Laserfiche WebLink
ALLIMAIJ. <br />`I <br />application, and lake access and safety. He provided additional information on requested deviations <br />and staff recommendations related to exterior storage, non-resident employment, location of operation, <br />parking, and number of students. He stated that while staff are not opposed to the requested permit, <br />any approval should be heavily conditioned. He expressed concern with the applicant's lack of <br />involvement with Lake Phalen Rowing's operation and management. He reviewed four recommended <br />general conditions for a Special Home Occupation Permit, as well as seven other conditions that could <br />apply. <br />Mayor Fischer thanked staff for the review and work to get to this point. He invited the applicant to <br />make a presentation tonight. He recognized that many of the questions will be about how the club <br />operates and asked if a member of the Rowing Club Board would also speak. <br />Karen Hildebrandt, applicant, thanked everyone who has submitted comments, as it helps them to <br />recognize the issues that are bothering neighbors. She stated that she and her husband are parents to <br />two children in the rowing club, noting that one of their sons is currently training at the Olympic <br />facility. She stated that this location allows local youth to practice rowing. She stated that a long-term <br />solution continues to be investigated, but for the time being, this is the location that provides an <br />opportunity for the youth members and protects the equipment. She commented on the importance of <br />athlete safety, and this would allow these athletes to continue to practice in a safe community. She <br />stated that this sport has opened doors to college scholarships and high levels of achievement. She <br />asked the Council to support this request, which would allow the children to continue to review. She <br />stated that they agree to comply with all general home occupation conditions. She noted that her sons <br />row on the lake at different times of the program, similarly to their neighbors, and asked that the City <br />recognize those as separate activities. She referenced the fifth condition and commented that the boats <br />are on the property from May to November, and a fence would be permanent. She stated that they <br />recently received approval from the Ramsey -Washington County Watershed District for two <br />raingardens with natural plantings and would ask that qualify as the screening. She stated that both <br />neighbors on either side do not support the fence and also agree with the alternative screening <br />proposed. She stated that the outlined hours correspond with the permit they have from the Ramsey <br />County Sheriff s Water Patrol. She agreed with all the other conditions as recommended and <br />volunteered to be the point of contact for both staff and the Lake Gervais residents. <br />Mayor Fischer commented that there is a distinction between residential property use and recreational <br />activity and captain's practice. <br />Malone asked and received verification that the move from Lake Phalen was related to safety concerns <br />of the children and equipment. She stated that in her research, it appears that Lake Phalen Community <br />Rowing Club was established in 2020, and Lake Phalen Rowing Club was established in November of <br />2024. <br />Mayor Fischer asked that questions to the club be postponed until a Board member of the Club speak. <br />Malone stated that the homeowner would be taking on a large risk with children on a body of water. <br />She asked how the homeowner is covered with their insurance. Hildebrandt commented that they have <br />a large umbrella policy in addition to their homeowner's policy. Malone asked if the resident has <br />included that they run a small business to their homeowner's policy. Andrew Hightower, applicant, <br />3 <br />