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<br />13 <br /> <br />Richard Verhagen, 1293 Roselawn Avenue, appeared in opposition to the ordinance. Mr. <br />Verhangen testified that he has a right to do with his property what he wants. He said the <br />City should not be involved. Mr. Verhagen said that the Planning Commission <br />involvement in regulating garage sales goes beyond their proper role and violates his civil <br />and human rights. Mr. Verhagen recommended no action on the new ordinance and that <br />the existing ordinance be repealed. Mr. Verhagen indicated that blight is subjective and <br />the city shouldn't tell him what is junk. Mr. Verhagen stated that if the city is going to <br />pass an ordinance that it should invite garage salers to come and review city requirements. <br />Mr. Verhagen indicated that four sales per year, four days each might be a reasonable <br />standard. Other standards to be included would be the elimination of the requirement that <br />items be stored inside; that there should be an ability to grant exceptions and there should <br />be stronger regulations on signs to require that they be taken down within two days after <br />the sale. <br /> <br />Member Harms questioned what the complaint record on garage sales has been and <br />pointed out that garage sales can bring neighborhoods together. <br /> <br />Member Rengel questioned what the basis for the law was. <br /> <br />Chairman Wietecki stated that the basis of the law goes back to the definition of a <br />nuisance which has been tested by the courts and the ability of the City to regulate <br />nuisances through the city's police power. <br /> <br />Member Wall stated that careful development of the ordinance is necessary because there <br />could be problems if it is not specific enough as well as if it is too specific. Member Wall <br />also questioned what the purpose of the three day period was. <br /> <br />Member Thomas stated that one of the potential problems is the change from selling <br />unneeded items to hobby items and reselling items because this gets into a more <br />commercial endeavor. <br /> <br />Mr. Verhagen stated that the original regulation goes back to 1972 relating to a woman <br />selling items out of her garage and creating traffic problems in the neighborhood. Mr. <br />Verhagen also cautioned the Commission that reselling of items is a complicated legal <br />issue because you have to be able to prove intent. <br /> <br />Motion: Member Sandstrom moved to recommend approval of an ordinance to include <br />one day setup time, that violations are petty misdemeanors, that signs be removed within <br />two days; and that there be a permit for exceptions. The motion died for lack of second. <br /> <br />Chairman Wietecki stated that just because something is a charitable organization does not <br />mean it should get special standing; that's why the consistent application of the ordinance <br />is required. <br />