Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutWK February 27, 2007 1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD N.W. . ANDOVER. MINNESOTA 55304. (763) 755-5100 FAX (763) 755-8923 . WWW.CI.ANDOVER.MN.US City Council Workshop Tuesday, February 27,2007 Conference Rooms A & B 1. Call to Order - 6:00 porn, 2. Youth First Update 3. Discuss Improvements at Crosstown Drive & Crosstown Boulevard/06-48 - Engineering 4. Discuss Monitoring Well Requirement - Engineering 5. Discuss Erosion Control Ordinance - Engineering 6. Single Family Residential Rental Discussion - Planning 7. Update on Cell Towers in Public Parks - Planning 8. Deer Population Survey - Planning 9. Repeated Zoning Code Violations - Planning 10. Comprehensive Plan Update - Planning 11. Other Business 12. Adjournment @ 1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD N.W. . ANDOVER, MINNESOTA 55304. (763) 755-5100 FAX (763) 755-8923 . WWW.CI.ANDOVER.MN.US TO: Mayor and Council Members FROM: Jim Dickinson, City Administrator SUBJECT: Youth First Update DATE: February 27,2007 INTRODUCTION Heidi Geiss of Youth First will be present at the meeting to provide an update on Youth First activities in Andover, DISCUSSION Heidi has indicated the she will highlight Youth First programs last summer, this school year at the Community Center, and talk about their new relationship with Oak View Middle School. ACTION REOUESTED Receive a presentation and Council questions after the presentation are encouraged. CITY OF NDOVE @ 1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD N,W, . ANDOVER, MINNESOTA 55304 . (763) 755-5100 FAX (763) 755-8923 . WWW.CI.ANDOVER.MN.US CC: Mayor and Council Members ~ Tun Dicki",mn, City Admini_ ~ David D. Berkowitz, City Engineer TO: FROM: SUBJECT: Discuss Improvements at Crosstown Boulevard & Crosstown Drive/06-48 - Engineering DATE: February 27, 2007 INTRODUCTION The City Council is requested to discuss possible safety improvements to the intersection of Crosstown Boulevard and Crosstown Drive, Project 06-48. DISCUSSION Staff has met with the Anoka County Highway Department to discuss potential safety improvement to the intersection of Crosstown Boulevard and Crosstown Drive. Here are a few options that are worth discussion: . Signs restricting left movements for peak traffic times such as 7:00 AM to 8:30 AM and 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Ibis would require strict enforcement. . Physical improvements such as a right-inlright-out median (refer to attached drawing). . Closing off the left turn movement (to go north bound) from Bunker Lake Boulevard to Crosstown Drive. . Closing off Crosstown Drive at Crosstown Boulevard. There are pros and cons to all of these options, which will be discussed at the meeting. ACTION REOUIRED Discuss possible safety improvement options to Crosstown Boulevard and Crosstown Drive, Project 06-48. Respectfully submitted, David D, Berkowitz Attachments: Right-InIRight-Out Drawing/ Q~C;} ~~ '\.~ ~.,,~ ~~~ ~~." ~~ "" ~~ ~~ " ~ ~"'~ ~~ ~~." ~~ ,," ~~ '", "",<" '~ ~"'." ,'-"""== /4- ~." C, /' 1/ :'\.~ 0.\1 / If ~ ~~ '5'-01<:/ II ""~" 7Y~ '\ ',"'", '13-l.' ~ "" '" '" -~' ~ ' ~ "'~ 1-~ ~ '\ ~ ~, ,~ '\ , ~ ~, "" ~ '" '~'" ~'" , ~~ "'~ ~ ~ ~ ~ \\"'", ~ \ ~ ~ ~ \\ f> \. '\ \\ ~ \I \ "<>',\\ II \\ '\\ \I \\ '\ II \ \I II \\ \1 \\ ~ \\ If II \\ II II \Y II 00) It "",":> I, ~ D ---~ '" Q '~~ I CROSSTOWN BLVD. NW ""''''''''''''''''''J - ~ - ~ ---- - ------- - ~ ---=========== ~ ~O(, -==--- ~ , ~====- 1\ <fP~=~ ' Ih __~ It' -..;::: :::::::: ~ II 1/ . J II (( ~II II~ II II~ II II II II II ~ II Ii I;! II # )> II ,f' jjjll <;:.-:::- z 11 :;ill ZJ\... I~II - liT ::~ IIW II -- - r0J =::...""~ '\, \ -.\t II II " ---.2 CD 1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD N.W, . ANDOVER, MINNESOTA 55304. (763) 755-5100 FAX (763) 755-8923 . WWW,CI.ANDOVER.MN.US David D. Berkowitz, City Engineer TO: CC: FROM: SUBJECT: DATE: Mayor and Council Members Jim Dickinson, City Administrator Discuss Monitoring Well Requirement - Engineering February 27,2007 INTRODUCTION As part of the City's Water Emergency and Conservation Plan and for the City's Water Appropriation Permit, the DNR is requiring the City to provide a monitoring well near Bunker Lake (refer to attached location map) to study if there is a direct correlation between pumping ground water from the aquifer to surface water elevations. DISCUSSION City staff, along with the DNR, has contacted the Anoka County Parks Department to discuss utilizing an existing well in the Bunker Hills Regional Park for the study. The County Parks Department will allow the use of a well that currently serves a shelter located near Bunker Lake. The DNR will allow the use of this well as long as the measurements are taken by mechanical means and not by continuously opening and closing the well. Drilling a new monitoring well would cost $30,000 to $40,000. By utilizing an existing well the required readings of the well drawdown can be measure using the City's existing SCADA (Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition) system. This equipment will allow measurements at desired times and report the information back to the main controls at the Water Treatment Plant. The cost to install this equipment is $10,000 to $12,000. Once the monitoring well is in place and other minor items are addressed the DNR will extend the City's Appropriation Permit out for the next 10 years. This would allow the City to pump the needed water from the aquifers and drill additional wells in the City for the next 10 years without going through a year- by-year Appropriation Permit. The DNR has informed the City that a monitoring well will need to be in place before the Appropriation Permit can be issued and before any additional wells are approved. City staff recommends utilizing the existing Anoka County Parks well and installing the SCADA system as described. BUDGET IMPACT The cost for the SCADA system would be funded from the City's Water Trunk Fund. ACTION REQUIRED The City Council is requested to direct staff to proceed with the installation of the SCADA system to monitor an existing well in Bunker Hills Regional Park. Respectfully submitted, cGJ~."7<.,t ,.~ DavidD. Berkowi~ Attachment: Well Location Map"/ @ 1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD N.W. . ANDOVER, MINNESOTA 55304 . (763) 755-5100 FAX (763) 755-8923 . WWW.CI.ANDOVER.MN.US CC: Jim Dickinson, City Administrator David D. Berkowitz, City Engineer TO: Mayor and Council Members From: Kameron Kytonen, Natural Resources Technician Subject: Date: Construction Site Erosion and Waste Control Ordinance - Engineering February 27,2007 INTRODUCTION The City of Andover is required to comply with the latest NPDES (National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System) regulations set forth by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA). One requirement as part of this program is to have an ordinance or other regulatory mechanism in place, which has language on erosion and sediment controls and sanctions for compliance. DISCUSSION The City currently has language with specifications to this requirement in documents including other ordinances, development contracts for new development, guidelines and plans, Staffhas put together a draft ordinance, which combines information in these documents with information from ordinances of other cities and additional language on processes staff is currently using. ACTION REQUESTED It is requested that the City Council review the draft ordinance and provide comments as needed. Respectfully submi, ed, ~K_ ;. Natural Resources Technician Attachment: draft Construction Site Erosion and Waste Control Ordinance / CITY OF ANDOVER COUNTY OF ANOI{A STATE OF MINNESOTA ORDINANCE NO. Section 1. Declaration of Policy The City of Andover has determined that during the construction process, soil and debris is highly vulnerable to erosion by wind and water. Eroded soil and debris endangers water resources by reducing water quality and causing the siltation of aquatic habitat or fish and other desirable species. Eroded soil and debris also necessitates repair of sewers and ditches and the dredging of waters of the state. The purpose of this Construction Site Erosion and Waste Control ordinance is to safeguard persons, protect property and prevent damage to the environment in the City of Andover. It is intended to also promote the public welfare by guiding, regulating and controlling the design, construction, use and maintenance of any development or other activity that disturbs or breaks the topsoil or results in the movement of earth on land in Andover and generates debris. (Amended Ord. 214, 5-6-1997) , The information in this code is supplemental to language in other codes, plans, policies, guidelines and contracts included but no limited to the following: 1. City of Andover Water Resource Management Plan (WRMP); 2. Building Rules and Guidelines; and 3. Development contracts for new plats. Section 2. Def"mitions BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES (BMP's): Technique or series of techniques, which are proven to be effective in controlling runoff, erosion, sedimentation and construction debris confinement. BUILDER: The general contractor or owner of individual lots. CITY: City of Andover. CITY ENGINEER: Officer or other designated authority charged with the administration and enforcement of this chapter. CONSTRUCTION DEBRIS: Any waste generated as a result of construction including but not limited to discarded building materials, concrete truck washout, chemicals, litter or refuse and sanitary waste. 1 CONTRACTOR: For the purpose of this ordinance, any party including but not limited to developers, builders or persons who's responsible for abiding by the applicable requirements set forth, DEVELOPER: Any person, firm, corporation, sole proprietorship, partnership, state agency or political subdivision thereof engaged in a land disturbance activity. DNR: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources EROSION: The wearing away of the ground surface as a result of the movement of wind, water, ice and/or land disturbance activities. EROSION CONTROL: A measure that prevents erosion. ESTABLISHED YARD: A yard that has permanent ground cover established suitable for long-term erosion control including but not limited to seed, sod, native plant communities, shrubbery, trees, rock or mulch. GRADING, DRAINAGE AND EROSION CONTROL PLAN: A city and local watershed approved plan required prior to commencement of any site grading, which details grading requirements, drainage characteristics and erosion control methods. LOCAL WATERSHED: The local regulating authority for watershed management; the two servicing Andover include the Coon Creek Watershed District (CCWD) and Lower Rum River Watershed Management Organization (LRRWMO) respectively. MPCA: Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. PERSON: Any individual, firm, company, association, society, corporation or group, ROUGH GRADE: The stage at which the grade approximately conforms to the approved plan. SITE: Lot, plat, subdivision, SITE GRADING: Excavation or fill of material, including the resulting conditions thereof. STORM DRAIN (Sometimes Termed STORM SEWER): A drain or sewer for conveying storm water runoff, ground water, subsurface water or unpolluted water from any source. SUSPENDED SOLIDS: Total suspended matter that either floats on the surface of, or is in suspension in, water, wastewater, or other liquids, and that is removable by laboratory filtering as prescribed in "Standard Methods For The Examination Of Water And Wastewater" and referred to as non-filterable residue. 