HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Packets - 2013/08/05
CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW
CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION AGENDA
MOUNDS VIEW CITY HALL
Monday, August 5, 2013
7:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL: Flaherty, Gunn, Hull, Meehlhause, Mueller
PUBLIC COMMENT
Citizens may speak to issues not on tonight’s agenda. Before speaking, please give your
full name and address for the minutes. Also, please limit your comments to three minutes.
Agenda Items Discussed by Consensus
1. Discussion Regarding Future Transit Options in Suburban Ramsey County
(Verbal Report)
2. Discuss County Road 10 Corridor Plan
3. Discuss proposed Renewable Energy Systems Code Amendment
4. Review Procedures for Step Increases on Council Agendas
5. Review Draft Compensation Study (Verbal Report)
Next Work Session: TUESDAY, September 3, 2013, at 7pm
Next City Council Meeting: Monday, August 12, 2013, at 7pm
Item No: 2
Meeting Date: August 5, 2013
Type of Business: Work Session
Administrator Review : ____
City of Mounds View Staff Report
To: Honorable Mayor and City Council
From: Heidi Steinmetz, Economic Development Specialist
Item Title/Subject: Discuss County Road 10 Corridor Plan
The City Council’s 2013 Priority Statement includes eight action steps for the revitalization
of the County Road 10 corridor. On June 2, 2013, the City Council approved
implementation items and dates for each action step. The current status of each action
step is shown on the chart below.
Action Step Implementation Item & Date Current Status
1) Partner with Ramsey County
concerning corridor
maintenance and appearance
ongoing The County mowed the
median grass on 6/26/2013.
Does the Council want the
grass mowed again prior to
Festival in the Park?
2) Consider targeted property
acquisitions on a case-by-
case basis to eliminate blight
and to encourage
redevelopment and land
assembly
EDA to purchase 2400 County Road
H2 and 2394 County Road 10 in order
to assemble a redevelopment site,
which includes the EDA-owned former
Premium Stop parcel
The EDA now owns all three
parcels and will consider
demolition bids at the
8/12/2013 EDA meeting.
3) Improve and enhance visual
corridor aesthetics through
sustainable landscaping and
pedestrian-friendly
streetscaping
Install new City Hall electronic sign
and stone base by Fall 2013
Install new entrance monument signs
Spring 2014 (Council to consider
quotes Winter 2013)
Consider lead-based paint abatement
of four traffic signal intersections and
the painting of five traffic signal
intersections
The Council approved this
purchase on 7/8/2013 and
approved the design on
7/22/2013. The sign will be
ordered upon an executed
contract expected to occur
next week. Once ordered, it
will take eight to ten weeks
for the sign to arrive.
Therefore, the sign will be
installed October 2013.
no update
Last Summer, City staff
received two quotes for the
painting of five traffic signal
intersections. Both quotes
were around $27,000. Last
Fall, the City had the signals
tested for lead-based paint.
Four of the five signals
tested positive. Quotes for
the lead-based paint
abatement are expected this
month.
August 5, 2013 - City Council Work Session
Item 2 - County Road 10 Corridor Plan
Mounds View Public Works to
annually request to subcontract with
Shoreview Public Works for trash
pickup using the State’s Dept. of
Corrections’ Institution Community
Work Crew Program
Consider additional aesthetic
improvements in conjunction with the
intersection improvement projects
located at Silver Lake Rd/County Rd
10 (Spring 2014) and County Rd
H/County Rd 10 (2016)
This will be completed prior
to the Festival in the Park.
The Silver Lake Rd/County
Rd 10 project might be
delayed until Spring 2014.
4) Explore creation of a
Corridor Overlay Zoning
district to promote ideals of
vertical, mixed use
development, minimized
building setbacks, parking in
rear and more desirable
design guidelines
Planning Commission to implement
by end of 2013
The Planning Commission
continues to work on this.
Planning Associate Heidi
Heller will provide a verbal
update at the 8/5/2013 Work
Session.
