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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 2006/10/23 (2)• PROCEEDINGS OF THE MOUNDS VIEW CITY COUNCIL CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA Regular Meeting October 23, 2006 Mounds View City Hall 2401 Highway 10, Mounds View, MN 55112 7:00 P.M. 1. MEETING IS CALLED TO ORDER 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. ROLL CALL: Marty, Stigney, Gunn, and Thomas NOT PRESENT: Flaherty 4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA A. Monday, October 23, 2006 City Council Agenda • MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Stigney. To Approve the Monday, October 23, 2006 agenda as presented. Ayes - 4 Nays - 0 Motion carried. 5. PUBLIC INPUT William Werner of 2765 Sherwood Road asked if Public Works Director Greg Lee has any information on the street project and what the present feeling is about what the costs are going to be. Public Works Director Lee indicated that the consultant is working on the Feasibility Report and that should be completed within the next two weeks. He then reminded everyone of the November 21, 2006 neighborhood information meeting at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall. Ken Glidden of 5240 Edgewood Drive asked if there is a fund in the budget to cover the editing equipment. Mayor Many explained that anything over $5,000 needs to come back to the Council for approval. r: Mounds View City Council October 23, 2006 Regular Meeting Page 2 • Mr. Glidden asked if there is discretionary spending allowed for items that are not budgeted for such as this. Mayor Marty said if that happens too frequently then there could be a budget shortfall. He then said that there is some discretionary funding. Finance Director Beer explained that there is a discretionary fund to cover non-budgeted items. Mr. Glidden said that he understands that there is funding for 2007 advertising for the Banquet Center and he wonders if there are funds available for advertising yet this year to bring revenue into the City. Finance Director Beer indicated that some of the funds would need to be reprogrammed but most of the operating funds are spoken for. City Administrator Ulrich indicated that Staff would research the matter and bring further information back to Council for consideration. Mr. Glidden indicated that there is a wedding planning website where the City could advertise the Banquet Center and the annual cost for that advertising is $1,200. Carol Mueller of 8343 Groveland Road addressed Council and said that she was at the Community Center yesterday and while there she picked up a brochure about Twin Cities North with different opportunities and a map of how conveniently located the Banquet Center is but there is no advertising in it for the City. She then said that there was nothing in the Mounds View Matters this month either. She then said that there is a list of fees and rooms available and asked any interested residents to contact Staff to schedule an event. Ms. Mueller said that when the decision was made to allow the Community Center to be a Community Center she thought there was a decision to put something into Mounds View Matters about it. Council Member Gunn explained that the November/December 2006 newsletter was already in production. Ms. Mueller said that she noticed the $60,000 payment in the budget for 2007 to the Minneapolis North Convention and Visitor's Bureau and she is hoping that the City lists the Community Center and the Festival in the Park. Mayor Marty asked Community Development Director Ericson to discuss that with the Convention and Visitors Bureau. • Mounds View City Council October 23, 2006 Regular Meeting Page 3 . 6. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUISNESS A. Request for Proclamation for Toastmasters International Mayor Marty read the Proclamation for Toastmasters International proclaiming October 2006 as Toastmaster's Month in the City of Mounds View. Mayor Marty presented the Proclamation to the Toastmasters Representative. 7. COUNCIL BUSINESS A. Ordinance 780, an Ordinance Approving Modifications to the Official City Wetland Zoning District Maps Community Development Director Ericson indicated that this is the second opportunity for Council to discuss the new maps. He then said that the old map series did not reflect the wetlands the City has since there have been a number of alterations including subdivisions and new streets that have changed the wetlands. Director Ericson indicated that SEH has reviewed all available information and has provided a new set of maps that should more accurately reflect the wetlands that are in the City. He then said that the buffer for the wetland in Spring Lake Park would be removed from the map at the direction of Council. He further said the next new wetland identified was in the north half of Section 6 across from Ardan Park and it is a wetland area that surprised Staff as it was not on the original map series or the FEMA maps but it does show up on the National Wetland Inventory and this is something that the engineer reviewed and the engineer feels that Rice Creek Watershed District confirmation should be obtained to determine whether it should be included or not. Director Ericson indicated that the resident at 8200 Long Lake Road is impacted by this wetland and he has called to express concern about the wetland as it was new information. Staff has worked with the property owner as there could be a major subdivision of that property. He then said that the City or SEH may need to take a look at