HomeMy WebLinkAboutNovember 27, 1990
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CITY of ANDOVER
1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD N.w. . ANDOVER, MINNESOTA 55304 . (612) 755-5100
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION MEETING - NOVEMBER 27, 1990
MINUTES
The Regular Bi-Monthly Meeting of the Andover Planning and Zoning
Commission was called to order by Chairperson Becky Pease on November
27, 1990; 7:30 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown
Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota.
Commissioners present:
Ron Ferris, Steve Jonak, Bev Jovanovich
Randal Peek, Wayne Vlstad
Bill Coleman
City Planner, David Carlberg; and others
Commissioner absent:
Also present:
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
November 13, 1990: Correct as written. MOTION by Ferris, Seconded
by Jovanovich, approval. Motion carried unanimously.
PUBLIC HEARING: LOT SPLIT - JOHN MENGELKOCH. 26 CONSTANCE BLVD NW
c=) Mr. Carlberg reviewed the request to split a 7.41-acre lot into two
separate lots of 3.84 and 3.57 acres. Staff is recommending approval
contingent upon the payment of a park dedication fee of $400. The fee
is for one newly created lot. Both lots meet al I setback and dimension
requirements.
John Menaelkoch - stated they want to build a single-family
residence on the vacant parcel, Parcel B. It Is in compliance with
all setbacks.
MOTION by Ferris, Seconded by Vistad, to close the public hearing.
Motion carried unanimously.
MOTION by Ferris, Seconded by Vistad, that the Planning and ZonIng
recommend approval of the Lot Spilt legally described as that part of
the east 660 feet of the Southeast Quarter of the Northeast Quarter of
Section 13, TownshIp 32, Range 24, Anoka County, Minnesota, lying
southerly of the southerly rIght-of-way line of County Road No. 60
(Old Constance Boulevard NW) except the south 660 feet thereof, also
except roads subject to easements of record; that this be subject to
the applicant to pay a total park dedication fee of $400 upon City
CouncIl approval of the proposed lot split; that the request Is in
complIance with Ordinance 40 and Ordinance 8, Section 6.02 in terms of
lot width, the front setback, lot depth, and lot area per dwellIng,
and with Ordinance 10, Section 9.07.10, minimum land area. Motion
carrIed on a 6-Yes, l-Absent (Coleman) vote.
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This item will go to the City Council on December 18, 1990. Hearing
closed at 7:38 p.m.
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Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting
'\ Minutes - November 27, 1990
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PUBLIC HEARING CONTINUED: ORDINANCE NO. 44 FENCING REQUIREMENTS FOR
JUNKYARDS
Mr. Carlberg reviewed the background information on this Item
regarding the City Council's directive, the fencing of the yards and
its impact of FHA financing on surrounding residences, and the
proposed changes to Ordinance 44. The Commission reviewed several
areas of concern In the ordinance and recommended several changes and
clarifications, including the addition of a date by which all
automotive recycling and/or Junkyards must come into complaince with
these new regulations. June 1, 1991, was suggested.
The hearing was then opened for public testimony.
Harold Sullivan. 15300 Prairie Road - noted the Junkyards have been
there for a long time, asking If the intent is to try to screen them
from view from the road or from other residences. Because of the
terraine, he felt some of them could not be fenced off so they are not
visible. It would also take many, many more acres if they are not
al lowed to stack the cars. He Is not in the Junkyard business, but he
felt they are trying to make a living and it is not all that bad
having to look at junk cars.
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The Commission explained the original Intent was to correct some
conflicting requirements in the ordinances. They then looked into what
type of fencing would be acceptable to FHA so they would once again
finance housing In the area; however, the City was unable to get
anywhere with them. So they are now updating and correcting the
discrepancies in the ordinance. The owners of the yards have told the
Commission that they could meet the fencing and stacking requirements
being recommended. Also, this area has been designated by the City as
a blighted area, and the City would like to see minimal visibility of
the blight from outside of the Junkyards.
Ann Sikora - stated the junkyards were there long before the
developers came in, and everyone lived with them. Once the developers
came in, the trouble started. She felt it is unfair that after being
here for 40 years, the Junkyards are having al I these problems, that
they are Just trying to make a living too.
