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<br />. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - July 31, 2000 <br /> <br />12 <br /> <br />Ms. Chaput stated that the Planning Commission recommends that Planning Case #00-11, <br />Zoning Ordinance Amendments, be approved and staffbe directed to prepare the formal <br />ordinance for adoption at the next regular City Council meeting. <br /> <br />Councilmember Aplikowski stated that some residences might have a problem with limiting the <br />number of driveways. Ms. Chaput stated only one access should be permitted, but such change <br />can not be mandated on existing homes who exceed that limit. Mayor Probst stated a variance <br />could be requested for future cases. <br /> <br />Ms. Aplikowski asked why tile word "paved" was used under Item 4. Ms. Chaput stated the <br />Planning Commission decided that the term "paved" included many possibilities. <br /> <br />Kirk Soldner, 1923 Noble Road, stated he moved to the community 13 years ago because it was <br />different from other communities and had a rural feel. He added he believes the proposed <br />ordinance amendments take away from the original village aspects of the community and he <br />objects to the changes in principle as well as having some issues with the proposed wording. He <br />noted that legislation should only be enacted if there is a demonstrated need, consideration of a <br />variety of viewpoints, minimum legislation necessary, and anticipation of unintended <br />consequences. <br /> <br />Mr. Soldner stated he likes to see students in his neighborhood as long as they abide by the rules <br />of the City. He added in his opinion it is unfair to assume that many students living in one <br />dwelling will result in problems. He noted it is prejudiced to assume they will have numerous <br />vehicles. <br /> <br />Mr. Soldner suggested the following wording changes: Under Definition 43, Dwelling, replace <br />"dwelling" with "dwelling unit". Under Definition 47, Dwelling Unit, retain existing wording. <br />Under Dcfinition 53, Family, retain existing wording as proposed amendments are limiting. He <br />added the proposed wording might be challenged as discriminatory. <br /> <br />Mr. Soldner stated, with regard to Item 2, Accessory Structures, he is unsure why the term <br />"private garage" is necessary and the existing wording should be retained. <br /> <br />Mr. Soldner stated, with regard to Item 4, Driveways and Parking, surfaces other than paved <br />surfaces should be acceptable and residents should be allowed to try other options. He expressed <br />concern tbat the proposed chmlges are restrictive, and a limit ofthree cars is unacceptable. He <br />added that the term "regular basis" should be detined. <br /> <br />Mr. Soldner stated, with regard to Item 5, Fencing, that agricultural uses within the City should <br />not bc discouraged, and electrical and barbed fences should be allowed for commercial <br />properties. He added that electric fences for use in private gardens should be allowed as they are <br />inconspicuous, harmless to humans and do not kill animals. <br /> <br />Mr. Soldner urged the Council to enact legislation only where it is needed and address only real <br />problems with the minimum amount of restriction imposed on residents. <br />