5) Complete corridor trail and
sidewalk system and plan for
internal and external
linkages to promote and
enhance walkability and
connectivity
New trail on the south side of County
Rd 10 from County Rd H2 to Woodale
to be completed in 2014
New trail on the north side of County
Rd 10 from Red Oak Drive to
Pleasant View to be completed in
2015
no updates
6) Actively recruit new business
development and work with
existing businesses for
purposes of retention and
expansion
ongoing ongoing
7) Pursue grants and leveraged
funding opportunities to
foster desired improvements
Apply for DEED redevelopment grant
for Premium Stop Redevelopment
Area by February 1, 2014
no update
8) Partner with MnDOT and
Ramsey County to
effectuate the naming of the
County Highway 10 corridor
as “Northtown Boulevard”
Obtain confirmation from Ramsey
County by July 2013 whether they will
contribute monetarily towards
replacing their road signs with new
name
no update
Staff Recommendation
Staff recommends that the City Council continue to discuss the status of their action steps
for the County Road 10 corridor.
Respectfully submitted,
Heidi Steinmetz,
Economic Development Specialist
Item No: 3
Meeting Date: August 5, 2013
Type of Business: Worksession
Administrator Review: ________
City of Mounds View Staff Report
To: Honorable Mayor and City Council
From: Heidi Heller, Planning Associate
Item Title/Subject: Renewable Energy Code Amendment
The Planning Commission has reviewed the Zoning Code in regards to renewable energy system
installations, such as solar energy, wind generators or geothermal systems. The Commission
recommends that the City update the City Code to help promote renewable energy systems and
not hinder or make it difficult for a property owner to install a system since the existing Code
language for solar and wind turbines is very outdated.
There are good examples of adopted ordinances from other cities for Mounds View to review,
such as Maplewood, Mahtomedi and St. Paul, along with the Minnesota Solar Challenge
assistance that the City received. The other part of how local governments can be a better
partner to encourage renewable energy systems is the permit process and fees. City Staff will
develop new policies, applications and fees specifically for these systems when the fee schedule
is updated for 2014.
The three types of renewable energy systems that Mounds View should consider adopting new
regulations for are solar energy, wind generators and geo-thermal systems. Solar energy and
wind systems will need the most discussion since their components are all outside of the structure
and above ground. Geo-thermal systems are mostly underground except for a heat pump and
don’t require much language for the City Code. The Planning Commission passed Resolution
986-13 on July 24, 2013 for a new renewable energy systems chapter in the zoning code.
Recommendation
Discuss the proposed City Code amendments for renewable energy systems. Staff recommends
removing all of the existing language and adding a new chapter to the zoning code for the three
different types of renewable energy systems.
Sincerely,
Heidi Heller
Planning Associate
Attachments:
1. Resolution 986-13, Proposed Renewable Energy Systems Code Amendment
MOUNDS VIEW PLANNING COMMISSION
RESOLUTION NO. 986-13
CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW
COUNTY OF RAMSEY
STATE OF MINNESOTA
RESOLUTION RECOMMENDING APPROVAL OF AMENDMENTS TO THE CITY
CODE TITLE 1100 FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY SYSTEMS;
SPECIAL PLANNING CASE 188-13
WHEREAS, the City of Mounds View promotes safe, effective and efficient use
of alternative energy sources and systems as the technology becomes available; and,
WHEREAS, City Staff has recommended that a new renewable energy
ordinance be added to the City Code and the old language removed; and,
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission agrees with the City Staff
recommendation to encourage renewable energy systems that have a positive impact in
energy conservation, with limited adverse impact on the community; and,
WHEREAS, City staff has amended Chapter 1103.04 and 1103.05 of the
Mounds View Zoning Code by deleting the stricken language text as follows:
1103.04: SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS AND STRUCTURES:
Subd. 1. Qualification: To qualify as a solar energy system, the system must be
permanently located for not less than ninety (90) days in any calendar year
beginning with the first calendar year after completion of construction. Passive
solar energy systems are included but not to the extent that they fulfill only
recreational uses.
