CC 08-29-2005 (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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. . e ARDEN HILLS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES AUGUST 29, 2005 8 He stated at their August 25, 2003 meeting the City Council approved a 9-foot structure setback variance to the Shoreland and Zoning Ordinances subject to the conditions that all necessary applications for building permits shall be filed with the Building Official for approval prior to the issuance of a building permit. Typically, a variance expires one year from the date the variance was approved if the applicant does not file for a building permit within that period of time. On July 28,2004 the City received a letter from Ms. Mohn requesting a one-year extension for the variance. Ms. Mohn cited the number of surgeries and health issues that she has had over the past year which have not allowed her to finish the planning, writing of specs, and seeking bids from builders. The City Council granted the extension on September 13, 2004. Recently staff met with Ms. Mohn regarding the upcoming deadline for issuance of a building permit. She submitted a letter on August 21,2005 explaining the reasons why they were not yet ready to submit for building permits. The letter explained that Ms. Molm has encountered some severe respiratory problems; the resolution to which understandably became their main focus. In addition, the new architect was brought on board to resolve design issues related to the roof structure and storage issues. The revised design would actually pull the structure back two (2) feet thereby requiring less of a variance than was approved. In addition to the Jetter, the new architect had provided a timetable that outlines what would be accomplished over the next six months through to the anticipated start of construction on February 20, 2006. He stated it appeared the resident was acting in good faith to try and meet the City's guidelines and that the health issues had been the primary reason they had not been ready to submit for building permits. Based on the extenuating circumstances surrounding the resident's health and the fact that the resident had a schedule to be ready for building permit within 6 months, staff recommends approval of the extension for the requested 6-month period. MOTION: Councilmember Larson moved and Councilmember Holden seconded a motion to approve the requested 6-month period for variance extension for 3459 Siems Court, PC #03-14. The motion carried unanimously (3-0). 7. UNFINISHED BUSINESS A. Shade Tree Ordinance Mr. Johnson stated in 2004, City staff received a number of concerns from residents regarding the removal of diseased trees. After reviewing the City's existing shade tree ordinance, it appeared that it was in need of some revision. The existing ordinance had not been updated in many years and with the recent outbreak of tree related illnesses throughout the State of Minnesota it was important that the City implement a revised ordinance that is more proactive in the prevention of Dutch Elm and oak wilt diseases. The intention of the proposed ordinance was to more clearly define the tree removal process and the City's regulations regarding the role of the