2 Section 3. Application and SWPPP Requirements for Contractor It is the responsibility of the contractor to obtain all the necessary permits from the MPCA and abide by all the requirements set forth in the General Stormwater Permit for Construction Activity (Permit Number: MN R 100001). Section 4. Right of Entry Provision Every licensee shall allow any peace officer, health officer, or properly designated officer or employee of the City to enter, inspect, and search the premises of the licensee at reasonable hours without a warrant. Section 5. Onsite Activity Requirements 5.1 Debris Storage: All construction debris shall be kept in an enclosed building or properly contained in a closed container designed for such purposes throughout the construction process, 5.2 Waste Disposal: It shall be the responsibility of the contractor to dispose of all their construction debris in a manner approved by the City. The City requires that construction debris be disposed of by a garbage hauler. 5.3 Construction Entrance Criteria: The contractor shall take all the necessary measures to prevent erosion of sediments from the site onto the City streets during the construction process. Such practices shall occur in the manner as prescribed in section 8.2 of this chapter. 5.4 Site Dewatering: Water pumped from the site shall be treated prior to entering a wetland, lake, river or stream to meet requirements set forth by DNR and MPCA rules and regulations. Section 6. Erosion Control and Site Stabilization 6.1 Erosion Control Placement Requirements: Silt fence shall be installed on individual lots in the following locations: 1. Adjacent to or in a location to protect a wetland on or near the property; 2. Adjacent to or in a location to protect a sedimentation pond, basin or drainage swale on or near the property; 3, Adjacent to or in a location to protect an established yard; 4. Adjacent to or in a location to protect a valuable piece of natural land; and 5. Any other reason as determined by the City Engineer or designee. 6.2 Silt Fence InstaUationProcedures: Silt fence shall be installed at a minimum to meet the City of Andover standard details. 3 6.2 Site Erosion Control Timelines for Compliance: Silt fence shall be installed in all the locations of the site per the Grading, Drainage and Erosion Control Plan and inspected to ensure compliance by the City Engineer or designee prior to any site grading, No grading shall take place until verbal authorization between the City Engineer or designee and the contractor. Silt fence shall be installed in the locations as prescribed in section 6.1 of this chapter prior to the release of a building permitto the builder for each individual lot. No permit shall be issued until the City Engineer or designee signs the Building Permit Application, 6.3 Temporary Site Stabilization: Sites that are to be left with barren soils exposed for more than two weeks following the completion of rough grading due to weather conditions, time of season, construction phase or other reason shall be temporary stabilized by establishing adequate ground cover with city or watershed approved measures, which may include but is not limited to one or more of the following: 1. Straw fiber blanket; 2. Mulch; 3. Hay; 4. Seed or sod; or 5. tarping Section 7. Inspections and Investigations The City Engineer or designee shall do periodic inspections as often as practical to ensure the proper erosion control and construction debris containment measures are being respected. Inspections will take place at least bi-weekly during the spring, summer and fall months and after each rainfall event of 0.5 inches or more. Section 8. Sanctions for Compliance 8.1 Violations Declared: A case where a BMP has failed, was removed, was not properly installed, was not installed or was not managed properly, which increases the potential for pollutants to waters of the state includes but is not limited to the following: 1. Silt fence failure or improper installation; 2. Non-storm water discharges on impervious surfaces; 3. Garbage, refuse, construction debris; and 4. The presence of barren soils for an extended period of time; 4 8.2 Corrective Measures: The following are corrective measures that shall be taken to correct a violation: 1. Repairing and/or adding silt fence; 2. Removing pollutants from impervious surfaces including streets and gutters including but not limited to sand or other sediment, brush, garbage, refuse, construction debris, oils and concrete washout by sweeping using a mechanical street sweeper or other means or effectively removing the material(s) and properly disposing of; 3. Picking up materials including but not limited to garbage, refuse or construction debris in and amongst the grounds of the development and/or adjacent properties and properly disposing of the material by recycling or placing in an enclosed container; and 4. Stabilizing the site by furnishing adequate ground cover to lessen wind and water erosion as prescribed in section 6.3 of this chapter. 8.3 Procedure for Correction: Upon the determination of a violation, the City Engineer or designee will contact the contractor to indicate the corrective measures that shall be taken. A deadline shall be given with penalties for failing to comply with the set deadline. The contractor shall be notified both orally and written, and will be given a reasonable timeframe for correcting the violation. 8.4 Penalties for Non-compliance: If the contractor fails to meet the deadline set forth by the City Engineer or designee, one or more of the following penalties will be assessed: 1. City forces performing the necessary work or contracting for the completion of the work and billing the contractor for said services and/or using escrow funds; 2. Discontinuing the issuance of any permits or Certificate of Occupancies (CO's) in the development or for the individual lot; 3. Stop work orders; and 4. Discontinuing any more scheduled inspections. 5 CITY OF NDOVE @ 1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD N.W. . ANDOVER, MINNESOTA 55304. (763) 755-5100 FAX (763) 755-8923 . WWW.CI.ANDOVER,MN.US ...- CC: To: FROM: SUBJECT: Single Family Residential Rental Discussion - Planning DATE: February 27, 2007 INTRODUCTION As directed by Council, staff have been following what the City of Blaine and other cities in the Metropolitan Area are doing to regulate single-family residential rental units. DISCUSSION Attached are a few news articles, a report and proposed ordinance from the City of Blaine related to what they are about to enact. This new code change will allow them to license/regulate the single-family, duplex, and townhome rental units in their city. Until now these units have not had to undergo any inspections or licensing requirements. The City of Blaine will now be hiring a new code enforcement person to administer this program and it will be covered by the fees that will be paid by the rental licensees. The case can be made that if not regulated or inspected, these rental units can become more of a problem for the city police and code enforcement staff related to disorderly conduct and substandard dwelling conditions than any of the other currently regulated rental units in the city. The trend in these other cities appears to be towards adopting new rental control license requirements to contain the problem before it gets out of hand. ACTION REOUESTED Council is asked to review the materials and provide staff direction on any further work that is needed. Respectfully SUbm~ Will Neumeister Attachments :. .:!i~' , 1"-- .-- =: ~ ~ a.=.....::::.. ~ . CITY OF BLAINE \. .... _......WI ;;1 TO: Mayor and City Council APPROVED: f l,u/ FROM: Dave Johnson, Safety Services Manager DATE: February 15,2007 NO.: 12.4 ITEM: ADMINISTRATION: First Reading - Ordinance No. 07-2122, Deleting Section 18- 322 Chapter 18, Buildings and Building Regulations, Article VIII, Residential Maintenance Code, of the Municipal Code of the City of Blaine; and Adding Article X , to Chapter 18 of the Municipal Code of the City of Blaine Relating to Licenses for Rental Dwellings BACKGROUND: Over recent years, a number of issues regarding rental housing in the City of Blaine have presented themselves. Specifically, these issues are the licensing and periodic inspection of all rental housing units inclusive of both single and multi-family units and conduct of tenants in rental housing units that impact their immediate neighbors, neighborhoods and the community as a whole. To those ends, it is proposed that Section 18-322 "Licensing of rental units" of the Blaine City Code be deleted and replaced by the proposed Article X "Licenses For Rental Units" located in Chapter 18 "Buildings and Building Regulations" of the Blaine City Code. The amendment would divide rental housing licensing into two categories. The first would be the approximately 700 single family homes that are renter occupied in the City of Blaine. The second would be the approximately 125 buildings with 1508 units that are multi-family housing (duplexes, townhomes, apartments, etc.) that are renter occupied in the City of Blaine. The single family rental units would be inspected every two years and the multi- family buildings and representative units would be inspected annually. The inspections and licensing activities would be conducted by Housing Services Specialists in the Community Standards' Division. Inspections would be looking for code, fire code and health and safety ordinance violations and would require that corrective action by licensees be taken. The amendment would mandate that licensees (owners) are responsible to ensure that persons occupying or present at the rental dwelling conduct themselves in such a manner as not to cause the premises to be disorderly. ' The definition of disorderly for the purposes of this ordinance are the same behaviors currently specified in Blaine City Ordinance Section 50-141 "Disorderly House". Conduct violations that meet the defined standard will generally be responded to by complaints received at the Police Department. Evidence of response and verification of a conduct complaint will be made by a police report and forwarded to the Community Standards Division for tracking. The amendment proposes that specific action(s) must be taken by the licensee for the first and second violation(s) in a calendar year. The amendment also permits the City Council, after a third conduct violation in a calendar year, -2--- C:\DOCUMENTS AND SEITINGS\WNEUMElSTER\LOCAL SE'ITINGS\TEMPORARY 1NTERNETF'JLES\OLKI81\COUNCfi. COVER FOR ORDINANCE 07-2122RENTALHOUSING.DOC Cover Memo - Ordinance No. 07-2122 Page 2 and subsequent to a public hearing, the authority to deny, revoke, suspend or not renew the rental dwelling license. Finally, Rental Dwelling Licenses will be issued for a period of one calendar and will commence on June 1 of each year. The license fees will be established by resolution and will be collected for each building and unit in a rental dwelling RECOMMENDED COUNCIL ACTION: By motion, approve Ordinance No. 07-2122. ATTACHMENT: Ordinance No. 07-2122 -J'~ CITY OF BLAINE ORDINANCE NO. AN ORDINANCE DELETING SECTION 18-322 FROM ARTICLE vm OF CHAPTER 18 OF THE BLAINE CITY CODE, AND ADDING ARTICLE X TO CHAPTER 18 OF THE BLAINE CITY CODE, RELATING TO LICENSES FOR RENTAL DWELLINGS THE CITY OF BLAINE DOES ORDAIN: See. 18 322. Licensing of Fantal units (a) Requirof1; fJoriod; rOADY/at; oF/forcing Dg3,;nsf OWRDr OOSl1fJORt. To allow for a E:ystematic enforcement of this 'article upon rental dwollingc, no porson chall, after tho enactment of ordinance from '....hich the article is dori'/ed, operate a rental dwelling 'Nithout firct having obtained 3 license to do E:O from the city, as pro'/ided in thic seotion. Each such operating licenE:e shall be iE:sued annually and chall expire on the anni\<erE:ary date of ismmnoe. Liccmse renowals shall ee filed at least eQ days prior to the lioense expiration date. If ::m impairment should occur in an owner ocoupied dwelling that threatenc the health, safoty, and wolfare of the occupants or adj:::lcent property owners/rentorc, and if the impairment is a '/iolation of sootion 18 J1a, the oity ic empowered to enforoe this articlo. (b) Conform3noo fJrorofl/l:Jisito to issu:lRfi}o. No operating lioenE:e shall be issued or renewed unless the rental d'Nelling and its premises conform to the ordinances of the city and the la'Ns of ' the st3te. (c) Lioense foes, The annual lieense fee and expiration date E:hall be as established by action of the council. (d) OWF/er Qr afleF/t to a{)fJ.ly. Lioense applic:::ltion or rencm:::ll applic3tion E:hall be made by the o'.