it and that is the recommendation from Staff to have Rice Creek review it. Director Ericson indicated the other new wetland shown on the maps is Spring Lake and it did not show up on previous maps and Council considered whether it should be taken off because this is a lake. He then said that the direction from Council was to remove it. Another resident asked about whether ditches along Highway 10 and other ditches like Judicial Ditch No. 1 should be included because, over time, they have begun to display wetland characteristics. Staff asked Rice Creek Watershed District and they feel it should be included on the maps but the buffering area is where the City has the jurisdiction. • Director Ericson indicated there was a storm water management pond created with the Sherwood Place major subdivision and Council has determined that, since it is a storm water pond, it does Mounds View City Council October 23, 2006 Regular Meeting Page 4 not need to be buffered. Director Ericson indicated that these maps are GIS friendly and will be of assistance to Staff while reviewing permit requests. Director Ericson indicated that when notice was sent to property owners Staff noted that nothing has changed other than the maps and the buffering requirements are remaining the same. Director Ericson asked for direction on Judicial Ditch No. 1 and the drainage ditches and finally, what to do with residents that wish to challenge the location or designation of these wetlands on the maps. Mayor Marty reopened the public hearing. Mark Schnor of 2949 County Road 10 asked when Highway 10 was changed to County 10. Council indicated it was about five years ago. Mr. Schnor asked if the pond next to his property would be removed as a wetland. Director Ericson explained that in the lower left hand corner of the map it shows the storm water pond but noted it would be left on the map designating a pond or water body and will be considered as a wetland by Rice Creek Watershed District but the City will not consider it a wetland for buffering purposes. Mr. Schnor indicated that he called Rice Creek and there was a wetland to the north but they built a house right on top of it and the first three years the guy had water on the second level of his floor but he would not come to the meeting. He then said that they found out that the house was built two feet too deep. Mayor Marty clarified that it would be a pond but there will not be a wetland buffer zone around it. Carol Mueller of 8343 Groveland Road said that her neighbor who resides at 8334 Groveland was not able to be at the meeting but is concerned about the wetland on Groveland and Ardan because the buffer zone encompasses 3/4 of his home and garage and he is worried about whether he could get a permit to replace his garage at some point in the future. She then asked if there would be concerns with selling the home to someone else that may want to rebuild and may not be able to because the buffer zone has changed. Ms. Mueller asked whether the development in the City is causing a need for more wetland property because other wetland property is being lost. Director Ericson explained that the buffer area changes when the edges of the wetland change. He also explained that the buffer zone is more clearly defined than it may have been in the past but this should not harm any resident with getting a permit for a garage. He then said that the Mounds View City Council October 23, 2006 Regular Meeting Page 5 purpose is to allow the City to ensure that there will be no further impacts to the wetlands but should not prevent residents from improving their property. Director Ericson indicated that impacts usually come into play when there is a grading situation or impervious surface added. Council Member Thomas indicated that buffers are not being redefined and they are not being changed because things are being taken away this is simply an improvement to the maps. Mayor Marty explained that any developer developing a site with wetlands is required to create additional wetlands in another location. Mike Read of 2208 Lois Drive said that he lives next to a drainage ditch and Rice Creek Watershed District has a 50 foot buffer zone and he would suggest that the City reduce its buffer zone to 50 feet to match the Rice Creek Watershed requirements. Director Ericson indicated that Staff has not proposed any text change to the Ordinance so Staff does not have the ability to do that but, Council could choose not to buffer the drainage ditch at all. Mayor Marty said that he went out there for other issues and he does not see how this would impact the homes in the area unless there is a need to regrade or rebuild. Mr. Read said that with wetlands FEMA gets involved and it brings into play flood zones and he does not want to find himself in a flood zone. Director Ericson indicated that the City maps do not show flood zones as that is handled by FEMA and buffering this and labeling it as a wetland should not change how FEMA categorizes flood zones. Mayor Marty said that he would be interested in seeing the flood zone map as an overlay on the wetland maps. He then said that he understands the concerns. Mayor Many asked Staff to look into flood zone information prior to the second reading of this Ordinance. Council Member Thomas said that she has spent a lot of time on this and she does not see the benefit of putting the buffers around the judicial ditches. She then said that she would like to have the natural areas but not "shoot ourselves in the foot" by creating more regulations all the while making sure there