Mike Lund. ATV Salvaqe - thought a deadline to meet these new
requirements would be better set at July 1. Because of the weather,
there would be very little time available to work on the fencing if
June 1 was the deadline. He was also concerned about the possibility
of the City coming back in the future and wanting a different height
or type of fencing. He wondered why FHA couldn't give an answer now.
The Commission agreed with the July 1 deadline. They also explained
the frustration of dealing with the FHA and the noncommittal answers
received from them. Apparently screening Is not the issue with FHA.
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Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting
Minutes - November 27, 1990
Page 3
<Public Hearing Continued: Ordinance No. 44, Junkyards)
Mr. Lund - stated all this started since the housing has been put
up; and it is now infringing on his business, expressing his
frustration and confusion over the entire situation.
JoAnn Wilber. Jay Street - asked about the fencing between yards.
Mr. Carlson stated outside fencing is a minimum of six feet high, and
between the yards will be the concern of the property owners to do
what they want to do.
Ms. Wilber - asked if the licenses will be changed to Automotive
Recyciing Yards. Mr. Carlberg stated he will talk to the City Clerk
about that tomorrow.
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Ms. Wilber - asked about the outside storage. One yard out there
has very nice racks which go higher than six feet high, and they look
very neat. Will that be allowed? She felt that should be looked at
as to how high the racks can go. There is a difference between
crushed cars and racks. There are some things that need to be stored
outside. The Commission noted the proposal is the storage would not
exceed the height of the fence; however, the variance section, 5.03,
could possibly be used to ailow racks to go higher. Also, the
ordinance has the flexibility to build a portion of the fence at a
greater height against which the racks could be placed, then dropping
down to six feet.
MOTION by Vistad, Seconded by Ferris, to close the Public Hearing.
Motion carried unanimously.
The Commission suggested further changes and clarifications in the
ordinance. In Section 4.9, Ms. Wiiber explained they must fill out a
Dealer Junkyard Report each month, send a copy to the State and retain
one. The title cards are also forwarded to the State.
Leon Kozlowski. 1021 Crosstown Boulevard - referenced Section 4.7,
asking about the disposal of the antifreeze, Freon, and other
substances that are found in cars. He felt all the other substances
should be addressed as well, not Just gasoline and oil.
Ms. Wilber - explained the procedure of handling those substances
from the cars according to State and Federal guidelines. Minnesota
has an ordinance which will be enacted in 1991 regarding the removal
and disposal of Freon. Her point was they do handle those items
properly.
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Rick Heidelberoer. Mom's Auto Salvaoe - explained the process he
uses for storing antifreeze and oil and using the gas after it has
been filtered. He is also looking into Freon recycling pumps, though
he didn't expect that to be operational until June or July.
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Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting
Minutes - November 27, 1990
Page 4
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(Public Hearing Continued: Ordinance No. 44, Junkyards)
Mr. Kozlowski - asked whether the City gets a report on what happens
to hazardous waste streams within Andover, as all businesses in the
State are required to report that to the cities. Ms. Wilber stated
they are sent to the State and they keep a copy. They do not send it
to the City or to the Fire Department. Commissioner Ferris also noted
that the CIty controls hazardous waste through the issuance of Special
Use Permits which are then monItored.
The following changes to the proposed ordinance were agreed to by the
Commission:
Section 4, 4.5 - "Automotive recyclables and/or junk shall not exceed
the height of the fence, except for snow accumulation, and shall be
arranged to permit easy access to al I automotive recyclables and/or
Junk for fire fIghting purposes."
Section 4, 4.7 - "All fluids and gasses shall be removed and disposed
of in an approved manner from any scrapped engines or scrapped
vehicles on the premises."
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,_j Section 4, 4.9 - Add a clause havIng to do with the Dealer's Junk
Report that the dealers are requIred to fill out and file with the
State each month. The dealers retain a copy of that report on file.
