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The City Council at that time set the hearing for tonight to get the citizens input.
Mayor Pickar asked that recreational vehicles be covered first.
Cedric Beckfield, 7738 Knollwood Drive questioned if the parking ban on recreational
vehicles was legal. He stated that it had been found to be unconstitutional in other
states and cities. He also stated that he pays $1,000 a year in taxes and that he
should be able to park his vehicle in his yard. His vehicle is a pick -up camper,
which he uses for work. He would have to drive past his neighbor's bedroom window
if he was to try and get his camper in his back yard.
Mayor Pickar replied that the City Attorney had informed the City Council that the
ordinance on parking recreational vehicles was legal and constitutional.
Administrator Achen informed Mr. Beckfield that his particular vehicle was not in
violation of the ordinance since it did not have a 1 ton chaise or more, or was
22 feet in length or more.
Harry Hermanson, 5219 Greenfield Avenue stated that he owned a $12,000 camper and
had licensed it and questioned why he could not park it in his driveway.
Mayor Pickar replied that the Mounds View police force had not been enforcing the
ordinance until a Council decision was made, and no one had been tagged for violations,
and that was why the hearing was being held, to discuss the issue and come to a
decision. He stated that the Council had an option to specify a set distance off the
street for vehicles to be parked in driveways.
Nello Digiovanni, 5120 Long Lake Road stated that he owns a 28 foot motor home and
asked why the ordinance had a length limit. He stated that he had been a resident
of Mounds View for 20 years.
Mayor Pickar replied that the 22 foot length limitation had been set and asked the
citizens how they would determine how big is too big?
Mr. Digiovanni suggested that vehicles should be allowed to park in front of homes,
perhaps with the stipulation that they be 20 feet or more from the curb.
Ron Johnson, 8294 Red Oak Drive stated that he owned a pickup truck with a camper on
it, which met the weight limitation but not length limitation.
Mayor Pickar stated that the vehicle at present would be considered a violation because
of the length.
Mary Dumas, 8360 Spring Lake Road asked why the City needed the ordinance.
Mayor Pickar replied that several cities were involved in the area. The issue was
originally brought forward by citizens in opposition to looking out their windows
and not being able to see anything but a recreational vehicle parked next to them.
Bill Skaroild, 2470 Ridge Lane stated that he had seen several recreational vehicles
parked in the parking lot of City Hall over the weekend and questioned why outsiders
or visitors would be able to park without problem in the city yet the residents would
not be able to.
Mayor Pickar repeated that no one had been issued a violation as yet and that the
meeting was being held to reach a decision on the ordinance.