02-08-06 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL FEBRUARY 8, 2006 hours. Stephanie Galba stated that they have been using temporary lights for the court. She also noted that the court has not been in use during late night hours, and felt activities on the court did not generate enough noise to disturb neighbors. Keis stated that he had a problem with the fact that the Galba's choose to continue construction on the sports court after the City asked for it to stop. Keis pointed out that rather than contact Little Canada about the issue of permits, construction was started on the court. That construction continued even after repeated requests that it stop. Allan expressed the same concern, and pointed out the use of City services that has had to go into this matter. She noted that all the Caxpayers in the City pick up this cost. Allan also pointed out that a Text Amendment to allow recreational uses in front yards would apply on aCity-wide basis. Allan noted that the Galba's position about keeping children active was a parenting issue, and the Text Amendment before the Council is a zoning issue. Keis stated that if the sports court were located in the Galba's backyard, there would likely be no discussion of the issue. However, it is located in the front yard, and Keis pointed out that everyone driving down Edgerton Street sees it. Keis noted that if the Text Amendment is approved, the City would have to allow recreation uses in any front yard that is of sufficient size. Blesener asked if other cities are allowing sports courts. The City Planner stated that he does not know of many communities that would allow it in the front yard. Allan stated that she has never seen a sports court in a front yard. The Planner indicated that he has seen a couple in front yards, but was not sure whether these were permitted by the specific city's code. Blesener suggested that if the hockey rink went up in the fall and came down in the spring, it would be a different issue. However, the proposal is for ayear-round sports court in the front yard. Blesener pointed out that this is a Yough issue when considering this could occur all over the City. Stephanie Galba indicated that Chere are sports courts in front yards in White Bear Lake. Dick Kimmes, 2321 Gilanderi Lane, stated his opposition to the sports court in the front yard of the Galba property. Kimmes stated that he has been in the construction business for the past 40 years and gets around the Metro area quite a bit. Kimmes stated that he can recall of no sports court, hockey rinks, or swimming pools in front yards that he has seen. Kimmes pointed out that in addition to the hockey boards, the proposal includes a