Section 5, 5.1 - "Exterior Storage. Where automotive recyclables
and/or junk is kept outdoors, the area shal I be enclosed by a solid
vertical wall or fence of uniform material and color which is at least
six (6') feet high and a maxImum heIght of twelve (12') feet, said
height to be consistent over any residential or business properties,
public roads or public lands as measured from the street level. Where
automotive recyclables and/or junk is piled, stacked or externally
stored, the height of the pile, stack or storage cannot exceed the
height of the fence."
SectIon 5, 5.2 - It was felt this provision is virtually the same
thing as SectIon 5.1. It was proposed that thIs section be deleted
and incorporated In SectIon 5.1.
Section 5, 5.3 b - "RevocatIon of Variance: If screening changes in
such a manner that stored materials come into vIew of adjacent
residential or business properties, public roads or public lands, the
variance wII I be revoked immediately and the applIcant has thIrty (30)
days from date of notice to provide screening in complIance with this
Ordl nance. "
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Section 10 - Add Section 10.2: "The required fencing is to be
installed as of July 1, 1991."
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Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting
Minutes - November 27, 1990
Page 5
(Public Hearing Continued: Ordinance No. 44, Junkyards)
MOTION by Vistad, Seconded by Jovanovich. that we send to the City
Council with approval of the Andover Planning and Zoning Commission
the Ordinance 44 ordinance regulating and licensing automotive
recycling yards and/or Junkyards and dealers and repealing Ordinance
No.9 with the appropriate changes that we mave made at tonight's
meeting. Public hearing was held and there were comments made; six
people spoke. all six were in objection to the ordinance. DISCUSSION:
Commissioner Ferris had a problem with all the changes. The Council
aksed them to look at the height of the fence so the ordinances agree.
not to control the stacking or to rewrite It. He had a hard time with
the fact that the City will not sit down and work with the yards to
come up with some methodology to which everyone can agree. He said he
didn't like continually making ordinances that Increase costs of
running a business hoping to eventually run them out of business. The
only other constructive change was on Section 4.7. Putting up the
fence wil I not hide the Junk one bit. He did not see this as a
venture to get the City and the owners to work any closer together; in
fact he felt it is Just the opposite.
Mr. Lund - appreciated Commissioner Ferris's honesty. He asked what
they can do about it. The ordinance does keep changing and eventually
it will be changed to something they cannot afford to do. More than
anything he'd like to sit down and find out what they all have to do.
Chairperson Pease suggested talking to the Councilmembers individually
and at their meeting to see if something could be worked out. There
will be changes with progress. but everyone has to learn to live
together. There has been Input from those in the recycling community.
seeing this as an opportunity to solve some of the problems.
VOTE ON MOTION:
Motion carried.
8:40 p.m.
5-Yes, l-No (Ferris), l-Absent (Coleman)
This will to go the City Council on December 18.
PUBLIC HEARING CONTINUED: ORDINANCE NO. 29 DISEASED SHADE TREES
Mr. Carlberg reviewed the changes made to Ordinance 29 since it was
before the Commission on November 13. One concern Is the authority
given the Tree Board in the ordinance. Staff thinks it should be more
of a citizens' group to set up programs and activities and citizen
participation. etc., not be in control of establishing control areas
or enforcing the details of the ordinance Itself. After some
discussion. the Commission generally agreed.
Commissioner Ferris expressed his concern of implementing an ordinance
that has the potential of imposing large financial hardships upon the
residents. The ordinance Is ineffective if neither the residents
nor the City can afford to do it. He also wanted to see the control
areas recommended.
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Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting
Minutes - November 27, 1990
Page 6
(Public Hearing Continued: Ordinance No. 26, Diseased Shade Trees)
Commissioner Ferris felt enforcing this ordinance could cost a
property owner more than the value of the property. There is a need
for it, but there is no funding for it. But the City cannot get
funding without the ordinance.
(The Commission recessed at this time to have more copies of the
proposed ordinance made for those present. 8:50; reconvened at 9:00
p.m. )
David Stephenson. Plant Health Specialist. Minnesota Department of
Aqriculture - agreed that a Tree Commission should be an advisory
group, not one that enforces the ordinance. The Diseased Tree
Ordinance has been in effect since the mid-1970s. This proposal has
only a few minor changes and is one of the criteria for cost-sharing
of dollars and other programs for the control of diseased trees. They
are in the process of drafting a Joint Powers Agreement with Anoka
County for the use of the vibrating plow being purchased. That plow
will be made available at no cost to the cities who have an ordinance
in place.
