03-29-2012 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL MARCH 29, 2012 Roberto again pointed out that the Fire Code is applicable to a Variance request. He indicated that the Fire Code would prohibit the use of the Anderson driveway at any time that a fire is lit. Roberto also pointed out that the Little Canada Public Works Department would not be able to access the City's manhole when Anderson had a fire lit in the present location of the fire pit. Roberto stated that he was concerned about fire safety given the present location of Anderson's fire pit. Boss noted that Anderson is a member of the Little Canada Fire Department. Roberto felt that the City's code should establish setbacks for fire pits. He also noted the email he received from the State Fire Marshal which indicates "if a person tending a fire is not in control of when vehicles are driven or parked on the driveway, the recreational fire should not be within 25' of the driveway ". McGraw noted that the same email from the State Fire Marshal indicates "I would not be too concerned to see a recreational fire ring within a few feet of a driveway provided the fire is not ignited when vehicles are parked within 25 feet ". McGraw acknowledged Roberto's concern about Little Canada's ability to access its manhole when a fire is burning. McGraw pointed out that Anderson could take a hose and extinguish the fire in that situation. Roberto pointed out that Anderson would not be in control of vehicles using the right -of -way. McGraw questioned that there would be a lot of traffic in this location. Roberto indicated that there are multiple cars in and out of the Anderson property. He pointed out that the State Fire Marshal indicated that vehicles burn "easily and spectacularly ". Roberto stated that it appears the Council does not want to enforce its own Code. He stated that he does not believe the fire pit should be used in its present location. Montour asked about the height of the pine trees that Anderson would propose to use for screening. Anderson stated that he is proposing trees at least 4 feet in height. It was estimated that these trees would grow approximately 1 foot in height per year. Anderson stated that he would like to store fire wood higher than 4 feet. The consensus of the Council was that the fire wood could be stored at the same height as the screening to a maximum of 6 feet in height. Keis asked the distance between trees. The City Planner indicated that 6 to 8 feet in separation would be the minimum. Anderson indicated that he would have a line of screening approximately 21 feet in length. There was no one else present wishing to comment on this matter. Upon motion by Boss, seconded by McGraw, the public hearing was closed. The Public Works Superintendent recommended that any approval of the Variance require that trees planted for screening do not interfere with the 6