2 Reorganization Issues CITYOF
CHAN EN
690 Cig Center Drive, PO Box I47
Chanhassen, Min,esota 55317
Phoue 612.937.1900
General £,x 612. 937.5739
Engineering Fax 6IZ 937.9152
?ublic $~0' Fax 612.934.2524
Web wwu:ci, cha,bassen, m,. us
MEMORANDUM
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
SUB J:
Mayor and City Council
Todd Gerhardt, Acting City Manager
January 28, 1999
Reorganization Issue
City council and staff plans to sit down at 6:30 p.m. to discuss and brainstorm
ideas regarding potential reorganization issues at city hall. I plan on presenting
two options at Monday night's meeting. Included as part of these reorganization
issues is how the Board of Adjustments and Appeals will be assigned. Attached is
staff's survey of how area communities hear variance requests.
ATTACHMENT
1. Board of Adjustments Survey.
g:\admin\tg\boasurvey.doc
The City o£ Chanhassen. A erowing community with clean lakes, aualitv schools, a cha~rnin~ downtown, thriving businesses, and beauti~d oarks. A ~reat olace to live. work. and olay.
CITYOF
690 Ci{y Center Dfive, £O Box 147
Chanhassen, Minnesota 55317
Phone 612.93Z 1900
General Fax 612937.5739
£ngi,eedng Fax 612.93Z 9152
?~tblic Safeq Fax' 612.934.2524
Web www. ci.d~anhasse,.mn.,s
MEMORANDUM
TO:
Todd Gerhardt, Acting City Manager
FROM:
Cynthia Kirchoff, Pl.anner I
DATE
January28,1999
SUB J:
Board of Adjustments and Appeals
The City Council has requested that staff contact other communities to determine
what body hears variance requests. Andover, Anoka, Bloomington, Minnetonka,
Plymouth and Shakopee were contacted. In all of the cities, the planning
commission hears variance requests. In all but Shakopee and Minnetonka the
council must approve the request.
Relevant ordinances from Plymouth and Shakopee are located in Attachment 2.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Chanhassen City Code Section 20-28. Board of Adjustments and Appeals
2. Plymouth and Shakopee Board of Adjustment ordinances
The Gty o£ Cha,hassen. A o'owin¢ community with clean lakes, aualitv schools, a cha,,ine downtow,, thrivin~ businesses, and beauti~d oarks. A ~reat dace to live, work. a,d oI~
'§ 20-28
CHANHASSEN CITY CODE
Sec. 20-28. Board of adjustments and appeals.
(a) There is created a board of adjustments and appeals which shall consist of three (3)
xegular members and one (1) alternate member all of whom shall be appointed by the city
council. Three (3) members of the board shall constitute a quorum. The alternate member may
vote only ifa regular member is absent from the board meeting. The board shall serve without
~:ompensation. Its members shall serve a term of one (1) year beginning on the first day of
Jan,_,_-ry or until their successors are appointed. The board shall select one (1) of its members
as chairperson and appoint a secretary who may, but need not, be one (1) of its members.
Co) Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes section 462.357, subdivision 6. The board shall have
the following powers:
Supp. No. 8 1158.10
ZONING § 20.29
(1) To hear and decide appeals where it is alleged that there is an error in any order,
requirement, decision or determination made by a city employee in the administra-
tion of this chapter.
12) To hear requests for variances from the provisions of this chapter which are not made
in conjunction with platting, site plan review, conditional use or interim use permit.
application.
(Ord. No. 80, Art. III, § 1, 12-15-86; Ord. No. 131, § 1, 7-9-90)
State law reference-Board of adjustment and appeals, M.S. § 462.354, subd. 2.
Sec. 20-29. Board of adjustments variance and appeal procedures.