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Mr. Stephenson explained the control areas are to begin the management
of the problem and could be either a highly-diseased area to stop the
danger of spreading onto other properties or to keep an area which is
already disease-free from being infected. If the ordinance was not in
place, the cost could be even higher because the number of diseased
trees will increase. They are looking at control areas that will
cover the entire community within three years or as agreed to. The
intent is to control the disease and prevent it from spreading off the
property.
Ann Sikora - stated her oaks are dying from Chestnut Bore, not oak
wilt. Mr. Stephenson acknowledged that the Chestnut Bore Is a problem
because the trees have been weakened by the drought. This ordinance
does not deal with that, only with the spread of the identifiable
problem of oak wilt disease and what is required to be done about It.
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Ms. Sikora - has been planting trees for 40 years. The oaks are
dying, but other trees are taking their place. She couldn't see why
an ordinance is needed. She has over 100 acres of woods, stating she
has had more experience with those woods than any City Forester.
Mr. Stephenson reviewed the aerial survey map of where oak wilt
appears in the City, showing there is a significant problem in
Andover. He felt is is controllable. The Commission also explained
the ordinance has been In place for many years, and this has been an
attempt to get funding for Andover from outside sources.
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Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting
Minutes - November 27, 1990
Page 7
(Public Hearing Continued: Ordinance No. 26, Diseased Shade Trees)
Ms. Sikora - argued the State has no money either, again feeling new
trees should be planted. Chairperson Pease said the idea was to be
able to get help for the individual property owners and to try to
control the problem.
Art Jaworski. 3230 173rd Lane NW - stated in 1973 when the ordinance
was adopted he the tree inspector. He wondered why this is being done
allover again, asking when the City stopped having a tree inspector.
He asked for a little historical background on the matter. Mr.
Stephenson gave some background on the proposalS and funding on the
State ievel since the mid-1970s.
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Mr. Jaworski - stated this was ali done before. He thought
educating the poeple is the most important thing to do, feeling that
is where Andover dropped the ball. Many of the people moving out here
didn't know how to take care of their trees. Mr. Stephenson explained
in 1981 the shade tree program in the State was cut because of a
budget crunch. The funds were restored in 1985, and programs were
started again on a smaller scaie. Now Federal dollars are becoming
available for suppression of forest disease and insect programs,
referencing the cost-sharing done by Anoka County to purchase a
vibrating plow. The cost share will be with communities only on a
one-to-one basis.
Someone asked how effective the vibrating plow is. Mr. Stephenson
stated about 85 percent by those who know what they are doing.
Ron? . 170th and Ivvwood - disagreed and explained the problem in
his area, the things they did to stop the disease, with the result
being that most of his and one neighbor's trees are gone and all of
those on another neighbor's lot.
Mr. Jaworski - disagreed with the gentleman, explaining the
precautions taken in his area which resulted in no further spread
of oak wilt. He thought the key is going deep enough to get the
roots. Mr. Stephenson thought it sounded like the gentleman had
Chestnut Bore, not oak wilt.
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Mr. Jaworski - wondered what the cost will be to the residents for
enforcing the ordinance with the addition of a full-time forester,
etc. He again stated his belief that a good educational program is
more important. The Commission noted there have been educational
programs in place for years but more is needed to solve the prOblem.
One of the problems the Commission has tried to address has been cost,
but it is just not possible to make that determination. It will
depend on what the City decides to do for control areas, budget
allocations, etc. One change in the ordinance is to expedite
enforcement in a timely manner. There are some people who just do not
care if the disease spreads to surrounding properties, and this should
help in that respect.
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Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting
Minutes - November 27, 1990
Page 8
(Public Hearing Continued: Ordinance No. 26, Diseased Shade Trees)
Rav Sowada. Cltv Tree Inspector - has been the tree Inspector since
1978. The problem with the existing ordinance Is having to notify the
Council of a problem. People are Interested In this Issue, and this
Is an attempt to update the ordinance and begin a program to save
people'S trees. However, he only spends 4 to 6 percent of his time on
the tree program; and most of that Is In educating people.
