mr, Hay's
application for a special use permit for a mobile home park.
In June of 1971 Mr, Hay sued the Township of Grow, arguing
that since one mobile home park permit had been issued he
should be entitled to one also, The City appealed the
decision. twice and lost both times. I have attached some of
the judgments to this letter along with the Grow Township
defense argument in District Court. The Township issued a
special use permit to Bruce Hay on August 19, 1974,
It did not however change the Township zoning maps to reflect
this new approved use.
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The adjoining parcels of land that became Lund's Round Lake
Estates and Johnson-Oakmount Terrace were at this time
undeveloped.
When I began looking for a homesite in 1977 I, like many
others, was attraoted to the Lund development. I, like
several others, went to the Andover City Offices and asked to
see the zoning map for the city so that I would be aware of
what development could take place in the surrounding area.
The Hay paroel was zoned R-l. Based on this information I
purohased our lot from Lund.
It was only after our home was built that I learned that
possibly I would be looking at a mobile home park in my
backyard. I was outraged and called the city to try and
understand how they could act so irresponsibly as to not
put people on notice of that possible use. I was informed
that the issue had been discussed when Lund's plot came up
for approval (presumably in a City Council Meeting) and that
the sense was that to change the zoning map may have a
adverse effect on Lund's ability to market the property and
consequently open the city to damages from the developer,
Damages for making an honest disclosure of allowed uses!
This is one reason why I was particularly disturbed to read
in Judge Leslie's recent decision that "all property owners
were on notice that Hay's land was subject to a special use
permit for a mobile home park." (page 15). As far as
property owners in Lund's goes this was definitely not the
fact and should have been pointed by the City's legal council
when the case was argued, That information may have had an
influence on the decision,
There is evidence that misrepresentations were made to
homeowners who purchased properties in Johnson's Oakmount
Terrace. While Bruce Hay claims that he told everyone that
purchased a lot from him that there could be a mobile home
park on the adjacent property, the fact of the matter is
that Hay sold very few if any of the lots to homeowners
himself, Most of the lots were sold by Ms, Johnson or
Wicklund Construction. I have been told that in certain
cases quite different representations were made, Ask
yourself; if you were selling homes or lots next to a
potential mobile home park what would you say?
o
I for one am frustrated and disappointed by the City's
failure to deal with this situation with aggressive legal
action, The City's legal representation apparently has been
more focused on limiting the potential liability threatened
by Mr. Hay than representing the interest of all of Andover's
residents, Who represented the homeowners interests?
.
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Many of us are supportive of the City Council and want to
help in whatever way we can to work toward a compromise use
of this property that is fair to everyone.
Where do we go from here?
Recommendations:
1. The City Council should continue to negotiate with Mr,
Hay for other uses of the property that would provide him an
adequate return on his investment. This could include some
high density housing (even multiple housing) if sewer is
going to be brought to the property, A planned unit
development that keeps the borders with Lund's and Oakmount
at a R-2 density (single family homes on one acre lots) would
probably be acceptable to the neighborhood and minimize the
risk to the city of neighborhood legal action.
2. The City Council should make it clear to Mr. Hay that if
a mobile home park is constructed that it must include all
reasonably required services at his expense, This would
include a severe weather safety structure, Park dedications
should be taken so as to minimize the detrimental impact to
the property values of the adjoining property owners, A
buffer area with attractive visual barriers should be
required and approved by the neighborhood,
3. As I have said several times in the past an appeal or
retrial of the initial suit should be started. At the time
of the original decision there was no development on
adjoining properties and this fact was an important
consideration in the original decision (see Article XIV in
attached District Court Decision 8/11/1971).
Bruce Hay himself took actions or allowed actions to be taken
that changed the facts that were the basis for the original
decision.
The City must give serious consideration to this option.
o
And finally, there is a moral and ethical issue here, Mr.
Hay argues that the City of Andover has an obligation to
provide low cost house to lower income families, and Mr, Hay
is the one who can provide it if only the city would stop
fighting his mobile home park, However, Mr. Hay's attorneys
argued in his most recent suit against the city that he has
suffered over $1,328,000 in lost income from the potential
mobile home park due to the city's refusal to grant him
access to sewer in 1981. I ask the city council members;
Where would this $1,328,000 come from? Clearly this money
would come from the rent paid by low income families for a
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piece of land to place their mobile home on. If the city
truly wants to provide responsible low cost housing options
how can it tolerate such profits being made off of those in
the most difficult of financial positions. Would not the
interest of low income housing be better served by having the
city develop a mobile home park and offer the sites at cost?
The last time I checked, the owner of record of the property
in question is the JBH Round Lake Development Corporation,
Their address is 4550 Central Ave. N.E" Columbia Heights,
MN. (about 6-10 blocks south of 694). I would encourage
each one of the city council members to take a few minutes
and drive by 4550 Central. You will find the trip well worth
your time!
If any of you would like to discuss any issues raised here
please call me, I would also be happy to host a meeting
where city council members could meet with area property
owners.
'Best Regards,
~~ )1~
Peter Rauen
4110 147th Ln. N,W.
427-5754
o
TERSON & KALINA
:.: 1:1.1 T I 'JIil"-lL y~:) Af I j\VI/ :.._
1-:=1 "-"'Lul'~xj
IJDI)glds ,,), P,-,LuI':o;un
Run,;hj S. Kalina
W,lli.., n C~. MOOI '8
April 18, 1980
~3Leplmn M. Hdlsey
lIonorable ~l,.yor and
~lel1lbc['s of the CI ty COllnc i I
Andover City Hall
1685 Cl-osstown Boulevard
Anoka, Minnesota 55303
Gentlemen:
Hr. Lee Warneka, 14791 Blackfoot Street N.W., Andover, Minnesota 55303 has retaillcd
me regarding the possible rezoning of a large parcel of land in Andover tri an R-4
zone. The particular piece of property that most affects Hr. Harneka is the proper-
ty located to the southwest of Round Lake in Sections 29 and 30, which Is presently
zoned R-l.
I t is my understanding that there \~as a mobile home park special use permi t issued
to the owners of Sections 29 and 30 in August of 1974 as a result of a Minnesota
Supreme Court decision of March 26, 1973.
Hr. and Mrs. Harneka and many other families bava, \,-ithin the last: three YCi.ll-S, pur-
.chased expensive single family !WJlIC:s adjacent to ilnd near the iHea d"cdglld' ed by the
:;;pecial use permit.
Although Sections 29 and 30 are, and have been since October 21, 1':170, designated as
being zoned R-l, the special use permit apparently allows the construction of a mo-
bile home park. I realize the City had no choice but to issue the permit pursuant to
the decision of the Supreme Court. However. because the Andover zoning ordinance
adopted October 21, 1970 does not include a mobile home park as a permitted use in an
R-l zone, neither my client nor any other individual purchasing a lot for a single
family home in the area had a~ notice that they wel-e purchal;ing property next to a
potential trailer park.
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The zoning ordinance made it clear to these people that the property they purchased
was not zoned tei allow a trailer park; a trailer park was not a permitted ul;e within
the zone, and Hr. and HI'S, Warneka and other families had no reason wlwtsoever to be
on notice that a trailer park could be constructed on Sections 29 and 30. The City
took no actiun_ whatever to put Hr., and !-Irs. I-Ianwka and other famil ies on notice of
a potential trailer. park located virtually in their hDckya~d.
It is my IInderstanding that the rezoning, b(~cause of the reduction i.n'the mlIllmum
lot sizes, very well may result in the ecollomic feasibility of bdnging public sani-
tary sewer and water lines into Sectiolls 29 and 30, thereby allowing con:;trllction of
the trailer park.
, '"
; ',! 1G dDt t, AVE,NUE NDHTIIf.::AS r CUI. L JMl'llA ; II )(31" E,)
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rVlFJL~3.
MINf'-.J1' ~')(J r A
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"
. Hon. Nayor and Council
April 18, 19HO
Page 2
Unless rezuning is acc(lmplished in a malineI' \,'hich positively precludes the construc-
tion of a trailer park in Sections 29 and 30, Nr, Warneka is very "wch opposed to
the rez.onIng. If a trailer park is constructed in the area, Nr. \~arneka \.wuld very
serIously consider legal action for damages against any party involved in failing to
put him on notice regarding the special use permIt.
Therefore, 1 urge you to not take any action which would result in the construction
of a trailer paL'k on St,,:tions 29 and 30,
Very tn.ly yours,
Douglas J. Peterson
IJJP/jm
cc: William Hawkins,
Andover City Attorney
/
O,:,.;':'E OF ~:!:\:\::S"':'.;
COUKTY OF 1,!'\OKA
0: S'':'Z".GC': ccur.~':'
Tr:~':'H =:;DIC!l~!.. Ii:S':':-<:C':
3::,uce B.. Hay, e~ al,
Plaintiffs,
-vs-
v?:FE:\!);'.~~? I 5 :~;::.:0?;.;~~t:~.~
OF lJ..\\' faD l-.RG;;;.:E~;':
~ow~ship of Grow,
et aI,
Defendants.
