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V. Report from City Council Liaison <br /> Councilmember Abdulle provided the Commission with an update from the City Council. He <br /> reported the Council approved the City's first equity statement at its last meeting. He explained this <br /> was the first step in many to ensure the City is welcoming to everybody. He noted the Council <br /> approved a TIF District for the US Bank site and discussed how to better coordinate efforts between <br /> the Council and the Commissions. <br /> Assistant Director of Community Assets and Development Gozola discussed the City sponsored <br /> survey that was being conducted for Silver Lake Road and encouraged residents that live in the area <br /> to take the survey in order to provide the City with valuable feedback. <br /> VI. Public Hearing <br /> (A) Special Use Permit: Request from Mike Blomquist and Raynie Sutherland for authorization to <br /> construct a garage larger than 624 square feet meeting all other zoning requirements on the <br /> property at 720 McCallum Road — PID 32-30-23-33-0073. <br /> Assistant Director of Community Assets and Development Gozola reported Mike Blomquist and <br /> Raynie Sutherland, owners of 720 McCallum Drive, are seeking to construct a detached garage <br /> on their property "...to enclose multiple personal belongings so they are out of sight and <br /> properly stored." Neighbors are adamantly opposed to the application citing mainly an alleged <br /> illegal home occupation currently operating from the property. It was noted a petition had <br /> been signed by 63 neighbors in opposition to the garage request. The violations from the <br /> property since 2018 were discussed. The proposed size and height of the oversized garage was <br /> reviewed in detail with the Commission noting the design was too tall and not complimentary <br /> to the principal structure. He discussed the concerns the City had regarding an illegal home <br /> based occupation was located on this property, however, he noted this was a separate issue <br /> from the SUP request. Staff provided further comment on the Special Use Permit and <br /> recommended denial of the request. <br /> Chair Nichols-Matkaiti discussed the list of violations noting the property had a shed that had to <br /> be removed. Assistant Director of Community Assets and Development Gozola explained he <br /> would have to speak with the code enforcement officer further but noted it was his <br /> understanding this matter had been resolved. <br /> Chair Nichols-Matkaiti opened the Public Hearing at 6:54 p.m. <br /> John Burn, Sr., 699 Continental, explained this was a residential neighborhood and was not a <br /> commercial property. He stated if this resident wanted to run a business out of his house only <br /> a mailing address can be used for the business. He reported the gentleman making the request <br /> to build this garage does not live in New Brighton, nor does he have any voting rights. He <br /> commented it was his understanding there were three different families living in this home. He <br /> reported back in 2005 he asked to put in a second drive and a single car garage on the side of <br /> his house so he could back his boat in and he was told no by the City. He expressed great <br /> concern that the applicant was asking to put on an oversized garage for his business. He <br /> 2 <br />