Ms. Sikora - didn't see how the disease could be stopped on her 100
acres. She can't keep up with it, though she recognized It is the
Chestnut Bore, not oak wilt. Mr. Sowada talked about several methods
of stopping the spread of oak wilt, Including covering the cut wood
during early spring and summer months.
Leon Kozlowski. 1021 Crosstown Boulevard - asked for a definition of
shade trees. Mr. Sowada stated they are deciduous trees such as oak,
elm, ash. Mr. Kozlowski felt shade tree is one which provides shade
for his lawn and building areas, not those on large parcels of land of
10, 40, or 100 acres. As he reads the ordinance, It Is a far reaching
approach to the entire city. It gives more power to the tree
inspector than the police department has. He also felt it Is very
restrictive, referring to the last portion on licensing and bonding
to remove trees. That adds to the expense, plus having to remove the
diseased wood and the stump and having to obtain a permit. He also
felt It Is contradictory to require the removal of the diseased wood,
yet It Is Illegal to transport the wood within the City. He asked
where that wood can be taken.
Discussion noted one reason for the ordinance Is because people were
bringing diseased wood Into Andover and dumping It. The Tree
Inspector can permit the wood to be transported out of the City. The
tree disposal site In Bunker Hills has been closed, so now it must be
taken to Ramsey or East Bethel. There Is an obligation to obtain a
permit from the City so It knows what activity is taking place;
however, there will be no cost for that permit. A property owner may
take down his own trees. The licensing and bonding is required only
of those companies being hired to take down trees and Is for the
protection of the property owner. The wood can also be used for
firewood as long as It Is covered during the appropriate time of year
to prevent the spread of the disease.
Mr. Kozlowski - stili felt a definition of shade tree Is needed and
that the area being considered needs to be defined. He didn't feel
the intent of the ordinance was to apply to those areas of one house
on 100 acres, but to the higher density areas. The Commission
explained the intent Is to control the spread of the disease. At this
time, no control area has been defined. They also felt the ordinance
clearly states what trees are Included.
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Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting
Minutes - November 27, 1990
Page 9
(Public Hearing Continued: Ordinance No. 26, Diseased Shade Trees)
Sophie Kozlowski - felt Andover should have a tree restoration
program. She has been planting trees for 40 years,
Mr. Kozlowski - summarized what is being said is the City is
planning to spend a lot of money eradicating diseased trees. He felt
it would be wiser to spend the money on replanting trees that will
live in this area. He didn't feel the oak was indigenous to the area
because of the soils. Mr. Stephenson strongly disagreed, that the oak
is native to the area. The problem is when people start moving into an
area. There are ways to protect the oak that needs to be followed by
property owners, builders, etc. He then reviewed some of the
precautions to take regarding storage of diseased oak wood, the
trimming of oak trees, and removal of diseased trees.
Nancv Erickson - thought Section 9 was too restrictive, that it may
be unrealistic to remove all trees within 20 days. She has been
working on her problem for three years. Mr. Stephenson stated the 20
days refers to abatement, that is determining a course of action, not
to the actual removai itself. There is a variance provision for
hardship, and the removal of 50 trees, as an example, would be
considered a hardship.
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Garv Lensman. 153rd and NiQhtenQale - asked who pays the expenses
for tree removal in the control area, the City or the property owner.
If it is the City, then everyone ends of paying for it. If It is the
property owner, conceivably it could cost more than the house and
property are worth. He hoped the money wouldn't come from his pocket,
but he didn't see much funding coming from either the State of Federal
governments, at least not enough to make any difference. For the past
20 years the City has had an ordinance but hasn't been enforcing it.
He asked for an explanation of how the county Is purchasIng the
vibrating plow and what other cIties have thIs ordInance.
CommIssioner Ferris stated fInancing is his concern also. He felt it
is a good ordInance, but he doesn't know where the money wIll come
from to enforce It. Mr. Stephenson brIefly outlIned the funding and
proposed plan for use of the vibratIng plow that wIll be avaIlable to
cIties in the county. Over 100 other citIes have this ordInance
including Anoka, Ramsey, Lino Lakes and Blaine.