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The above entitled matter c~~e en for trial on t~e 2ls~
cay of June, 1971, be=o~e the Honorable Leonarc J. ^eyes, Jucge 0=
:>ist=ict Court..
Wy~an A. s~ith appeared as attC=uey fer ?lai~~i==s
anc ^icha~d A. Beans o~ Eabcock, Lochar, Keilscn & ~:~~nella, lle
~ast ~ain Street, Anoka, Minnesota, appeared as attorney for
;:)e::enc.ants.
All relevant facts were stipulated by a~c between the
attorneys for the par~ics and r~ad into t~e re~c=d.
?u::suant -:.0
the i~struc~ions ot Ju~ge Ke~es, Deie~cant he=ew~~~ su~=its the
=ollowing ~emorandu~ of Law.
:;:;:GRODUCTIO:-i
:~ ~~e ~~5tant case, Plaintiffs _have a::eged :na~ ~~e
~o~~s~:? c= G=cw.s ce~ial 0= ~~ei~ a?plica~~c~ =c~ a 5?eC~a: use
::e~:7.:': ~c C?c=a~e a ::'lo;;:'J.e ho::.e parj{ was 1Ic:.:"b:.-:.=e..:::y a:i':: ca?:::.c:.ous"
as a ~~:-:.a~ 0= :~~ ~~d a ce~ial 0: e~~G.~ ?rc~~c~:
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~~e a??:~c~:~~~ ~as c=~~~~~=e~
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2. ?:~i~-:.i==s allege -:.nat De=enca~~$ =a~:e~ t~ iss~~
G..:'".y
1I:::'~c.i::SSIl
0= ::,,::,::,sC:'".S
ce::.:..al.
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Qing
?laintii=s allege that Da=c~cants sole roczv~ :or
their applicatlon was the :act that a ?=~vious s~e~~l uze
3.
:,pe=;r.it :or the purpose of operating a mob~' - "<-",.e !>,.t.: r.ad ;:,een
~ssu~d to anoth~r c?plicant.
:~.; :ltain their o.::nial of Plaintiff's z.??lication was a =(:usv~.~:.le
Defencants ceny each of these allega~ion5 a~d, furt~~r,
exercise of the 7o~nship's police powers.
z=gu~entG, ~ short review 0: the role played ;:,y speciz.l use ?~:~.~S
Before d~recting our attention to Plaintiff's inaiviG~al
::::.:nn 152, 167 N\\2d ~5 (1969), the }:innesota Sup=e:o... Court st,,';:"';'
~~. zoning control is in order,
...Jl ~ V~. ~ ~ ~~a1,' 283
"?hev (s';)ecial use ';)o?r"..i.t:s) are c.::siC;~.ec to =.eet
~~e ;ro~iern which arises "~e~e certain cses,
althOUC;h generally co~patible with the bas~C use
classification of a particular ZO:le, shoulc not
be located as a matter of riqht (underlining mine)
in everv area includec wi~h~n the zo~e ~ecause
of hazardS inherent in the use itself or special
';)roble~s which its ';)=ooosed location mav ';)resent.
EY this cevice, cer~ai; uses (e.g.. gasoline service
s~ati?ns, electric su~stations, h07P~tal~~ ~chools,
c~~rc~es, cou~~~y clu~s, a~d c~e l~ke) ~~~c~ ~~y
be consice=ed e$sentially desira~le to t~e
co~~u~itv shoulc no~ ~eauthc=~zec ce~e=al:v in
a particular zone because of consic;ratio~s' such
as cu~~ent o~ anticipated traffic congestion,
~c~~la~ion de~sitv, r.oise, ef=ect on ac~oi~i~c
iand values, or other consideratio~s ~r.~olv~~g
public health, safety or general wel:are, ~ay be
permitted upon a proposed site ce?e~ci~g ~?O~
the ::acts and circu:nstances of the ?articular case,"
.
nc;n~n~stcri~g a zoning ordinance has broad ciscrctionnry power
I~ is obvious from the foregoing, tha~ the ~ocy
to gr~~t or ccny an application for a special use pcr:n~t.
J\:.s~
ilS o;,'!',ously, t.he aclrnir.istering body cannot deny an a?plic"''tOio:'l
. . ..
:.:.~:...~'.. ..~.:.. J.y.
ii<J'I,(.:vcr, 'the: lJurcJ.cn or zho\...ir.g ~~;;..i :,:'::.t" i:"'.c:~~.:J ~......:.5
Zvlka vs. Ci~v ~ c=vs~al, S~?=a., ? 5~.
~~~~ ~~e ?l~~~~~=f.
~~a~ co~sti~u~~Z an a~bitrary cenial?
o
11.,. c.ar..:.al \-Joule. be a=bitrary, for e:-:z.::-:ple, ......
~as ~s~ablisheo ~hat all 0= t~e sta~da~ds s~e=ifiec
by the ordi~ance as a condition to grant~nc-t~e
- - --, ~ ,.. . -- ~ ,- . . - . ~
;-'c_..._- ..;~,:e ;::lee:: a,o..c,:. ...::.e:: ":.:lE: o~c:':"oa~ce c.oes
~C~ s?a=~=Y stancarcs, as ~s us~al~v ~~a case
~~~l;:~~:~~;;.~;~ri~:=~~a~~~;:~~:~~~:~~t~~t;;?;~~::
o
wh~n th~ eV1Q~nCa prcscnt~d at ~r.e hearing ~~fore
the 1.:unicipal govc::ning body end the t"c.:ViC\lli::g
Court cstablis]les that the requested UE~ iz
co:noati~le \.,rith the basic uze l.I".Jtr.orizc::c1 \tlithin
t~e.particular zone and docs not cnd~ngcr the
oublic health or safety or the general welfare
of ~he area affected or the com..T,uni ty z:.s a \-lbole."
l-.RGU:I,ENT
1, 'i'!;Z JI.PPLICABLE TOl,,\SnIP OF G~OW ZO!\Il\G O~OI:\l-.l';CE DOES
?"OVI~;:: A ?i<OCEOURE A;,O STJI.:\:JARD FO,< THE ISSU.z.:\CE OF S?ZCIl-.L US;::
?ER)~:7S .
The Township of Grow ZONING PLAN AND C~!FO~~ EUI~~I~G
COD~, ADO?T~D JU~E 20, 1950, with su~sequent a~enc~ents, was
ir..~rocuced as a joint e)~hibit at t:=ial. It has been sti?ula~ec
t~at saic o=ci~ance ~as i~ effect at the ti~e 0= Plaintiff's
a??licatio~ a~d u~til Janua=y 1, 1971, ~cen De=cncant adoptee a
~ew corr.?=er.ens~ve zon~n; coce.
Sec. 2-44 (a) of the TOwns:.~? of
G:OW'S Zc~in~ Plan and U~iior~ Buildi~g Coce se~s o~t ?rocec~~es
anc stancarcs for the issuance of a special us~ ?er~i~.
I~ proviees
as follov.'s:
1l2-~4 (a) Application for the issuance of a s?ecial use
permit shall be ffiace to the Tow~ ?lan~ing and Zo~i~g
Co~issioni provided that the proceedings to classify
certain uses as conforming uses as provided i~ t~is
section may be initiated either by ap?licant 0= by
the Town Boa~c or by said co~ission. S~ie co~~issio~
~av hold such hcarincs on t~e nro~osal to issue a
spacial use permit a; it ~ay consider necessary;
but at least one public hearing shall be ~elc O~ .
~ny application for the use permit =or ~~e estab~is~~ent
0= any use for which special use pe~mits are recu~=aCa
:cllowing t~e afo=esaid hearing, t~e saic co~~i~sio~
s~all ~ake a report to the Town 3oa~d u~c~ a D=c~o5al
anc s~al1 recoillrnena to the Town Bca=d wha~ever ac~ic~
it cee~s advisable; but it s~all not ~eco~~end ~~e
sran~ing of a permit unless it fincs that t~e
~sta~lish~ent, ~ainte~ance, 0= concuc~~~c c= ~~e ~5e
fc: which the special use ?ercit is souS;~ \:i:: ~O~
~~~:~_anr ci:c~w~tance~.cf th~ ?artic~l~= 7~s~ be
ce..._~~.;~n...al ,:,0 toe pub..1..l.c \-lelza:::e 0= .l.::':.Ju:,.l.c',,:,s -='0
?=o?er~y O~ .l.ffi?=ove~ents in the neighbc=hooc. ..1....
