HomeMy WebLinkAboutPCMin_81May4MINUTES
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
MAY 4, 1981
• Present were Al Stefanson, Erma Olson, Don-Mead, Bob Blomberg, Jerry Wallin,
Harold Nilsen, Mary Waldo and John Labalestra. Also present was Council
Liaison Person Sandy Larson.
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Al Stefanson at 7:00 p.m. and the
Agenda was read.
The first item of business was the variance request by Mr. Ready, 1359 W. Iowa
Ave. This was a variance request to allow construction of a double car garage
on the rear property line and five feet from the side lot line in the north-
west corner of the lot in question. This variance request originally had the
approval of surrounding neighbors. Subsequent to granting their approval,
three of the neighbors (Apple, Craighead, and Lewis) signed a letter withdraw-
ing their approval. The basis for the neighbor objection was the feeling that
Mr. Apple, directly across the alley from 1359 W. Iowa, would have difficulty
getting in and out of his garage. Mr. Ready, on the other hand,.. thought that
his proposal would actually make it easier for Mr. Apple to get in and out of
his garage because the proposal would result in a large paved portion immediate-
ly to the rear of the Apple garage. Erma Olson and Al Stefanson had done some
research into the past history of granting variances on the alley line. A
check of variances applied for since 1966 showed 27 granted with no rejections.
There was some discussion-about a compromise proposal which would result in
the garage being moved closer to the side lot line but not less than two feet.
Mr. Apple was .generally of the opinion that it would be easier for him if the
garage was put closer to the side lot line. Mr. Ready stated he had no object-
• ion to Apple occasionally driving over a portion of the driveway going to and
from his own garage. Mr. Lewis was vigorously opposed to the whole idea due
to the accumulation of snow and the development of large snow banks. His
objection, however, was also directed towards Mr. Apple's ability to get in
and out of Mr. Apple's garage. Mr. Ready verbally amended his variance request
to construct the garage not less than two feet from the side lot line and align-
ed with the Craighead. existing garage. Mr. Craighead did not make an appearance
at the Planning Commission Meeting. Bob Blomberg had discussed the situation
with Mr. Craighead before the meeting. He was generally of the opinion that Mr.
Craighead wanted to get along with the neighbors. Blomberg believed that Craig-
head would go along with the compromise amended variance request. Upon motion
made by Erma Olson and seconded by Mary Waldo that the amended request for
variance be recommended to the Council for approval the Planning Commission
gave its unanimous recommendation for approval.
The next item of business was a variance request from Mr. Wielinski of 1811
Arona. There was little discussion regarding his request tv.'.b.uild a 42. inch
high fence running east and west near the south lot line of his property.
His proposal made a great deal of common sense. There was no objection to
his request as long as it was adequately understood that the fence must be
built on the Wielinksi property. Upon motion duly made by Harold Nilsen
and seconded by Jerry Wallin, the Planning Commission unanimously recommend-
ed that the requested variance be approved by the Council.
The last item of business was further discussion of the Zoning Ordinance.
The combined draft to date has been sent to Carl Dale who has responded by
PLANNING COMMISSZAN kIINUTES
MAY 4, 1981
PAGE 2
• letter. The content of Carl's letter was discussed and various changes to
the existing draft were made. The independent groups should direct their
efforts toward R-3, 4, and 5 as well as off street parking and loading for
the remaining three residential districts. Erma Olson's discussion group
will meet on Thursday May 28 at 7:00 p.m. at Jerry Wallin's residence at
1859 N. Snelling Avenue.
Upon motion duly made, seconded and carried the meeting was adjourned at
9:36 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
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J rr allin, Secretary
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