-mer of rental units or the owner's legally constitl,lte agent. Application forms may be acquired from and sub6equently filed with the city inE:pector. (e) Resident afloFlt roquIrog. No operating license shall be isslled or renowed for a nonresident owner of rental dwelling units (one who cloes not reside in any of the following state sOb/nties: Hennepin, Ramsey, I\noka, Carver, Dakota, ,Scott, or 'NaE:hington), unless E:blch owner design:::ltes in ',,,'riting to the city inspeotor the name of such owner's residont agent, (one who doec reside in any of the folio-wing cOllntiec: Hennepin, I\noka, Ramsey, Carver, Dakota, Scott or VVashington) who is responsible for maintenance and blpkeel3 and who is legally constituted ancl empowered to receive service of notice of violation of the pro'/isions of the sity ordinanoes, to Fecei'/e ordorc and to institute remecliol action to effeot such orderc and to accopt 011 service or process l3ursuant to law. The city inspector shall be notified in writing of any ch::mge of resident agent. This reqllirement may be waived if, in the city inspector's determination, the ownor not living in one of tho sl3ecified GOllntiec, is nonetheless sufficiently accessiblo for the purpoE:es of this article. (f) IIflroemoFlt to 3#OW inspostion. No operating licenso shall be issued or renewod unless the owner of rental units agrees in the applioation to permit inspection pursllant to Section 1 g ~ -4--- (g) Postiflf] of !iGoflso. Every licenoee of :I rental dwclling shall C3UOC to be conspicuously posted in the main entryway or other conopicuous location therein the current licenoe for the reopecti'te rental dwelling. (h) Transfer of fiooflse. No operating licenoe ohall be tranoferable to another rental swelling. No operating licenoe ohall bo transferable to another peroen without aflflroval of tho city counoil. Every perscm holding an eperating licenoe ohall gi'JO notioo in writing to tho city inspector '....ithin five buoiness days after having leg311y transferred or othmwise disposed of the legal control of any licensed rental dwelling. Such notice shall include the namo and asdress of the peroon suoooeding to the o....mership or control of ouoh rontal dwelling. 0) LiGonso sfdsponsioR or rovoGx'1tion. Evory operating licenso issues under the provisions of this artiole is subject to suspension or revooation by the counoil should the licensed owner, or the duly 3uthori~d resident agent, fail to operate or maintain licensed rental dwellingo and units therein conoistont with the provisions of the ordinances of the oity and the laws of the st3te. If an operating Iicenso is ouspensed or revoked by tho counoil fer just cause, it shall bo unlawful for the o'/mer or duly authorized agent to thereafter permit any new ocol:lpanoic:lC of vacant or thereafter vaoated I:lnits until ol:loh time as a valid operating license has boen restored by the council. ARTICLE X. LICENSES FOR RENTAL DWELLINGS Sec. 18-501. License Reauired. No person shall allow to be occupied or let to another for occupancy units in a rental dwellina for which a license has not been aranted by the City. Sec. 18-502. Aoolication. (a) Before any license shall be issued or renewed, the owner of the rental dwellinq shall complete an application. The followina persons shall be authorized to siqn and submit the application: (1) If the owner is a natural person. by the owner thereof. (2) If the owner is a corporation. by an officer thereof. (3) If the owner is a partnership. by a partner thereof. (b) The application shall be made on a form prescribed by the City and shall include: (1) The name and address of the owner of the rental dwellinq. (2) The name and address of any operator or aaent actively manaqinq the rental dwellinq. (3) If the operator or aaent is a business entity. the application shall include the names. telephone numbers and addresses of individuals who will be involved in such manaqement. toqether with a description of the scope of services and manner of deliverinq these services by the manaaer. (4) If the applicant is a corporation. the name and address of all officers. -5 (5) If the applicant is a partnership. the name and address of all partners. '(6) If the rental dwellina is beina sold on a contract for deed. the name and address of the vendees. (7) The leaal address of the rental dwellina. Sec. 18-503. License Issuance. The City shall issue a license if the buildina and the application are found to be in compliance with the provisions of this Chapter provided that all real estate taxes and municipal utility bills for the premises have been paid. Real estate taxes will not be considered to be unpaid for purposes of this Section while a proper and timely appeal of such taxes is pendina. Sec. 18-504. Term of License. Sec. 18-505. License Fees. The license fees shall be established by resolution. The license fee shall be collected 'for each buildina and unit in a rental dwellina. (1) If an application for a license is made after its due date May 151 a late fee as established by resolution. will be added to the initial license fee. For each subseauent 3D-day period an additional late fee will be imposed. Sec. 18-506. Postina of Ucense. The licensee shall post a COpy of the license in a conspicuous public corridor or hallway or lobby of the licensed rental dwellina, Sec. 18-507. Transfer of License. A license is transferable for a fee to any person who has actually acauired leaal ownership of the rental dwellina. The transfer shall be effective for the unexpired portion of the license period. provided that a transfer application is filed with the City prior to the actual chanae of leaal ownership and that the transferee is not disaualified from holdina the license. A license ' shall terminate upon an owners failure to apply for a transfer prior to chanae of leaal ownership. The fee for the license transfer shall be established by resolution. Sec. 18-508. Conduct on Licensed Premises. (a) Disorderlv Premises. The licensee shall be responsible for ensurina that persons occupyina or present at the rental dwellina conduct themselves in such a manner as not to cause the premises to be disorderly. For purposes of this Section. a premises is disorderly if any of the followina occur: -{,-- (1) Violation of Section 50-141 (Disorderly House) of the City Code or Minnesota Statutes, Section 609.72. (2) Violation of laws relatina to the possession of controlled substances as defined in Minnesota Statutes Section 152.01. Subdivision 4. (3) The unlawful possession or sale of intoxicatina Iiauor or 3.2 percent malt liauor. (4) Violation of laws relatina to aamblina. (5) Violation of laws relatina to prostitution as defined in Minnesota Statutes. Section 609.321. Subdivision 9. or acts relatina to prostitution. (6) Unlawful use or possession of a firearm or weapon in violation of Chapter 50. Article III. Division 2 of the City Code or Minnesota Statutes. Section 609.66. Subdivision la. 609.67 or 624.713. (7) Violation of Minnesota Statutes. Section 609.705 (Unlawful Assembly). (8) Violation of Minnesota Statutes. Section 609.71 (Riot). (9) Violation of Minnesota Statutes. Section 609.713 (Terrorist Threat). (1 0) Violation of Minnesota Statutes, Section 609.715 (Presence at Unlawful Assembly). (11) Any other conduct deemed disorderly by the City Manaaer or desianee. (b) Enforcement Authoritv. The City Manaaer or desianee shall be responsible for enforcement and administration of this Article. Authority to take any action authorized by this Article may be deleaated to the City Manaaer's authorized desianee. (c) Notice of Violation. Upon determination by the City that a rental dwellina was deemed to be a disorderly premises. notice of the violation shall be aiven to the licensee. The notice shall include a directive for the licensee to take steps to prevent further violations. All notices aiven by the City under this Section shall be served on the licensee. sent by mail to the licensee's last known address. or. by postina the notice in a conspicuous place at the rental dwellina. (d) Second Instance. If a second instance of a disorderly premises occurs within the annual license term the City shall notify the licensee of the violation and shall also reauire the licensee to submit a written report of the actions taken and proposed to be taken by the licensee to prevent further disorderly use of the premises. This written report shall be submitted to the City within five days of receipt of the notice of disorderly premises and shall detail all actions taken by the licensee in response to all notices of disorderly premises within the license term. (e) Third Instance. If a third instance of a disorderly premises occurs within the annual license term the rental dwellina license for the premises may be denied. revoked. suspended. or not renewed in accordance with Section 18-509. -7- (f) Instances Defined. For purposes of this Section. second and third instances of disorderly premises shall be those which: (1) Occur at the same rental unit: or (2) Involve tenants at the same rental unit: or (3) Involve ouests or invitees at the same rental unit: or (4) Involve ouests or invitees of the same tenant: or (5) Involve the same tenant. (0) Eviction Proceedinos. No adverse license action shall be imposed where the instance of disorderly premises occurred durino the pendency of eviction proceedinos (unlawful detainer) or within thirty days of notice ciiven by the licensee to a tenant to vacate the premises. where the disorderly use was related to conduct by that tenant or by other occupants or ouests of the tenant's unit. Eviction proceedinos shall not be a bar to license action. however. unless they are beino dilioently pursued by the licensee. (h) Evidence of Disorderlv Premises. A detennination of disorderly premises shall be made upon substantial evidence. It shall not be necessary that criminal charoes be brouoht in order to support a detennination of disorderly premises. Moreover. a dismissal or acouittal of any such criminal charQe will not operate as a bar to license action under this Article. (i) Council Action Not Exclusive, Enforcement actions provided in this Article shall not be exclusive. The City Council may take any action with respect to a licensee. a tenant. or the licensed premises as is authorized by the City Code or State Law. See, 18-509, SusDension. Revocation. Denial, Non-Renewal. (a) An action to deny. revoke. suspend. or not renew a license under this Article shall be initiated by the City by oivina written notice to the licensee of a hearino before the City Council to consider such denial. revocation. suspension or non-renewal. The written notice shall specify all violations and shall state the date. time. place and purpose of the hearino. The hearina shall be held no less than ten days and no more than thirty days after oivino the notice. In such hearina the City Council shall oive due reaard to the frequency and seriousness of violations. the ease with which such violations could have been cured or avoided and oood faith efforts to comply with City reouirements. FollowinQ the hearinQ. the City Council in its sole discretion may deny. revoke. suspend. or decline to renew the license for all or any part or parts of the rental dwellino. or may orant a license upon such tenns and conditions as it deems necessary to accomplish the purposes of this Article. Further. an action to