~ay cesig~ate co~citio~s a~c reaui=e gua=a~tees i~
~~e s=a~ting of special ~se permitsa G~on =eCe~~t
c= ~he ~e?crt 0= said cor~issio~, ~he Town 3ca=c-
.shall ho~d whateve= pcblic hea=incs ~~ cee~s ~tvisable
a:;.c 'shall. r:ia}:e a decisio:1 U'OO:1 the n::'o"Oosals~c
sra~~ a special use ?e=~i~a- If i~ ~~~ds ~~a~ ~~e
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conditions exist which are necessary unuer this
section before said commission may reco~~cnd the
oranting of a special use permit, the Town ~oard
;":1\, grant the special use permit and it mny ..ttach
to' the permit such conditions and guar..r.tces as it
deems necessary to substantially secure the objects
of this resolution."
It should be noted that the standard set out in Sec,
2-44 (a) is substantially similar to the judicial standard stated
in ~, supra., p, 49,
Beth are gene.ric in nature and speak
in broad terms of "public welfare". Both are constructed
so as to allow the governing body the right to consider any
relevant factors concerning applicant's case which may have ar.y
ultimate bearing on public welfare,
As can be seen from the' foregoing, Plaintiff's contention
that the Township of Grow
Zoning Ordinance contains no
standard ior the issuance of special use permits is totally without
~erit. The ordinance does contain a standard. Even if it did not
have a standard, that fact would be of no legal effect. The Court
'.
in ~ recognizes the fact that many zoning ordinances do not
contain sufficient standards, and as a consequence, imposes a
judicial standard to be applied in such cases,
2. liT TIlE 'fINE DEFENDlINT DENIED PLlIINTIFF' S APPLICA'rION
FOR A SPECIAL USE PERMIT, "FINDINGS" AND REASONS SUFFICIE:NT AS
A ~~TTER OF LAWh~RE PROVIDED TO PLAINTIFF,
Based upon the holding in ~ vs, ~ of, Crvstal, supra.,
Plaih~iff has strenuously argued that the Grow 70wn Board's denial
of his requested permit on January 11, 1971, was made without
:inc~nss of fact. Plaintiff's argument seems to presume that the
~ case requires the Town Board to accompa~y a cenial of an
application for a special use pe~rnit with formal, written,
syllogistic Findings 0= Fact, Conclusions 0= Law and O~Qe= for
J'ucS'::Jent so ::aInl.liar to law~"er5 and judges. A review of the
=inal paragraph in ~ clearly indicates that the Cou~t did not
i~tend so narrow a construction.
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l'~ccor~ingly, we hold ~h~t ~hc tri~l Court correctly
~nvaliestcd ~he denial of the perMit ~~C&USC ~~e uc~ivn
of the council ~as so arbitrary as a ~att~r\of law.
It ~as not ~ccornpanied by written Find~ngE of Fact
snacifving the reason or reasons for the denial nor
"~s a~v oral statement of such rccson ~ace by the
r.:a\'or or any !:lemer of the council conter..;:>ora:-:eollsly
~i~h the denial nor was there su~=icic~t cvi~cnce p~csented
at trial to co~pel a finding by the Co~rt that t~e
iSSuance of th~ oer~it would acv~rsely af:cct t~c
public health or. safety or general welfare of t~e
CO::ui.unity.1I
r:he ~ requirement oi "fincinc;s" can c.p?are:ntly ::.e
fulfilled in a~y one of three differe~t ways; first, by writta~
:i~dings of Fact, or second, by oral stat~~ent of t~e governi..g
body ~ace co~~em?oraneously with t~e denial or, lastly, by evidence
p=esa~~ec at ~rial.
It is Defendant's co~t6ntio~ that Plaint~ft
\.;as p::'ovioec. 'vIi th legally sufficient reasons or II .findings II which were
?~esented O~ all three occasions.
~he Pla~ning and Zoning Boare minutes of Dece~~er 29,
1970, w~~ch we:e i~~=oduced into evice~ce at t=ial, con~ain a copy
of t~e ~oard's written report to the ~own Boare. This sta~es as
a \-.~=it-=.er.. =eason 0: "finc.:":igU for de:-:.ial that II.. .\'le ::ave 2P?rOVec.
of o~e ~obile ho~e park and are not certain if tow~shi? can ha~c~e
=esulta~t rapid increase of population if two ~o~ile ho~e pa~ks are
a21o\..~ac. at this ti~e. II
?~is written finding was t~a~s~ittee to
t~e ~ow~ Board ana adopted by refere~ce at the ti~e of denial of
Ja~~ary 11, 1971.
The Town Board minutes of that date reflect
". ..
~:::.s =ac~.
Fu=~he=, the Decerr~er 29, 1970,Minutes of t~e Pla~~i~g
and Zo~i~g Eoa=a state t~at Plainti=f Hay speci=ically asked the
~oa=d s~c=e~ary, Robert Ritner, to state his ::'easo~s for ~oving
to =ecc~~e~~ a ce~ial.
The ~inutes =u=t~e= reflect tha~ Plai~~if=
~ay =ece~vec a verzal e^?~anatic~ at the ~eeting~
T::.e ':'0\'::1. :='oa:c
~~~~~~S c= =a~ua=y 11, 1971, state the P1ainti== Eay ~as ?resa~t
a,':. sa:..c. ::-.eetir.g ~
~~e ~inutes fu=ther ::e::lect that t~e To~~ 3oa=d
c.i$cusse~ a 'vlic.e --range 0:: factors \"hic~ ::elate to public ,.:elfa=e
~~d w~ic~ ~ere o~viously cC:1.sidered l~ the board's =inal cecisic~
-:c t~:-.~'
0-..--
?~a~~~i=='s a??lic~~io~.
;....~cns O~.-6a::s, t~ey C.iSC"o.:.!;5C='
..".. :;.t.1~:..cipa~ se=v~cc:s, ?op~:atio:-. de~Ei ~y I taxes sc::e=z,,':.(::5.
.
by mobile ho~e par}:s vs, hand-crafted homes, methods of ass~ss~~"t,
4::)epreciation of ~obile ho~es vs. depreciation of hand-crafted
homes, and the collection and disbursement of taxes. Following
this, the Town Board voted to adopt the Planning and Zoning
Board' s recor.~n"ndation that Plaintiff's application be denied,
Further evidence, particularly with reference to municipal
services and population density was presented at trial, It
was shown that Grow Township has a present population of approximately
3,800 people. The special use permit for a Planned Unit Development
issued to Carlyle Co, .on October 13, 1970, will allow ti:e
construction of 290 mobile home park units and 207 ~ultiple
dwelling units. If we assume an average density of three persons
per unit, granting of the Carlyle permit will result in a final
population increase of 1,500,
Plaintiffs had requested a special
use permit which would allow them to build 450 mobile ho~e units
and 300 apartment units. Again assuming an ultimate density of
three persons per unit, that granting of Plain~~=fls application
would result in a population increase of over 2,200 people.
It was further stipulated that Grow Township p~ese~tly
coes not have a police force. It must rely upon the Anoka County
Sheriff's Department for whatever police protection it can get.
Further, it has no fire department; this particular ~unici?al
se=vice is presently provided by contract with the City of A~oka
Fire Depart~ent and funded by a yearly mill levy.
section 5, Subdivision X, 0= Grow ?o~nshi? O=ci~ance
Ku::,.ber 6 regulating mobile home parks, requires the availability
C= ffiunicipal sewer service bafore a permit will ~e ~ss~e~.
--
.....
~he time the Carlyle permit was grantec, it was a~tici?ated t~at
service could be obtained through the City of ;:.oka t=~~k sewe=
syste~. (See COillp=eh~nsive sanitary Sewer Pla~ =0= G=ow To~~ship
p. 3) However, ~he City of Anoka has t~us fa= ceniec a~y extension
of
sanitary sewer serv!ce ir.to Grow To~nshi?
(See
. ......... . . ..
r.==:..cav.l.-:' 0:
05--"-; Ges"'o '-}-- C'-" )
t;W1".n;;;_ H, .n..uO ~c. .1. ...":;' '!".ar.age:=
It is ~ncisp~~ed t~a~ ~u~~ci?al
water and storm sewer service is not presently availa~le to
C::>applicant's property.
Given the present lack of municipal services in Grow
Township, rapid population increase cannot help but be a ~ajor
The township is only now on the verge of cc~"ancing
concern.
Increased
extension of these services to the present residents.
population will inevitably increase de~and for municipal services.
Extension of services will place a considerable financial burden
Injection of an additional 2,200 people into
on the residents,
the township at this point can only compound this burden and the
consequent governmental problems.
