01/08/2003 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION JANUARY 8, 2003 APPROVED Community Development Director Grochala referred to a map and pointed out the areas that have a ditch and culvert. He advised he is not aware of any problems with ditches in the area. Mayor Bergeson suggested Mrs. Krieger review the information with staff. Mrs. Krieger distributed a memo outlining all the concerns of the neighbors. The memo also requested the City arrange a mediated meeting between the residents of Laurene Avenue and White Pine Road and the present owner, Dennis Lipoff. Mayor Bergeson advised he hopes the City can improve the City process so this type of situation can be avoided in the future. Mrs. Krieger stated she believes the Council and the Planning and Zoning Board were mislead. No one knew what the house would look like when it was completed. Communication would have been very helpful in this situation. The future building in the area is also a big concern for residents. She stated the residents want to be involved in the implementation of the new building ordinances. She stated neighbors would like a meeting with the present owner. The new owner is already an undesirable neighbor. Mayor Bergeson stated the Council will have to discuss if the City should be involved in • a meeting between the owner and neighbors. City Administrator Waite Smith advised she does not believe Mr. Lipoff will cooperate further with City staff at this point. She indicated she will give the neighbors the phone number for the Anoka County Mediation Services and City facilities would be available for the meeting. Mr. Chavez came forward and stated the property owner is very upset and wishes he had never bought the property. Not one of the neighbors has approached Mr. Lipoff to speak to him about this issue. KEEFE LETTER TO CITY COUNCIL, MICHAEL GROCHALA Community Development Director Grochala stated this issue was not on the Planning and Zoning Board meeting agenda this evening. Staff has not done a review on the request. However, one member of the Planning and Zoning Board may request this issue be added to the agenda. A packet of information was distributed to the Council regarding the request. Staff has had an application for a minor subdivision from Mr. Keefe. Staff did the initial review and determined more information was needed. Additional information was received on Monday. Staff believes a review can now be started but additional information may be required. Staff does sympathize with the applicant but can't review the request within the applicant's time frame.