deny. revoke. suspend. or not renew a license based upon violations of this Article may be postponed or discontinued at any time if it appears that the licensee has taken appropriate measures which will prevent further instances of disorderly use. The City Council shall issue its decision upon written findinos. (b) Reason for Action. The City Council may revoke. suspend. deny or decline to renew any license issued under this Article upon any orounds it deems appropriate includina. but not limited to. the followino: (1) False statements on any application or other information or report reouired by this Article to be aiven by the applicant or licensee. -8- (2) Failure to pay any application fee. penaltv. re-inspection. or reinstatement fee required bv this Article and resolutions. (3) Failure to correct deficiencies noted in notices of violation in the time specified in the notice. (5) Anv other violation of this Article. (c) Reinstatement of License. Upon a decision to revoke, deny. or not renew a license, no new application for the same rental dwellina will be accepted for a period of time specified in the written decision of the City Council. not exceedina one year. Anv such new application must be accompanied bv a reinstatement fee. as specified bv resolution. in addition to all other fees reauired bv this Article. Cd) No New Rentals. A written decision to revoke, suspend. deny. or not renew a license shall specify the part or parts of the rental dwellina to which it applies. Thereafter. and until a license is reissued or reinstated, no rental units becomina vacant in such part or parts of the rental dwellina may be re-Iet or occupied. Revocation, suspension or non-renewal of a license shall not excuse the owner of a rental dwellina from compliance with the terms of this Article for any other unit or units in the rental dwellina which remain occupied. (e) Failure to Comolv. Failure to complv with any term of this Article durina a period of revocation, suspension, or non-renewal is a misdemeanor and is also arounds for extension of the term of such revocation or suspension or continuation of non-renewal. or for a decision not to reinstate the license. notwithstandina any limitations on the period of suspension, revocation or non-renewal specified in the City Council's written decision, Sec. 18-510. No Retaliation. No licensee shall evict. threaten to evict. or take any other punitive action aaainst any tenant bv reason of aood faith calls made bv such tenant to law enforcement aaencies relatina to criminal activity. suspected criminal activity, suspicious occurrences, or public safety concerns. This Section shall not prohibit the eviction of tenants from a dwellina unit for unlawful ,conduct of a tenant or invitee or violation of any rules. reaulations or lease terms other than a prohibition aaainst contactina law enforcement aaencies, INTRODUCED AND READ in full this day of ,2007. PASSED by the City Council of the City of Blaine this day of ,2007. Tom Ryan, Mayor ATTEST: Jane Cross, CMC, City Clerk -1-- City Ssrvices ~re~ > 'R' ListilJ,9s > Co~eWJs (Rental Property Licensing Information I I I L- Online Contact Directory Description: Residents Business Government Search L_o~o_~~ 311/City Services A Rental License is required for every rental dwelling, includina sinale family rental dwellings and rental units in owner-occupied duplexes, and rooming and shared bath units, unless they are in licensed lodging houses. A rental dwelling will be ineligible for a license if it is found to be substandard after an inspection. In addition to the standards contained in the housing maintenance code, the rental license ordinance contains standards relating to disorderly conduct, crime, noisy parties or other illegal activities by occupants. A rental dwelling will also be ineligible for a license if it is used contrary to its zoning, illegally occupied, contains too rnany units or contains illegal rooming units. The annual fee is $33.00 for the first unit and $20.00 for each additional unit in the same building. - Phone: Fax: lTY: Email: Web Address: (612) 673-5856 (612) 673-2314 (612) 673-2157 .as, Listed Services: Street Address: Public Service Center 250 S 4th St Rm 300 Minneapolis, MN 55415 Mailing Address: Public Service Center 250 S 4th St Rm 300 Minneapolis, MN 55415 Page 1 ot 1 Visitor! I I j Official Web Site of the City of Minneapolis, M Disclaimers and Notices I Privacv 51 Online Department Directory 2.0 ReI. 2 -J()- http://apps.ci.minneapolis.mn. us/ deptdirapp/contactdetails.aspx?contactID=427 4&Alpha=R 2/14/2007 Posted on Wed, Jan. 17,2007 ~ email this.@.print this ~ reprint or license this Rental checks might widen Inspections sought for single-family homes, duplexes BY JASON HOPPIN Pioneer Press Under proposed laws set for e today, inspectors would enter thousands of one- and two-unit rental properties St. Paul and come back each year if they find a lot of problems. "Responsible tenants deserve to live in a clean, safe building," said City Council Member Dan Bostrom. "Some of (the rentals) are so bad that you wouldn't even keep your pet in them." For a decade, the East Side council member has been pushing for the new ordinance, which would allow indoor inspections of single-family rental homes and duplexes for the first time, Bostrom is co-sponsoring the ordinance with Council Member Jay Benanav, who has tussled with landlords over issues related to college student housing, including overcrowding. The city currently inspects buildings with three or more rental units. The city also is moving to create a new point system for tracking rental properties, ranking code problems by the severity of the violation and dividing properties into three categories. Rentals with the best records would be inspected every five years, rentals with decent records would be inspected every three, and rentals with more serious problems would be inspected annually. "There should be an advantage to having a really good, safe property in the city of St. Paul. Plus, it can be a great marketing tool," said City Council President Kathy Lantry, a former property manager and sponsor of the point system. ww.twincities.com/mld/pioneerpress/news/local/1647 607 6.htm 2/14/2007 -J/- St. Paul Pioneer Press I 01/17/20071 Rental checks might widen Page '2 ot j Under existing law, properties are inspected every two years, St. Paul landlords are divided over the first proposal, said Carol Buche, a board member of the St. Paul Association of Responsible Landlords. Some feel they are being held responsible for tenants' behavior, while others - mainly operators of larger apartment buildings - feel it's about time everyone was inspected, While building codes apply to every St. Paul residence, Buche said, "It's only ever enforced against rental properties." Bostrom said owner-occupied homes aren't as much a problem as rentals, but Bill Cullen, a past president of the landlord group, says there's no evidence that rentals are more problematic. "What's the problem?" he asked, "What's broken that we need to fix?" The point system, however, seems to be winning universal praise. "I'm thrilled," Buche said. ''They ain't going to be seeing me for another five years." But with an apparently growing citywide vacancy problem, there is concern that the new ordinance would add to the problem. The city has a roster of 6,000 registered rental properties that have never been inspected, but 2000 U.S. census figures indicate the number actually exceeds 9,000. Inspectors currently oversee 3,000 properties with three or more units, or about 45,000 total units. A pilot study completed in 2001 found 37 percent of the city's rental properties would fall into the worst category, triggering annual inspections. Those are the homes city officials say they will focus on if the new ordinance is enacted. Some landlords may not be able to pay for needed repairs, possibly forcing tenants to find new homes and landing the house on the city's list of vacancies. Lantry understands the concern, but she said it's a choice between two evils. "Do you let someone live in unsafe, substandard housing because you don't want to make them homeless? Or do you want to make them dead?" she said. ''That's why we have inspections, to make sure the public safety is, not at risk." There are other concerns with rental inspections. Nick Dranias, a staff attorney with Minneapolis' Institute for Justice, said safeguards should be written into the law to prevent rental inspections from being used as a kind of legal Trojan horse to get police inside a home without a search warrant. "It's too easy to use an administrative (building code) search as a pretext in coordination with a criminal investigation," Dranias said. "The risk of that is enhanced when there isn't prior notice of the inspection." Officials say landlords will get advance warning of any searches. -,Iz.--- http://www.twincities.com/mld/pioneerpress/news/local/I6476076.htm 2/14/2007 ~ St. Paul Pioneer Press I 01/17/2007 I Rental checks might widen Page 3 of3 St. Paul fire officials will handle the new inspections. which likely will have to be phased in over several years because of the sheer number of dwellings being added to the program. The move also can be seen as one step in a broader effort to revitalize St. Paul neighborhoods. ''That's the whole deal," Bostrom said. "Eventually, we'll turn our neighborhoods around." Jason Hoppin can be rE;lached atjhoppin@pioneerpress.comor651-292-1892. IF YOU GO What: The St. Paul City Council conducts a public hearing on rental property inspections. Where: St. Paul City Hall, Room 300,15 W. Kellogg Blvd. When: 5:30 p.m. today. II It'$ ~...~ It'll ~ur towD, If'll yollr Pillpili'. Ads bv GOal/Ie D..up/e)c:es in Minnesota Looking to buy/sell in Minnesota? Your one-stop shop for duplexes. www.lnvestmentProperlyGuys.com Chimney Guys Inc. Mpls \ St. Paul chimney cleaning inspections, repairs, relining www.chimneyguys.net News I Business I Sports I Entertainment I Living I Shop Local I Classifieds I Jobs I Cal About TwinCities,com I About the Real Cities Network I Terms of Use & Privacy Statement I CoPyri9ht \/rsit other Res! Cities sites ~!.?~ http://www.twincities.com/mld/pioneerpress/news/local/16476076.htm 2/14/2007 . . City of Hopkins. Rental Properties Page 1 of6 II 0 R!-&!~!l s The !>>poil COffe" 11"""" . I1bplcins Adivi1'jl C"meT . I1bp1ci... C""feT'faT!llIt A11s 4 I1bplcim: Pwili"" . 0\'''_5 SiaII<! - r l;~~~lu;.