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I I I Council Meeting Minutes February 23, 1999 Page 2 Special Order of Business. continued Changes or improvements were reflected in lower taxes, reduced crime, less traffic congestion, and more revitalization and retail development. By in large, this indicates the City is moving in the right direction as most residents are concerned. A solid 96% rated the quality of life as excellent or good. About 35 % reported having a great deal of knowledge of the work performed by Council; 72 % approved of their performance and 5 % noted disapproval. Forty-six percent reported having contact with City staff, and 73 % rated staff as excellent or good. These ratings place the Council and staff in the top three communities across the Metro Area. Opinions about the tax climate have worsened somewhat, but that is typical across Ramsey County suburbs. Quality of drinking water and bad taste was mentioned by 20 %, snow and ice removal rated poor by 20%, and there was concern regarding street lighting. Crime was not a big issue, and vandalism and burglary were considered greatest public safety issues. A solid 88 % rated the parks as excellent or good. If a park bond referendum were held, 61 % favor the concept, however, intense support was not high enough to suggest passage. About 71 % felt the number of City-sponsored events/festivals as about right. Local newspapers, particularly the New Brighton Bulletin was regarded as the principle source of information about City government. In stating preference, 47% selected the City newsletter or mailings as the preferred method. In conclusion, what is striking is residents feel New Brighton is well governed, extremely efficient, good provider of services, great place to live, raise children, and retire, and regard Council and staff with respect. Benke thanked Council, staff and the Community for making these results possible. A more in-depth report will be presented at the March 13 Town Hall Meeting. City Planner Cary Teague presented the Crosson Limited Partnership/Kolstad Company request for Administrative Appeal to a staff decision requiring a Special Use Permit (SUP) to construct a 29,171 sq. ft. trailer repair operation at 600 Lakeview Point. Proposed uses involve assembly of special orders, trailer parts and equipment sales, accessory installation, general repair, and lease space. The SUP requirement reflects the issue that trailer repair is not specifically regulated under current zoning regulations. Council may permit any use in an industrial district by means of a SUP if standards are met, however, fabrication and large scale assembly uses are only allowed within the 1-2 Heavy Industrial District. On February 16, the Planning Commission considered the appeal, and recommends the SUP requirement. Chris Berndt, Kolstad attorney, confirmed that Kolstad does not engage in body repair or engine rebuilding, but performs preventive maintenance. Trailers will be stored on a site which is consistent with the current permitted truck terminal/yard usage. Kolstad intends to construct an attractive building with landscaping. Special Order of Business Community Survey Report 99-03 8 Administrative Appeal - Kolstad Report 99-039