09/23/1995 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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COUNCIL MINUTES AUGUST 14, 1995 Consideration of an Application for a Block Party, Woodridge Court - Mrs. Anderson explained that an application for a block party has been received for Woodridge Court. The subdivision of Woodridge Estates has been holding block parties for several years, but not in this location. The block parties have been held at the west end of Woodridge Lane. Woodridge Lane was extended to the west and now connects to Baldwin Lake Drive. This year the request is for a block party on Woodridge Court. Both the Police Department and the Public Works Department have reviewed the request and have indicated that the cul-de-sac is the best location for a block party in this subdivision. The Public Works Superintendent noted that he is always apprehensive of any "people" type use of roadways because of the liability factor. A letter was received from a resident on the cul-de-sac objecting to the block party at this location in this subdivision. He listed several concerns and wanted the City Council to be aware that he is not in favor of the block party. Council Member Neal noted that the letter said only 50% of the residents signed the petition. Mrs. Anderson explained that seven (7) lots border on the cul-de-sac. Four (4) residents signed the petition. One house is sold and the current owners will not be there when the party takes place. Mayor Reinert asked if the City Clerk recommends approval of the petition if at least 50% of the residents sign the petition. Mrs. Anderson explained that currently there is no criteria for block parties. Normally a substantial number of residents sign the petition. Mayor Reinert noted that there will be more requests for block parties and suggested that a better procedure be implemented. He noted that the City has been encouraging block parties and such events as National Night Out. These are social events or neighborhood events. Mrs. Anderson explained that the Planning Department is considering a revision to the Zoning Ordinance. She asked them to include a provision for block parties. She explained that she gave the Planning Department information on how both St. Paul and Minneapolis govern block parties to be used as examples. Council Member Kuether asked why the writer of the letter suggested that there will be about 70 homes represented at the block party. Mrs. Anderson explained that the block party is for residents of Woodridge Estates. They consider this area a neighborhood and the party will be a neighborhood party. Council Member Elliott explained that a private individual living on a cul-de-sac has every right to hold a party for 250 people. This would cause all types of congestion and would not have the camaraderie. There are some concerns about who will clean the area after the block party. Council Member Elliott noted that block parties are very good about cleaning because the people have a vested interest. She said that she understood the letter writers concerns however, if the City Council says no to the block party because of the PAGE 25