is good drainage. She further said that buffering does not seem necessary for a man made ditch. Council Member Stigney said that he feels a ditch is a ditch and needs no buffer. • Council Member Gunn and Mayor Marty agreed. Mounds View City Council October 23, 2006 Regular Meeting Page 6 Chris Johnson of 8200 Long Lake Road said that he has questions regarding this because a wetland was added to the maps recently on his property but it is a drainage ditch. He then asked which map is official because the two maps do not match. Director Ericson explained that the maps are official to the agency that created them. He then said that the purpose of the City maps is to designate buffers to the wetland area. Director Ericson indicated that the wetland on Mr. Johnson's property was not on the original map and he is not sure why. He went on to explain that some of this area is a ditch with a culvert but when SEH went out to the property they did indicate that there was wetland area behind. He then explained that the City's Storm Water Management Technician was sent out to the property to ensure that the culvert was not blocked creating a wetland area, who determined that the ditch is overgrown but it is flowing well. Mr. Johnson said he questions whether it is a wetland. He then said that he would like to know what happened with Hidden Hollow and what happened with wetlands for that property. Director Ericson indicated that there were three pockets of wetlands found but the original maps did not show any. He then explained where the wetlands were located. Mayor Marty indicated that ponding was created in that development as well to account for the two for one wetland requirements. Mr. Johnson reinterated that the area in question is a man made ditch and he does not feel that it needs to be buffered. Mr. Johnson indicated he did not own the vacant land. Mayor Marty asked whether Mr. Johnson owns the large vacant lot because this may impact him if he intends to subdivide. Council Member Thomas said that whenever the City knows there is an issue with a judicial ditch she feels that the buffer for the ditch can be removed but what has developed over time in a low spot should be buffered and Staff would need to further delineate the situation on this property. Director Ericson explained that the City can remove the City's buffer but Rice Creek Watershed District requirements would still remain. Mr. Johnson said that he feels that the maps should match. Director Ericson said he is not sure whether the NWI maps are the official maps for Rice Creek Watershed District but admits it does not match the City's map. He then said that the intent is to protect the wetlands that the City knows about but there is no intent to prohibit or restrict development. Mounds View City Council October 23, 2006 Regular Meeting Page 7 Director Ericson indicated that he is attempting to have Rice Creek Staff go out to the Johnson property and review it for concurrence. Ken Glidden of 5240 Edgewood Drive commended Jim for obtaining the GIS system for $2,500. He then said that he questions whether Rice Creek maps are available through the GIS system of the City. Director Ericson indicated that Staff has been told that the Rice Creek maps are available to the City but Staff does not have any of the files that they have and Staff is working on that. Mayor Marty closed the public hearing. Council Member Thomas said that there is no information on Hidden Hollow and that is a question she has as to whether something needs to be reflected for what was put in for wetland mitigation. Director Ericson said that he agrees with Council Member Thomas and said that if the City is aware of a wetland that is out there then it needs to be added to the wetland maps. MOTION/SECOND: Stigney/Thomas. To Waive the Reading and Approve the Introduction and First Reading of Ordinance 780, an Ordinance Approving Modifications to the Official City Wetland Zoning District Maps as Amended. Mayor Marty thanked Staff for putting this together and bringing it forward for clarification. He then said that he would like to obtain the information back from Rice Creek to resolve the questions along Long Lake Road. Ayes - 4 Nays - 0 Motion carried. B. Ordinance 782, an Ordinance Amending Section 7.10 of the Mounds View City Charter Referring to City Indebtedness Mayor Marry noted that this hearing will be postponed to the December 11, 2006 City Council Meeting. City Attorney Riggs indicated that if it will be re-noticed, then there is no need to open and table to the December 11, 2006 meeting. C. Non-Renewal of Multiple Dwelling Rental License at 5701 Quincy Street, Resolution 6954 Housing Inspector Jeremiah Anderson explained that there are regulations for operating and licensing multiple dwellings in the City and Chapter 1012 requires that properties with two or more units obtain a license and that requires regular inspection. He then said that Staff spoke to the tenants of the building for an inspection and noted there were some violation of the City's Mounds View City Council October 23, 2006 Regular Meeting Page 8 property maintenance code and notice was issued to the property owner and there were two instances of not maintaining the building and notices were issued for that as well. A follow up inspection was completed in September and Staff met with the owner of record and the owner informed Staff that none of the noted items were repaired and three of the four units were vacant. Inspector Jeremiah Anderson indicated that the property owner has indicated he does not have the