In su~ary, it is apparent that Defendant provided
Plaintiff with legally sufficient reasons having a direct bearing
upon public health, safety and welfare at all three stages alluded
to in ~.
3. DEFENDANT'S DENIAL OF APPLICA~T'~ SPECIAL USE PERV-IT
WAS NOT BASED ON AN INTENT TO LI~IT COMPETITION.
Citing Pearce VS~ villace of ~, 263 l'~in:1 553, 118
1\1..2d 659, and ~ vs. ~ of Minneaoolis, 263 }jinn 1, 115 KW2d
73~, Plaintiff contends that Defendant's denial of their special
usa permit ~as based solely on an intent to limit mobile ho~e pa=k
competition within Grow Township and, therefore, exceeded the
discretionary power of the Town Board.
Plaintiff's cc~ten~ion
"o~lc seem to assume ~hat he had obtained a vested rig~t to use h~s
property as a mobile ho~e park.
This is not the case. ?laintiff's
land ~as zoned for residential uses under t~e ordin~~~e applicable
a~ t~e ti~e he requested the special use permit and u~ce= the new
?o~nship of Grow Co~prehensive zoning Ordinance.
~he properties
i~~ediately adjacent to Plaintiff's are also zo~ed for resice~tial
pt:.::-?cses.
Unaer the zoning in effect at the time of Plaintiff's
c??licr- tic:l, mobile home parks were allo,,-ted any\.;rhe::-e i:1 the to,,-.::,ship
?~ovicing a s?ecial use permit ~as c~tained.
I:1 ~, ? "8,
o
the Minnesota supreme Court clearly indicates that the ~vail~~ility
c::>= s;ecial use permit procedu~e does not, as a ~attc= of richt,
allow plaintiff a particular use, A special use provision per7..its
property, wi thin the discre.tion of the governing body, to ~e used
in the matter expressly authorized by the' orcinance.
~vs.
City 9i Crystal, supra, \'Iestling vs. City of ?!.:.. ~ Pari:, 170
KN2d, 218, p. 221.
Clearly, zoning laws cannot be used to destroy
vested property rights.
Pearce vs. Village of Edir.a, supra.
HO\t:ever,
plaintiff has a vest right to nothing more than residential uses,
It would be illogical to grant vested rights for special uses and
then say, as the ~ and Westling court said, that issuance 0:
special use permits is discretionary with the governing body.
Ne agree that a denial based on'an underlying intent
to limit co~?etition would be improper.
However, the record clearly
demonstrates that the board's basic concern was with public health,
safety, and welfare.
h~~eneve= a, sover~~ental boay enacts 0:
administers a zoning ordinance, there is an ine~itable limitation
of co~?etition in variou$ areas.
However, so long as the legislative
0= ac~inist=ative decision is based primarily on conside:ations of
public health, safety, and welfare, the acts rep=csent a valid
exercise of th~ police power. The obvious concern of the Grow Town
Board was with a too rapid population increase and t~e consequen~
burden on municipal facilities.
CONCLUSION
~he cecision of Defendant to deny Plaintiff's special
use permit was based on announced and valid consideration of public
heal~h, safe~y, and welfare, and, therefore, was within the De~~ndant1$
discretionary powers. As a result, jucgment should be ente=ed for
Defendant.
EABCOCK, LOCHER, NEILSON & ~~~NELLA
Attornevs for Defe~cants
118 ~~st Mai~ Street
;~oka, Mi~~esota 55303
o
By:
Ric;:a=c. Eee::.s
. ..:-.-.~ .-'
-
-~ --.. ...
o
, ,-----""
STATE OF MINNESOTA
COUNTY OF ANOKA
///
! :>1 STRICT COURT
. TENTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT /
\,. .~
"- -
--------
--------------------
-.
"', Bruce B. Hay, William A. Goldberg,
Herbert R. Goldenberg, Sidney H.
Levinsohn and Joseph Gitis,
Pl ainti ffs,
vs.
FINOINGS OF FACT
CONCLUS :0;;5 0" LhW
AND ORDER FOR JUDGMENT
Township of Grow, Anoka County,
Minnesota and Louis Appleby,
, Supervisor of Town Board, LeRoy
Willner, Supervisor of Town Board
and Richard Schneider, Supervisor of
Town Board,
Oefendants.
--------------------
. -,
The above entitled. matter was regularly placed upen the trial calendar
for trial on the 21st day of June, 1971, before the undersi9ned, at the
Courthouse in the City of Anoka, County of Anoka, State of Minnesota.
Wyman Smith, Esquire, appeared for the plaintiffs. Richard Beens, Esquire,
appeared for the defendants, The parties were present, the facts were
stipulated and the case submitted to the Court, without a jury.
FINDINGS OF FACT
I.
That the Township of Grow is a Township existin9 in Anoka County,
Minnesota. The additional defendants ar~ the duly qualified and elected
supervisors of the Township of Grow.
II.
That the plaintiffs are the applicants for a special use permit presented
to the Town of Grow on or about April 17, 1970, requesting a development of a
roobile hor.~ park on property situated in the Township of Grow, County of Anoka,
State of Minnesota, described as follows to-wit:
o
The South 4 rods of the North half of the Northeast 1/4,
Section 30, Township 32, Range 24,
The South 84 rods of Government Lot I, Section 29, Town-
ship 32,. Range 24,
The Southeast 1/4 of the Northeast l/4, Section 30, Township
32, Range 24,
......
"
'.
The Northeast 1/4 of the Southeast 1/4, Section 30,
Township 32. Range. 24.
That par~ of Government Lot 2. Secti o~ 29. Townshi p 32. .
Range 24, Anoka County, Minnesota, 1Y1ng West~r1y of a ~lne
drawn equal distance from the East and West l1nes of sald Govern-
ment Lot 2,
o
I II.
That at the time of said application the zoning ordinance in effect
in said Town of Grow allowed for a mobile home park in all districts with a
special. use permit.
~--.-:-.- .'
IV.
That plaintiff's application was referred to the Zoning and Planning
Commission and a notice for a public hearing on the Petition was set for the
14th day 'of May, 1970.
V.
That at said meeting of May 14, 1970, the Planning and Zonin9 Board
.. neither rejected nor approved said plan.
., .
VI.
That on the 11th day of June, 1970, the Planning and Zoning Board
conducted a public hearing for an application for a special use permit on
property described as the North 1/2 of the Northwest 1/4 of Section 32,
Township 32 N, Range 24 W, in the Town of Grow, Anoka County, Minnesota.
That said application was made in the name of Carlyle.
VII.
That on August II, 1970, the Carlyle Petition was 9iven preliminary
approval by the defendant supervisors of the Town Board of Grow.
VII I.
That the supervisors of the Town Boal'd of Grow did on August 11, 1970,
adopt Ordinance No.6 which is entitled "A Mobile Home Park Ordinance".
IX.
Tha t the defendant' supervisors of the Town Board. of Grow di d on
the 21st day of October, 1970, adopt a new zoning ordinance designated as
o
Ordinance Ho, 8. That a zoning w~p rroade a part of said zoning ordinance
purports to set up a classification known as R-S in which rr~nufactured
o housing is permitted, including a mobile home park, and that the parcel of
land being developed by the Carlyle applicant was granted R-S zoning as
well as other zoning. . That the five parcels in plaintiffs' application
. 1.
,
.
"..::. .
.', '.-
. . .
were zoned R-l.
X.
That at a meeting of the supervisors of the Town Board of Grow held
on the 13th day of October, 1970, a contract for a special use permit with
the. Carlyle applicant was approved allowing a permit for a period of two
years from the time sewer and water lines were available to the tract. .
XI.
That on the 29th day of December, 1970, the Planning and Zoning
Board of the Town of Grow met and considered plaintiff's application and
denied the application chiefly for the reason that one special use permit
for a mobile home park had been previously issued to the Carlyle appl icant.
XII.
, .
That the report of the P-l anning and Zoning Board of the Town of
Grow was considered by the defendant supervisors or the Town of Grow at.its
meeting on January 12, 1971. At that meeting the special use permit as
applied for by the plaintiffs was denied.
XIII.
That plaintiffs believed that water and sewer facilities are available
_~~'~~from the City of Anoka. There is some question of such availability. A
pennit or"a":licerise for.:,the..bperation and construction of a mobile hore park
must be had from the State of Minnesota, who would requir~ adequate water and
sewer facilities before such a permit or license is issued.
0,
XIV.
That the Township of Grow is in an area that is under urban or suburban
development and its population is likely to increase.in the near future. The
Township presently is sparsely settled and the proposed use by plaintiffs of
the five parcels of property will make no greater demands on the functions of
the municipality than some other development.
