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MINUTES <br />CITY COUNCIL <br />JUNE 22, 2009 <br />Afros Khan stated that she would not have begun construction on the <br />fence without a permit if she had been aware that one was needed. Khan <br />reported that she is before the Council this evening asking to be allowed to <br />provide a sense of security for her and son. <br />Keis asked if Khan has requested the Ramsey County Sheriff' s <br />Department to patrol more frequently on her street. Khan replied that she <br />has and that they do go buy 2 to 3 times per day. <br />McGraw noted that the fence only blocks visibility of the Khan house if a <br />vehicle is traveling south on Centerville Road. The house and yard are <br />visible from all other directions. Khan noted that there are other trees on <br />the property that help to block its view. McGraw asked how many motion <br />detectors were on the fence. Khan replied that there are 5 or 6 in the front <br />and some on the back deck. McGraw asked if there was an alarm that <br />sounded in the house or outside. Khan replied that the alarm sounds inside <br />and is connected to a security company. Khan explained the visibility of <br />her property noting that her house does not have a side door similar to her <br />neighbors. <br />Boss noted that the fence in the location it is does not prevent anyone from <br />seeing her house. Afroz Khan again stated that once they moved into their <br />home and installed motion detectors, they had no problem. Then the trees <br />were removed and the problems began. Khan stated that she has not been <br />able to deter people from coming onto her property. Khan indicated that <br />she cannot open her bedroom windows nor sit on her three-season porch. <br />She outlined the several instances that have occurred. Khan again stated <br />that the fence and motion detectors give her a sense of security. Khan <br />again noted that when cars turn from LaBore Road onto Centerville Road <br />and drive south, the fence prevents the view into the property. Khan <br />stated that her property is too open. Khan again noted that she plans to <br />continue the fence, running a section north and south and connecting to <br />her house. Blesener pointed out that any portion of the fence behind the <br />front of the house could be 6 %z feet tall. <br />Keis stated that he wrderstands Khan's concerns, but does not understand <br />how the fence provides the privacy that Khan feels it does. Keis <br />questioned that a 6 foot fence in the front yard area would correct the <br />problem. Khan stated that it does as it replaces the privacy that the trees <br />once provided. Keis was concerned about the precedent that would be set <br />if the Variance were granted, noting that the City would have to approve <br />similar requests. Khan felt that residents should be able to feel safe in <br />their own homes. <br />Montour suggested that replacing the trees which would provide for <br />natural screening would be more appropriate. Khan stated that she is <br />willing to plant trees along the fence to soften its view. <br />10 <br />