Minutes - 2006/03/27 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mounds View City Council March 27, 2006 Regular Meeting Page 13 Ms. Amundsen stressed that Code i s there for the public health and safety, and rt has been well thought out for the protection and safety of the neighborhood and also to respect residents' rights. She stated that she and Brian have gotten very familiar with the Code and have strictly followed it in the past. Ms. Amundsen stated it is Staff's job to admit if a Code violation was overlooked. She stated the letter referenced the idea that there are other people doing this, and commented that this does not make it right. She wondered if this type of thing has been allowed to go on in the community. Ms. Amundsen stated she hopes that they were not dealt this way because of past issues with the City, because it is plain and clear that there is Code that needs to be followed. Mayor Marty asked how someone can pull a permit to build a fence and how it passed the Building Inspector if they have not made a fence, but rather did grading work and put in a retaining wall. Director Ericson stated there may be a language issue involved in this situation. He stated when the applicant made the application for the work, Staff went to the property and observed it was not really a fence that was being constructed but rather a retaining wall. He stated the permit was changed to be a retaining wall with associated grading. He stated the property owner was not • sure what he was applying for. Director Ericson noted Staff takes offense to the implication that something was overlooked or that its integrity was being questioned for past issues with the property owners. He stressed the City treats no property owners special, and that the Amundsens are wonderful property owners and the City would hope that every property owner would have the same regard for Code. He stated they are wonderful examples of what residents should be. He stated he was sorry the Amundsens feel like they are being mistreated or being somehow punished for past issues. Mayor Marty stated all residents will be treated the same regardless of past issues. Ms. Amundsen stated the matter is frustrating and she feels like she is doing the City's job. She stated she does not think it is fair and does not know why it is happened. She stated the neighbor originally wanted to put up a fence. Mr. Amundsen stated it is currently still listed on the permit as a fence. Mr. Amundsen stated it is a clear situation that was brought to the permit office on August 24, 2005. He indicated that he was opposed to anything Located that close to the fence, and if the neighbor wanted to proceed with something on the property line that was not a fence, a variance would need to be requested through the Planning Commission. He indicated none of that process was followed. Mr. Amundsen stated when he contacted Director Ericson in regard to the land that was going to be filled in, Director Ericson indicated there was very little that could be done.