Subd. 2. Conditional Use: Solar energy systems and solar structures shall be permitted
by conditional use in all districts; provided, that the system and/or structure is in
compliance with minimum lot requirements and setbacks and meets the
requirements of subdivision 1125.01(3) of this Title, but in no event shall a
conditional use permit be granted for a solar energy system or structure which,
when installed, would prevent abutting properties from being developed in
conformance with all applicable codes or regulations.
Resolution 986-13
Page 2
Subd. 3. Casting of Shadows: No owner, occupier or person in control of property shall
allow vegetation or structures to be placed so as to cast a shadow on a solar
energy system which is greater than the shadow cast by a hypothetical wall ten feet
(10') high located along the boundary of said property between the hours of nine
thirty o'clock (9:30) A.M. and two thirty o'clock (2:30) P.M. Central Standard Time
on December 21; provided, however, this standard shall not apply to vegetation or
structures which cast a shadow upon the solar energy system at the time of
installation of said solar energy system or to vegetation existing at the time of
installation of said solar energy system.
Subd. 4. Violation Declared Nuisance: Violation of this standard shall constitute a private
nuisance, and any owner or occupant whose solar energy system is shaded
because of such violation so that performance of the system is impaired may have
in tort for the damages sustained thereby and may have such nuisance abated.
(1988 Code §40.04)
1103.05: WIND GENERATOR SYSTEMS:
Subd. 1. Height: The height of a wind generator system shall not exceed thirty feet (30')
above the height of the principal structure.
Subd. 2. Anchorage: Anchorage of the system's tower shall not be located within ten feet
(10') of the property line.
Subd. 3. Protection from Climbing: The tower or support for the system shall be of
climbproof design or protected by fencing.
Subd. 4. Compliance with Other Laws: Location and height must be in accordance with
all other governing jurisdictions and laws as they exist and are amended.
Subd. 5. Noise: The system shall have a silent operation and be subject to the
requirements of Chapter 604, Nuisances, of this Code.
Subd. 6. Plans and Specifications: All systems will require plans, specifications and a site
plan approved by a registered engineer or architect if deemed necessary by the
City. (1988 Code §40.04)
Resolution 986-13
Page 3
WHEREAS, City staff has added Chapter 1128 of the Mounds View Zoning Code
by deleting the stricken language and adding the underlined text as follows:
CHAPTER 1128
RENEWABLE ENERGY SYSTEMS
1128.01: PURPOSE: The purpose of this chapter is to promote safe, effective and
efficient use of alternative energy sources and systems as the technology becomes
available. The intent is also to establish standards and procedures by which the
installation and operation of these renewable energy systems shall be governed within
the City.
1128.02: DEFINITIONS: When used in this Chapter, the following words and
phrases shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this Section, except where the
context clearly indicates a different meaning:
ACTIVE SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM: A solar energy system whose primary purpose is
to harvest energy by transforming solar energy into another form of energy or
transferring heat from a collector to another medium using mechanical, electrical, or
chemical means.
BUILDING-INTEGRATED SOLAR SYSTEM: An active solar system that is an integral
part of a principal or accessory building, rather than a separate mechanical device,
replacing or substituting for an architectural or structural component of the building.
Building-integrated systems include, but are not limited to, photovoltaic or hot water
solar systems that are contained within roofing materials, windows, skylights, and
awnings.
CLOSED LOOP GROUND SOURCE HEAT PUMP SYSTEM: A system that circulates
a heat transfer fluid, typically food-grade antifreeze, through pipes or coils buried
beneath the land surface or anchored to the bottom in a body of water.
FEEDER LINE: Any power line that carries electrical power from one or more wind
turbines or individual transformers associated with an individual wind turbine to the point
of interconnection with the electric power grid. In the case of interconnection with the
high voltage transmission systems the point of interconnection shall be the substation
serving the WECS.
Resolution 986-13
Page 4
GEOTHERMAL ENERGY: Renewable energy generated from the interior of the earth
and used to produce energy for heating buildings or serving building commercial or
industrial processes.
GROUND MOUNTED PANELS: Freestanding solar panels mounted to the ground by
use of stabilizers or similar apparatus.
