09-25-2013 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL SEPTEMBER 25, 2013 Blesener noted the comment at the Planning Commission meeting that many of the current and proposed regulations discussed this evening are unique to Little Canada given the Ryan Industrial Park usage. The Planner replied that that is correct. He pointed out that these regulations were created over the years based on the usage of property in Ryan Industrial Park, and that this concentration is not common in other cities. Blesener suggested that an option may be to eliminate a use if it is troublesome for the City, such as the salvage vehicles sales and repair use. The Planner indicated that the City is not required to have these uses in the Code, and agreed if a use is problematic, it could be eliminated. The Planner noted that the Planning Commission has requested ajoint workshop with the Council to discuss parking standards in residential areas. He suggested that the Council and Commission discuss the issue of auto sales and salvage repair at the workshop as well. Blesener agreed. LITTLE The City Planner reported that members of the Little Canada Book Club FREE have asked about the installation of a Little Free Library in Little Canada. LIBRARY The Planner indicated that these book exchanges are popping up around the Twin Cities. He reported that under City Code this book exchange concept would be treated as accessory outdoor display. The Planner noted that the book club is suggesting a zoning process that would require an outdoor display conditional use permit. They are also asking that the cost of processing a zoning action of this nature be waived. The Planner indicated that some of the issues that would need to be addressed relate to maintenance of the Little Free Library as well as location of the book exchange on private property versus public property. Keis asked how other cities address the issue of private or public property location. The Planner replied that some cities restrict locations to public property while others to private property. There appears to be no common approach. Blesener asked about the number that would be allowed. The Planner replied that the book club is suggesting one or two at this point. Boss reported that the Little Free Library first surfaced in 2009 and there are now about 10,000 of them nationwide. Boss felt this was a good idea. Keis agreed. Phyllis Kendig and Vicki Marlowe, Little Canada Book Club, appeared before the Council and reported that their book club felt the Little Free Library was a good way to promote literacy and the love of reading. Kendig reported that the book club has discussed locations at the City Center, Gervais Mill Park, and the Market Place Shopping Center. Kendig reported that some cities have purchased and installed the Little Free 5