Minutes - 2001/02/26 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mounds View City Council February 26, 2001 Regular Meeting Page 12 Mr. Zwirn then stated he and Mr. Mezzenga had a conversation wherein they both agreed it is not an ideal location for the building but Mr. Mezzenga told him he went along with the City's recommendation to expedite matters. He then offered to buy the property from Mr. Mezzenga stating he would go to a bank and get the funds to do so. Mr. Zwirn stated he will not have this development shoved down his throat. Mr. Zwirn clarified he has not attempted to block the development of this piece of property but wants to make sure his issues are heard and properly handled. Mr. Zwirn then stated he did not appreciate how he was characterized by the newspaper. Council Member Marty explained to Mr. Zwirn that the Planning Commission does not have much leeway to make decisions and must go by City Ordinance. He explained Council is the only body that can make a change to an Ordinance. He then explained there have been times where residents feel frustration because they feel the Planning Commission is not hearing them or understanding their point of view but it is simply a matter of the Planning Commission not having the authority to make judgment calls as that is the responsibility of Council. Mr. Zwirn stated he understood and respected the comments of Council Member Marty but if the Council reviewed the tape of the Planning Commission meeting it would be plainly evident, as it is to him, that Commissioner Johnson had no interest in dealing with the issue and simply wanted it to be pushed to Council. Council Member Thomas told Mr. Zwirn she was exercising extreme control in order to address him appropriately as she took extreme offense to his negative comments concerning the Planning Commission. She explained to Mr. Zwirn that she is in the unique position of sitting on Council and was on the Planning Commission when this development was first brought to the City for discussion. She stated she finds the characterization of the Commission to be completely false and thanked Council Member Marty for his comments in support of the Commission. She explained to Mr. Zwirn that the Commission did use its collective intelligence to the best of its ability to try to get two people who are admittedly at odds to reach an agreement. She explained this matter has taken so much time that she was on the Planning Commission and has now been elected to the Council which indicates to her that no one has pushed to get this through. She stated she feels there has been a lot of consideration for him and his neighbors. Council Member Marty suggested continuing the fence to County I so there would not be pedestrian traffic as it would need to go around the building. Mayor Sonterre cautioned that a fence in that area will create an area that may become a congregating area. He stated he understands the concern for litter but based upon the design of the parking lot and the landscaping of the building, the pedestrian traffic litter should be minimized. He expressed concern that litter may blow underneath the fence and be trapped between the two fences. He then asked Mr. Zwirn if he was agreeable with Staff's recommendation for the fence or if he would prefer an eight (8) foot fence all the way to the ground to prevent litter from blowing under.