10-12-1999 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mounds View City Council October 11, 1999 Regular Meeting Page 4 Mayor Coughlin stated he was invited to attend North Heights Lutheran Church, for the retirement of Pastor Morris Vaagenes. He remarked even in light of the fact that some of the elected officials in the State have chosen to paraphrase Karl Marx, in terms of organized religion, it requires and deserves some note that this humble, fairly quiet man has served his church and community for 40 years, and has led his congregation unwaveringly over time. Mayor Coughlin commented he had the opportunity to attend this Church for a few years, when he was in college, and had benefited directly from Pastor Vaagenes. He stated it was good to note, as Pastor Vaagenes had indicated in his final sermon, that "we don't know everything, we can't do everything, but God can do everything, so we ask Him to do everything." Mayor Coughlin stated this was very similar to the prayer he prayed before every meeting. Council Member Stigney reported he had attended the Planning Commission meeting on October 6, where there was consideration of a variance request to allow for a garage with aone-foot setback at the property located at 2075 and 2081 Hillview Road. There was also consideration of a resolution for a Conditional Use Permit for an oversized shed at 8270 Eastwood Road, which was approved by the Commission, and will be coming forward at the October 25 City Council Meeting. He noted there was discussion and the review of options for amending the City Code to allow for driveways wider than 35 feet. Mayor Coughlin inquired if action had been taken in regard to amending the City Code. Council Member Stigney stated no action had been taken at that time. City Administrator Whiting reported he had also attended the joint meeting of the Metropolitan Council and the I-35W Corridor Coalition. He stated the software the Mayor had referred to be very worthwhile, in terms of the amount of information accessible to the community, which included pictures of City blocks and property lines. He commented the three Metropolitan Council members who were seated at his table were very impressed with this software. City Administrator Whiting extended his appreciation to Economic Development Coordinator Kevin Carroll. He stated he was very sorry to see like people leave the City, however, he was very proud to see them not only improve themselves, but enter into a profession which he personally chose a long time ago. He explained one of the advantages he has always felt in being a lead staff person was the opportunity this provided to work on issues with Councils and staff. He added Cari Schmidt, who left the City a few months prior, and Kevin Carroll will learn much in terms of this type of work, and he wished them well. City Administrator Whiting expressed his thanks to Video Producer Patrick Toth for his work on the youth video Mayor Coughlin referenced, which was one of the City's recreation programs, and explained he had noted this effort in Mr. Toth's personnel file. He commented that when awards are received, especially on a national scale, it is a source of pride for the City. City Administrator Whiting reported he had attended a meeting with the Association of Metropolitan Municipalities who met with Red McCombs that morning, adding that he felt compelled to go down, and find out what was really going on. He noted Mr. McCombs had • simply wanted to discuss the new stadium proposal, however, he was personally more concerned with what would happen in the next season.