09-07-99 CCM - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

6. MAINTENANCE/PARK/FIRE/BUILDING: NONE 7. CITY ENGINEER'S REPORT: A. Partial Payment for Tower Asphalt Tom Prow reported in his memo dated September 3, 1999, that Tower Asphalt is nearly complete with 30" Street Reconstruction and the 1998 Overlays. Some of the trees on 30`h Street have lost their leaves early, so he will be monitoring diem. These trees have a two-year warranty. M/S/P Armstrong/DeLapp — to approve Partial Payment No. 6 for the 30°i Street Reconstruction and 1998 Overlays in the amount of $27,463.70 to Tower Asphalt. (Motion passed 4-0). 8. PLANNING. LAND USE & ZONING: A. Comprehensive Plan Amendment —Stillwater Investment This application has been tabled at the two previous City Council meetings pending expansion of the Findings of the Planning Commission recommended denial Resolution. Administrator Kueffner reported she has met with Mr. Arkell of Stillwater Investment concerning potential alternatives to the current proposal. Mr. Arkell and Betty Smith have formerly requested a 30-day extension of his application. (The 60-day City review period commenced on July 9, 1999 by our confirmation letter). Council member DeLapp pointed out that the Council has had no involvement in the conversations, only the staff, which is appropriate. M/S/P Armstrong/Siedow — to table the application of Stillwater Investment/Betty Smith for a Comprehensive Plan Amendment based on the request of Stillwater Investment for a 30-day extension of the City's review period. (Motion passed 4-0). B. Appeal to Signage — Farmer's Union Co -Op Oil Steve DeLapp has filed an appeal to the variances approved by the Planning Commission on August 9, 1999 for sign height, surface area, and number. The hearing regarding this appeal has been noticed to all parties for September 7, 1999. Council member DeLapp indicated the provisions of the variance section of the code is clearly stated. He did not agree with the Planning Commission that Farmer's Union for granting the sign variance showed an adequate hardship. Kevin Sexton, Manager of Farmer's Union, reviewed his August 9, 1999 memo that addressed the six required criteria for a variance. He submitted a list of members that comprise Farmer's Union and the Armstrong Farm was listed. When Council member Armstrong was asked by the City Attorney if she was part of the co-operative she responded, "not to my knowledge". Council Member Armstrong indicated a gas station has been a landmark in this location and would not be a big problem for the City. The site has been cleaned up, the sign on Manning is down from 15' proposed to 9' and the County 5 sign is similar to the FINA sign in front of Hagbergs'. She would go along with the Findings of the Planning Commission, but would like to revisit the sign ordinance. Mayor Hunt stated when the variance was approved for signage at the Citgo station there was an overriding issue of safety. There was 11-12 pieces of information that had to be processed at that intersection. The City was allowed by State Legislature, if it chose, to change amortize signs that didn't meet the ordinance. This was taken away from the City. We no longer have the ability to do that. He has looked at the zoning around this area and in Baytown, and this is the only commercial operation in the entire area. This commercial business will stand out and be seen coming from any direction. Attorney Filla explained the City has adopted Roberts Rules of Order so if a quorum of the Council is present, it requires a majority of the voters to pass a motion. LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL MINUTES SEPTEMBER 7, 1999 2