The CommissIon again noted that the ordinance was updated so that the
CIty could participate in using the vibrating plow and be elIgible for
outside funding. They also stressed that very few changes have been
made to the ordInance that has been in effect.
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Ms. Erickson - also
enacted and funded.
homeowner. Has the
felt
She
CIty
a tree replacement program should be
said Andover has done nothIng for the
looked at appropriatIng any fundIng for
thIs?
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Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting
Minutes - November 27, 1990
Page 10
<Public Hearing Continued: Ordinance No. 26, Diseased Shade Trees)
The Commission stated this is only the process of updating the
ordinance. No funding has been allocated yet, but they noted the Eden
Prairie budget for Forestry of $139,000 for 1989. Right now Andover
does not have the funding nor the staff, which makes it difficult.
Mr. Lensman - stated the City does not have a good tax base to
generate taxes. His fears were as the City continues to grow, more
needs are generated. Given that and the bond issues already passed,
he was concerned about becoming the highest taxed city in the
metropolitan area.
Ms. Kozlowski - stated the taxes were low, then everyone started
moving out here, and more fire stations, schools, etc., were needed.
She predicted people will just be leaving their homes when the taxes
get too high. The Commission felt many people move to Andover
because they like the vicinity, the open spaces, and the trees. There
was continued discussion with those present about their fears of
higher costs and higher taxes, aggravated by the'predicted recession.
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Mr. Kozlowski - asked if Section 13 is new and about the current
City budget for this. Mr. Sowada said no, just the word "Forester" was
added. This means that the property owner cannot interfer with the
Forester performing his duties. The current budget has very little in
it for this. Mr. Sowada also reviewed the process he uses to notify
property owners and working with them to correct the problem.
Mr. Lensman - said according to Section 7, B, he has to give notice
of said inspection through oral or written notice. He felt it should
be written so there is documentation. The Commission also explained
the legal notice when put in the Anoka Union, the City's official
newsspaper.
Harold Sullivan. 15300 Prairie Road - asked the cost to establish
the program and how much funding will come from the State. The
Commission noted those figures are not known exactly, but a staff of
six or seven people would be needed to enforce the ordinance
city-wide. Without knowing the control areas, the cost factor cannot
be determined. The amount that can be done will ultimately determine
by the dollars that will be budgeted by the Council.
Mr. Sullivan - felt that staff already exists on the county and
state level, plus at the University of Minnesota, to help with
education, answer questions, etc. He felt it may be possible to get a
littie funding from the State, but he thought this is just a futile
attempt to solve the problem. He wanted to know how much money it
will cost to get the ordinance and people in place in order to get
some outside funding. The Commission did not know for sure, again
referring to the budgeted items in Eden Prairie's 1989 budget for
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Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting
Minutes - November 27, 1990
Page 11
<PublIc HearIng ContInued: OrdInance No. 26, DIseased Shade Trees)
Forestry. Several resIdents dIdn't feel Andover had to do what other
cItIes are doIng. The CommIssIon explaIned they gather ordInances
from other cItIes for Ideas and reference and then draft an ordInance
that wIll work for Andover.
Ms. Sikora - felt the CIty Is not consIdering the "old timers" who
cannot contInue payIng hIgher and hIgher taxes.
Mr. Jaworski - asked when thIs ordInance will be in place.
ChaIrperson Pease hoped It would be passed onto the CIty CouncIl
tonight for their consIderatIon on December 18. FundIng Is a definIte
factor, and she felt that other sources such as sharIng wIth other
communities, wIll need to be explored.
Mr. Kozlowski - noted the ordInance is vague In the specIfIc
requirements for abatement. Mr. JaworskI - stated the natural
solutIon to the problem Is the burn that used to go through these
areas perIodIcally. It would kIll some trees, new ones would take Its
place. That's not possIble now. He commended the CommIssIon for
making the effort on thIs Issue.
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MOTION by Ferris, Seconded by VIstad, to close the publIc hearing.
