12-30-1992 Workshop Meeting MinutesSTATE OF MN A Workshop Meeting was held by the
COUNTY OF WRIGHT City Council of the City of Otsego
CITY OF OTSEGO this 30 day of December, 1992, at
3:30 PM. Norman F. Freske, Mayor,
Floyd Roden, Larry Fournier, and
Ron Black, Council Members, Jerome Perrault, Clerk, Elaine
Beatty, Deputy Clerk/Zoning Administrator, Judy Hudson,
Secretary, David Licht, Planner, and Jerry Olson, Building
Inspector, were present.
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Norman F
Freske.
Dave Licht then addressed the Wild & Scenic issue on the
West side of Hwy 101 and the DNR. He said he got the
impression when we met with Mr. Swenson of the DNR that he
was looking for a compromise possibly 75% of impervious lot
coverage on the West side of Hwy 101. The most restricted
area he knows of is New Hope with 35% impervious lot coverage
and they have a hard time to meet that restriction. Holding
ponds could decrease the amount of pervious needed, however
you could end up with a holding pond on an outlot. He said
he felt Otsego could get along with a 75% impervious surface
lot coverage restriction if the DNR were to offer that as a
compromise. The Council agreed that 75% would be acceptable
but no less.
Dave Licht then addressed the problem of Ordinance
Violations that we are running into. In fairness to all
concerned, we should be enforcing, our Ordinances.
Darkenwalds "Rambling Rose" is an example with over sized
advertising sign and a non-conforming business.
Merlin Brisbin is operating his Home Extended Business
without a Conditional Use Permit. He did not have a permit
when he was located on 70th Street and he has since moved to
Co. 42 and still does not have a permit.
Mr. Frieberg has started up a Kennel on ODean Avenue and
is ignoring the fact that he needs a permit.
Clem Darkenwald has numerous sign violations by his
Convenience Store and Fish Market. He is claiming the signs
are grandfathered in but he keeps adding new signs all the
time.
Home extended businesses who have never had a permit are
not grandfathered in unless they were started even before the
County Ordinance was put in effect.
Larry Fournier commented that we should give the
businesses that are illegal a chance to come in and get the
proper permits instead of just shutting them down.
Dave Licht said we should have form letters made up to
send out advising businesses they are not in compliance and
what they need to do to be in compliance.
The person with the railroad ties piled on his lot
located on Co. 42 should be sent a notice to clean up his
lot
Banner signs advertising new homes in residential
developments are required to have a permit and they are
CITY OF OTSEGO CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP MEETING OF DECEMBER 30,
1992. Page 2
The Council agreed that Jerry Olson should do a site
inspection of Stewart Turnquist's garage/art studio to check
the extent of it's completion. He was granted a PUD but has
not completed all the requirements for it. He has also
applied for a septic permit but to date this has not been
granted.
Dave Licht said another problem is the small building
across Nashua Avenue from the City Hall. The lot is too
small to comply with a permit for any use and it would be
better if it were removed. The lot and building were donated
to a church in Elk River by the previous owner and Mr. Licht
suggested contacting the church about having the building
removed and using the lot for park land.
Another problem is people getting permits for buildings
and then not finishing the building in a timely fashion.
These individuals should be sent notices that their permits
have expired.
Dave Licht said the purpose of the EDA should be to help
some of those with a good business but lack capital.
Ron Black suggested putting an article in the March
Otsego Newsletter regarding lot cleanup.
Ron Black questioned what approach we should have for
those that are sent notices of permit violations and refuse
to comply. He said we have to be willing to legally pursue
violations and that we should consider retaining a law office
to handle these cases. He suggested that we put together a
proposal to submit to Radzwill and other legal firms.
Concerning the DNR, Ron Black questioned if the DNR
would have veto power on individual permits issued in the Hwy
101 area and said he would be concerned if they did. Dave
Licht replied that he did not think so but would check on
this to be sure.
/On motion the meeti g adjourned
a
NORMAN F. FRESKE, MAYOR
FLOYD RODEN, COUNCIL
RON BLACK, COUNCIL
Attest: Jerome Perrault, Clerk
JP/jeh
DOUG LINDENFELSER, COUNCIL
LARRY FOURNIER, COUNCIL