..
xv,
o
A mobile home park is a common and perhaps necessary part of the
modern urban scene. Such a park would furnish quality housing for a family
earning under $10,000.00 per year income. .
XVI.
"
The minutes of the Planning Commission and of the Town Board do not re-
flect any valid reasons for the denial of plaintiffs' application. The
growth of the Town' of Grow, because of its location in the Metropolitan.
area, is likely to continue at an accelerating rate whether the houses
are mobile homes or hand-crafted homes. The difference in taxable:values,
'if any, is not a valid reason for the denial of a special use permit.
XVI1.
Plaintiffs' application calls. for ultimately 450 home units in a IlObile
home cOllTnunity. Plaintiffs are agreeable to minimum lot sizes of 5,500
square feet with roads, set backs and other requi rements as provi ded for in
., " the new Ordinance No.6 entitled lOA Mobile Home Park Ordinance".
XV II I.
The facts presented would indicate that plaintiffs' land was entitled
to R~5 zoning under the new Ordinance No.8, being the zoning ordinance for
the Town of Grow.
XIX.
The evidence indicates that the Town Board had no basis in fact for
'. denying plaintiffs' application.
CONCLUSIONS OF LAW
1. That the action of the defendants in refusing the special use
permit application of the plaintiffs, submitted on April 17, 1970, was
discriminatory, arbitrary and capricious.
2. That the gra~ting vf a special use permit to the second appli-
cant, Carlyle, was a discriminatory act to the plaint~ffs who were entitled
to equal protection and equal exercise of their property rights.
3. That .the defendants, and each of them, shall cause to be issued..
to the plaintiffs the special use permit for the development of a mobile
home park on the property.situated in Township of Grow, County of Anoka,
0_
. ...
'"
-.. -:;~..... -
~.
State of Minnesota. described as follows to-wit:
o
The South 4 rods of the North half of the Northeast 1/4.
Section 30. Township 32. Range 24,
The South 84 rods of Government Lot I, Section 29. Town- .
ship 32. Range 24.
The Southeast 1/4 of the Northeast 1/4. Section 30. Township
32. Range 24.
The Northeast 1/4 of the Southeast 1/4. Section 30.
Township 32. Range 24.
That part of Government Lot 2. Section 29, Township 32.
Range 24, Anoka County. Minnesota. lying Westerly of a line
drawn equal distance from the East and West lines of said
Government Lot 2.
..'
..,. LET' JUOGMENT BE ENTERED ACCORDINGLY.
..
,,'
BY THE COURT:
" . . .....: ':,''': / "~ ~\ ;'~ :.. :'. .' :." .
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Dated:
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aM{ /~ '17? /',
. ; : .~~ ::~:-, ~ ." -~ . ..'
'.;..' ".
}f}}Ar5fI11.id5fff/p,117/'
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717 5.e, delaware 5t,
p.o. box 9441
minnesota department of health
minneapoli5 55440
1; C,C.
~ol?J
d
(612) 623.5000
Andover City Council
c/o Ms. Vicki Volk, Clerk
City Hall
1685 Crosstown Boulevard, N.W.
Andover, Minnesota 55304
Dear Council Members:
:r:E.
7fJ/~
March 21, 1989
Rr~=~:1~91D
CITY OF ANDOVER
We have recently received a copy of the attached bill and are forwarding it to
your community for your information. We do not have any further details on
the bill so you may wish to contact your congressional delegation for more
information and to express any interest you may have in the legislation.
Sincerely yours,
~~ oe;~-
Richard D. Clark, P.E., Supervisor
Public Water Supply Unit
Section of Water Supply and Engineering
RDC:ter
Enclosure
o
an equal opportunity employer
o
o
>
,.
II
101sT CONGRESS
1ST SESSION
s. 397
To provide assistance to small communities with ground water radium
contamination,
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
FEBRUARY 9 (legislative day, JANUARY 3), 1989
Mr. DIXON (for himself and Mr, SIMON) introduced the following bill; which was
read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works
A BILL
To pr9vide assistance to small communities with ground water
radium contamination.
1 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representa-
2 tives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
3 RADIUM REMOVAL DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM
4 SECTION 1. The Administrator of the Environmental
5 Protection Agency, in cooperation with State public authori-
6 ties, may assist local governments in demonstrating mitiga-
7 tion ofradium contamination in ground water. Upon applica-
8 tion of -any State public authority, the Administrator may
9 make a grant to that authority for such purposes. Assistance
10 provided pursuant to this section shall be used for financing
."
J
2
o
1 the acquisition and installation of ground water treatment
2 technologies needed to remove radimn from ground water
3 used as a source of public drinking water for residents of
4 small communities under the jurisdiction of such local. gov-
5 ernments.
6 LEVEL OF CONTAMINATION
7 SEC. 2. A grant may only be made under section 1 for
8 removal of radium from ground water if the level of contami-
9 nation from such radium exceeds the maximum contaminant
10 level for radium established under title XIV of the Public
11 Health Service Act (relating to safe drinking water).
12 PURPOSES OF GRANTS
13 SEC. 3. Funds made available through grants under sec-
14 tion 1 may only be used by the grant recipient for one or both
15 of the following purposes:
16 (1) Providing insurance or prepaying. interest for
17 local obligations issued by a local government to fi-
18 nance the acquisition and installation of treatment
19 technologies described in section 1.
.20 (2) Paying for the costs of administration. for estab-
21 lishment and operation by such authority of a program
22 to provide financing for such acquisition and installa-
23 tion.
24 DEFINITIONS
o 25 SEC. 4. For purposes of this Act, the term-
8 39118
'.
o
o
c .
3
1
(1) "small community" means a political subdivi-
2 sion of a State the population of which does not exceed
3 twenty thousand individuals; and
4 (2) "State public authority" means an agency or
5 instrumentality of a State which is established for the
6 purposes of assisting local governments in financing
. 7 capital improvements on a statewide or regional basis.
8 AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS
9 SEC. 5. The following sums are authorized to be appro- I
10 priated to carry out this Act:
Fiscal Year
1990...........,..........,.......,.....................................,....,.........
1991........,......,........,.................................................,.......,
1992......,..................,................,..,.................................,..,
Amount
$6,000,000
$7,000,000
$7,000,000,
o
8 39118
o
NOTICE
OF
METROPOLITAN COUN
PUBLIC MEETING
,
"
.
REVIEW OF THE CITY OF ANDOVER
COMPREHENSIVE LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT (LRT)
SYSTEM PLAN FOR ANOKA COUNTY
The Metropolitan Council will hold a public meeting (as part of a Systems
Committee meeting) to receive comments as a part of its review of the
Comprehensive LRT System Plan for Anoka r~unty. You are enoouraged to
participate in this meeting and provide input.
/
The comprehensive LRT plan has been prepared by the Anoka County Regional
Railroad Authority (ACRRA) in fulfillment of legislative requirements for LRT
planning. The plan considers: LRT design and service standards and policies;
location of service within Anoka county; ridership forecasts; capital and
operating costs; sources of project funding; potential pUblic benefits; and
implementation methodology, including operating agency or entity.
.
The Metropolitan Council is reviewing this plan as required by state law. The
Council, in order to provide the broad regional perspective, is using a variety
of ways to solicit input to its decision. Several existing policy or advisory
boards are being asked to provide input, including: the Regional Transit Board;
the Metropolitan Council LRT Advisory Committee; and the Transportation
Advisory Board.
In addition to these groups, the Council is offering the opportunity to
interested individuals, communities and organizations to provide additional
input to the process by submitting testimony as part of this public meeting.
The Metropolitan council will consider the comments and make its final
recommendations on April 27, 1989.
PUBLIC MEETING INFORMATION
When:
Tuesday, April 4, 1989, 11 a.m.
Where
Metropolitan Council Chambers
Hears Park Centre
230 E. Fifth St.
St. PaUl, MN 55101
o
Who will be Metropolitan Area state legislators
notified: Local officials
Interested Citizens and community organizations
(over)
,
.~
."i:)
'2.
;
,
You may attend the meeting 'and offer oral or written
comments. Please call the Community Outreach Division at
291-6500 if you wish to register to speak.
You may send a letter with comments by April 11, 1989 to:
, .
How to , l.'1 .
:' I;' ,"
Participate:" l.'
Questions:
SW300A
PHTRN3@5
Steve Wilson
Metropolitan Council
Mears Park Centre
230 E. Fifth St.
St. Paul, MN 55101
Call th$ Council's Transportation Division and talk to Steve
Wilson (291-6344). Summaries of Anoka County's Comprehensive LRT
System Plan are available from the Metropolitan Counoil Data
Center at 291-8140.
!.J!t'-.~.
;
"
\o!
