05-09-05 - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES APRIL 25,2005 6 . Mayor Aplikowski expressed concern with drainage, if the base of the porch is a solid masonry perimeter. Mr. Hellegers replied he had spoken with the Building Official and there were various alternatives that people could use to address drainage issues, Mayor Aplikowski stated having a concrete block around a la-foot porch was an extreme measure in her opinion, Councilmember Grant also expressed concern about concrete block perimeter porch base and noted if there was a drainage problem, having concrete block in place could create a real problem, He indicated they needed to be flexible with this requiremeut. Mayor Aplikowski stated she believed they needed somethiug less permanent for a porch. Mr. Hellegers replied if it was Council's desire to change this, he suggested the Ordinance be amended to reflect this, Mr. Brown suggested they have a requirement for a certain amount of open space and have the plan be designed by an Engineer and approved by the Building Official. Councilmember Graut suggested the base could not be more than a certain percentage open, which would give the homeowner more flexibility, David Monson, 1175 Edgewater Avenue, stated he had made some suggestions by email for language which had been provided to Council. He indicated open bases for porches were important and there were ways to anchor porches to the ground with piers, He noted having the base open would allow for air circulation and better drainage, He stated if they were going to be digging for a perimeter foundation, earth moving machinery would need to be brought in, where if they only had to dig holes for the piers, this would require less equipment and it would also be less expensive, He noted porches were about the outdoors and he did not believe it was bad to have a minor visual distinction between the outside and the inside of the house, . Mayor Aplikowski asked Council if they thought the base of the porch should be open or closed, Councilmember Rem replied flexibility was important and she would want a certain percentage open. Councilmember Grant agreed. Councilmember Grant askcd if they wanted piers or did they want more structure to the porch, Mayor Aplikowski asked if a resident wanted to enclose the base of their porch, would they be allowed to do this, Councilmember Grant stated in his suggestion, if a resident wanted to enclose their porch base that would be allowed. Councilmember Rem suggested they hold another public hearing to get citizen input. .