~:~~;:nmAnt > R~ntol Prnnurties - The City of Hopkins housing stock consists of about 60% rental properties. Because of this fact the City is very I interested in preserving and maintaining its housing stock which keeps our neighborhoods safe, Inspections of rental properties ;Ire conducted on a routine and complaint basis. The common areas of all apartment complexes (defined as three or more units) are inspected on an annual basis, Between 10 and 20 percent of the units of each apartment complex are conducted every three years. I The City conducts inspections of the duplex, townhouse, condominium, and single family rental properties by the section of the city they are located in as often as possible. If you would like further rental property information or to find out if a single unit or duplex is L licensed with the City, please contact the Inspections Division (952-548-6320) or Elizabeth Page, Housing Inspector (952-548-6323), Last Updated: Jan 2007 Apartment or Townhouse Auburn North 400-446 Van Buren Place 501-509 Van Buren Terrace Tr N 600-660 Van Buren Terrace Tr N 700-747 Van Buren Way N Auburn South 701 Oak Park Ln 336,338,342,344 Tyler Ave N Brentwood Aparbnents 615 Robinwood Ln 619 Robinwood Ln 621 Robinwood Ln 625 Robinwood Ln 614 Robinwood Ln 618 Robinwood Ln 622 Robinwood Ln 626 Robinwood Ln Brentwood Park Townhomes 1301 Highway 7 Cambridge Towers Assessing New Developments Past Developments Community Image Award Rental Rental Properties Public Housing Section 8 Hopkins Apartment Managers Association Home Ownership Truth-In-Housing 1 st Time Home Buyer Before You Buy Or Sell Housing Rehab Loans & Grants Auburn Limited Partnership Park Avenue of Wayzata 15210 Wayzata Blvd Wayzata, MN 55391 952-475-1700 Auburn Limited Partnership Park Avenue of Wayzata 15210 Wayzata Blvd Wayzata, MN 55391 952-475-1700 Hopkins Housing L TD Partnership do Sage Co Janet Anderson 1107 Hazeltine Blvd, Suite 200 Chaska, MN 55318 952-361-8097 Hopkins Housing L TD Partnership do Sage Co Janet Anderson 1107 Hazeltine Blvd, Suite 200 Chaska, MN 55318 952-361-8097 Ginkel Construction ~/l/'--- http://www.hopkinsmn.com/housing/rentalprop.html Apartment & Townhouse Listing as of 11/08/06 No. Units Owner or Management Company Site Manager Aubum Limited Partnership 601 Van Buren Ave N 16 Park Avenue ofWayzata Hopkins, MN 55343 5 15210 Wayzata Blvd 952-935-6000 40 Wayzata, MN 55391 952-935-4247 Fax 41 952-475-1700 34 4 12 12 12 12 8 8 8 8 146 601 Van Buren Ave N Hopkins, MN 55343 952-935-6000 952-935-4247 Fax 601 Van Buren Ave N Hopkins, MN 55343 952-935-6000 952-935-4247 Fax Thatcher Riggin 1301 Highway 7 Hopkins, MN 55343 952-938-5163 952-938-8501 Fax Thatcher Riggin 1301 Highway 7 Hopkins, MN 55343 952-938-5163 952-938-8501 Fax Linda Corcoran 2/14/2007 6J 1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD N.W. . ANDOVER, MINNESOTA 55304 MAIN (763) 755-5100 FAX (763) 755-8923 . WWW.CI.ANDOVER,MN,US TO: City Council CC: Jim Dickinson, City Administrator Will Neumeister, Community Development Director t(/~ FROM: Andy Cross, Associate Planner ,/lZA::- SUBJECT: Update on Cell Phone Towers in Public Parks - Planning DATE: February 27,2007 DISCUSSION The City Attorney has explained his view on telecom antennas in public parkland that can be summarized as follows: If a piece of land has been dedicated to park use through a subdivision, the City would have a difficult time placing cell phone equipment or any above-ground utility structure in the park because the land was dedicated for "park use" only. Telecom and utility structures are not park uses. This changes, however, if the City has purchased park land or acquired a fee simple interest in the land. Then the land has not been dedicated to the City strictly for parkuse and we have more flexibility in how we use the land. Chapter 9-12 of the City Code regulates antennas and towers in Andover. There are two sections of this chapter that may influence tower placement in public parks. Section 9-12-5 states that towers with antennas may be placed in City park sites greater than ten acres in size located outside of the MUSA if the Park Commission determines that the tower is compatible with the nature of the park. The other section (9-12-8) requires that towers shall be placed a minimum of 500 feet from any existing residential dwelling units and at least a half-mile from each other (see attached Title 9-12 text). If cell tower locations can be found in parks, the City would receive revenue as part of the land lease. The City Council may wish to discuss a policy outlining where that additional money could be spent. Options may include putting the money directly towards improvements in the park where the tower is located, putting the money into a general parks fund, Or placing the revenue into the City's general fund. Options for cell towers in parks can vary (monopoles, on top of emergency siren poles, on top of light poles). The City Council may want to discuss if they have a preference as to what could be allowed. ACTION REOUESTED Council is asked to provide direction on how to proceed. Respectfully submitted, .4Gl Andy Cross Associate Planner City of Andover Attachments City Code Chapter 9-12 -2-- SECTION: 9-12-1 : 9-12-2: 9-12-3: 9-12-4: 9-12-5: 9-12- 6: 9-12-7: 9-12-8: 9-12-9: 9-12-10: 9-12-11 : 9-12-12: 9-12-13: 9-12-14: 9-12-15: CHAPTER 12 ANTENNAS AND TOWERS Purpose Definitions Permit And Lease Agreement Required Height Requirements Zoning District Regulations Co-location Requirements Design Requirements Setbacks General Requirements Nonconforming Antennas And Towers Interference With Public Safety Telecommunications Prohibited Damaged Or Destroyed Antennas And Towers Abandoned Antennas And Towers Variances Violation; Penalties 9-12-1: PURPOSE: In order to accommodate the communication needs of residents and businesses while protecting the public health, safety, and general welfare of the community, the City Council finds that these regulations are necessary in order to: A. Facilitate the provision of commercial wireless telecommunication services to the residents and businesses of the city; B. Minimize adverse effects of towers through careful design and siting standards in order to lessen the aesthetic impact on surrounding properties; C. Avoid potential damage to adjacent properties from tower failure through structural standards and setback requirements; and D. Maximize the use of existing and approved towers and buildings to accommodate new commercial wireless telecommunication antennas in order to reduce the number of towers needed to serve the community. (Ord. 270, 12-5-2000) 9-12-2: DEFINITIONS: The following words and terms shall have the following meanings when used in this chapter: --3- ANTENNA: Antenna, Public Utility Microwave: Antenna, Radio And Television, Broadcasting Transmitting: Antenna, Radio And Television Receiving: Antenna, Satellite Dish: Ante nna, Short Wave Radio Transmitting And Receiving: That portion of any equipment located on the exterior or outside of any structure and used for transmitting or receiving radio, telephone and television signals. "Antenna", as defined in this chapter (unless otherwise noted), pertains to all of the following antennas: A parabolic dish or cornucopia shaped electromagnetically reflective or cond uctive element used for the transmission and/or reception of point to point UHF or VHF radio waves in wireless telephone communications, and including the supporting structure thereof. A wire, set of wires, metal or carbon fiber rod or other electromagnetic element used to transmit public or commercial broadcast radio or television programming, and including the support structure thereof. A wire, set of wires, metal or carbon fiber elements, other than satellite dish antennas, used to receive radio, television, or electromagnetic waves, and including the supporting structure thereof. A device incorporating a reflective surface that is solid, open mesh, or bar configured and is in the shape of a shallow dish, cone, horn, or cornucopia. Such device shall be used to transmit and/or receive radio or electromagnetic waves between terrestrially and/or orbitally based uses. This definition is meant to include, but not be limited to, commercial satellite earth stations, TVROs (television, receive only), and satellite microwave antennas, but does not include personal TVRO satellite reception receivers. A wire, set of wires or a device, consisting of a metal, carbon fiber, or other electromagnetically conductive element, used for the transmission and reception of radio waves used for short wave radio communications, and including the -~~ supporting structure thereof. Antenna, Telecommunications: A device consisting of a metal, carbon fiber, or other electromagnetically conductive rod or element, usually arranged in a circular array on a sing Ie supporting pole or other structure, and is used for the transmission and reception of radio waves in digital, analog or other wireless or personal communication services (i.e., cellular, paging, internet, etc.). CO-LOCATION: The placement of wireless telecommunication antennas by two (2) or more service providers on a tower, building or structure. COMMERCIAL WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES: Licensed commercial wireless telecommunication services including cellular, personal communication services (PCS), specialized mobilized radio (SMR), enhanced specialized mobilized radio (ESMR), paging, and similar services that are marketed to the general public. FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION: The federal administrative agency, or lawful successor, . authorized to regulate and oversee telecommunications carriers, services and providers on a national level. GUYED TOWER: A tower that is supported, in whole orin part, by wires and ground anchors. LATTICE OR SELF-SUPPORTED TOWER: A tower erected on the ground that consists of metal crossed strips or bars to support antennas and related equipment. MAST: That portion of the outside antenna system to which the antenna is attached, and the support of extension is required to elevate the antenna to a height deemed necessary for adequate operation. MONOPOLE -5'- TOWER: PRIVATE PROPERTY: PUBLIC PROPERTY: PUBLIC UTILITY: SERVICE PROVIDER: TOWER: TOWER, MUL HUSER: TOWER, SINGLE USER: A single, self-supporting pole type tower, tapering from the base to the top and supporting a fixture designed to hold one or more antennas. Land that is not "public property" as defined in this section. Land owned or operated by a government entity. Persons, corporations, or governments supplying gas, electric, transportation, water, or land line telephone services to the general public. For the purposes of this chapter, wireless telecommunication service facilities shall not be considered public utility uses and are defined separately. Any individual or entity that provides wireless telecommunication services. Any pole, spire, or structure (excluding structures required for the transmission of electric energy), or any combination, to which any antenna could be attached, or which is designed for any antenna to be attached, and all supporting lines, cables, wires and braces. A tower to which is attached the antennas of more than one commercial wireless telecommunication service provider or governmental entity. A tower to which is attached ony the antennas of a single user, although the tower may be designed to accommodate the antennas of multiple users as required in this chapter. (Ord. 270, 12-5-2000) 9-12-3: PERMIT AND LEASE AGREEMENT REQUIRED: No antenna or tower in excess of thirty five feet (35') in height from ground level shall be erected, constructed, or placed, or re-erected, reconstructed or replaced on private or public property without first receiving a Conditional Use Permit and obtaining the necessary building permit approvals from the city. The city shall require a lease agreement for any antennas and towers erected, constructed, placed, re-erected, reconstructed or replaced on city owned public property. Application for a Conditional Use Permit shall be made to the Planning and Zoning Department in the same manner, and containing the same information, as ~6--- pursuant to the Conditional Use Permit process as stated in the city zoning ordinance1. (Ord. 270,12-5-2000) 9-12-4: HEIGHT REQUIREMENTS: A. If no existing structure meets the height requirements for antennas to be placed, the antennas may be mounted on a pole or monopole not to exceed one hundred fifty feet (150') in height in industrially zoned districts; not to exceed one hundred feet (100') in height in residentially zoned districts; and not to exceed one hundred twenty feet (120') in height in commercially zoned districts. Antennas (including the mast) may be mounted on a building or structure provided that the antennas do not extend over fifteen feet (15') above the highest portion of the roof of the building or structure. B. Multi-user towers may exceed the height requirements as stated above by up to an additional twenty feet (20'); provided, that the minimum number of additional users, as required and stated in Section 9-12c6 of this chapter, have co-located their antennas on the monopole structure. A tower extension requires an Amended Conditional Use Permit as stated in the city zoning ordinance 1. (Ord. 270, 12-5-2000) 9-12-5: ZONING DISTRICT REGULATIONS: A. Residential Zoning Districts: 1. Towers supporting antennas and conforming to all applicable provisions of this chapter shall be allowed only in the following residentially zoned locations: (Ord. 270, 12-5-2000; amd. 2003 Code) a. Church sites, when camouflaged; b. City park sites greater than ten (10) acres in size located outside of the Metropolitan Urban Service Area (MUSA), when the Park and Recreation Commission determines that the tower is compatible with the nature of the park; c. City water towers; d. Utility and transmission structures located in public rights-of-way; and e. Schools and public buildings when camouflaged. 