(a) Form; fee. Appeals and applications for variances shall be filed with the zoning
~dministrator on prescribed forms. A fee, as established by the city council, shall be paid upon
the filing of an application. The board of adjustments and appeals may waive the application
fee in unusual circumstanceso
(b) Hearing. Upon the filing of an appeal or application for variance, the zoning adminis-
trator shall set a time and place for a hearing before the board of adjustments and appeals on
such appeal or application, which hearing shall be held within thirty (30) days after the filing
of said appeal or application. At the hearing the board shall hear such persons as wish to be
heard, either in person or by attorney or agent. Notice of such hearing shall be mailed not less
than ten (10) days before the date of hearing to the person who filed the appeal or application
for variance, and, in the case of an application for variance, to each owner of property situated
wholly or partially Within five hundred (500) feet of the property to which the variance
application relates~ The names and addresses of such owners shall be determined 'by the
=oning administrator from records provided by the applicant~
(c) Decisions of the board. The board shall be empowered to decide appeals and grant
wariances only when the decision of the board is by a unanimous vote. A simple majority vote
or split vote by the board shall serve only as a recommendation to the city council, who shall
then make the final determination on the appeal or variance request within thirty (30) days
~ffter receipt of the board's action. The board shall act upon all appeals and variance requests
within fifteen (15) days after the date of the close of the required hearing.
{d) Appeal from decisions of board. A city council member, the applicant, or any aggrieved
person may appeal such decision to the city council by £fling an appeal, with the zoning
administrator within four (4) days after the date of the board's decision°
(e) Council action. 'By majority vote, the city council may reverse, affirm or modify,
wholly or partly, the decision appealed from the board, and to that end' the city council shall
~have all the powers of the board. The council shall decide all appeals within thirty (30) days
after the date of the required hearing thereon.
.(f) Action wit. hout-decisior~ tf~o decision is transmitted by the board to the city council
within sixty (60) clays from the date an appeal or variance request is filed with the zoning
Supp. No. 3
1159
JAN-26-1999
§1
13:52 612 445 6718 P.02/05
SEC. 11.82. PLANNING COMMISSION.
Subd. t. Powers and Dufie._s. The Planning Commission shall provide assistance to the City
Council in the administration of this Chapter, and shall review all matters referred to them,
including land acquisitions and dispositions, and capita! improvements. The Planning Commission
shall review and hold public hearings on all applications for official mapping requests,
comprehensive plan amendments, and zoning ordinance amendments using the criteria set forth
in this ordinance.
_S. ubd. 2.. Actions. The Planning Commission shall make recommendations to the City Council
on items before it within a reasonable time or such time as shall be presorfbed by statute or
ordinance. Failure by the Planning Commission to make a recommendation within the required
period shall be deemed to be a denial if the delay is appealed by the applicant. The Planning
Commission may condition its recommendation in order to effe~ the intent of this ordinance. The
Planning Commission shall accompany its recommendation to deny an application with a
statement of its findings regaling the matter,
Subd. 3. City Cou_n..c_J_l_.Revlew. The City Council may adopt, modify or reject the
recommendation of the Planning Commission by vote of a simple majority of those present, unless
otherwise required by statute or this ordinance.
Sub_d.,__4..., La_nd__Accluisittons and Dispositions, and Capital ,improvements. Prior to the
acquisition or disposition of a publicly owned interest* in real property within the City, or the
authorization of any capital improvement, the Planning Commission shall reviewed the proposed
acquisition, disposition, or capital improvement for compliance with the Comprehensive Plan. This
requirement applies to proposed acquisition, dispositions, and capital improvements by the City
or a special district or agency thereof, or any other political subdivision which has jurisdiction
'within the City. The Planning Commission shall report its findings in writing to the appropriate
City, district, agency, or political subdivision within 45 days. Failure of the Planning Commission
to report on the proposal within 45 days, or such other period as may be designated by the City
Council, shall be deemed an approval. The City Council may dispense with the requirements of
this paragraph when, in its judgment, it finds that the proposal has no relationship to the
comprehensive plan.
Subd._$. Offic!al Maps. For the purpose of can'ying out the policies of the major thoroughfare
plan and the community facilities plan, the Planning Commission may recommend to the City
Council a proposed official map coveting all or a part of the City. The Official map shall identify
land needed for future public uses. The City Council may, after holding a public hearing, adopt
and amend the official map by ordinance. A notice of the time, place and purpose of the hearing
shall be published in the official newspaper at least ten days prior to the date of the heating. The
official map or maps shall be prepared in sufficient detail to permit the establishment of the future
acquisition lines on the ground. The accuracy of the future acquisition lines shall be attested to
by a registered land surveyor. After adoption, a copy of the official map, or sections thereof with
a copy of the adopting ordinance attached, shall be filed with the County Recorder.
Subd. 6. Comprehensive Plan. The Planning Commission may recommend to the City Council
the adoption and amendment from time to time of a comprehensive plan. The comprehensive
plan may be prepared and adopted in sections, each of which relates to a major subject of the
plan or to a major geographical section of the City. The City Council may propose the
comprehensive plan and amendments to it, by resolution submitted to the Planning Commission.
