01/14/1991 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Search

1 1 1 COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 14, 1991 FIRST READING, Ordinance no. 02 - 91 Amending the Zoning Ordinance to Allow Contractors Storage Yards in Residential Zones - Mr. Miller explained that there is a business located in a Residential District on a one and one half (1 1/2) acre lot. He and Mr. Kluegel have met with the landowner several times to let him know that he is in violation of the City Ordinance. The matter has been referred to the City Attorney and a hearing date has been set in the Anoka Court House. The attached ordinance amendment is intended to give the Council an opportunity to rezone the property so that further legal action will not be needed against the landowner. Mr. Miller noted that if Ordinance No. 02 - 91 is adopted, all residential districts will be affected and the Council must decide whether they really want to see contractor storage yards in residential districts. The proposed ordinance amendment was presented to the DRB. They did not recommend approval of the amendment. Mr. Miller reminded the Council that the landowner did appear before the Council about a year ago to request a rezone to Light Industrial. This request was deemed "spot zoning" and would be illegal. A Conditional Use Permit for this type of land use is not allowed by the current Ordinance. It was determined that the current landowner was aware of the zoning when he purchased the property and moved his business to the property. Mr. Miller said that he and Mr. Kluegel are required by the City Code to enforce the current Codes. The landowner is not interested in negotiating any more and the court action was commenced. Council Member Neal noted that this business employs sixteen (16) people. He felt that if this business is forced out of the City there is a possibility that twenty four (24) other businesses would also be forced out. Council Member Neal said he felt that action against this landowner has gone too far and moved to approve Option No. 1 approving the first reading of Ordinance No. 02 - 91. There was no second to this motion and the motion failed. Council Member Reinert said he felt that the City Staff is carrying out the City Ordinances as they are written and approved by the City Council. However, he felt that the business in question is employing sixteen (16) people and needed some consideration. He felt that there should be some compromise. Mr. Miller explained that a fair amount of time has been spent with the landowner trying to talk him into relocating his business. Council Member Kuether said she understood Council Member Neal's feelings about this situation, however if this landowner is going to operate a business, the land should be properly zone. Council Member Reinert said that he would not condemn City Staff for doing their job. PAGE 15 202