1 See section 12-15-6 of this code. -?~ 2. Only one tower shall exist on anyone residentially zoned parcel of land. B. Commercial And Industrial Districts: 1. Towers supporting antennas and conforming to all applicable provisions of this chapter shall be allowed only in the following commercially and industrially zoned locations: a. Industrial I zoned parcels of land when the appearance is consistent with the surrounding area and is compatible with the use; b. Commercially zoned parcels (Shopping Center SC and General Business GB) parcels of land when the appearance is consistent with the surrounding area and is compatible with the use; and c. Utility and transmission structures located in public rights-of-way when attached thereto. 2. Only one tower shall exist on anyone industrially or commercially zoned parcel of land. (Ord. 270, 12-5-2000) 9-12-6: COLOCATION REQUIREMENTS: All telecommunication towers erected, constructed, or located within the city shall comply with the following requirements: A. A proposal for a new telecommunication service tower shall not be approved unless the City Council finds that the telecommunications equipment planned for the proposed tower cannot be accommodated on an existing approved tower or building due to one or more of the following reasons: 1. The planned equipment would exceed the structural capacity of the existing or approved tOVler or building, as documented by a qualified and licensed structural engineer, and the existing or approved tower cannot be reinforced, modified, or replaced to accommodate planned or equivalent equipment at a reasonable cost. 2. The planned equipment would cause interference materially impacting the usability of other existing or planned equipment at the tower or building as documented by a qualified and licensed professional engineer, and the interference cannot be prevented at a reasonable cost. 3. Existing or approved towers and buildings within the search radius cannot accommodate the planned equipment at a height necessary to -%- function reasonably as documented by a qualified and licensed professional engineer. 4. Other unforeseen reasons that make it infeasible to locate the planned telecommunications equipment upon an existing or approved tower or building. B. Any proposed telecommunication service tower shall be designed structurally, electrically and in all other respects, to accommodate both the applicant's antennas and comparable antennas for at least three (3) additional users if the tower is one hundred feet (100') or more in height or for at least two (2) additional users if the tower is less than one hundred feet (100') in height. Towers must be designed to allow for future arrangement of antennas upon the tower and to accept antennas mounted at varying heights. (Ord. 270, 12-5-2000) 9-12-7: DESIGN REQUIREMENTS: Telecommunication service towers shall be of a monopole design unless the City Council determines an alternative design would better blend into the surrounding environment. Lattice towers are prohibited. (Ord. 270, 12-5-2000) 9-12-8: SETBACKS: Towers shall conform with each of the following minimum setback requirements: A. Towers shall meet the building setbacks of the underlying zoning district as.stated in the zoning ordinance. B. Towers shall be set back from all structures and all property lines at a distance equal to the height of the tower (plus an additional 1 0 feet), unless a qualified professional structural engineer certifies in writing that the collapse of the tower will occur within a lesser distance under all foreseeable circumstances. C. A tower's setback may be reduced or its location in relation to a public street varied, at the sole discretion of the City Council, to allow the integration of a tower into an existing or proposed structure such as a church steeple, light standard, power line structure or similar structure. D. Towers shall be placed a minimum of five hundred feet (500') from any existing residential dwelling unit and be spaced a minimum of one-half (1/2) mile from each other. (Ord. 270, 12-5-2000) 9-12-9: GENERAL REQUIREMENTS: All towers and antennas for which a permit is req uired shall comply with the following requirements: ~1-' A. Lighting: Towers shall not be illuminated by artificial means and shall not display strobe lights unless such lighting is specifically required by the Federal Aviation Administration or other federal or state authority for a particular tower. When incorporated into the approved design of the tower, light fixtures used to illuminate ball fields, parking lots, or similar areas may be attached to the tower. B. Signs And Advertising: The use of any portion of a tower for signs is prohibited. Warning or equipment signs are exempt from this provision. C. Accessory Utility Buildings: 1. All utility buildings and structures accessory to a tower shall be architecturally designed to blend in with the surrounding environment and shall meet the minimum setback requirements of the underlying zoning district as stated in the zoning ordinance. 2. Ground mounted equipment shall be screened from view by suitable vegetation, except where a design of non-vegetative screening better reflects and complements the architectural character of the surrounding neighborhood. D. Supplemental Information: In addition to the information required elsewhere in this chapter, development applications for towers shall include the following supplemental information: 1. A report from a qualified and licensed professional engineer that: a. Describes the tower height and design including a cross section and elevation; b. Documents the height above grade for all potential mounting positions for co-located antennas and the minimum separation distances between antennas; c. Describes the tower's capacity, including the number and type of antennas that it can accommodate; d. Documents what steps the applicant will take to avoid interference with established public safety telecommunications; e. Includes an engineer's stamp and registration number; f. A coverage map showing what portions of the city will be served by the user, along with future coverage plans and potential construction sites to provide similar service elsewhere in the city; -/d- g. A report indicating that the request meets technical emission standards set by the FCC; and h. Includes other information necessary to evaluate the request. 2. For all te lecommunication service towers, a letter of intent committing the tower owner and his or her successors to allow the shared use of the tower if an additional user agrees in writing to meet reasonable terms and conditions for shared use. 3. Before the issuance of a building permit, the following information shall be submitted to the city: a. Proof that the proposed tower complies with regulations administered by the Federal Aviation Administration; and b. A report from a qualified and licensed professional engineer that demonstrates the tower's compliance with the aforementioned structural and electrical standards. (Ord. 270, 12-5-2000) 9-12-10: NONCONFORMING ANTENNAS AND TOWERS: Antennas and towers in existence prior to the adoption of this cha pter that do not conform to or comply with the provisions of this chapter may continue in use for the purpose now used and as now existing but may not be structurally altered without complying with this chapter. (Ord. 270, 12-5-2000; amd. 2003 Code) 9-12-11: INTERFERENCE WITH PUBLIC SAFETY TELECOMMUNICATIONS PROHIBITED: No new or existing telecommunications services shall interfere with public safety telecommunications. (Ord. 270, 12-5-2000) 9-12-12: DAMAGED OR DESTROYED ANTENNAS AND TOWERS: If an antenna or tower is damaged or destroyed due to any reason or cause whatsoever, the same may be repaired or restored to its former use, location and physical dimensions upon obtaining a building permit. The repair or restoration must comply with this chapter. Provided, however, that if the cost of repairing such damaged or destroyed antenna or tower would be fifty percent (50%) or more of the cost of purchasing and erecting a new antenna or tower of like kind and quality, as estimated by the Building Official, and to the former use, physical dimensions and location, then the antenna or tower may not be repaired or restored except in full compliance with the requirements of this chapter. (Ord. 270, 12-5-2000; amd. 2003 Code) -/1- 9-12-13: ABANDONED ANTENNAS AND TOWERS: Any antenna or tower that is not used for one year shall be deemed abandoned. Within ninety- (90) days of notice by the city, the antenna or tower and all other associated equipment must be removed from the property. If the antenna or tower and equipment are not removed from the property within the time period as stated herein, a public nuisance may be declared, and the city may order that the public nuisance be abated in a manner consistent with ordinances and policies of the city. (Ord. 270, 12-5-2000; amd. 2003 Code) 9-12-14: VARIANCES: Variances from the provisions of this chapter shall be processed and granted or denied in the same manner and based on the same criteria as stated in the city zoning ordinance 1. (Ord. 270, 12-5-2000) 9-12-15: VIOLATION; PENALTIES: Any person who shall violate any provision of this chapter shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be subject to applicable fines and imprisonment as defined by state law. In addition to the penalties imposed by this chapte r, the city may exercise, with or separately from such penalties, all and any other legal and equitable remedies then available to the city by this chapter, or by statute, or by other ordinances of the city, or by applicable rules or regulations, to enforce this chapter, including, without limitation, injunction. (Ord. 270, 12-5-2000) 1 See section 12-15-7 of this code, .-./ /Z ~ (} 1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD N,W. . ANDOVER, MINNESOTA 55304 MAIN (763) 755-5100 FAX (763) 755-8923. WWW,CI.ANDOVER,MN,US I' TO: City Council CC: Jim Dickinson, City Administrator Will Neumeister, Community DevelopmentDirector udr-- FROM: Andy Cross, Associate PlannerAtt.