1404
Before adopting the comprehensive plan or any section or amendment of the plan, the Planning'
Commission shall hold at least one public hearing thereon. A notice of the time, place and
purpose of the hearing shall be published once in the official newspaper of the City at least ten
days before the day of the hearing. A proposed comprehensive plan or an amendment to it may
not be acted upon by the City Council until it has received the recommendation of the Planning
Commission or until 60 days have elapsed from the date an amendment proposed by the City
Council has been submitted to the Planning Commission for its recommendation. The City Council
may by resolution by a two-thirds vote of all its members adopt and amend the comprehensive
plan or portion thereof. (Ord. 251, August 26, 1988; Ord. 337, July 23, 1992; Ord. 377, July 7,
19 4)
SEC..11.83. ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENTS.
.S, ubd. 1. Initiation, An amendment to the zoning ordinance may be initiated by the City Council,
by the Planning Commission, or by application from an affected property owner. Amendments
may be in the form of changes to the text of the zoning ordinance or changes to the zoning map.
All amendments shall promote the public health, safety, and welfare and be consistent with the
comprehensive plan.
Sub.d, :~. Criteria for G.ranfl. nq a zonin~:l Ordinance Amendment~ The City Council may grant
a zoning ordinance amendment when it finds that one or more of the following criteria exists:
A, that the odginal zoning ordinance is in error;
B, that significant changes in community goals and policies have taken place;
that significant changes in City-wide or neighborhood development patterns have
occurred; or
D. that the comprehensive plan requires a different provision.
An amendment involving a planned unit development or a floodplain overlay zone also must meet
the criteria set forth below for that zone.
Subd. 3. Application for Change to Zonin_q..Map~ An application for a change to the zoning
map may be made by the owner of the property, and shall be submitted to the Zoning
Administrator on forms provided I~y the City, The application shall be accompanied by the
following:
a map or plat of the property and the land within 350 feet thereof;
a list of the names and addresses of the owners of all properties located wholly or
partially within 350 feet of the property as such appear on the records of the Scott.
County Recorder,
C. evidence of ownership or an interest in the property;
the fee. When the request is for the addition ar deletion cf an overlay zone, the
Zoning Administrator may request that the applicant deposit an additional amount up
-te.$~ ~000:00 forplanning, engineering, adrninistmtive, and legal expenses incurred by
the City for the review and processing of the application, if the Zoning Administrator
1405
~N-26-1~9~ ~:5~ 61~ 4~5 6718 P~04/05
§11.84
B. Shoreland Overlay Zone. A copy of any approved zoning amendment affecting land
within the shoreland overlay zone shall be sent to the Commissioner of the MJn.nesota
Depaffment of Natural Resources within 10 days after final action or approval
Subd._6. Real31311cation_. No amendment which is denied wholly or in part by the City Council
shall be resubmitted for a period of slx (6) months from the date of denial, except on grounds of
new evidence or change of conditions.
Subd. 7~_Amendment tp the Comprehensive Plan. Any amendment to the zoning' map granted
by the City Council Shall automatically amend the Comprehensive Plan.
_S_ubd. 8. (Deleted, Ord. 480, April 24, 1997)
Subd. 9. '..Sr~eclal Pro_v. tsions for_F_!_oodp_!ain Overlay Zones. In addition to the oriteria required
for any change to the ~;~-n[ng map, all of the following criteria must be found to exist for before the
floodplain overlay zone can be removed from any land:
A. any one of the following conditions is satisfied:
the odginal map was in error;,
the area has been filled to or above the elevation of the regional flood and Is
contiguous to lands outside the floodplain; or
the Commissioner of the Department of Natural Resources has granted a
special exception to this rule because the Commissioner determined that,
through other measures, lands are adequately protected for the intended use;
the amendment has been submitted to and approved by the Commissioner of the
Department of Natural Resources; and
the amendment meets the Federal Emergency Management Agency technical
conditions and criteria, and has received the approval of the Federal Emergency
Management Agency. (Ord. 31, October 25, 1979; Ord. 246, June 17, 1988; Ord.
377, July 7, 1994)
SEC. 1'1.84, BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT AND APPEALS.