~
o
o
cOVf~V~fW
OVERVIEW
OF THE COMPREHENSIVE LRT SYSTEM PLAN FOR ANOKA COUNTY
AND THE
PROCESS FOR METROPOLITAN COUNCIL REVIEW OF THE PLAN
The 1987 Minnesota Legislature placed primary responsibility for developing
light rail transit (LRT) with regional railroad authorities formed by
individual counties. The Anoka County Regional Railroad Authority (ACRRA) has
prepared a comprehensive plan for LRT development in Anoka County. The plan
was prepared in conjunction with the Hennepin County Regional Railroad
Authority planning for the Northeast Corridor and in conjunction with the Anoka
County 2010 Transportation Plan.
The ACRRA plan addresses that county's portion of the proposed Northeast
Corridor. The corridor would begin in downtown Minneapolis, connecting to the
alignment currently being studied by Hennepin County. Alignment options for
the Minneapolis portion of the corridor are a Burlington Northern (BN) railroad
right-of-way or Central Av. (TH 65) to approximately 37th St. Av. NE. The
Anoka County portion of the corridor, covered in the ACRRA plan, proposes to
follow either TH 47 or TH 65 north from that point to I-694 and then TH 47
north of I-694 to the Northtown Shopping Center. Future extensions of the
corridor would be considered north from that point along U.S. Highway 10 or TH
65.
Due to the complexity of issues for the alignment options, both options
would be carried forward to the preliminary design phase of study.
The BN/University Av. option would be 6.4 miles long, have a capital cost in
Anoka County of about $90 million, and is forecast to have. a year 2010
ridership of between 18,500 and 19,700 daily riders for the entire corridor.
The Central/University Av. option would be 6.8 miles long, cost about $103
million (Anoka County portion) and have a total corridor ridership of 26,000-
27,000. .
It is recommended that several funding sources be used to fund construction of
the corridor in Anoka County, including property tax revenues, a motor
vehicle registration surtax, a portion of the state motor vehicle excise tax,
and a drivers license fee dedication.
c
The plan identifies several benefits of LRT, including enhanced transit service
in LRT corridors, increased transit ridership, economic use of transit
resources, increased crosstown transit services, fewer automobile trips,
improved air quality and increased development potential near stations.
~
METROPOLlT'N r:OUNCIL. Mean f'qrk Centre. 230 FAst Fifth Street. St. Pal/I. Minnesota 5~lm . "'2 29/-6<!YI
-j
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'""
~
Four alternative implementation strategies are being considered, ranging from 0
traditional, public sector-controlled implementation to a "super turnkey"
approach that makes a private contractor responsible for financial and land
development arrangements. The plan recommends that the Metropolitan Transit
Commission be the operator of the system and proposes these implementation
decisions be made in coordination with other regional railroad authorities.
LRT REVIEW PROCESS
The Minnesota Legislature has placed specific responsibilities on the
Metropolitan Council to review the light rail transit plans prepared by
regional railroad authorities. Minn. Stat. 1988, Chapter 473, section 10
states that:
"The council and the regional transit board shall review and colimlent on
comprehensive light rail transit plans and preliminary design plans of
regional railroad authorities. The council and the board shall conduct
their review and comment before the regional railroad authority prepares
final design plans."
The Metropolitan Council will be reviewing the plan for consistency with the
Transportation Development Guide/Policy Plan and other chapters of its
Metropolitan Development Guide. In order to ensure that the regional
perspective is represented, the Council is using a variety of methods to gather
input for its review:
The Council's LRT Advisory Committee, composed of representatives from'
regional railroad authorities and other affected agencies in the
Metropolitan Area, will be meeting on April 14.
The Transportation Advisory Board (TAB), an advisory body to the Council
composed of appointed and elected local and regional decisionmakers and
citizens, will review the plan through its LRT Task Force and Technical
Advisory Committee and adopt any comments on April 19.
The Council's Metropolitan Systems Committee, which has primary
responsibility for the Council's review, and the Regional Transit Board,
will hold a joint public meeting on Tuesday, April 4~ to solicit testimony
from interested individuals, communities and organizations.
Written testimony will be accepted from interested individuals, communities
and organizations until April 11.
The Regional Transit Board will be conducting its own review, to be
completed on April 17. The Council will consider the comments of the RTB
in taking its action.
The Metropolitan Systems Committee will take action on the plan review on April
18. The Metropolitan Council will act at its meeting on April 27. The
Council's comments will then be submitted to the Minnesota Legislature.
o
o
o
CITY of ANDOVER
Special city Council Meeting - March 30, 1989
7:30 P.M. Call to Order
1. Interviews/Finance Director
7:30 P.M. Roger Larson
7:50 P.M. Alan Folie
8:10 P.M. Jessie Hart
8:30 P.M. Howard Koolick
8:50 P.M. Wayne Henneke
2. Sewer & Water Budget
3. Fire Marshal Discussion
4. Adjournment
o
CITY OF ANDOVER
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
March 30, 1989
DATE
Engineering
APPROVED FOR
AGENi;>./l (J
v.~
Bv/l
AGENDA SECTION
NO.
ORIGINATING DEPARTMENT
ITEM
NO.
.I. .
Interviews/Finance
Director
BY: James E. Schrantz
The schedule for interviews for the Finance Director position is
as follows:
7:30 P.M. Roger Larson
7:50 P.M. Alan Folie
8:10 P.M. Jessie Hart
8:30 P.M. Howard KooH ck
8:50 P.M. Wayne Henneke
Copies of the applicant's resumes have been given to you already.
c
MOTION BY
TO
COUNCIL ACTION
SECOND BY
o
o
,r
CITY of ANDOVER
The attached are the questions asked by the Staff Interview
Committee of the applicants for the Finance Director position,
!'..: ~
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,^
CITY of ANDOVER
1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD N.W. . ANDOVER, MINNESOTA 55304. (612) 755-5100
QUESTIONS FOR FINANCE DIRECTOR INTERVIEWS
1. What were your reasons for applying for this position?
2. What type of work do you hope to be doing five years from now?
3. Explain how you believe your education and experience can help
Andover.
4. Explain your computer related experience.
5. Please describe your present job.
6. Which aspects of your current position do you enjoy the most?
The least?
7. Why are seeking to leave your present job?
8. Have you had much contact with city Council in previous positions?
Do you enjoy this aspect of the job?
9. Are you able to work under pressure with deadlines to meet? Have
you done so in previous positions?
10. Have you ever had any problems with your co-workers? Your
supervisor?
11. What types of people have you found it difficult to work with or
for? Why?
~
o
o
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, ,-
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12. Have you ever had to work overtime?
overtime work?
How do you feel about
13. This position may involve attending .two Council meetings per
month. Would this be a problem?
14. May we contact the references you listed on the application form?
Current or former employers?
15. What would you say is your one best qualification for this
position?
16. If hired, when would be available for work?
17. What are your salary expectations and requirements?
18. If asked to take a physical, could you pass it?
19. Is there anything you would like to ask us about the position or
about working for. the City of.Andover?
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CITY OF ANDOVER
POSITION DESCRIPTION
-0
POSITION TITLE:
Finance Director
DEPARTMENT:
Finance Department
ACCOUNTABLE TO:
city Administrator
PRIMARY OBJECTIVES
Position is responsible for the organization, planning, management and.
coordination of all financial services utilized by the city. Is
responsible for monies, investments, internal control and Providing
administrative supervision of City Clerk and City Treasurer and
manages insurance, workman's comp and personnel records.
,
MAJOR AREAS OF ACCOUNTABILITY
Plans and develops sound accounting policies and administrative
practices so that financial records are maintained in an acceptable
manner, bills are. paid on time, and all funds are invested in a manner
which will maximize the return on investments.
prepares annual City budget for all City funds, annual and monthly
financial reports.
,Manages and invests City monies according to legally approved
'investment practices.
personally directs development and implementation of capital
financing programs.
Directs and supervises special assessment project accounting,
reporting and bonding.
Develops and maintains data processing systems which will meet the.
information recordkeeping demands of all City departments.
Prepares an operating budget for Finance Department, as well as
budgets for the insurance, debt services and special funds to insure
that the allocation of monies is sufficient to carry out the
responsibilities of the department.
Provides overall direction to the central services of reproduction,
mailing, office supply stores and purchasing.
Supervises the City Clerk and City Treasurer.
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Attends Council meetings and advises Council .and administrative staff
regarding financial procedures.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
_ Participates in and recommends the selection of new employees for
Department Employees.
_ Defines and clearly delegates work assignments to personnel in terms
of work methods, service required and standards of performance
expected.
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_ Reviews the work performance of employees on a continuing basis.
_ Establishes and maintains a level of discipline and a working
climate in which employees are motivated to work up to their
full potential.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES
_ Thorough knowledge of principles and practices of all aspects of
public financing administration.
