2011.07.18 CC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Hugo City Council Meeting Minutes for July 18, 2011 Page 6 of 8 ditches, and putting down more gravel. He posted a 15 mph sign and has told his vendors to drive slowly on the driveway. Council Member Klein asked how late he ran the business. Terry stated he works until about 8 o'clock p.m. Vince Niemczyk, 17233 Henna Avenue North, said the shared driveway was constructed over 30 years ago, was built to City specifications and is well maintained. Vince felt it would be a disservice to the community to not let Terry Luedeke continue to work from his property. Joe Niemczyk, 7666 170th Street North, said Terry was a good asset to the farming community. Art Luedeke, father of the applicant, attested to Terry's hard work, honesty, and fairness to his customers. He said Terry is an asset to the community. Brent Husfeldt, 7495 195th Street North, Forest Lake, stated that Terry was irreplaceable as a mechanic. He has known Terry for 10-15 years, and Terry was honest, hardworking, and has made positive changes to the property. John Lutz, 8050 157th Street North, said it was hard to get farm equipment fixed locally, and it would be a big disservice to not give him a chance. Mike Rokala, 17657 Henna Avenue North, stated he has been in his home (directly adjacent to the north of the Luedke property) for six years. Since Terry has been running the business, traffic has increased. He is also bothered by lights in his windows at all hours due to semi trucks turning around in the driveway. Art Luedeke said he owns semis and has been able pull into Terry's drive without shining the lights on Mike's home. Art also stated that Terry bought this property, which was foreclosed on, and he has done a lot of work to clean it up. Joe Wewers said he has planted thirty eight 14-18 foot spruce trees on the property and could plant more except maple trees would need to be removed. He said he has known the Luedeke family for a long time, and he supported the small business. Joe said he felt the Council should give Terry an opportunity; small businesses needed to start somewhere. Frank Puleo, 6375 165th Street North, was on the City Council at the time the Home Occupation Ordinance was adopted, and was on the committee that drafted the ordinance. Frank said the applicant met the intent and spirit of the ordinance. The IUP is a way to give the property owner reasonable use of their property with restrictions and a renewal process. Frank said it was a clean operation and the sign should be allowed. Council Member Weidt, who was also on the committee, said he didn't envision three people on a shared driveway when drafting the home occupation ordinance. Joanne Benick, resident of Scandia who owns a small farm, spoke about having children in activities, and how many vehicle trips that alone requires. Joanne said Terry has helped maintain their farm, business, and family vehicles. He was a good citizen and community member.