HomeMy WebLinkAbout6.b. Minutes of July 15, 2003 Special MeetingROSEMOUNT CITY PROCEEDINGS
RM SPECIAL MEETING
JULY 15, 2003
Pursuant to due call and Notice thereof a Special Meeting was held on Tuesday, July 15, 2003 at
6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall.
Mayor Droste and Council Members Riley, Shoe - Corrigan, and Strayton were present. Council
Member DeBettignies was absent. Also in attendance were City Administrator Verbrugge,
Police Chief Kalstabakken, City Planner Pearson, and Code Enforcement Official O'Brien. The
purpose of the work session is to review city ordinances:
Current Sign Ordinance
Code Enforcement Official O'Brien asked for direction from Council on how to revise the sign
ordinance. City Planner Pearson recalled some instances when signs for the commercial
community were not allowed. Pearson reviewed the square footage allowances for signs and that
off premise advertising was not allowed. There are no pending requests at this time. Banners are
allowed similar to a temporary sign, six times per year for a maximum of ten days each event.
City Administer Verbrugge noted that the Chambers of Commerce said there was aproblem with
signs. Council consensus was for revisions that allow for directional signs on main streets to
local businesses.
RV Parking and Storage Ordinance
Code Enforcement Official O'Brien created a new ordinance, which would relax the recreational
vehicle (RV) regulations. It would put a cap on the number of recreational vehicles allowed and
allow RV's to stay in ones driveway for a maximum of ten days at a time with a minimum of
fourteen days between stays. O'Brien noted that set backs have not been changed. Council
Member Riley noted that most people provide storage and winterize their motor homes, but visits
from relatives with motor homes should be allowed. City Administrator Verbrugge noted that the
survey showed that one in four people in Rosemount own recreational vehicles. Mayor Droste
stated that it is not a valid argument to prove a zoning Hardship when speaking about recreational
vehicles. The ordinance states that an RV more than 23 feet long would not be allowed in a
driveway. Discussion showed that often neighbors do not like looking at stored vehicles in
backyards any more than they do in .the front yards. Homeowner associations often have more
stringent rules than the City of Rosemount does and yet, some homeowners will complain about
those very rules. Staff felt it was not a city function to uphold the rules set out by homeowner
associations. City Attorney LeFevere noted that courts would be over burdened if all complaints
ended up in a dispute. Police Chief Kalstabakken said this ordinance is a compromise. It allows
storage of a 23 foot long motor home in the rear yard with screening. The screening could consist
of fencing and trees, a minimum of 9 feet tall. This could be at considerable cost, but would be
more pleasing for the neighbors view. Kalstabakken noted that the allowed season for summer
RV's would be from April 1 to October 31, and winter vehicles would be the same dates as the
snow parking ban, November 1 to March 31. This may help residents remember the effective
dates. Non - functioning vehicles, unregistered, or junk vehicles would not be allowed to be stored
outside.
Mayor Droste adjourned the meeting at 7:15 p.m. until it could be reconvened after the regular
City Council meeting. The meeting reconvened at 8:22 p.m.
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ROSEMOUNT CITY PROCEEDINGS
SPECIAL MEETING
JULY 15, 2003
Animal Ordinance
Code Enforcement Official O'Brien noted that the current animal ordinance was adopted directly
from a copy of the Rochester animal ordinance. Staff has had to create new processes to deal
with the registration and permits required. There are still fees that need to be established to
comply with this ordinance. O'Brien researched many issues and would like to have animal
regulations included especially on exotic animals and pasture management. This would aid the
Police Department with animal control within the city. The Minnesota State Statutes regulate
minimum controls for animals that bite humans under the Dangerous Dog Act. The proposed
animal ordinance would focus on both animal and owner education in response to complaints.
Police Chief Kalstabakken said that statistics show that one dog in twelve will bite again after the
first human bite. The dangerous dog notice puts owners and neighbors on alert. There is a K -9
program available which can encourage correction to the dogs' actions. The placement of horses
is also addressed. Council gave direction to start with a new ordinance rather than patch -up the
current ordinance. More discussion is recommended. Staff will begin to compile anew ordinance
for review next year. Enforcement issues should be considered.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:08 p.m.
- Respectfully submitted,
City Clerk Linda Jentink
The City Council's Agenda Packet is Clerk's File 2003 -26.
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