Subd. 1. Powem and Duties. The Board of Adjustment and Appeals shall have the following
powers and duties:
A. to hear requests for conditional use permits;
Bo
to hear requests far variances which are not closely related to a land use application
requiring consideration by the Planning Commission and City Council;
tO hear and decide appeals where it is alleged that there is an error in any order,
requirement, decision or determination made by the Zoning Administrator or any other
person in the enforcement of this Chapter;,
1407
61~ 445 6718
§11.84
D.
to hear and decide requests for expansion of an existing use or structure,'
reconstruction of a partially destroyed structure, constru~on of a new structure, or
other intensification of a Type B nonconformity, as set forth in Sec. 11.91 of this
Chapter;, and
to hear requests for shared parking plans, cooperative pa~dng plans, and shared
driveways.
Subd,..,2.~meedures. The Board of Adjustment and Appeals shall conduct a public hearing on
~i -conditional use penllits, variances, and appeals before it. Notioe of the public hearing shall I~e
published in the official newspaper once at least 10 days before the hearing, Any matter fnvolving
a variance also shall require mailed notice at least 10 days before the hearing to the applicant and
the owners of all property located wholly or partially within 350 feet of the property for which the
variance is requested. The Board shall within a reasonable time make a decision regarding any
matter before it by adopting findings and shall serve a copy of its decision upon the applicant by
mail.
Subd. 3. Combi_ne_d_ Parkin; Facilities. The Board of Adjustment and Appeals shall review
applications for shared parking plans and cooperative parking plans for compliance with the
requirements of See. 11.61 of this Chapter. The Board shall approve a shared parking plan or a
cooperative parking plan when it finds that such parking plan provides sufficient parking to meet
the intent of this Chapter, and is not detrimental to the owners and occupants of the surrounding
property.
.S.ub.d..4,. Sham. d__D_t[ve.w_ay_s_._ The Board of Adjustment and Appeals shall review applications
for shared driveways for compliance with the requirements of Sec. 11.62 of this Chapter. The
Board shall approve a shared driveway when it finds that the application meets the intent of this
Chapter and is not detrimental to the owners and occupants of the affected property. (Ord. 377,
July 7, 1994)
(The ne~ page is t431.)
page ~ ~ 1~7
1408
12:19 PLYMOUTH COMMUNITY DEUELOPMENT
PLYMOUTH ZONING OP-.DINANCE
SECTION 21030 - ADMINISTRATe[ON - VARIANCE~S
21030.01. PURPOSE: The purpose of this section is to provide for deviations from the
literal provisions of this Chapter in instances where their strict entbrcement would cause undue
hardship because of circumstances unique to the individual property under consideration, and
to grant such variances only when it is demonstrated that such actions will be in keeping with
the spirit and intent of this Chapter.
21030.02. BOARD OF ZONING ADJUSTMENTS AND APPEALS:
Subd. 1. Board Designation. The City Council shall act as the Board of Zoning
Adjustments and Appeals.
21030.03. REViEW CRITERIA:
Subd, 1, The Board and Zoning Administrator shall not approve any variance
application (major or minor) unless they find failure to grant the variance will result in undue
hardship on the applicant, and, as may be applicable, alt of the following criteria have been
met:
(a) That because of the particular physical surroundings, shape, or topographical
conditions of the specific parcel of land involved, a particular hardship to the owner
would result, as distinguished from a mere inconvenience, if the strict letter of the
regulations were to be carried out.
(b) That the conditions upon which a petition for a variation is based are urfique to
the parcel of land for which the variance is sought and are not applicable, generally, to
other property within the same zoning classification,
(c) That the purpose of 'the variation is not based exclusively upon a desire to
increase the value or income potential of the parcel of land.
(d) That the alleged difficulty or hardship is caused by this Chapter and has not
been created by any persons having an interest in the parcel of land and is not a self-
created hardship.
(e) That the granting of the variation will not be detrimental to the public welfare
' d
or injurious to other land or improvements in the ne~ghborhoo in which the parcel of
land is locatecl.
21030-1
01726/99 12:19 PLYMOUTH COMMUNITY DEUELOPMENT a 993?5?39 N0.014
PLYMOUTH ZONING ORDINANCE
(f) That {:he proposed variation will not impair an adequate supply of light and air
to adjacent property, or substantially increase the congestion of the public streets, or
increase the danger of fire, or endanger the public safety, or substantially diminish or
impair property values within the neighborhood.
