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PLANNING FILE 11-009
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<br />Request by Jason Westad, Joan Blanchard, Jacqueline Stiehl, Sarah Dahlke, Annette Walker, and Ramsey
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<br />County for approval of a COMPREHENSIVE LAND USE PLAN MAP CHANGE, ZONING MAP CHANGE, AND
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<br />RECOMBINATION MINOR SUBDIVISION at 986 Millwood Avenue, 2961 Chatsworth Street, 2967
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<br />Chatsworth Street, 2983 Chatsworth Street, and 2991 Chatsworth Street
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<br />Chair Gisselquist opened the Public Hearing for Planning File 11-009 at 6:45 p.m.
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<br />Associate Planner Lloyd summarized the request as detailed in the staff report dated May 1, 2013; noting that
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<br />action taken on plat proposals was quasi-judicial, with the City’s role to determine facts associated with the
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<br />request and apply those facts to legal standards contained in State Statute and City Code.
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<br />Mr. Lloyd reviewed these residential properties immediately adjacent to Ramsey County Open Space at Lake
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<br />Josephine County Park and how the read setbacks had blurred over time, with residential landscaping, play
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<br />structures and storage sheds inadvertently encroached into park property. Mr. Lloyd noted that this application
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<br />sought to correct his situation by trading a portion of the southernmost residential property to the park (986
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<br />Millwood Avenue) in exchange for an equivalent amount of land from the park to be distributed among those
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<br />residential properties. Mr. Lloyd noted this realignment was further addressed in Section 4.3 of the staff report;
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<br />essentially moving property boundaries 11’ to the west. However, Mr. Lloyd advised that this would require
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<br />changes to the City’s Comprehensive Land Use and Zoning Maps.
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<br />Member Daire sought information on the street right-of-way and current ownership; with City Engineer Debra
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<br />Bloom clarifying that the right-of-way would remain dedicated to the City as public right-of-way in public domain,
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<br />for potential use for utilities, pathways, or roadways. However, Ms. Bloom advised that there was no intention for
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<br />this right-of-way, at Churchhill Street and Millwood Avenue to be used due to existing wetlands and drainage in
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<br />that area. Ms. Bloom advised that there had been some preliminary discussion on whether or not to provide for a
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<br />soft or hard trail for park access, but nothing had materialized at this point.
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<br />At the request of Member Stellmach on how closely the 11’ was currently being used as residential, Mr. Lloyd
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<br />responded that his discussions with Ramsey County staff indicated various levels of encroachment. Mr. Lloyd
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<br />advised that, with the intent of that property line not disappearing in the future, measures would be taken by
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<br />Ramsey County to delineate the property line, with stakes/signs indicating park land beyond a certain point, but
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<br />not a fence installation.
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<br />Jason Westad, 986 Millwood Avenue
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<br />Mr. Westad noted that he was the property owner giving up land at the southern portion of his parcel; and thanked
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<br />Commissioners for tonight’s hearing. Mr. Westad advised that this had been a long process, over 2.5 years, and
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<br />costing considerable money for surveys and appraisals. Mr. Westad noted that Ramsey County had given their
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<br />written approval, with the final step being City approval for the recombination.
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<br />Mr. Westad thanked the Commission for their consideration, and concurred with staff’s report. Mr. Westad noted
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<br />that this encroachment had occurred over the last 2-3 decades, with many property owners assuming the area
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<br />was part of their land; and opined that this seemed to be the best way to make five property owners happy.
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<br />At the request of Member Murphy, Mr. Westad advised that his father-in-law built the current home at 986
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<br />Millwood Avenue in 1976, and used some of the property for a hockey rink for many years. Upon Mr. Westad’s
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<br />purchase of the home from his father-in-law, and a deer feeder located in the area, with Ramsey County doing a
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<br />deer count and finding the encroachment(s), this had precipitated tonight’s request. Mr. Westad opined that this
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<br />appeared to be a favorable solution for all, with neighbors having shared in the cost of appraisals to achieve
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<br />resolution.
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<br />Chair Gisselquist provided an opportunity for other co-applicants to speak, but of the three (3) property owners
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<br />represented, none chose to come forward.
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<br />Chair Gisselquist closed the Public Hearing at 6:59 p.m.; no one appeared for or against
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<br />Member Olsen spoke in support of the proposal, opining that it was a win/win for all property owners; and
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<br />expressed his appreciation to see a neighborhood collaborate on a good solution for all parties concerned.
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<br />MOTION
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<br />Member Olsen moved, seconded by Member Daire to recommend to the City Council APPROVAL of the
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<br />proposed COMPREHENSIVE LAND USE PLAN MAP CHANGE, ZONING MAP CHANGE, AND
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<br />RECOMBINATION MINOR SUBDIVISION at 986 Millwood Avenue, 2961 Chatsworth Street, 2967
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<br />Chatsworth Street, 2983 Chatsworth Street, and 2991 Chatsworth Street; based on the comments and
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<br />findings of Sections 4-6 and the recommendation of Section 7 of the staff report dated May 1, 2013.
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