08-25-2014 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL AUGUST 25, 2014 Regional Water Service will not permit further encroachment into their right of way. The Administrator indicated that the Council has three options to consider: granting the setback Variance, shrinking the size of the warming house, or purchasing land from St. John's Church. The Administrator noted the comments submitted by Council Member McGraw in opposition of the Variance. With regard to purchasing property from St. John's, the Administrator indicated that the Church may be willing to sell a portion of property to negate the need for a Variance. The matter will be discussed by the Building & Grounds Committee in September. The Administrator also indicated that another issue that staff is working to resolve relates to the retaining wall that is proposed on the behind the warming house. Ile noted that there is currently a steep bank in this location with erosion occurring. The building architect is proposing a 4 foot high retaining wall at a cost of $8,300; however, the wall does not address the full bank. The Administrator expressed concern that expanding the wall to address the full bank may result in double the cost. The Administrator suggested that placing the back wall of the building into the bank may be an option. The architect agreed but was not sure about the added costs for reinforcing the back wall of the building and there was also the issue of kids going up on the roof. If the building is moved closer, then the setback Variance needs to be greater. The City Engineer reported that the new building is currently proposed at almost 9 feet from the property line. There would be adequate room to purchase a strip of property from St. John's Church to get the required 15 foot setback without making the St. John's property non -conforming. The Engineer noted that the Church would like to get water to the rectory, and given a 2 -inch water line is being run to the warming house, it would be possible to connect the rectory to water as well. The Church may trade the land for the water service. The Engineer indicated that the rectory and The Maryhouse are currently on wells, but it would be very expensive to connect The Maryhouse to City water. The Engineer reiterated that the warming house cannot be moved closer to the rink given the access that St. Paul Water needs to its pipes. Blesener suggested delaying the project noting that it has taken a couple of years at this point and nothing has been done. Blesener suggested that the building be modified so that it fits on the site. The Parks & Rec Director noted that the need for a Rezoning and a Variance was just identified. Montour asked if construction on the warming house could be delayed until St. John's makes a decision on the land sale. The City Administrator indicated that staff feels construction should begin by September Is' if the 2