Minutes - 2001/02/26 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Mounds View City Council February 26, 2001 Regular Meeting Page 10 Director Ericson apologized to Mr. Zwirn who took offense to comments made by Mr. Ericson at the Planning Commission meeting. He clarified it was never his intention to question Mr. Zwirn's integrity or his intentions and he wanted to make that clear. Director Ericson explained in speaking with Mr. Zwirn and Mr. Mezzenga earlier today Staff has determined that the question remains of where the fence will be located. Mr. Mezzenga has proposed sleeving over Mr. Zwirn's exiting fence posts and Mr. Zwirn has proposed a fence located close to his fence. Staff is not sure Council should require a property owner to change their fence in order to accommodate a new development. Council will need to decide where the fence should be located. Director Ericson noted at the end of the fence there will be lilac shrubbery that would grow up level with Mr. Zwirn's house. He then noted there is an issue of whether to require a six (6) foot fence or an eight (8) foot fence. Mr. Zwirn would like an eight (8) foot fence and Mr. Mezzenga feels a six (6) foot fence is adequate for screening. Director Ericson noted Resolution 5527 is before Council for action and suggested that there be an eighth requirement added to state if construction is not begun within one year this approval shall be null and void. Staff does not believe this would happen but feels the City needs that assurance. Council Member Marty asked for clarification on the fencing. Director Ericson explained it would be a board onboard privacy fence and that there would be two fences close together. There maybe some merit to taking down one of the fences but the City cannot dictate that a resident remove his fence to accommodate development. If the proposed fence is acceptable to everybody it would need to be located three (3) inches off of grade to allow for maintenance with aweed-whipper and there would be landscape fabric with chip or landscape rock to prevent weeds and grass from growing. Council Member Marty expressed his concern for trying to fit aweed-whipper under the fence if there were only three inches of clearance. Council Member Stigney asked Director Ericson if the summary provided to Council included comments from the Planning Commission. Director Ericson explained he had spoken to the Planning Commission at the last meeting and the Commission felt that a six (6) foot fence, from a screening standpoint, provides just as much screening as would an eight (8) foot fence. Council Member Thomas questioned who would be responsible for maintaining the area between the fences and then suggested a six (6) foot fence may make maintenance easier. Director Ericson stated there would need to be an agreement from Mr. Zwirn to allow for maintenance of the fence as Mr. Mezzenga would need to access the area from Mr. Zwirn's property.