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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL – JUNE 27, 2016 5 Councilmember Wicklund recommended the Council take a step back and put themselves into the shoes of the homeowner. He discussed the complications of applying for a variance. He believed the three-foot six-inch encroachment was reasonable. He fully supported the request of the homeowners. Councilmember Holmes had concern with how the trail would be impacted. She discussed another variance request in the Venus neighborhood where a three car garage had been denied. She understood the opinions of the homeowner had to be weighed along with the needs of residents. For this reason, she stated she would not be able to support the variance. Mr. Jittila commented he was told that Arden Hills was really big in trying to build community. He asked if this was true. He believed that if the Council were to oppose his variance, that this would be a step back from community building. He stated he was trying to build a useable porch and deck that would allow him to further engage with his residents and walkers on the trail, many of which were his neighbors. Mayor Grant asked if a wraparound deck would be allowed by the City. City Planner Streff reported this was the case. Mrs. Jittila reiterated that no trees would be lost through the proposed deck and three season porch addition. She noted the walking trails were important to her family and she believed she was being penalized because the trails ran adjacent to her property. Councilmember McClung agreed with Councilmember Wicklund’s assessment and stated he had taken into consideration the homeowners viewpoint. However, he believed Pulte made a mistake in placing the home where it was and this was now causing difficulty. His main concern was the fact that the trail would be encroached upon and several of the adjacent property owners have raised this same concern. He stated this was not an easy decision for him but at this time, he could not support the requested variance. Councilmember Wicklund understood the Council was concerned with the trail encroachment and/or screening of the property from the trail. He suggested additional screening be added to the property to maintain some of the characteristics of the trail. Councilmember Holden stated this was not worrisome for her. She commented that she was approached by more than two townhome owners about the encroachment of the three season porch and the lack of privacy this would create. She did not believe there was room for large trees to be planted. She recommended the applicant consider a large wraparound deck. Mr. Jittila questioned if there was a smaller encroachment that the Council could support. Councilmember Holden was uncertain and stated she would have to see the plans. Mayor Grant asked what the timeline for approval was for this project.