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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL – MAY 24, 2021 21 <br /> <br />Councilmember Holmes agreed noting she did not believe the applicant had shown a practical <br />difficulty in this case. She did not believe the lot was so unique that a variance should be granted. <br /> <br />Councilmember Scott explained he would be supporting the variance. He reported he drove by <br />this property and he understood the need to enclose vehicles and equipment in a structure. He <br />believed there was ample screening on this property to support this variance request. <br /> <br />Councilmember McClung commented he would be supporting the application as well. He <br />indicated he spent some time on the property with the homeowner and talked over the options. He <br />stated after he walked the lot, he had a greater appreciation for the request. He reported Mr. <br />Kunze was a long time resident of Arden Hills and he would like to do something meaningful <br />with his retirement. He noted not one resident in the neighborhood has opposed this request. <br /> <br />Councilmember Holden questioned if a tree dies in the right of way would the City be <br />responsible for removing this tree. She did not believe this made sense. <br /> <br />Mayor Grant stated that there appeared to be alternatives for this property and he did not know if <br />these alternatives have been captured. He stated the amount of variance was considerable and for <br />this reason he would not be supporting this variance. <br /> <br />MOTION: Councilmember Holmes moved and Councilmember Holden seconded a <br />motion to deny Planning Case 21-006 for a Variance at 4073 Valentine Court <br />based on the following rationale: <br /> <br />1. The subject property did not have enough room for screening except <br />for using City right of way. <br />2. The variance amount was excessive. <br />3. There are alternatives for increasing storage space on that property <br />other than a third stall on the garage. <br /> <br />A roll call vote was taken. The motion carried 3-2 (Councilmembers McClung <br />and Scott opposed). <br /> <br />11. UNFINISHED BUSINESS <br /> <br />None. <br /> <br />12. COUNCIL COMMENTS <br /> <br />Councilmember McClung stated he believed it was unfortunate the City Council denied the <br />variance request. <br /> <br />Councilmember Holden reported the Rotary was making four little libraries for the City of <br />Arden Hills. She requested the Council provide her with addresses of existing little libraries <br />because she would like to make a map for the City. <br /> <br />