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Variance Board Meeting Minutes – Wednesday, July 9, 2014 Page 3 accommodate the garage doors. Mr. Ahmann questioned if that apron would need to be done in 96 concrete or blacktop as an option. 97 Mr. Paschke responded that any all-weather surface would be appropriate. 98 Mr. Ahmann reviewed his design and bid process to-date, and asked if there was any way the 99 existing crushed rock driveway material could be grandfathered in for an extended number of 100 years beyond the one year time condition. Mr. Ahmann advised that he planned to redo the 101 driveway into blacktop, but not as soon as within one year if at all possible; noting that his next 102 project after the garage was constructed was for a three-season porch attached to the rear of the 103 principle structure or to the garage. 104 As another consideration, Mr. Ahmann noted the area behind his property that was a ponding 105 area that usually drained, but within the last 4-5 years, seemed to be draining less and ponding 106 more; and questioned if the impervious surface driveway requirement would add to that problem. 107 Regarding the timing of the driveway completion, Chair Boguszewski responded that the proper 108 way to proceed would be for the Variance Board to approve the request, with the one-year 109 condition and if necessary, Mr. Ahmann could apply to staff for an extension. 110 Mr. Paschke concurred with Chair Boguszewski’s response. 111 Mr. Ahmann stated that a five-year window would help him out. 112 Mr. Lloyd advised that staff was not made aware of the proposed garage including a porch space; 113 and questioned if that space would be internal to the overall footprint and square footage. 114 Mr. Ahmann responded that the space would be internal. 115 Mr. Lloyd clarified that the size restriction applied to the garage space and not to a porch or 116 gazebo, and if the interior of the garage was walled off from the porch space, it would not count 117 for this garage size calculation. 118 Public Comment 119 Glen Anderson, 2922 Old Highway 8 (directly south of subject property) 120 Mr. Anderson spoke in support of the request, opining that he had no problem with the existing or 121 proposed new garage; opining that it will improve the property’s value. Mr. Anderson advised that 122 the proposed garage would be similarly located, just further forward, and not even close to his lot. 123 On an unrelated note, at the request of Chair Boguszewski, Mr. Anderson confirmed that his 124 driveway was similarly covered with crushed rock like Mr. Ahmann’s. 125 Dave McKenzie, 2501 W County Road C-2 126 Mr. McKenzie advised that he was a resident of Apple Valley, MN, and a personal representative 127 of the property owner at the above-referenced address, immediately to the east of the subject 128 property, and in the process of being sold. 129 Mr. McKenzie stated that he had no objection to the garage; however, he was concerned with the 130 drainage and impact of a larger structure and driveway pavement adding to that problem; 131 questioning where the water would go. Being familiar with the properties, Mr. McKenzie stated 132 that there had only been water ponding during spring runoffs until about five years ago; and while 133 he was unsure of the reason for that happening, he did express his concern with the larger size of 134 a structure negatively impacting adjacent properties and asked that the Variance Board take that 135 into consideration. 136 Shelly Eldridge, 2928 Old Highway 8 (house immediately north of the subject property) 137 After reviewing the staff report and seeing the existing garage which she opined was truly sorry, 138 Ms. Eldridge stated that she was in agreement with granting the variance request. 139 Discussion 140 Member Cunningham expressed her curiosity about the drainage issue; and what caused its 141 change and how the situation may be more problematic with the City’s ordinance requirement for 142 paving the driveway. Member Cunningham questioned how the Variance Board could account for 143 or justify such a condition that may negatively impact future drainage at this location. 144