- SUBJECT: Deer Population Survey - Planning DATE: February 27, 2007 DISCUSSION Before the City of Andover could get State assistance with a deer population reduction program, we would need to verify that we have an overpopulation of deer in parts of the City. Anoka County did this for Bunker Hills Regional Park. Here is the information they provided regarding costs associated with a deer population survey: Anoka County's Natural Resources Specialist Jeff Perry is qualified to do deer population surveys. To count deer in Bunker Hills Park, he and several members of his staff rent a helicopter and a pilot for about $450 per hour and fly over the park to count deer. Bunker Hills Regional Park is about 1,600 acres. The survey takes one to two hours, depending on weather, snow cover, etc. Once tallied, the deer population numbers are then used to determine ifthe on-going population management program is effective in reducing the population. If the Council is interested in assessing the Andover's city-wide deer population, we could hire the helicopter and pilot at a comparable hourly rate. The deer counting could be handled by staff, or outside help could be hired. The population figures would be submitted to the MN DNR and we would go forward from there to see if a population reduction program is appropriate. ACTION REOUESTED Council is asked to provide direction on how to proceed. Respectfully submitted, ,~ rr;;;? Andy Cross Associate Planner @ 1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD N,W. . ANDOVER, MINNESOTA 55304 MAIN (763) 755-5100 FAX (763) 755-8923 . WWW.CI.ANDOVER.MN.US CC: Jim Dickinson, City Administrato FROM: Will Neumeister, Community Developnient Director~ TO: City Council SUBJECT: Repeated Zoning Code Violations - Planning DATE: February 27,2007 DISCUSSION What sparked this report is covered by the attached E-mail (dated 1/23/07) where a resident has a problem with a neighbor who continues to be a code violator. Council member Trude has explained other problems that she has discovered with code violators, see her E-mail dated January 23,2007. The staff continues to follow the code enforcement policy drafted in 2001 (see attached). Ibis report is written to provide Council information on the following: . Code Enforcement Policy established in 2001 and still being used (see attached) . Pictures and timeline example of repeat violator's record . Options of dealing with repeat code violators Some Andover residents repeatedly violate the zoning code provisions on outdoor storage. The attached summary sheets (text and photos) shows one example of an outside storage problem that repeatedly comes to the staff for enforcement. We spend a lot of time and energy dealing with these types of cases and the residents who live nearby become very upset because they don't ever seem to get resolved. The game that is being played is very frustrating for all involved. Residents ask what can be done to get the situation resolved once and for all. When the property is brought into compliance with Code, staffs involvement ends. Leaving the property to get messy again in the future. When it does, residents call again to complain and are frustrated that the City's involvement has not created a permanent solution the fIrst time we were involved. As you can see by the attached E-mail, one of the complainants wanted to come to the Council open forum, but I explained that I would bring this to a Council workshop to discuss with the Council what they want to do with repeat violators, possibly increasing the fines, etc. The Council could consider using fines to deter repeat zoning code offenders. It is possible to set up a system where City employees can issue fmes (similar to the City of Anoka issuing parking tickets that are payable in drop-boxes at City Hall). According to the City Attorney, to enable this to happen, Andover would need to adopt an ordinance that would set up a "Violations Bureau" to authorize "administrative fines" for residents who meet certain criteria. For example, this could come into play if three zoning complaints occurred within a six-month period. The fmes may be effective as a threat and a deterrent, but the City could not require residents to pay them. Instead, refusal to pay the fme or resolve the zoning violation would result in the property owner facing a misdemeanor prosecution in the court system just as we do at present for unresolved zoning violations. ACTION REOUESTED The Council is asked to discuss the issues that have been highlighted and provide staff direction. Respectfully submitted, 4d- Will Neumeister Attachments . E-mails (dated Jan. 23, 2007) . Repeat Violators Summary (pictures and dates) . City Code Enforcement Policy (2001) -2- .. -------------- Original message -------------- From: "Will Neumeister" <WNeumeister@ci.andover.mn.us> Council, There's an Andover resident by the name of J7 J Street, that is constantly complaining about his neighbors junk. Andy Cross, our code enforcement staff member follows through on the inspection and infonms the neighbor that he needs to come into compliance and he usually complies within a few days. This past week we had the issue arise once more and Andy indicated to me that by this Friday, Jan. 26th the cleanup would be done. The situation is one that occurs over and over. This has become very frustrating to J and he wants the staff to involve the City Attorney and charge this individual with something in court. We do not feel that the City Attorney needs to be involved every time this situation arises, We achieve compliance and we are following a process that is "kinder and gentler" to the resident violators, We don't come off as being heavy handed. We believe that has been our "marching orders" ,and we continue to follow them, This method of operation doesn't satisfy Mr. . He feels that we are not doing our jobs. He has expressed to me that he will come to "Open Forum" at a City Council meeting and tell the Council what he thinks of our process and that the Council shouldn't be letting the individual that is violating get by with the warnings as this is repeating over and over. He would like to see the violator prosecuted and punished to the fullest extent possible. I want the Council to understand this situation does repeat, and quite frankly it does get to be a littel irritating, but when we get compliance,the situation is considered resolved. We would rather not bother the City Attorney and commit more staff time to something like this when consistently we get compliance. We operate under the philosophy that we will remain friendly, courteous, be a "kinder gentler" staff, but get the compliance. When we don't get compliance then we send it to the City Attorney for prosecution. The case doesn't have enough evidence of non-compliance right now to be able to send it to the Attorney; but if it goes past Friday and we don't have it, then we will send the case to the Attorney for prosecution. The purpose of this e-mail is to inform the Council about the situation and if the Council wants a more heavy handed approach to these situations, please let me know and we will work with the City Attorney to create a more heavy-handed enforcement procedure (Le, fines, fewer warnings). Unless I hear differently, our code enforcement staff will continue to operate as we have in the past. Lastly, be aware that Mr. may come to Open Forum soon to express to you what he is telling me. Respectfully submitted, Will Neumeister -:?~ 1/23/2007 From: jtrude@comcast.net (Julie Trude) Utrude@comcast.net] Sent: Tuesday, January 23, 2007 3:08 PM To: Will Neumeister Cc: James Dickinson Subject: Re: Complaint from Resident Will, Thank you. I like our "progressive discipline" approach in general. However, I have heard of other situations with regular repeat violaters. The issue other residents have talked to me about is the use of our staff time to "babysit" neighbors who seem to have no regard for the neighborhood or our city ordinances. Some offenders cause me to hear complaints from way outside the neighborhood (i.e. the collection ofvehic1es on property adjacent tv .' and,,- ~, of all the junk near unfInished home projects along , or in the neighborhood north of -an unfinished construction project. One person saw the same yard violations each year and talked to me because they do not want to complain again. The expectation was the code was clear, the owner now understands the code and expectation. The assumption is there would be some follow-up inspections to see if compliance is maintained. Rather than complain again, I was contacted. Follow-up from the resident was "this time we got results." Then several months later, "oh well, some people only comply when they get a threatening letter....so I'm not going to waste your time on this any more." Another resident felt that if they complain a second or tlllrd time, the complainer is treated as if they are the problem. The focus should not be on who is bothered by the code violation, but on what our community expectations are of property owners, as defined in our city code. Both suggested to me that perhaps we have a new rule that allows some administrative fme for repeat offenders of the same city code, much like the progressive fine system for those who violate our water sprinkling ban a second or tlllrd time. You see, some residents think these nuisance issues are more serious than the water ban violation because they impact property values. Another thing to consider is a follow-up survey to the person who has filed a complaint so we get feedback about our process and whether it is effective. It is good for the council to hear of these things and think about whether our policies are working as we would like. Often council members hear feedback as well and just tuck it away until we see a pattern. I really appreciate that Andy works diligently with people on these most difficult situations--some cities use law enforcement staff to work with code enforcement. It does involve some risk and people hate to be told what they cannot do on their own property. I'm sure it is frustrating for him to have to go back t6 some of the same property owners over and over again when he has already educated them about our city code. Maybe he has some ideas of how we could improve things. Sounds like a March workshop issue. 1/23/2007 ~f- Example of a repeat zoning code offender located at 13xxx St Date of Complaint Violation Date Resolved 8/9/2005 Inoperable Vehicle (exp. 8/22/2005 tabs), Exterior Storaoe 9/6/2005 Exterior Storace 10/3/2005 10/24/2005 Exterior Storaoe 11/10/2005 5/16/2006 Inoperable Vehicle (exp. 5/30/2006 tabs), Exterior Storaoe 10/30/2006 Inoperable Vehicle (exp. 11/30/2006 tabs), Exterior Storaoe 1/10/2007 Exterior Storaoe 1/26/2007 ...-. .;;,."" ,..,. .t:'F';~:' -<' -~- CITY OF ANDOVER 1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD N,W. . ANDOVER, MINNESOTA 55304. (763) 755.5100 FAX (763) 755-8923. WWW.CLANDOVER.MN.US TO: City Staff FROM: John Erar, City Administrator Dave Carlberg, Community Development Director SUBJECT: Zoning Code Enforcement - Staff Enforcement Guidelines DATE: September 19, 2001 In order to address the myriad questions and issues arising from a code enforcement violation, the need to develop written administrative guidelines on code enforcement procedures has been identified. The purpose of these guidelines is to develop a set of ..standardized procedures to ensure proper communications between city staff, the complaining party and the alleged violator; effectively address code enforcement violations; emphasize the, need for proper documentation; ensure proper departmental oversight; and promote and encqurage opportunities for increased public understanding of the City's role in code enforcement situations~' , , 1) Zoning Code enforcement action ",ill only be initiated by the City in response to citizen or Council complaints, or in situations wherethe:GD" Director, in consultation with the City Administrator, deems it to ,be a threat to the health, safety and welfare of the public. The Director, in situations where the public health, welfare and safety may be jeopardized, may consult with other staff or outside agencies as necessary to reach a conclusion before consulting ,with the City Administrator. 2) Complaints received should be requested in writing and at minimum should include a name, address and telephone number and specific nature of the code violation or complaint. Individuals should be provided with the option of remaining anonymous, but should understand that unless they provide their name, address and telephone number for City files, no action will be taken. Council complaints taken by staff should also follow procedures as outlined in, the Council-Resident Complaint Resolution policy. 3) Complaints must be verified by appropriately designated staff and should include: name of inspecting staff person, notes to file, digital pictures, date, time and location in which the violation was observed. 