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COUNCIL MINUTES April 10, 2017 <br />DRAFT <br />5 <br />- He wants to be up front with the city about his plans for the property, if he goes ahead with the 173 <br />purchase. He’s aware of many home businesses that have not done the same; 174 <br />- The properties around the proposed business have been contacted and he’s not heard of a proble, 175 <br />except for one person who has a concern and that is based on the fear of a building being 176 <br />constructed that would block their view and that there would be strangers in the area (he noted his 177 <br />employees are highly vetted so shouldn’t be a problem); 178 <br />- Regarding use of the roadway and fear that it would not hold up, there are many heavy uses 179 <br />occuring currently including large trucks (garbage vehicles) using the road; 180 <br />- Pictures of the property, showing where things are; 181 <br />- Picture of his family, who lives in Lino Lakes. 182 <br /> 183 <br />He also read a letter provided by the mayor of the City of Fridley, commending him/his business on 184 <br />being a good presence in that city and past willingness to respond to any concerns. 185 <br /> 186 <br />Council Member Rafferty noted existing conditions and current guidelines and regulations and the 187 <br />council’s responsibility to follow them. 188 <br /> 189 <br />Mayor Reinert asked staff to reiterate their reasons for recommending denial and expand and respond to 190 <br />the applicant’s comments. 191 <br />Planner Larsen noted that there is no home occupation permit at this address now and there is none at 192 <br />Mr. Witzel’s current address (applicant noted that four of his children drive work vans and come and go). 193 <br />Ms. Larsen outlined the city’s regulations for home occupations and the levels and allowed uses and their 194 <br />relation to intensity of use. Staff would be more than happy to work with the applicant to find an 195 <br />appropriately zoned property for his business in the city and one that would not become an issue for the 196 <br />surrounding neighborhoods and the transportation system of the city. 197 <br /> 198 <br />Council Member Manthey asked about the size of vehicles used (3/4 ton vans) and how many employees 199 <br />he expects. Mr. Witzel explained that he has overestimated those figures in his application to make sure 200 <br />he is being completely transparent. The applicant also said he isn’t sure that he’d have the dumpster 201 <br />emptied twice a week but again he is trying to be completely above board and he noted that there are a 202 <br />great many vehicles, including many garbage trucks from different companies, utilizing the roadway. 203 <br />Council Member Manthey asked if the applicant were to be allowed the use, would he be willing to 204 <br />comply with the staff recommendations. 205 <br /> 206 <br />Mayor Reinert remarked that the property offers the size for the business to grow. 207 <br /> 208 <br />Mr. Witzel added that he’s discussed the possibility of adding screening fencing. 209 <br /> 210 <br />It was clarified that Mr. Witzel would be moving to the property. He wouldn’t purchase the property 211 <br />without this use in place. 212 <br /> 213 <br />Council Member Maher noted that there are four children working and driving for the business and there 214 <br />are three younger children that could possibility become drivers for the business in the future. If there 215