08-11-2010 Council Minutes (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION August 11,2010 APPROVED 133 5. KI Auto—Variance—City Planner Bengtson recalled that the council has 134 previously reviewed this variance request related to an entryway that was added to a non- 135 conforming building at 909 Maple Street. The council denied a request that would allow 136 auto sales at the property. Regarding the variance request, Mr. Bengtson noted that he 137 has provided the latest case law and the city attorney's review of how it impacts the city's 138 consideration of variances. Regarding KI Auto,the attorney has opined that the 139 circumstances don't appear to support a variance. Staff continues to recommend denial 140 of the request based on the findings of fact. The applicant has stated in the past that, 141 barring granting of a variance, he would be able to move the entryway back to meet 142 requirements. 143 144 The council recognized that while they'd like to assist the small business owner in 145 improving his property,there doesn't seem to be a way to accomplish that in this case. 146 6. Illicit Discharge, Detection and Elimination Ordinance—Community 147 Development Director Grochala explained that this relates to meeting a requirement 148 attached to the city's Clean Water National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System 149 Permit as explained in the information from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 150 that is attached to the staff report. While the city has some regulations already spread 151 throughout the code, this combines regulations and puts enforcement measures into place. 152 Environmental Coordinator Asleson added that the city's Environmental Board has 153 reviewed the proposed ordinance, made some changes and has forwarded it with their 154 approval. The right of inspection and entry is consistent with the rest of the city code. 155 Education is a part of the process, so people understand what they can't do and why. 156 Mr. Grochala added that the regulations disallow discharge of chemical or septic waste in 157 an area where it could end up in the storm sewer system. Grass clippings into the street 158 are not allowed. 159 160 7. Redevelopment Task Force - Economic Development Coordinator Divine stated 161 that she is reporting back on the council's direction to look at a task force to consider 162 issues relative to nonconforming and blighted properties. She noted that there are 163 different reasons why properties fall into the situation. She is looking for some direction 164 from the council as to the charge to such a task force. The city's Economic Development 165 Advisory Committee (EDAC) has expressed interest in being involved with staff 166 assistance. 167 A council member noted a situation in the City of Hugo where they are dealing with three 168 properties that could fall into the category. Perhaps that could be a model. 169 The council heard about the legal process necessary to order the razing of a property as 170 well as how tax increment can fit in to redevelopment activities. They recognized that 171 there isn't necessarily one solution for all but a suggestion for the group would be to look 172 at what, in general, the city could do to help the situation of these blighted properties. 4