Agenda Packets - 2006/10/23 (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mounds View City Council September 25, 2006 Regular Meeting Page 6 Mayor Marty stated when he is called with situations he has suggested residents speak in front of 1 the Council. 2 3 David Olson, 2215 Lois Drive, said as a resident of Mounds View and Lois Drive, he is 4 disappointed in the building permit department for not knowing what the accessory buildings will 5 look like. He said he would like to ask for the resignation of the person responsible for 6 approving building permits in the City. 7 8 Mayor Marty stated the permits are a Council decision. He stated it was a Council decision to 9 allow the larger accessory buildings. Mr. Olson suggested the Council review architectural 10 drawings so they can see what the buildings look like before they are approved. He said the large 11 garages do not fit in the neighborhoods. He said the visual impact of the buildings significantly 12 impact the neighborhoods. 13 14 Mayor Marty noted that the Council used to review every permit and it took up a significant 15 amount of Council time. He said to save time, the Council voted to increase the size limit. He 16 stated there was no objection at the time larger garage limits were approved. He stated Staff does 17 review permits, and that to ask for a resignation is very harsh. He stated he would like more facts 18 before Staff is criticized in such a manner. 19 20 Mayor Marty noted the Council works for the citizens and he feels like with such a unified 21 showing, the Council will look into the issue so other neighborhoods and citizens are not 22 impacted adversely. 23 24 Councilmember Gunn said that it is not just one person or the Council who approves the 25 building. She explained the process which beings with public notification and the Planning 26 Commission discussion, which is then passed on as a resolution to the Council. She said if the 27 plans meet code, the City could not turn down the application. She said the process is to review 28 the code and make changes if necessary. 29 30 Mayor Marty noted that Ms. Vershay’s recommendations look quite thoughtful and could 31 provide framework for discussion. 32 33 Councilmember Flaherty said he understands the residents’ concerns. He said the Council agrees 34 to revisit the code as is being requested by the residents. He said that now the Council 35 understands the concerns and will be able to review the code. 36 37 Councilmember Stigney said he understands the frustration of the neighbors. He said the 38 Council should consider the size of both garages and homes. He said he believes the City has 39 perhaps gone too far and could make some kind of revisions. 40 41 Mike Reed, 2208 Lois Drive, said he has an oversized garage and said that a couple years ago, a 42 City staff member came to his home, where he had two cars parked, one on the grass and one 43 next to his garage. He said he was told he could no longer park on the grass and that his request 44