rental income to satisfy the mortgage obligation and is not sure how he is going to handle the disposition of the building as he is in foreclosure. Staff explained to the property owner that authorization would be sought from the Council for non-renewal of the multiple dwelling license for failure to correct deficiencies of the maintenance code and submission of the license requirements for renewal. The owner of record was notified to come to the meeting. Inspector Jeremiah Anderson indicated that he spoke to the resident occupying the one unit and Staff informed them of the situation going on. Council Member Thomas said that she is concerned about the occupying resident and she has no desire to see them evicted and she would like to work within the Code and allow the rental some how. She then said that she would hate to evict someone who could potentially work out a rental agreement with the new owner once the building is sold. Council Member Stigney said that he would be concerned if the building does not meet Code to allow someone to continue to live there. He then asked if Staff knows what the rental arrangements are. Inspector Jeremiah Anderson indicated that he is not sure what the rental arrangements are and Staff usually does not get involved with that but Staff can facilitate a meeting with the owner of record and the property owner. Inspector Jeremiah Anderson indicated that Council can decide how to proceed with this and Staff has recommended non-renewal for the entire property but would not want to see someone evicted. Council Member Gunn indicated it would be a hardship for the renter to have to find another place to live simply because the landlord is not in compliance. Mayor Marty said that the proposed 30 days is a short window of time for the tenant to locate another place to live but, he would like to set a date certain to have the situation corrected. He then suggested 60 to 90 days for the situation to be corrected unless there is a health and safety issue at the property. Director Ericson suggested a way to amend the Resolution to not renew the license for the three units and, once the other unit becomes vacant then it is not valid for further rental along with tying in a timeframe to bring the property into compliance. Staff would recommend an • immediate inspection to ensure that there are no immediate heath, safety, or welfare issues posing a threat to the tenant. Mounds View City Council October 23, 2006 Regular Meeting Page 9 Mayor Marty suggested that someone talk to the residents in that unit to apprise them of the situation and suggest they begin the search should that become necessary. Inspector Jeremiah Anderson explained that Staff is open to the idea of amending the Resolution. He then said that this is a four unit rental building with shared heating paid for by the owner and so is the garbage and there could be a situation where there is a nonpayment for heating based on the financial situation of the property owner. MOTION/SECOND: Stigney/Thomas. To Waive the Reading and Approve Resolution 6954, Non-Renewal of Multiple Dwelling Rental License at 5701 Quincy Street as Amended. City Attorney Riggs indicated that the City will lose some of its ability to control some of these things because it becomes a single unit rental rather than multiple. He then said that the only thing the City wants to allow is for the resident that is there to remain there for a period of time stated. Council agreed to have this restricted to the current occupant for the next 90 days. City Attorney Riggs indicated that they are in violation and the units cannot be rented. He then said that he is not sure where they are in the foreclosure process and there may be an issue with heating as it is a commercial unit and the cold weather rule is different. He further suggested that Council handle only the matter before them regarding non-renewal of the license and require that none of the other units be rented. Council Member Gunn suggested leaving the Resolution as it is but change the 30 days to 90 days and require that all unoccupied dwelling units cannot be rented. City Attorney Riggs suggested adding a statement to the Resolution that Staff will continue to monitor the situation and work with the property owner over the 90 day period, and will keep the Council informed. Council agreed. Ayes - 4 Nays - 0 Motion carried. D. Resolution 6950, Approving a Step Increase for Kimberly Blackford, Mounds View Communications Coordinator and Sergeant Bob Nelson, Mounds View Police Department City Administrator Ulrich read Resolution 6950. Council Member Thomas said that when the Communications Coordinator came on board Council requested that she provide additional website training and asked whether that has taken place. Mounds View City Council October 23, 2006 Regular Meeting Page 10 City Administrator Ulrich indicated that Staff anticipates that the training will take place when Gov Office goes online and that is scheduled to be implemented January 1, 2007. He then said that he came up with a list of goals for the position and he will share that with the Council. Mayor Marty indicated that he thought that the seminar she attended covered some of the required training. Mayor Marty said that he has some discussion but he is not sure whether this is the appropriate forum for the questions. City Administrator Ulrich suggested holding an executive session if it is a personnel matter. Mayor Marty indicated that this does not involve discipline but it does involve some issues he would like to discuss with the Council and City Attorney in an executive session. MOTION/SECOND: Marty/Stigney. To Adopt Resolution 6950, Approving a Step Increase for Sergeant Bob Nelson, Mounds View Police Department. Ayes - 4 Nays - 0 Motion carried. Mayor Marty asked Staff to schedule an executive session to discuss the personnel matter. City Administrator Ulrich indicated that it could be done before the next work session. E. Executive Session Immediately Following the City Council Meeting to Discuss Union Negotiations MOTION/SECOND: Marry/Gunn. To Hold an Executive Session Immediately Following the City Council Meeting to Discuss Union Negotiations. Ayes - 4 Nays - 0 Motion carried. 