GROUND MOUNTED WECS: Freestanding WECS mounted to the ground with
footings or other apparatus.
GROUND SOURCE HEAT PUMP SYSTEM (GSHPS): A system that uses the
relatively constant temperature of the earth or a body of water to provide heating in the
winter and cooling in the summer. System components include closed loops of pipe,
coils or plates; a fluid that absorbs and transfers heat; and a heat pump unit that
processes heat for use or disperses heat for cooling; and an air distribution system.
The energy must be used on-site.
HEAT TRANSFER FLUID: A non-toxic and food grade fluid such as potable water,
aqueous solutions of propylene glycol not to exceed twenty percent (20%) by weight or
aqueous solutions of potassium acetate not to exceed twenty percent (20%) by weight.
PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEM: An active solar energy system that converts solar energy
directly into electricity.
RENEWABLE ENERGY SYSTEM: A solar energy or wind energy system. Renewable
energy systems do not include passive systems that serve a dual function, such as a
greenhouse or window.
ROOF OR BUILDING MOUNTED SES: Solar energy system (panels) that are mounted
to the roof or building using brackets, stands or other apparatus.
ROOF PITCH: The final exterior slope of a building roof calculated by the rise over the
run, typically, but not exclusively, expressed in twelfths such as 3/12, 9/12, 12/12.
SOLAR ACCESS: A view of the sun, from any point on the collector surface that is not
obscured by any vegetation, building, or object located on parcels of land other than the
parcel upon which the solar collector is located, between the hours of 9:00 AM and 3:00
PM Standard Time on any day of the year.
SOLAR COLLECTOR: A device, structure or a part of a device or structure for which
the primary purpose is to transform solar radiant energy into thermal, mechanical,
chemical, or electrical energy.
Resolution 986-13
Page 5
SOLAR COLLECTOR SURFACE: Any part of a solar collector that absorbs solar
energy for use in the collector’s energy transformation process. Collector surface does
not include frames, supports and mounting hardware.
SOLAR ENERGY: Radiant energy received from the sun that can be collected in the
form of heat or light by a solar collector.
SOLAR ENERGY EASEMENT: An easement that limits the height or location, or both,
of permissible development on the burdened land in terms of a structure or vegetation,
or both, for the purpose of providing access for the benefited land to wind or sunlight
passing over the burdened land.
SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM (SES): An active solar energy system that collects or
stores solar energy and transforms solar energy into another form of energy or transfers
heat from a collector to another medium using mechanical, electrical, or chemical
means.
SOLAR HOT WATER SYSTEM: A system that includes a solar collector and a heat
exchanger that heats or preheats water for building heating systems or other hot water
needs, including residential domestic hot water and hot water for commercial purposes.
SOLAR MOUNTING DEVICES: Racking, frames, or other devices that allow the
mounting of a solar collector onto a roof surface or the ground.
WECS: A Wind Energy Conversion System which is an electrical generating facility
comprised of one or more wind turbines and accessory facilities, including but not
limited to, power lines, transformers, substations and metrological towers that operate
by converting the kinetic energy of wind into electrical energy. The energy must be
used on-site with excess energy distributed into the electrical grid.
WECS, Large: A Wind Energy Conversion System with a capacity over 100 kW.
WECS, Small: A Wind Energy Conversion System with a capacity of up to 100 kW.
WIND ENERGY SYSTEM: Kinetic energy present in wind motion that can be converted
into electrical energy.
Resolution 986-13
Page 6
1128.03: SOLAR ENERGY SOURCES AND SYSTEMS
Subd. 1. Districts: Solar energy systems (SES) shall be allowed as an accessory use
in all zoning districts.
Subd. 2. General Standards:
a. Height:
1. Roof or building mounted SES in residential districts shall extend no
more than three (3) feet above the highest surface of the roof, and
shall be setback at least one (1) foot from the exterior perimeter.
2. Roof or building mounted SES in commercial or industrial districts shall
not exceed the maximum allowed height in that zoning district. For
purposes for height measurement, solar systems other than building-
integrated solar systems shall be considered to be mechanical
equipment and are restricted consistent with other building-mounted
mechanical devices.
