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REGULAR AGENDA: <br />Consider an ordinance allowing for automatic pool covers as a safety device for private <br />swimming pools <br />Senior Planner Ben Gozola, reported the City Council is being asked to consider an <br />amendment to the zoning code that would permit automatic pool covers as an alternative <br />to fences for protection from accidental falls into swimming pools. The current City code <br />requires fencing around pools. In July of 2007, the City Council directed staff to study <br />"pool covers" in response to two citizens who requested that pool covers be added as an <br />alternative safety option. The Planning Commission recommended the current ordinance <br />be amended to clarify fencing requirements, but to not allow pool covers as an option at <br />this time. Staff provided three options for council consideration. <br />Jeanne Fleming, 8047 22"d Court N., Torre Pines representative, provided information <br />endorsing pool covers as an addition but not a substitute for a fence. She told the council <br />that at least three agencies including the Minnesota Department of Health, the American <br />Academy of Pediatrics and the US Consumer Protection agency have set out <br />recommendations that pool covers not be used alone as the sole barrier to a pool. <br />John Ames, 9799 5 1 " St. N., who is installing a swimming pool, has a concern about pool <br />safety. He said it is clear from national statistics that fences do not provide assurance of <br />safety. Automatic pool covers are the only system that provides a complete and <br />impassable barrier between children and the water. Layers of protection are appropriate; <br />fence installation, pool cover and proper adult supervision. <br />Ken Kelton, 2760 Imperial Avenue, built a pool in 2006 with a pool cover and has not <br />installed a fence. A pool cover keeps the pool clean with limited heat loss. Because of <br />the location of his pool and his house, he would have to place a three sided fence and it <br />would be impossible to place a four sided fence. <br />Mark Wallace, Highlands Trail, resident with a pool, reviewed pool safety facts and <br />provided ASTM safety pool cover facts. In his opinion a fence is not an effective tool. <br />He said parental supervision is key. <br />Council Member Smith stated that she supported no change in the ordinance because the <br />fence provided a visible barrier to the pool for children and neighbors. <br />Council Member Johnson said she believed that the new technology for pool covers made <br />them an effective alternative to fences and she favored both options. <br />Motion: Council Member Smith moved to take no further action at this time. Mayor <br />Johnston seconded the motion, Mayor Johnston, Council Members DeLapp, Parks, <br />Smith voted for the motion with Council Member Johnson voting against, <br />LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL MINUTES September 18, 2007 2 <br />