8. CONSENT AGENDA Mayor Marty asked to remove Items B, C, and D. Mounds View City Council October 23, 2006 Regular Meeting Page 11 • MOTION/SECOND: Thomas/Stigney. To Approve Consent Agenda Item A. Ayes - 4 Nays - 0 Motion carried. B. Resolution 6952 Approving a Sanitary Sewer Refund for the Property Located at 8005 Groveland Road Mayor Marty asked if this amount is for both quarters. Public Works Director Lee indicated that it is for one quarter as the rate was adjusted down for the next quarter. He then said that the address listed in the Agenda is incorrect and should be 8005 Groveland Road. MOTION/SECOND: Marty/Stigney. To Waive the Reading and Approve Resolution 6952, Approving a Sanitary Sewer Refund for the Property Located at 8005Groveland Road. Ayes - 4 Nays - 0 Motion carried. C. Resolution 6953, Awarding a Contract for the Ynstallation of a Handicapped Door Opening System at City Hall • Mayor Marty indicated that the Staff report stated that the old door went bad due to moisture and corrosion. He then asked if the new foyer is water tight so that the same issues will not happen with this door. Public Works Director Lee explained that the old vestibule leaked and caused corrosion to the wiring but the new vestibule should not leak and there should not be any moisture issues. MOTION/SECOND: Marty/Gunn. To Waive the Reading and Approve Resolution 6953, Awarding a Contract for the Installation of a Handicapped Door Opening System at City Hall. Ayes - 4 Nays - 0 Motion carried. D. Resolution 6955, Authorization to Grant Utility Easement Mayor Many said that he wanted to ask about this because, even though he agrees with it, he was wondering if there is a possibility that these lines could be buried. And, if so, would there be a great cost to do so. He then said that he knows of another area in the western part of down during the storm last September that went without power for an additional week and he feels that under grounding the power in that neighborhood along with this line would be a good idea because the trees always interfere whenever there is a storm. Council Member Thomas said that the property owners usually bear the cost of under grounding • the power and the City should look into the costs before recommending it. Mounds View City Council October 23, 2006 Regular Meeting Page 12 • Public Works Director Lee said that it is very expensive to put lines under ground and the cost was estimated to him to be approximately $7,000 per home. Community Development Director Ericson indicated that the owners do have their service buried but the neighbor did not do so as it is significantly expensive. He then said that Xcel would like to have the neighbors unanimously support it. Community Development Director Ericson requested that the Resolution be amended to include the language that all costs associated with utility work including construction, surveying, legal and engineering be the responsibility of the property owner at 2203 Lois Drive. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Marty. To Waive the Reading and Approve Resolution 6955, Authorization to Grant Utility Easement to Xcel Energy on City Land Adjacent to 2203 Lois Drive as Amended. Ayes - 4 Nays - 0 Motion carried. • Mayor Marty asked Staff to check with certain neighborhoods that have had problems to see if they may be interested in underground the power. 9. JUST AND CORRECT CLAIMS Council agreed that the new format improves readability of the report. Council Member Stigney requested further information on the Comcast Internet item. Finance Director Beer indicated it is the line that services the Community Center. Council Member Stigney asked what the application for it is now that the City runs the Community Center. Finance Director Beer indicated that the line provides internet access to anyone who rents the Community Center. Council Member Stigney asked whether this cost is factored into the rental fees. Finance Director Beer indicated that it is. MOTION/SECOND: Thomas/Gunn. To Approve the Just and Correct Claims as Presented. Ayes - 4 Nays - 0 Motion carried. 10. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. September 25, 2006 City Council Meeting Minutes Mounds View City Council October 23, 2006 Regular Meeting Page 13 Mayor Marty noted there were some typos but the Minutes were better. He then requested a change to Page 2, Lines 4 and 5, and said he wanted to take Lines 44 and 45 from Joan's minutes and put them in that location. Council Member Thomas indicated that she would submit name change corrections to Director Ericson. MOTION/SECOND: Marty/Stigney. To Approve the September 25, 2006 City Council meeting minutes as corrected by Council Members' Submissions to Staff. Ayes - 4 Nays - 0 Motion carried. 