3. Ground mounted SES shall not exceed the height of an allowed
accessory structure within the zoning district when oriented at
maximum tilt.
b. Placement:
1. Ground mounted SES shall be treated as accessory buildings for the
purpose of maximum height, maximum lot area coverage, location and
setback requirements.
2. Ground mounted SES shall be screened from view to the extent
possible without reducing their efficiency. Screening may include
walls, fences or landscaping.
c. Notification. Prior to the installation of a SES, the operator must provide
evidence showing their regular electrical service provider has been informed
of the customer’s intent to install an interconnected, customer-owned SES.
Off-grid systems shall be exempt from this requirement.
d. Feeder lines. Any lines accompanying a SES, other than those attached to
on-site structures by leads, shall be buried within the interior of the subject
parcel, unless there are existing lines in the area which the lines
accompanying an SES can be attached.
Resolution 986-13
Page 7
e. Commercial. All SES shall be limited to the purpose of on-site energy
production, except that any additional energy produced above the total onsite
demand may be sold to the operator’s regular electrical service provider in
accordance with any agreement provided by the same or applicable
legislation.
f. Restrictions on SES Limited. No homeowners’ agreement, covenant,
common interest community, or other contract between multiple property
owners within a subdivision of Mounds View shall restrict or limit solar
systems to a great extent that Mounds View’s renewable energy ordinance.
g. Mounds View encourages solar access to be protected in all new subdivisions
and allows for existing solar to be protected consistent with Minnesota
Statutes. Any solar easements filed, must be consistent with Minnesota
Statutes, Chapter 500, Section 30.
Subd. 3. Abandonment: A SES that is allowed to remain in a nonfunctional or
inoperative state for a period of twelve (12) consecutive months, and which is not
brought in operation within the time specified by the City, shall be presumed
abandoned and may be declared a public nuisance subject to removal at the
expense of the operator.
1128.04: GEOTHERMAL ENERGY SOURCES AND SYSTEMS
Subd. 1. Districts: Ground source heat pump systems (GSHPS) shall be allowed as an
accessory use in all zoning districts.
Subd. 2. General Standards:
a. All components of GSHPS including pumps, borings and loops shall be
setback at least five (5) feet from all lot lines.
b. Easements. All components of GSHPS shall not encroach on easements.
c. GSHPS are prohibited in surface waters and wetlands.
d. Only closed loop GSHPS utilizing Minnesota Department of Health approved
heat transfer fluids are permitted.
Resolution 986-13
Page 8
Subd. 3. Abandonment: A GSHPS that is allowed to remain in a nonfunctional or
inoperative state for a period of twelve (12) consecutive months, and which is not
brought in operation within the time specified by the City, shall be presumed
abandoned and may be declared a public nuisance subject to removal at the
expense of the operator.
1128.05: WIND ENERGY CONVERSION SYSTEMS
Subd. 1. Districts: Wind Energy Conversion Systems (WECS) shall be allowed with
approval of a conditional use permit in the following zoning districts and land use
designations:
a. Industrial, I-1, or Office or Industrial PUD.
b. In all properties guided as Institutional in the City’s Land Use Designations of
the Comprehensive Plan.
Subd. 2. Ground Mounted WECS:
a. Number:
1. Large WECS. One (1) large WECS shall be permitted on a lot of at
least two (2) acres in size.
2. Small WECS. One (1) small WECS shall be allowed on a single lot of
one (1) to five (5) acres. All other larger parcels will be limited to one
(1) small WECS per five (5) acres of land area.
b. Height:
1. Large WECS shall have a total height, including tower and blade to its
highest point of travel, of no more than one-hundred twenty five (125)
feet.
2. Small WECS shall have a total height, including tower and blade to its
highest point of travel, of no more than sixty (60) feet.
Resolution 986-13
Page 9
c. Setbacks:
1. Have a minimum setback distance from the base of the monopole of
one (1) times the height from any property line, transmission line,
electric substation, or other WECS. This setback requirement from a
property line may be reduced if written permission is granted from the
affected property owner.