_ Extensive knowledge of city budget process.
_ Thorough knowledge of municipal government functions and management
concepts.
_ Considerable knowledge of data processing and purchasing principles
and procedures.
_ General knowledge of local, state and national laws pertaining to
City operations.
Ability to develop and implement sound accounting systems.
Ability to maintain effective working relationships in high stress
and conflict situations.'
_ Ability to communicate ideas, explanations and recommendations
clearly, both orally and in writing.
_ Ability to prepare complex financial statements and reports in
accordance with legal requirements.
_ Ability to assign, supervise, discipline and motivate staff while
maintaining productive working relationships.
_ Ability to prioritize constantly changing activities and resources.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor's Degree in accounting, business administration, finance,
economics, or public administration.
Two to five years of progressively responsible experience in
governmental finance management work with at least one year of
supervisory experience.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Master's Degree in accounting, business or public administration,
public finance or economics.
Three years municipal finance supervisory experience.
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CITY OF ANDOVER
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
DATE
March 30, 1989
BY:
James E. Schrantz
FOR
AGENDA SECTION
NO.
ORIGINATING DEPARTMENT
Engineering
ITEM
NO.
Water & Sewer
Budget
BY:
The City Council is requested to consider the following proposal
to balance the 1989 Water and Sewer Budgets.
Water Budget
Recommendation
Revenues
Increase water rates by 10% from $.82/1000 gal. to $.90/1000.
This will increase the revenues under General Customer from
$129,000 to about $140,000. Transfer $9000 from the fund balance
to the 1989 revenue budget as previously budgeted for pump and
well repair. The new total water revenues will be $172,030 +
$11,000 + $9,000 = $192,030.
Expenditures
Reduce Item 402 under Source, Storage and Treatment to $9,000.
The new total water expenditure is then $194,806 - $11,000 =
$184,806.
MOTION BY
TO
COUNCIL ACTION
SECOND BY
o
page Two
March 21, 1989
Water & Sewer Budget
The excess revenue is now $192,030 - $184,806 = $7,224.
Use this $7,224 to partially fund the Public Works Employees.
Sewer Budget
Recommendation
Revenues
Metro Waste Control underestimated Andover's sewer usage and have
billed the previous year's underpayment this year.
The sewer fund balance hasn't had $54,504 transferred to it from
the Bond fund as deficit payment for Sewer Fund "A" - transfer
$50,000 of the $54,504 to Sewer Revenues.
The new total Sewer Revenues is then $200,800 + $50,000
$250,800.
Expenditures
The expenditures remain the same at $235,313.
The excess sewer revenue is now $250,800 - $235,313 = $15,487.
Use this $15,487 to partially fund the Public Works Employees.
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March 21, 1989
c:> Water & Sewer Budget
Public Works Employees Funding
Water excess $7,224 plus sewer excess $15,487 for a total of
$22,711.
To fund a Public Works II for a year is about $30,000 including
20% overhead. From May 1st to the end of 1989 the cost is about
66% of $30,000 or $19,800 needed to fund the employee with $22,711
available.
Sewer Fund "A" Transfer
I also recommend that the Council review the Sewer Fund "A" refund
and discontinue that policy and charge all the sewer users the
same rate. Currently, the customers in District A pay $4.50/month
and in District B pay $8.50/month.
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CITY OF ANDOVER
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
AGENDA SECTION
NO.
DATE March 30. 1 qRq
ORIGINATING DEPARTMENT
Administration
ITEM
NO. Fire Marshal
posi tion 3
BY:Jim Schrantz
The City Council is requested to discuss the Fire Marshal position
concerning schedule and hours.
We received two messages from the Council on the Fire Marshal as
to who she reports to.
The understanding that Bob and I have is that Bob will assign her
work and she will be responsible to him and will come to me if
there are some items that concern City policy.
I have tried to find where we discussed the Fire Marshal position
during the budget process but I have only found the short
statement in the November 22, 1988 minutes. I will have someone
listen to the tapes if the Council wishes.
MOTION BY
TO
COUNCIL ACTION
SECOND BY
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t:tCITY OF ANDOVER
~, POSITION TITLE:
POSITION DESCRIPTION
, .
FIRE MARSHAL
DEPARTMENT:
FIRE DEPARTMENT
ACCOUNTABLE TO:
FIRE CHIEF & CITY ADMINISTRATOR
PRIMARY OBJECTIVE OF POSITION
To develop, apply and administer City fire safety standards in the
City of Andover in a manner which will safeguard lives and
property. The Fire Marshal shall participate in the
investigation of all fires of questionable origin in the City of
Andover.
To coordinate and direct fire prevention efforts as the Fire
Prevention Public Information Officer for the City.
MAJOR AREAS OF ACCOUNTABILITY
Prepares, implements and administers a fire and safety inspection
program to ensure that facilities and structures conform with
municipal codes and applicable State regulations.
Develops and carries out an effective inspection program covering
commercial, industrial, multiple dwellings, schools, churches,
and public buildings throughout the City for the purpose of fire
prevention.
Examines building plans for conformity with the fire prevention
codes and coordinates inspections with building, electrical,
plumbing and heating inspectors.
participates in the investigation of all fires of questionable
origin with the Sheriff's Department and the State Fire
Marshal's Office to determine the cause of fires. Prepares
comprehensive reports on fires as required by the City and State
Fire Marshal's Office.
Prepares monthly reports summarizing inspections, investigations,
fire and fire prevention activities. .
Submits budget requests for inclusion in the annual budget.
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Department Head
Effective Date
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Recommends changes to fire ordinances and codes.
Reports violations of other municipal codes found during
inspections and fire investigation duties to appropriate parties
for corrective action.
Conducts training on the use of fire extinguishers, evacuations,
and fire prevention for industries, nursing homes, schools and
other groups.
Keeps abreast of changes in fire codes, building codes, fire
prevention practices and construction materials.
Reviews all development proposals for fire safety and prepares a
report on fire safety implications.
Assists the Fire Chief in maintaining contact with the Fire
Insurance Rating Bureau to ensure best possible rating.
Assists the Fire Chief in the preparation of the Master Fire Plan
covering all aspects of firefighting and prevention.
Serves as a member and resource person to the Safety Committee.
Cooperates with the Fire Chief and Training Officer in .
establishing fire suppression pre-plan for all commercial and
industrial buildings.
performs other duties as delegated.
E~PLES OF PERFORMANCE CRITERIA
***Conducts inspections in a businesslike and impartial manner.
***Recognizes potential fire hazards and follows through to see
corrective action is taken.
***Communicates tactfully and effectively with property owners and
contractors.
***Hakes periodic inspections in accordance with specified duties.
***Keeps informed of changes in regulatory codes and the
interpretation of same.
RESPONSIBILITY FOR WORK OF OTHERS
None.
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MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS
TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE
High school graduate. Training in fire service or closely
related fields. A combination of four years in firefighting,
either full-time, part-time, or volunteer, and/or in fire
prevention and inspection activities.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Considerable knowledge of principles, practices, methods,
techniques, equipment, tools and sciences applied to fire
prevention and investigation.
Full knowledge of relevant City and state fire codes, and
regulations in the area of fire prevention or investigation.
Ability to do complex fire prevention and investigation work.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations
with others.
Ability to express oneself clearly and concisely both orally and
in writing.
Considerable knowledge of the geography of the City and location
of hydrants, buildings and special areas requiring special pre-
fire control planning, inspection and firefighting techniques.
Considerable:knowledge of first-aid and the uses of first aid
: equipment. .
Be physically able to perform the duties outlined.
SALARY
Salary is subject to adjustment after a probationary period based
on performance review and as set forth in Andover Personnel
Policies.
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Special City Council Meeting
February 21, 1989 - Minutes
Page One
Mayor Elling: Why in the world do you want the job?
Joyce Noyes: Well, I've been a firefighter for many years and
it's always been interesting.
Councilman Jacobson: Do you see this as something that really
can't be handled the way we're doing it and we really need to do
it this way?
Joyce Noyes: It's not being handled, I don't feel. We don't
have time to get all the buildings checked.
Councilman Jacobson: You know who the other person is who is
applying?
Joyce Noyes: Yes.
Councilman Jacobson: Why do you think, or what qualities, what
do you possess that the other person doesn't that we would pick
you?
Joyce Noyes: I've been a firefighter longer and I feel I have
~he time to do it.
Councilman Knight: I'm not real clear on the role. In terms of
new construction, like commercial construction, does she work
with Dave?
Fire Chief Palmer: You bet.
Councilman Knight: O.K. So they would both have to approve.
Councilman Knight: Does anything you object to in terms of
hours?
Fire Chief Palmer: I don't think a definite wage has been quoted
to anyone. ...the same as the Assistant Building Inspector but
I don't know the dollar amount that was in there so it might be
something that...
