06-29-1983CITY OF RICHFIELD
CONTINUED CITY COUNCIL MEETING
June 29, 1983
The City Council of the City of Richfield convened to continue the meeting
of June 27, 1983 on June 29, 1983 at 6:00 p.m.
The meeting was called to order by Mayor John Hamilton at 6:00 p.m.
Present: Bunce, Hassenstab Kirsch, Ludeman, Priebe, Hamilton
1. Request for Variance at 7319 Clinton Avenue
Acting City Manager Tom Morgan presented reports concerning Items One and
Two of the council's agenda regarding variance requests for minimum lot area at
7319 and 7323 Clinton Avenue. Mr. Morgan noted that in both cases the planning
commission had recommended approval of the variances.
The public hearing was opened. Myron Gunderson, purchaser of the subject
lots, addressed the• council and stated that he wants to proceed with the purchase
of the property and build on the lots. He said he believed an unnecessary delay
had been created by the need to obtain the. variances. He suggested the city
consider an ordinance amendment that would allow building on smaller platted
lots without a variance being required.
Motion by Kirsch, seconded by Hassenstab to close the public hearing.
All ayes - Carried.
Comments from council members followed regarding reinstating a provision
that would not require variance for previously platted, smaller lots. It. was
noted that it would be helpful to know the size of homes that would be built
on such lots, however.
Council members requested that staff determine the number of lots .that
would be affected by such an ordinance amendment.
Motion by Hassenstab, seconded by Kirsch to grant variances for minimum
lot area at 7319 and 7323 Clinton Avenue, as recommended by staff.
Continued Council Meeting -2- June 29, 1983
All ayes - Carried.
Council reiterated its request for the number of previously platted lots
that do not presently meet lot area requirements, identified and that the staff
counts of such lots include those occupied by garage-homes.
2. Variance Request for 7333 Colfax Avenue
Acting City Manager Tom Morgan gave the introduction and said it was a
two-part request. The first is a variance for minimum lot area, and the
second is for a variance for the interior side-yard set-back, due to the
intrusion of a fireplace 22 inches into the side-yard set-back area.
Mr. Morgan noted the lack of a recommendation by the planning commission
concerning this matter due to a 4 - 4 tie vote on the granting of the variance.
City Planner Rick Jopke was present and offered to answer any questions
the council might have.
The public hearing was opened. Myron Gunderson appeared and made comments
concerning the new ordinance requirement which prohibits certain kinds of
intrusions into the side yard setback area.
Mr. Gunderson was asked about the size of the setback on the other side
of the house and Mr. Gunderson replied that it would be five feet.
Motion by Hassenstab, seconded by Bunce to close the public hearing,
All ayes - Carried.
Discussion followed concerning access to property by fire vehicles, and
the fire exposure created by buildings encroaching into the setback area.
Mr. Morgan made comments regarding the problem of chimney fires and the resulting
fire exposure to adjacent buildings.
Motion by Ludeman, seconded by Hassenstab to grant the variances for lot
area and side yard setback at 6333 Colfax Avenue, as requested.
All ayes - Carried.
Continued Council Meeting -3- June 29, 1983
3. Initial Development of Comprehensive Energy Program
Acting City Manager Tom Morgan gave the introduction and commented on the
two parts of the program:
1. A feasibility study and a program development plan to determine the
need for and to lay the groundwork for the program. Mr. Morgan
noted that $35,000 had been appropriated for this study in the 1983
budget and it was now proposed to spend approximately $28,000 to
accomplish the work.
2. The program itself, which would conceivably offer assistance to
Richfield residents and perhaps funding for certain types of energy
conservation improvements. Mr. Morgan referred to public policy
issues that would need to be addressed regarding the city's involve-
went in promoting energy conservation. He noted that the program
does not mandate city participation and financing, and it is possible
that this could be done by local banks.
Mr. Morgan also referred to handouts placed before the council concerning
the background of the Energy Awareness Commission's actions and their support
concerning this matter.
Council Member Hassenstab outlined three questions he had concerning the
program:
1. If the city proceeds, the experience in Minneapolis and St. Paul and
similar programs should be closely examined.
2. Why hasn't the City of Bloomington, which is also covered by the special
legislation, chosen to undertake such a program?
3. There should be additional information concerning the description and
cost of work to be undertaken by consultants for the program.
Continued Council Meeting -4- June 29, 1983
Mr. Morgan responded that the Minneapolis and St. Paul experiences would,
in fact, get close review, and that the City of Bloomington has not yet decided
about its program. Other financial problems experienced by that city may delay
their project. Mr. Morgan also indicated that Richfield plans to use some of
the same people who had been involved in the Minneapolis and St. Paul programs.
Discussion followed regarding the need for council direction on the program
and the development of guidelines that would be devised as a part of the program
development phase of the project. Mr. Morgan indicated that this work would be
part of the study to be accomplished.
Further discussion occurred regarding financing of the program and present
availability of energy audits by private firms. Some council members commented
on the cost to the city to develop the program and what the program development
would actually yield to the city. Mr. Morgan stated that the council has
previously allocated funds for this program through the adoption of the 1983
budget, but there needs to be action to adopt the resolution accepting the state
legislation which was sought by the city.
Council Member Hassenstab commented regarding the council determinations
that are required as a part of the legislation. Mr. Morgan indicated tha t
information for those determinations would be provided as a part of the study
to be performed. He further stated that a cautious approach would be under-
taken and a variety of decision points wv uld likely occur during the program
development phase.
Motion by Ludeman, seconded by Kirsch to not enter into the comprehensive
energy program and not adopt the resolution presented to the city council.
Po11 of votes: Ayes - Kirsch, Ludeman. Nays - Bunce, Hassenstab, Priebe,
Hamilton. Motion failed.
Continued Council Meeting -5- June 29, 1983
Motion by Priebe, seconded by Bunce that the following resolution be adopted;
that it be, spread in the resolution book and that it be made a part of these
minutes:
RESOLUTION N0. 678I
RESOLUTION APPROVING CHAPTER 197 MINNESOTA
LAWS 1983 ALLOWING CITIES OF BLOOMINGTON &
RICHFIELD TO ESTABLISH RESIDENTIAL ENERGY
CONSERVATION PROGRAMS
Poll of votes: Ayes - Bunce, Hassenstab, Priebe, Hamilton. Nays - Kirsch,
Ludeman. Carried. This resolution appears as Resolution No. 6781 in Resolution
Book No. 50.
Mr. Dean Sturgis, Chairman of th.e Energy Awareness Commission, appeared
before council and discussed the commission's role in making policy recommendations
to the council as the program develops.
The mayor addressed the council and suggested Chat a meeting be held with
the chairman or the entire Planning Commission regarding recent council concerns
about the Planning Commission/Council relationship. Council members commented
and it was suggested that the mayor meet with the chairman of the Planning
Commission to discuss this matter.
4. Adjournment
Motion by Hassenstab, seconded by Bunce to adjourn the meeting.
Ali ayes - Carried. Time: 7:10 p.m.
Date Approved: July 25, 1983
onald Rankin Acting City Clerk
Thomas A. Morgan, Jr. Acting City Manager