03/25/1992 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Search

MUNICIPAL ELECTION CANVASS BOARD MARCH 25, 1992 loose trees. Mr. Vaughan must now complete his drainage work outside of this particular property and provide proper drainage at his own cost. Mayor Reinert asked how this had happened. It was explained that because it had snowed early in the season, all work was not completed and it was difficult to determine what had to be done. Council Member Neal asked if this is a case where everything had been rushed to be completed before the new Council took office. Mr. Schumacher said no, it is a case of where there are approved plans, but the developer has done his own grading and has not always followed the plan. Mr. Gary Uhde was in the audience and explained that retaining proper elevations on lots is sometimes difficult. The developer comes in and completes the preliminary grading according to the approved plan. However, when the developer sells the lot to a builder there is no way to police the builder to see that he does not change elevations. He noted that sometimes the new owner wants to build a walk out house when it will not fit on the lot and the builder then tries to change elevations to accommodate the new lot owner. Mr. Uhde said that cities should require that approved elevations be maintained and have them checked before an occupancy is issued. Mayor Reinert said the City should talk to all developers and make them aware that the City is going to require that elevations be maintained. Mr. Schneider explained that the City is instituting a procedure to try and insure that proper elevations are maintained by the builder as well as the developer. Mr. Rehbein told of an instance where his company sold a lot to a builder and the builder constructed the house to low. This caused a problem for the driveway. Mr. Rehbein said it was his opinion that certain elevations should be maintained and checked by the building official when the footings are constructed. Mr. Schneider explained that currently a certificate of survey is required to obtain a building permit. The certificate of survey indicates the house elevation and footing levels. Mr. Uhde also suggested that the building official compare the certificate of survey to the original grading plan. Mr. Rehbein also addressed the clear cut portion of a lot behind the curb. He noted that currently, the policy is to clear cut the first eight (2) feet behind the curb. Mr. Rehbein suggested that this be increased to 12 feet. Mr. Schumacher said that all staff would agree, however, the developers are trying to save as many trees as possible. Mr. Uhde noted that many of the trees die because they have been disturbed. He also noted that the current boulevard of the City is not practical and felt that the City Forester is realizing the situation. PAGE 2 1 1 1