(g) That the requested variance is the minimum action required to eliminate the
hardship.
21030.04. PROCEDURES: Purs'uan£ to Minnesota Statutes 15,99, an application for a
variance shall be approved or denied within sixty (60) days from the date of its official and
complete submission unless extended pursuant to Statute or a time waiver is granted by the
applicant. If applicable, processing of the application through required state or federal
agencies shall extend the review and decision-making period an additional sixty (60) days
unless this limitation is waived by the applicant. Additional City requkements are as follows:
Subd. 1. Classifications,
(a) Minor Variance.
(1) Purpose. The purpose of this section is to provide for an expeditious
method of processing variance requests which are defined as minor.
(2) Qualification.
a. Cases where hardship to existing buildings or platted property are
created as a result of public action or change in ordinance standards.
b. Structure or setback deviations which are characteristic of and
coimnon to neighboring uses and which do not exceed a twenty-five (25)
percent departure from any standard of this Chapter as applied to a
specific piece of property.
c. A minor variance procedure shall not be applicable or include
any proposals involving signage, fencing, shoreland, wetland, or
floodplain.
(b) Major Variances. All variances which are not classified as "minor" shall be
deemed "major" variances.
Subd. 2. Processing.
(a) Minor ¥~rrfimces.
(1) Requests for a variance shall be filed with the Zoning Administrator on
an official application form. Such application shall be accompanied by a fee as
21030-2
01/~?/99 08~41 PL¥~UYH COHHUN~T¥ D~LO~H~N~ ~ 99~?~?~9 N0.001 ~0~
PLYMOUTH ZONING ORDINANCE
set 'forth by the City Code. This tee shall not be refunded. The application
shall be considered as being officially submitted complete when the applicant
has complied with all the specified informational requirements, which shall
include the ibllowing:
a. A written description of the request for the minor variance,
including an explanation of compliance with 'the variance criteria set
forth in this 'section.
b. Supporting materials, as outlined in Section 21045.07 of this
Chapter, as determined by the Zoning Administrator as applicable to be
necessary for the complete and clear definition and understanding of the
request.
(2) The Zoning Administrator shall have the authority to request additional
information from the applicant concerning operational factors or to retain expert
testimony with the consent .and at the expense of the applicant concerning
operational factors, said information to be declared necessary to establish
performance conditions in relation to all pertinent sections of this Chapter.
(3) When appropriate, the Zoning Administrator shall instruct the
appropriate staff persons to prepare technical reports.
(4) The Board shall grant to the Zoning Administrator the right to approve
the minor variance upon determining that thc. criteria outlined in Section
21030.03, Sub& 1 have been satisfactorily met.
(5) Notice of such minor variance approval shall be sent by the Zoning
Administrator to all adjoining property owners within two hundred (200) feet of
the boundary of the property in question.
(6) The notice shall specify that any written objections to the approved
minor variance be received by the Zoning Administrator within fourteen (14)
days of the mailing. If any written objection of a substantive nature is received
within Iburteen (14) days and is unresolved between the author and the Zoning
Administrator, the final approval of the requested minor variance, as well as
any minor variance which is rejected by the Zoning Administrator, shall be
referred to the Board and proceed according to the provisions of Section
21030.04,, Subd. 2.(b) of this Chapter.
(b) Major Variances.
~(t) 'Requests for a major variance .shall be filed with .the Zo.'.aing
Administrator on an official application form, Such application shall be
accompanied by a fee as set forth by the City Code. This fee shall not be
refunded. The application shall be considered as being officially submitted
21030-3
01/27/09 08:41 PLYMOUTH COItMUNITY DEUELOPMENT a 993?5?39 N0.001 Q03
PLYMOUTH ZONING ORDINANCE
complete when the applicant has complied with all the specified informational
requirements, which shall include the following:
a. A written description of the request for the major variance,
including an explanation of compliance with the variance criteria set
forth i.n this section.
b. Supporting materials, as outlined in Section 21045.07 of this
Chapter, as determined by the Zoning Administrator as applicable to be
necessary for the complete and clear definition and understanding of the
request.
(2) Upon receipt of a complete application, as determined by staff review,
and following preliminary staff analysis oi' the application and request, the
Zoning Administrator, when appropriate, shall establish a time and place for
consideration by the Planning Conunission. At least ten (10) days before the
date of the meeting, a written notice of the meeting shall be mailed to the
applicant and to all other owners of property located within two hundred (200)
feet of the boundaries of the property which is the subject of the application.
