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Attorney Shoeberg explained the Council and/or administrator can call him, and he will <br />respond to their inquiries. It has never been his policy to take direction from any member <br />of the City Council on which case to prosecute. It was his understanding that this meeting <br />was to review and discuss the ordinances and recommend changes. <br />Mayor Hunt explained he was invited by the Ziertmans, who pointed out four issues of <br />concern, which Hunt sent to the City to see if any complaints were on record. Jim <br />McNamara stated there was a rock on some slope which was corrected. The pile of <br />debris was called out which was a screened fence that was started. Jim McNamara stated <br />no permit is required for a fence unless it is for over 8 ft. in height <br />Mr. Ziertman stated he wants equal enforcement for everyone. When Jim McNamara <br />comes out and cites him about his placement of his trailers, he moves them, but Jim does <br />not go to the Sessings. Steve Ziertman added the problem is that the City has not yet <br />clarified what a "rear yard" can be. Planner Dillerud indicated "rear yard" has been <br />defined by Attorney Filla and thought the issue was resolved. He would contact Filla <br />again regarding the rear yard definition. <br />Attorney Shoeberg stated this is the first time he has heard about trailers, and there are no <br />citations on trailers sitting in his office. Letters of correction from Jim McNamara are not <br />considered citations. Steve Ziertman asked where the letter went that was sent from his <br />attorney. <br />Mayor Hunt stated the Council has directed the staff to enforce the ordinances in exactly <br />the same way for all the residents. Planner Dillerud indicated code enforcement, without <br />a full time army of inspectors, can run into a squeaking wheel and then you grease it. <br />A policy decision will have to be made to prioritize these issues and at what cost. Steve <br />Ziertman suggested an article be inserted in the City Newsletter stating the City will <br />enforce all City ordinances and complaints will be followed through. <br />Eric Lipman told of an incident where Mr. Mehle, a jogger running along Stillwater <br />Blvd., was attacked by rottweiler dogs. The EMT's had to be escorted by the sheriff. His <br />concern is when a victim is badly injured; there should be some contact with the victim <br />before an arrangement to settle the case. There should not be a summary kind of <br />arrangement without checking in with the victim. Attorney Shoeberg responded, whether <br />it is a dog bite or dog at large, it is important to get all the information and input from <br />people involved. Shoeberg pointed out you can read in the newspaper, articles on dog <br />issues and these are not just in Lake Elmo. <br />Mike Smith suggested language be added to the code that if a property owner has <br />installed invisible fencing and is not physically present, their dogs should be fenced in, <br />kenneled or chained. <br />LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP SEPTEMBER 3, 2002 <br />