|
Council nixes zoning requests during August 25 meeting
|
|
|
By Charlie Warner
Argus News Editor
The Caledonia City Council denied two zoning requests made by Tim Meyer, 712 East Grant Street, during the Aug. 25 meeting.
Meyer submitted a zoning application to construct a 12 by 26 foot addition onto an existing 30 by 26 garage. The proposed addition would have been located right on the property line.
City Zoning Administrator Mike Gerardy explained that when Meyer purchased the property, there was a cement foundation, which was thought to be very close to the east property line. When city staff took measurements to find out where the property line was, it was discovered the foundation was actually right on the property line, or possibly even on the neighboring lot.
“Without a survey, we can’t be for certain exactly where the property line is,” Gerardy said. “But the foundation Tim wants to use for the garage addition is either right on the property line, or maybe even over the property line.”
Meyer had talked to his neighbor, who had no objection to the garage addition being right up against the property line. So Meyer applied for a 10-foot side yard setback. Meyer also needed a variance to exceed total garage space on the lot by 192 square feet.
“I have a real concern with allowing a structure right on a property line,” Mayor Mike Morey said. “Even if the current neighbor has no objections to it, what happens if and when that property, or your property is sold? There could be some real problems as far as refinancing.”
Councilwoman Randi Vick said the city had granted variances up to five feet from a property line, but never something right on a property line. “I agree with Mike, there could be a number of issues down the road if we approve this,” Vick said.
Councilman Bob Standish felt there should be some way to work around the potential issues. It was suggested that Meyer look into purchasing a sliver of the adjoining property. Meyer countered by asking what if he made the addition several feet narrower. The council indicated the width would have to be cut back at least five feet before they would consider a variance.
“That would make it too narrow to get a vehicle in there,” Meyer replied.
Vick made a motion, which was seconded by Councilman Gary Klug to deny both variance requests. The motion passed 3-1 with Vick, Klug, and Morey voting for the motion and Standish voting against it.
In other council action:
Patio shelter approved
The council approved a zoning application made by Caledonia Care and Rehab, 425 North Badger Street to construct a 24 by 36 patio shelter. The proposed project met all setback requirements.
City rental rates increased
Due to continued increases in the cost of oil-based asphalt products, Gerardy recommended the council increase a number of service and rental charges.
“Our hot mix charge to city residents is $39 a ton delivered, and we are now paying $65 a ton. We’re not doing this to make a lot of money, but we can’t be losing money like that,” Gerardy said.
Gerardy suggested the blacktop hot mix be increased to $75 per ton and blacktop cold mix set at $78 per ton.
“What about the increased fuel costs?” Klug asked. “Are we charging more since fuel costs continue to go up?”
Gerardy responded that the rental costs for various pieces of equipment ie. city dump truck, water truck, street sweeper, snow blower, etc. included fuel, plus $44.80 per hour, for a city employee to operate the equipment.
“We haven’t been making an additional charge for fuel,” Gerardy said.
The council felt a fuel charge should be included and approved new rental rates that included a provision that all equipment leave the city shop full of fuel, and then refilled when returned, with the cost of that fuel added onto the final bill.
|