2. Have a minimum setback distance from the base of the monopole of
500 feet from any residential zoned property.
d. Shall not be located between a principal structure and a public street, unless
the City determines that such a location would lessen the negative impacts of
such a WECS on nearby properties.
Subd. 3. Roof Mounted WECS:
a. Number:
1. Large Roof Mounted WECS. The maximum number of large roof
mounted WECS shall be approved through the conditional use permit
process in accordance with Chapter 1125.01 Subd. 3.
2. Small Roof Mounted WECS. No more than three (3) roof mounted
small WECS shall be installed on any rooftop.
b. Height:
1. Large Roof Mounted WECS: Total height of not more than twenty-five
(25) feet, measured from the top of the roof to the blade tip at its
highest point of travel.
2. Small Roof Mounted WECS: Total height of not more than twenty-five
(25) feet, measured from the top of the roof to the blade tip at its
highest point of travel.
c. Placement: Roof mounted WECS must be erected above the roof of a
building or structure. The mounts associated with the WECS may extend
onto the side of the building or structure.
Resolution 986-13
Page 10
Subd. 4. General Standards. The following provisions will apply to all WECS erected
under the provisions of this ordinance:
a. Rotor Clearance. Blade arcs created by the WECS shall have a minimum of
thirty (30) feet of clearance over any structure or tree within a two hundred
(200) foot radius, and maintain at least twenty (20) feet of clearance between
their lowest point and the ground.
b. Rotor Safety. Each WECS shall be equipped with both a manual and
automatic over speed controls to limit the blade rotation within design
specifications.
c. Color and Finish. All wind turbines and towers shall be white, gray, or other
non-obtrusive color. Finishes shall be matte or non-reflective.
d. Tower Access. To prevent unauthorized climbing, WECS towers must
comply with one of the following provisions:
1. Tower climbing apparatus shall not be located within twelve (12) feet of
the ground.
2. A locked anti-climb device shall be installed on the tower.
3. Towers capable of being climbed shall be enclosed by a locked,
protective fence at least six (6) feet high.
e. Signs. The place of any signs, postings or advertisements shall be
prohibited. WECS shall have a sign posted at the base of the tower and said
shall contain the following information: Warning high voltage, Manufacturer’s
name, Emergency phone number, Emergency shutdown procedures.
f. Lighting. WECS shall not have no installed or accessory lighting, unless
required by federal or state regulations.
g. Electromagnetic Interference. WECS shall be designed and constructed so
as not to cause radio and television interference.
h. Noise Emission. Have a maximum noise production rating of fifty-five (55) dB
fifty (50) dBA and shall conform to this standard under normal operating
conditions as measured at any property line.
Resolution 986-13
Page 11
i. Utility Company Interconnection. Prior to the installation or erection of a
WECS, the operator must provide evidence showing their regular electrical
service provider has been informed of the customer’s intent to install an
interconnected, customer-owned generator. Off-grid systems shall be exempt
from this requirement. All connections shall be underground.
j. Compliance with State Building Code. A standard drawing of the structural
components of the wind energy conversion system and support structures,
including base and footings shall be provided along with engineering date and
calculations to demonstrate compliance with the structural design provisions
of the State Building Code. Drawings and engineering calculations shall be
certified by a registered engineer.
k. Compliance with National Electrical Code. WECS electrical equipment and
connection shall be designed and installed in adherence to the National
Electrical Code.
l. Inspection. The City hereby reserves the right upon issuing any WECS
conditional use permit to inspect the premises on which the WECS is located.
If a WECS is not maintained in operational conditions and poses a potential
safety hazard, the owner shall take expeditious action to correct the situation.
Subd. 5. Submittal Requirements.
a. Site Plan Drawing. All applications for a WECS Conditional Use Permit shall
be accompanied by a detailed certified survey/site plan drawn to scale and
dimensioned, displaying the following information:
1. Lot lines and dimensions.
2. Location and height of all buildings, structures, aboveground utilities
and trees on the lot, including both existing and proposed structures
and guy wire anchors.