4) Initial Code violation citation letters should be specific as to the violation, the purpose/outcomes associated with City enforcement actions and should offer the violating property owner with the opportunity to meet with staff to discuss the violation within a specific number of working days. -/1- 5) 6) 7) 8) 9) 10) 11)" All citation letters will be mailed through regular dispatch, along with a stamped certified copy of the citation letter to the property owner. Code enforcement corrective action as stipulated by the citation letter should be verified by staff, again noting date, time, pictures of the ongoing violation, if applicable before proceeding to the next code enforcement level involving the City Attorney's Office. If corrective action has been taken, the flie should be properly documented and closed. Prior to any zoning code enforcement action being transmitted to the City Attorney's Office, the Community Development Director must approve the requesting legal action based on a personal review of the caSe history. The review should ensure that the documentation supporting the City action is complete. Communications with both the complainant and alleged violator is strongly encouraged to facilitate 1) an understanding of the City's role in code enforcement, 2) to promote and build community relations and 3) to suggest helpful, productive solutions to the code enforcement issue under review in compliance with City,ordinances. If a complaint is found to be invalid, staff shall contact the complainant informing them of such and documenting, to the flie both in writing and by photographing the property. Documentation to the' file' should be maintained for future reference_, should a similar complaint be flied with another staff member or department. Empathetic interpersonal communications with citizens should be a primary consiclerauonhalanced by firmness ,and evei:U:iancledness in, meeting City requirements. staff should strive to update the complaimngparty from time to time as to the status of the code enforcement issue, and'shouldrespond to inquiries in a prompt and timely manner. ,,:,. ,', , ',For intemal review, purposes, a monthly report ~llbeprepared to identify all , ,?utstanding code violations, relative status, and other pertinent data as ,determined , Py the Community Development director. Copies of the' reports ,will be transmitted , to ARCand to Council for review. ' , If you have ~y questions, please contact Dave Carlberg or my office, Thank you in advance 'for ' your cooperation and observance of these guidelines. Please share: ;this information with appropriate department staff. Respectfully submitted, V~~ J Erar ity Administrator Dave Carlberg Community Development Director Cc: Mayor and Council Bill Hawkins, City Attorney -JJ- - Regular Andover City Council Meeting Minutes-September 18,2001 Page 5 lVE ANOKA COUNTY SHERIFF DEPARTMENT MONTHLY REPORT Captain Dave Kin lained he will now be the City's liaison and provided a brief background of his experience in law en ent. He reported there were 1,775 calls in Andover in August resulting in 845 incident reports, e reviewed the number of calls for the various infractions. Noting the substantial increase in domest!. , e stated they do not know the reason for it. Some months are just higher than others. He didn't know' ere were any more vehicle break-ins than across the county. Many people leave things available. They e been working the areas that have had a high number of those incidents. The bike patrols have been mely successful, but that service will be ending at the end of this month. However, they will arrange for ols of areas along the trails where there may be problems. Council had no fwiher questions or comme ~ ACKNOWLEDGEZONING CODE STAFF ENFORCEMENT GUIDELINES Mr. Erar explained his office in collaboration with Mr. Carlberg and his Staffhas developed written guidelines to promote a more consistent, customer-friendly and defensible procedure in zoning code enforcement actions. The guidelines are in place for the handling of complaints received by Staff and those received by the Councilmembers. Councilmember Knight questioned the procedure under Item 5, that all citation letters will be mailed through regular dispatch, along with a certified copy of the letter to the property owner. It is confusing, and the property owners often think they are being cited a second time when they received the second letter. Attorney Hawkins agreed that is normal procedure to ensure that the property owner receives the citation letter. After a brief Council discussion, it was suggested that one of the letters clearly indicate that it is a duplicate letter, so it is not confused as an additional citation. Under Item 2, Councilmember Trude understood the desire to receive complaints in writing and to include a name and address, but there are valid reasons for people wanting to remain anonymous. Mr. Erar explained the reason for the name and address is to make sure the Staff gets the basic information as well as to be able to report back to them on the actions taken by the City. The c?mplaints are treated confidentially. Councilmember Jacobson noted Item 1 that the code enforcement is only initiated in response to a complaint except where the public health, welfare and safety are involved. He agreed with that philosophy, but he felt the item as written leaves no room for Staff to act when the problem is obvious but no one has complained. He had a problem with the inflexibility, that Staff will never initiate code enforcement. Mr. Erar stated the policy has to be reactive, not proactive. He didn't think the City wants to be in the situation of Staff initiating code enforcement. It puts Staff in the awkward position of having to determine what violations to enforce and which ones to overlook. Councilmember Orttel stated the item as written has been the rule in the City all along. Staff can bring the item to the City Council if it feels there is a problem. Or they can call anyone of the Councilmembers. If Staff is allowed to initiate code enforcement, the problem is where do they draw the line. Now Staff will not get involved unless there is a complaint, or it is a health, safety or -/3- Regular Andover City Council Meeting Minutes - September 18, 2001 Page 6 (Acknowledge Zoning Code Staff Enforcement Guidelines, Continued) welfare issue. He was pleased to see this in writing and complemented the Staff. Mayor Gamache agreed if Staff is allowed to initiate code enforcement, they are being asked to make judgments; and it puts them in a precarious position of picking and choosing. Councilmember Trude liked that the residents have to take a stand. If the neighborhood wants to tolerate a high level of ordinance violation, that is their choice. Mr. Carlberg explained another reason for needing the name and address of the person making the complaint is that Staff is not allowed to go on private property. They can seek permission from the person who is complaining to view the violation from their property. Staff does work with the property owner toward compliance and continues to work with him as long as progress is being made. Motion by Trude, Seconded by Orttel, approval of the policy. Motion carried on a 4- Yes, 1- Present (Jacobson because he doesn't like Item 1) vote. 'ROVE AMENDMENT TO ORDINANCE NO. 219, AN ORDINANCE REGULATING AND CO 'ROLLING WEEDS AND OTHER HARMFUL T7EGETATION Mr. Carlbe explained the Council had asked the Planning and Zoning Commission to review the ordinance to p vide a distinction between lawn maintenance requirements for urban and rural lots and to provide a nalty to discourage owners of vacant property to use the City as a mowing service. The current lawn-m 'ntenance ordinance requires all properties to maintain a grass height ofless than twelve inches. Hi e are many rural properties that are partially maintained and some that are not maintained at all. It is easonable and undesirable to require property owners to mow several acres on a regular basis, thou they should be maintained so as to not cause a problem on adjacent properties. In the urban area, saller lots that are not maintained can quickly cause problems on ' adjacent properties that are maintal d. Of the 20 complaints regarding lawn maintenance this year, most concerned urban lots. There are ur properties that the City has exclusively and consistently maintained over the past several years p s several others that it mows occasionally through the enforcement process. The current Ordinan 106 requires adjacent property owners to maintain boulevard areas in both the urban and rural are . Mr. Carlberg provided three different scenarios ofho the proposed changes to the ordinance would affect various lots in the rural area. There are exemption or wetlands, storm water ponds, heavily forested areas, etc. Many people are not mowing the boule ds, though the ordinance requires it. Currently the City has been mowing them in the rural areas. e Council will have to determine whether to continue that practice or to enforce Ordinance 106. Co cilmember Knight indicated that in some cases, it would require a tractor mower and could be a har 'p on the land owner. Mr. Carlberg stated maybe in those cases the policy of the City would be those areas, but on the platted 2'li-acre lots, the owner would be required to m lain the boulevards. Ordinance 106 is not before the Council this evening. Several Councilmembers 11 a concern with requiring the property owner to maintain a 13 -foot width in the boulevards in the rur eas and felt that should be discussed further. -/~L CIrry OF NDOVE @) 1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD N.W. . ANDOVER, MINNESOTA 55304. (763) 755-5100 FAX (763) 755-8923 . WWW,CI.ANDOVER,MN,US To: Mayor and Council Members CC: Jim Dickinson, City Administrator FROM: Will Neumeister, Community Development DirectorwJ.--. SUBJECT: Comprehensive Plan Update DATE: February 27, 2007 INTRODUCTION The City Staff have been diligently working on the update and have a brief report on the progress we are making on a "draft" copy of the document. Staffwill continue to work on the "draft" and when it in a form that looks like we would like, we will present it to the Council at a workshop. In summary, here is what is going on: . Dave Berkowitz, Todd Haas and Jason Law have been working on the Sewer Plan, Water Plan, Transportation Plan. Staff met with engineers from Bonestoo on Thursday, Feb. 15th to go over the changes needed in the Transportation, Plan Staff will be making most of the changes 0 the Transportation Plan and the consultant has a limited scope of services that they are helping with. Staff is working with SEH on the water plan. . Todd Haas has had discussions with the Park and Rec. Commission on thirty parks and what their future improvement needs may be. Their goal is to be done reviewing all the parks over the next two months. · Courtney Bednarz, has been working on updating the Land Use section of the plan and has begun to incorporate new graphics into this section, including new goals, objectives and policies that the Council and Planning Commission will need to review. . We have an "Overview" section that will provide the "Big Picture" of what guides development in Andover and will direct the reader to more detail in the Comprehensive Plan. . Based on what was discussed at the January 23rd Council workshop related to density staff is using 3.0 units per acre density used in the Rural Reserve and 2.45 units per acre in all other areas of the City. Be aware that if the plan is rejected by Metropolitan Council as not meeting the minimum density requirements, this will cause the City to have to redo a significant amount of work with regard to sewer, water and transportation modeling that is underway and with additional cost. ACTION REOUESTED Council is asked to provide any direction they feel they would like to make. Respectfully Submitted, Will Neumeister ~