Councilman Jacobson: $70,000 a year, I think.
Mayor Elling: That's only the second year, Don, not the first
year. That's after probation period. f
Councilman Knight: It's $12 something.
0 Councilman Jacobson: $13,200 or $13,400.
Councilman Knight: It's $12.00 something per hour, isn't it?
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Special City Council Meeting
February 21, 1989 - Minutes
Page Two
Mayor Elling: It's the same as Don Olson 'cause we figured that
the Fire Marshal would know the same codes that the Building
Inspector would have to.
Fire Chief Palmer: It's not going to be less than $12 but it
probably isn't going to be over $13.
Mayor Ellin1: I see in the requirements that we have for the
Fire Marsha , Joyce, that it requires 10 minutes driving time to
City Hall and must reside. You do that?
Joyce Noyes: I do.
Mayor Elling: I know you. I don't know if I could ask you any
question that would mean anything.
Councilman Knight: You've got an impressive list of...
Councilman Orttel: Have the hours been set when this person will
work?
Mayor Elling: That was the requirement of the job?
Councilman Orttel: ...require working like four hours each
day...
Mayor Elling: What we agreed to is 20 hours a week maximum and
that it had to be done during normal business hours. It's open _
whatever the need is there, I guess.
Councilman Orttel: What would happen if this expanded to the
full time position, Joyce, would you have any trouble in picking
up hours, adding hours?
Joyce Noyes: I work part-time now for Target, just part-time _
16 hours one week and 24 the next so, this would fit in real
nice. If it was full-time, then I'd just quit my other job.
Councilman Knight: I assume you're going to set up a schedule
that would be the same all the time so that contractors would
know.
Fire Chief Palmer: Of course, some bugs are going to have to be
ironed out.
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Mayor Elling: Part of the problem we've got right now is like
daycare centers and stuff that have not been done for a long
time...
Fire Chief Palmer: No, daycares have been getting done.
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Special city Council Meeting
February 21, 1989 - Minutes
Page Three
Mayor Elling: Have they? I heard there were some that were not.
We're getting behind.
Fire Chief Palmer: Yeah, there's some slack there but he's been
following up pretty closely.
MarOr Elling: We talked about last time, in the beginning of
th1s thing, that they'd fully use 20 hours a week and then there
was some concern as to whether we could keep somebody going 52
weeks a year. In the beginning,...
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Councilman Jacobson: Ask you one final question, did you...
...have to work a with a lot of contractors and I don't want to
say this as a negative, but you're coming out as a gal and you're
telling them what to do and how to do it - do you think you can
handle some of these guys saying "Why do I have to listen to
(her?". Now this is kind of just...
Mayor Elling: Ask Roger.
Councilman Jacobson: Do you think you can stand up to them and
say "This i. it."?
Joyce Noyes: I can just write it on a piece of paper if they
don't do it and then they have to do it.
Councilman Perry: I guess my only question would be, if we were
interviewing the people that you have worked with on the Fire
Department, how do you think they would respond?
Maxor Elling: If you remember right, too, there was a vote
an ...
Mayor Elling: Is there anything you'd like to ask us, Joyce?
Joyce Noyes: Well, I'd like to get the job defined. what would
you expect really?
Mayor Elling: Have you seen the job description and this
function?
Fire Chief Palmer: The one we read to them, there were
modifieations done to it after that, so...
Mayor Elling: Was it changed substantially from what the first
draft came out?
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Fire Chief Palmer: No, the wording is about all that got
changed.
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Special City Council Meeting
February 21, 1989 - Minutes
Page Four
Mayor Elling: It's pretty similar.
Mayor Elling: I guess we'll interview Dave next and then we'll
go to...
Joyce Noyes: O.K.
Mayor Elling: Thank you very much.
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~eCial City
I~~~embee 22.
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Counc i I Meeti ng
1988 - Minutes
(Peoposed 1989 Budget, Continued)
Civil Defense: Me. Almgeen eecommended adding one OL two mOLe
waening sieens, estimating a cost of $10,000 each. Council agLeed to
inceease the budget amount by $10,000 to $36,285.
Flee Protection: Chief Palmee stated most of the inceease Is in
wages. The DNR is peedicting anotheL dey yeae, so the amount was based
on last yeae's Lesponses. TheLe have been 244 calls so fae this yeaL
compaLed to 178 total foe 1987. The inceease in the Relief Association
is because they have had good Letentlon of the fiLeflghteLs. All
othee items weee held in line with the peevlous budget.
Chief Palmee stated there is a pLoblem with so many medicals occueing
dueing the day. They aLe consideeing the possibility of having two
people on duty dULing the day fOL a pay of $50 per day. It would mean
an additional $24,000 to the budget. No Council action was taken on
this item.
Chief Palmee also eepoeted theLe is a big need for a 20-houe a week
fiLe maeshal, estimating it would cost $14,000 plus benefits. That
amount is not included in the budget. LateL In the meeting the
Council set aside $17.000 foe this position.
PLotectlve Inspection - ML. AlmgLen explained a poetion of the
incLease is foe the puechase of anothee car, as the otheL Building
Inspectoe is now using his own teuck. Most of the eemalning increase
is foe wages, which also Leflects the addition of one-half of a
seceetary which has been in the depaetment since last March. No
action was taken by the Council.
Streets and Hiahwavs - ML. Stone stated the budget allows fOL the
purchase of a one-ton tLuck, the cost divided between StLeets and
Highways and Snow and Ice Removal. HoweveL. $6.000 is still needed to
puechase the teuck. Council geneeally ageeed to the pULchase of the
teuck. allocating anothee $6.000 towaed it latee in the meeting.
Paek and Recreation - Chaieman McMullen presented the peoposed paek
expenditures for 1989 with the fol lowing corrections: Delete Items 7
and 8 feom the City Pack Complex (2 new hockey elnks and lights).
Total Park Dedication for the City Pack Complex: $984.50; Total
Expendituee. $8,950. The coeeected totals on the last page -- Total
Dedication Money, $9,407.50; Total Capital Budget. $55,000; Total
Carey Dvec 1988. $18,200; Total Expendituces. $82,607.50. Chaieman
McMullen explained the eeason for the coreection Is there is not as
much money in the dedication fund as they had thought.
Me. Scheantz stated the budget includes the inceeased staff for
O Community School just appcoved by the Council. No fucthee Council
action was taken on this item.
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Special City Council Meeting
November 22, 1988 - Minutes
Page 3
(Proposed 1989 Budget, Continued)
Addition of Communitv Service Officer - Councilman Orttel felt there
is a very serious problem in the City with the lack of nuisance
abatement. In Coon Rapids a Community Service Officer is used for
nuisance abatement and works with the Zoning Administrator, not the
Police Department. He felt such a position would work well for
Andover. It would be a part-time position, 3 to 4 hours a rlay, where a
uniformed officer would ride through the City in a marked car and give
citations for ordinance violations such as Illegal storage, junk cars,
etc. There would also be little need for prosecution, as action would
be taken under the ordinance passed to issue a citation granting 20
days to abate the problem or the City comes in to do it.
Council discussed the pros and cons of such a position, generallY
agreeing to add $12,000 to the budget for it, plu~$3,000 for
Attorney's fees, thinking the result would be an increase in the
number of prosecutions.
Unallocated - After discussion on the amount proposed, it was
generallY agreed the funding needed to correct the Police Protection
fund ($8,000), to add one warning siren ($10,000), to fund a half-time
fire marshal position ($17,000), to adequately fund the Public Works
truck ($6,000), to fund a part-time CSO or prot~ctive investigative
position ($12,000), and to increase funding for prosecutions ($3,000)
could be taken from this fund, leaving a ba'lance of $21,300.
Salaries - Mr. Schrantz explained the proposed budget reflects a 4
percent across-the-board increase for all employees.
MOTION by Orttel, Seconded by Elling, that the bUdgeted 4 percent
across-the-board salary increase be approved for 1989. DISCUSSION:
It was noted the Planner will get an increase after his 6-month
probationary period, after which the 4 percent increase would take
effect. Because the Public Works employees wil I now be represented by
the union, Council did not want to jeopardize those negotiations and
agreed to take no action on those salaries at this time.
,Councilmen Elling and Orttel WITHDREW the Second and the Motion.
MOTION by Orttel, Seconded by Knight, that we approve a 4 percent
cost of living adjustment increase for all City employees effective
January 1, 1989, with the exception of employees currently under
probation, and their 4 percent Increase will take effect after their
probationary time has expired, and all those Public Works employees
represented by the union contract because it Is the feeling of the
Council that this item is a negotiating Item relating to the contract
which has not yet been ratified. Motion carried unanimously.