05-15-2004 CCM - Laserfiche WebLink

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LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL MINUTES MAY 18, 2004 6 At its May 10, 2004 meeting, the Planning Commission adopted a recommendation to not amend the present Zoning Ordinance provisions regarding the exterior surfacing of accessory structures. Council member Johnston had some concerns. While he was supportive of the residents’ efforts to create a barn-like building, he was not willing to invalidate that section of the code. Council member DeLapp said he was tired of seeing metal sheds from Menards that look like houses all over the city and applauded the resident’s efforts to construct something true to Lake Elmo’s roots as a rural community. DeLapp said the city could amend the ordinance to allow barn-like accessory structure based on the type of roof. For instance a rounded, barn-like roof might be allowed to be painted red. Mayor Hunt said that DeLapp, who is an architect, may be able to differentiate between different roofs, but there should be an easier way. The Mayor said the building screams to be painted red, and we need to let then have the flexibility to have that happen. Teri Most said they used barn wood, installed wooden doors and windows in the accessory building to make it appear very barn-like, and they had wanted to use red paint. Mrs. Most presented a color palette and pointed out a brownish red color that they would like to use. Attorney Filla explained that there is a procedure for appealing administrative decisions and the City should try to follow that process. Planner Dillerud agreed and suggested that the Council direct him and the building official look at the color palette and determine themselves if the rusty red color is an earth tone. This way the Council would not have to take a vote or make a decision on it. The Council agreed by consensus. C. Consultant Selection - Trail System Plan Planner Dillerud reported that the Park Commission recommended the Short, Elliot, Hendrickson firm as the contractor to prepare the City’s Trails System Plan update and expansion. The SEH proposal includes a lump sum fee of $16,600 to complete the Plan per the “Scope of Services” presented by their proposal of April 2, 2004. The 2004 Capital Improvements Program appropriated up to $20,000 for this task. Council member DeLapp said he had spoken with County Park officials about access to the Lake Elmo Regional Park. Those County officials suggested that access to the park by City trails would be positively considered by the County – contrary to their historic position – if the City prepares and presents a Trail System Plan to demonstrate appropriate and logical points of access.