2021.11.09 CC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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October 26,2021 Page 1 of 12 NE1�� BRIGHTON COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS building tomorrow today THE CITY OF NEW BRIGHTON Pursuant to notice thereof, a regular meeting of the New Brighton City Council was held Tuesday, October 26, 2021 at 6:30 pm in the New Brighton Council Chambers. Present: Mayor Niedfeldt-Thomas, Councilmembers Abdulle, Allen, Axberg and Dunsworth (attending via Zoom) Absent: Also Present: Devin Massopust-City Manager, Sarah Sonsalla-City Attorney, Gina Foschi-Finance Director, Ben Gozola-Assistant Director of Community Assets and Development Call to Order Call to Order Mayor Niedfeldt-Thomas called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm. Pledge of Allegiance Pledge of Allegiance Mayor Niedfeldt-Thomas led the Council in the Pledge of Allegiance. Public Comment Forum Public Comment Mayor Niedfeldt-Thomas opened the Public Forum for comments from the public. Forum Nicki Oswald, 1357 7th Street SW, explained she opposed the Special Use Permit for the property at 720 McCallum Road. She noted many of the neighbors have provided the City with emails, feedback and attended previous meetings to voice their strong opposition. She indicated the neighbors do not want this garage built and encouraged the Council to hear these voices. She indicated she had nothing against Mr. Blomquist, but feared if the garage were built the home business would be cemented into the neighborhood. She anticipated future businesses would then be allowed to move onto this property should Mr. Blomquist sell. She encouraged the Council to consider Mr. Blomquist's request and how the construction debris, trucks and vans pose a risk to the surrounding neighborhood. She reported Mr. Blomquist has already cleared land on his rental property for the new garage. She encouraged Mr. Blomquist to scrap the idea given how strongly the neighbors oppose the request. She requested the Council reject the SUP because this garage was not welcomed in this neighborhood. Jennifer Evans Hall, 1296 7th Street NW, thanked the Council for allowing her to speak. She noted she had sent communications to the previously and noted she was concerned about the behavior of the applicant. She discussed how the property has been used for a home occupation since 2015 and reported the applicant has not been interested in complying with City regulations. She reported the applicant has received multiple letters from the City without fully bringing the property into compliance. She believed it was unreasonable to think that the property owner would suddenly bring the property into compliance if this garage were built. She indicated the height of the proposed garage and the size of the garage doors do not align with the neighborhood. She stated Mr. Blomquist could have a garage,but questioned if he needed a Special Use Permit garage that allowed of the keeping of business equipment. She reported if this garage were approved, there would be more garage square footage on the property than living space square footage. She reminded the Council this was a residential neighborhood and encouraged the Council to consider the neighborhoods needs.