11. REPORTS A. Reports of Mayor and Council Council Member Gunn provided information for the Pinewood Elementary 50th Anniversary Celebration which began today. She then said that tomorrow there will be a 50's lunch and parents are invited, Wednesday is spirit day/dress like 50's and Thursday they will assemble a time capsule and on Friday there will be a staff luncheon and all past staff is invited. She then asked any former employees of Pinewood to contact the school with information so that they can be invited. Council Member Gunn indicated that the annual Fall Parade begins at 2:45 p.m. on Friday followed by a 50th Anniversary Open House at 7:00 p.m. with dancing, displays of past yearbooks, memorabilia and refreshments. Mayor Marty asked Staff to put the information out on the cable channel and the website. Council Member Thomas congratulated the Irondale Band who competed at Bands Across America and came in 8th place out of 54 bands. Mayor Marty indicated that the candidates' forum is being shown on Channel 16. B. Reports of Staff City Administrator Ulrich indicated that there is a new chair as a sample and, if Council likes it, the chairs will be replaced with that option. City Administrator Ulrich indicated that there would be absentee voting on Saturday, November 4, 2006 from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and there will be extended office hours on Monday, November 6, 2006 until 5:00 p.m. The General Election poll hours will be 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 • p.m. Mounds View City Council October 23, 2006 Regular Meeting Page 14 City Administrator Ulrich indicated that the Ramsey County League of Local Governments is hosting an Active Living Ramsey County on Thursday, October 26, 2006 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Community Center. Council Member Gunn asked whether college kids can vote absentee. City Administrator Ulrich indicated that, if Mounds View is their primary address, they can vote by absentee ballot. Public Works Director Lee proposed adding ceiling fans to the Random Park building due to the high ceilings. Staff would like to seek approval for the wiring to be run for these fans and Staff will purchase and install the fans. The purpose of the fans would be to move air around allowing for more even heating and saving money on heating the facility. Public Works Director Lee explained that the cost to do this would be $1,070 and, if authorized tonight, this would come back to Council as a Change Order to the Random Park building at the November 13, 2006 meeting. MOTION/SECOND: Marty/Thomas. To Authorize Staff to Move Forward with a Change Order to the Random Park Project for the Ceiling Fans as Recommended by Staff. Ayes - 4 Nays - 0 Motion carried. Mayor Marty asked when the Random Park building would be opening. Public Works Director Lee indicated that the contractor has until November 17, 2006 to be completed and then there will be painting and tiling so it will be open toward the end of the month. Mayor Marty indicated the Groveland Park building is coming along and the block looks much nicer than Hillview. Public Works Director Lee indicated the Groveland Park building is scheduled to be completed December 5, 2006. Director Ericson handed out information concerning the Midwest Asphalt proposal in New Brighton. He then said that he would be attending the meeting and the Resolution going to the Council is for denial and Staff hopes that Council will uphold the Planning Commission's recommendation of denial. Director Ericson provided information from the Planning Commission concerning the Accessory Structure Building Codes and explained that they have concluded that, while the allowances may be generous and liberal, there are larger lots in Mounds View and there have not been very many complaints and it seems to be working well. He then said that they made a recommendation that if changes are made to the Code that the City should consider applying design guidelines to any Mounds View City Council October 23, 2006 Regular Meeting Page 15 accessory structure in excess of 400 square feet which would require garages or sheds of 800 square feet be constructed to match the principal structure. Director Ericson indicated that the Planning Commission is recommending against a Citizens Task Force to review the Codes because they feel that the Codes are working well. Mayor Marty asked what happens when someone comes in and wants to build an accessory building and whether plans and drawings are required. Director Ericson indicated that plans are required and Staff reviews the zoning aspect of them and the Building Official does a plan review to ensure that the structure complies with the Building Code but there are no design criteria or design guidelines. Mayor Marty said that there are structures in the City that, if painted another color would look more like a barn and he would suggest reviewing plans more closely. Director Ericson indicated that there is no way to control it at this time and that is why the Council may wish to consider adding design criteria. Council agreed to add this to a work session. Council Member Stigney indicated that Maplewood has an architectural design committee and he thinks that perhaps architectural design could be added to the duties of the Planning Commission as part of the review. C. Reports of City Attorney No report. 12. Nezt Council Work Session: Monday, November 6, 2006, at 7 p.m. Nezt Council Meeting: Monday, November 13, 2006, at 7 p.m. 13. ADJOURNMENT Council recessed to executive session at 9:18 p.m. The meeting was adjourned at 10:05 p.m. Transcribed by: Joan Lenzmeier, Recording Secretary Timesaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.