MotIon carrIed unanImously.
The CommIssion contInued dIscussIon on the ordInance itself, the main
concern of CommIssIoners FerrIs and VIstad beIng the overwhelmIng cost
that could be encountered by the property owner. They felt a cap
should be set on the total cost to a property owner wIthIn a tax year.
That amount could be adjusted each year just as other fees are.
CommIssIoner Peek was not In favor of a cap.
There was also concern about enactIng an ordInance that cannot be
enforced because of the lack of fundIng. The fear was for hugh costs
to the resIdents both In terms of taxes to finance enforcement and to
the Individual property owner who has many trees to be removed.
Discussion noted the size of the control area will In part be
determined by the sIze of the budget allocated by the CouncIl to thIs
item.
The CommIssion also agreed the authorIty of the Tree Board should only
be a recommendIng body to the CouncIl. The CommIssIon noted those In
attendance thIs evenIng generally opposed a tree ordInance. Mr.
Carlberg noted he receIved a call from someone In favor of the
ordinance who saId they would have a petItion of 7 to 20 names
supporting it. Ms. SIkora stated she could brIng In a petItIon wIth
many sIgnatures opposed to It.
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MOTION by VIstad, Seconded by Peek, recommend to the CIty CouncIl
approval of the new Diseased Shade Tree OrdInance No. 29C wIth the
approprIate changes:
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Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting
Minutes - November 27, 1990
Page 12
<Public Hearing Continued: Ordinance No. 26, Diseased Shade Trees)
Section 3, B - The Tree Board will assist the Forest/Tree Inspector
in establishing and prioritizing control areas, promulgate rules,
regulations, standards and specifications, and advise the City
Council of recommended actions.
Section 9, G - add the wording that a cap of what a resident could
be assessed for be the maxImum of $500 in a tax year.
For the rest of the ordinance to go as written. There was a public
hearing and there were a number of people that preferred not to see
any tree ordinance at all.
Change all references of Tree Board to Tree Commission.
There were a number of residents that were going to be on a petition
that were in favor of the ordinance, and there was favorable response
received over the phone that we were working on a tree ordinance.
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VOTE ON MOTION: YES-Ferris, Jonak, Pease, Vistad; NO-Jovanovich,
Peek, ABSENT-Coleman. Motion carried.
Chairperson Pease - voted yes but is not certain a cap is needed or
what the appropriate dollar amount would be; however, I do feel
something is needed to get started on the problem.
Commissioner Vistad - feels that we definitely do need a cap to
protect our residents because the people with even one acre of heavily
wooded land, if we don't have a cap, depending upon political changes
that take place or who makes the decisions on what can and should be
done, can receive an extreme financial hardship on that particular
resident. I do not feel that we should do that. We have an
obligation to the people in our community to try to work with our
people to the best of those people's abIlity without causing extreme
financial prOblems with those residents.
Chairperson Pease - agreed, but didn't know how that could be put in
an ordinance and didn't know what dollar amount it should be
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Commissioner Ferris - agreed with Commissioner Vistad emphatically,
but reminds the Council that our objective here was to seek
alternative funds for solving our problem, that we must be careful
that those alternative funds are not from the coffers of our
residents. I think the cap is most essential; I would never have
voted yes for this unless that cap was there. Knowing from Mr.
Stephenson that It does allow us to seek those alternative funds, I
feel this is a way to meet the objective without assuring that the
City or its residents are overburdened by the cost of it.
The recommendation will to go the City Council on December 18.
11:08 p.m.
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Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting
Minutes - November 27, 1990
Page 13
OTHER BUSINESS
Commissioners Peek and FerrIs WITHDREW the Second and the MotIon made
at the Novmeber 13 meetIng to ask the CouncIl to reconfIrm the
appointments of the CommIssioners to the P & Z. No further action was
taken.
Chairperson Pease noted the second meeting In December falls on
Christmas. There will be only one Planning and ZonIng Commission
meetIng In December, that of December 11.
ChaIrperson Pease declared the meeting adjourned at 11:18 p.m.
Respectfully submItted,
~~c;~l
Marcella A. Peach
RecordIng Secretary
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