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Planning Commission Meeting Minutes March 16, 1999 Page 4 1 Horst asked for clarification with regard to the variance request. Ms. Moore-Sykes confirmed 2 that proposed sidewalk will be situated 5 feet within the setback. She invited representatives of 3 Sunset Memorial Park to address the Commission. 4 5 Mr. Ted Dirkman presented overhead views of the property in question, adding that 20 feet of the 6 90-foot proposed sidewalk would be within the setback, and the variance of 5 feet is the width of 7 the proposed sidewalk. 8 9 Bergstrom asked for clarification with regard to the purpose of the proposed sidewalk. Mr. 10 Dirkman stated the sidewalk is necessary for families to visit crypts without walking on the lawn 11 which is not appropriate for wheelchairs,the elderly or high heels. Horst stated these points will 12 be helpful toward demonstrating a hardship. 13 14 Bergstrom asked whether the Park is under any industry rules or regulations which,require the 15 sidewalk. Mr. Dirkman stated the sidewalk is not required but is necessary to make visiting 16 crypts easier for families. Makowske stated that in addition to access,there could be some safety 17 issues as well. Dirkman confirmed this, stating the sidewalk will be ploughed in the wintertime, 18 and staff will use it for operational purposes, so there are safety issues for staff as well. 19 20 Makowske stated he believes the safety issue will be key in requesting a variance with regard to 21 hardship. He stated the Planning Commission is under obligation to fulfill 3 conditions: 1)the 22 hardship must not be caused by the cemetery; 2)there must be unusual circumstances not 23 applicable to other lots; and 3)the hardship must be caused by City ordinance. He added that 24 whatever Mr. Dirkman could provide to help the Commission determine that these conditions are 25 met will be helpful in presenting the case to the City Council for final approval. 26 27 Bergstrom stated he believes the issue is very straightforward and there are no other options to 28 meet the Park's needs. He added the request will be brought before the Commission for a Public 29 Hearing and presented to the City Council in April. 30 31 VIII. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS. 32 A. Variance Request Sunset Memorial Cemetery.Public Hearing 4/20/99. 33 Ms. Moore-Sykes reminded the Commission that a public hearing would be held for Sunset 34 Memorial Cemetery's variance request at their April 20, 1999 meeting. 35 36 B. Variance Request, 4008 Fordham Drive,Public Hearing 4/20/99 37 Ms. Moore-Sykes stated that a lot split and variances for lot width and area for 4008 Fordham 38 Drive was approved by the City Council 12 years ago..She added that the lot's owners, the 39 Johnson's, never had a plat survey filed and the variances expired after 12 months. 40 41 Ms. Moore-Sykes stated the Johnson's now wish to request the variances again and their buyers 42 have drawn up architectural plans for a house for the nonconforming lot. She added she received 43 notice from Johnson's in November 1998 that they had filed the plat survey with Ramsey County