3. Location and height of all adjacent buildings, structures and
aboveground utilities and trees located within three hundred fifty (350)
feet of the exterior boundaries of the property in question.
4. An elevation drawing of the premises accurately depicting the
proposed WECS and its relationship to structures on the subject site
and adjacent lots.
Resolution 986-13
Page 12
5. Existing and proposed setbacks of all structures located on the
property in question.
b. Additional Submittal Requirements. In addition to the information required
elsewhere in this ordinance, development applications for WECS shall include
the following supplemental information:
1. A significant tree plan in conformance with Chapter 1127.04, Subd. 1,
showing the loss of significant trees within the construction area for the
WECS;
2. A letter or copy of the review response from the Federal Aviation
Administration concerning the development application and their
requirements for warning devices, height restrictions, etc;
3. The technical specifications for the WECS including, but not limited to,
the type, height, blade length, operating parameters, the anticipated
sound level and the property line, and lighting protection; and
4. Clearance distance between the farthest extensions of the WECS
blades to the property lines.
Subd. 6. Criteria for Approval.
a. Declaration of Conditions. The Planning Commission may recommend and
the City Council may impose such conditions on the granting of a WECS
conditional use permit as may be necessary to carry out the purpose and
provisions of this Subdivision. The Council must consider the following
criteria in determining whether to grant or deny a conditional use permit for a
Wind Energy Conversion System (WECS):
1. The proposed WECS compliance with the standards described in this
subdivision;
2. The potential for the WECS to cause a condition that may pose an
unreasonable threat or cause unreasonable damage to any other
property or person; and
3. The proposed WECS impact on the environment and on the visual
image of the surrounding area.
Resolution 986-13
Page 13
Subd. 7. Abandonment: A WECS that is allowed to remain in a nonfunctional or
inoperative state for a period of twelve (12) consecutive months, and which is not
brought in operation within the time specified by the City, shall be presumed
abandoned and may be declared a public nuisance subject to removal at the
expense of the operator.
WHEREAS, amending the City Code to add new language for renewable energy
systems would better serve the public and would clarify the zoning requirements; and,
WHEREAS, the Mounds View Planning Commission concurs that an amendment to the City Code is warranted and justified.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mounds View Planning
Commission recommends approval of amendments to Chapters 1103 and 1128 of the
Mounds View City Code to remove and add regulations as defined herein.
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that the Mounds View Planning Commission directs
staff to forward this resolution to the City Council prior to approval of the minutes.
Adopted this 24th day of July, 2013.
_____________________________________
Gary Stevenson, Chairperson
ATTEST:
_____________________________________
James Ericson, City Administrator
(SEAL)
Item No: 4
Meeting Date: August 7, 2013
Type of Business: Work Session
City of Mounds View Staff Report
To: Honorable Mayor and City Council
From: James Ericson, City Administrator
Item Title/Subject: Review Procedures for Step Increases on Council Agendas
Introduction:
At the last Council meeting, a short discussion occurred regarding how or where on the
agenda step increases should be considered. Presently, all step increases or longevity
increases are considered by the City Council either under Council Business or on the
Consent Agenda. The Mayor suggested the Council discuss it at the next work session.
Discussion:
The Consent Agenda, as the Council knows, is where routine, administrative items are
considered in one fell swoop, without discussion. The purpose of a Consent Agenda is
one of efficiency and prioritization--grouping routine matters together under one
authorization provides more time for the Council to consider matters of greater significance.
Many step and longevity increases are contractually obligated actions, thus it would seem
placement on the consent agenda (if considered at all) would seem suitable. Over the
years, staff has inquired whether the contract-obligated increases should even come
before the Council. While the amount of time necessary to prepare staff reports and
supporting resolutions for contract related step increases is not considerable, any potential
efficiencies gained by NOT preparing such council reports would be beneficial to staff.
Recommendation:
Discuss the procedures for dealing with step increases and direct staff accordingly.
Respectfully submitted,
________________________
James Ericson
City Administrator