(3) Failure of a property owner to receive notice shall not invalidate any
such proceedings as set forth within this Chapter.
(~) The Zoning Administrator shall instruct the appropriate staff persons to
prepare technical reports where appropriate, and provide general assistance in
preparing a recommendation on the action to the Board.
(5) The Planning Commission and Zoning Administrator shall have the
authority to request additional information from the applicant concerning
operational factors or to retain expert testimony with the consent and at the
expense of the applicant concerning operational factors, said information to be
declared necessary to establish performance conditions in relation to all
pertinent sections of 'this Chapter.
(6) The applicant or a representative thereof may appear before the Planning
Commission in order to present and answer que$tions concerning the proposed
request.
(7) The Planning Commission shall make a finding of fact and make a
recommendation on such actions or conditions relating to the request as they
deem necessary to carry out the purpose of this Chapter. Such
recommendations shall 'be in writing and accompanied by the report and
.recommendation-of the City staff.
(8) The Board shall not act upon the request until they have received a
report and recommendation from the Planning Commission and the City staff or
21030~4
01/27/99 08:41 PLYMOUTH COMMUNITY DEUELOPMENT a S9375739 N0.00t Q04
PLYMOUTH
ZONING ORDINANCE
until sixty (60) days after the first regular Planning Commission meeting at
which the request was considered.
(9) Upon receiving the report and recommendation of the Planning
Commission and the City staff, the City Manager shall schedule the application
for consideration by the Board. Such reports and recommendations shall be
entered in and made part of the permanent written record of the Board meeting.
(10) Upon receiving the report and recoramendation of the Planning
Commission and the City staff, 'the Board shall have the option to set and hold a
public hearing if deemed necessary and shall make a recorded finding of fact
and may impose any condition they considered necessary to protect the public
health, safety and welfare,
(11) If, upon receiving said reports and recommendations of the Planning
Commission and City staff, the Board finds that specific inconsistencies exist in
the review process and thus the final determination of the Board will differ from
that of the Planning Commission, the Board may, before taking final action,
refer the matter back to the Planning Commission for further consideration.
The Board shall provide the Planning Commission with a written statement
detailing the specific reasons for referral. This procedure shall be followed
only one time on a singular action.
(12) Approval of a request shall require passage by a majority vote of the
entire Board.
(13) In granting any major variance under the provisions of this section, the
Board shall designate such conditions in connection therewith as will, in its
opinion, secur~ substantially the objectives of the regulations or provisions to
which the adjustment or variance is granted, as to light, air, and the public
health, safety, comfort, convenience and general welfare.
(14) In all cases where major variances are granted under the provisions of
this section, the Board shall, require such evidence and guarantee as it may deem
necessary to insure compliance with the conditions designated in connection
therewith.
(15) The Zoning Administrator shall serve a copy of the final order of the
Board upon the petitioner by mail.
(16) Whenever an application for a major variance has been considered and
denied by the Board, a similar application for a variance affecting substantially
-the same-property shall not be considered again by the Planning Commission or
Board for at least six (6) months from the d~ite of its denial; and a subsequent
application affecting substantially the same property shall likewise not be
considered again by the Planning Commission or Board for an additional six (6)
21030-5
01/27/9c~ 08:41 PLYI"~OUTH COHMUNIT¥ DEUELOPMENT + 99375739 ~,1;-~,001 [P05
PLYMOUTH ZONING ORDINANCE
months from the date of the second denial unless a decision to reconsider such
matter is made by a majorit3' vote of 'the full Board.
21030,05. APPEAL OF BOARD RULING: Any person or persons, any private or
public board, or taxpayer of the City aggrieved by any decision of the Board shall have the
right to seek review of thc decision with a court of record in the manner provided by the laws
of th~ State of Minnesota, and particularly Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 462, as such statutes
may be from time to time amended, supplemented or replaced.
21030.06. EXPIRATION: Unless the Board specifically approves a different time when
action is officially taken on the request, approvals which have been issued under the provisions
of this section shall expire without further action by the Plarming Commission or the Board,
unless the applicant commences the authorized use or improvement within one (1) year of the
date thc variance is issued; or, unless before the expiration of the one (1) year period; the
applicant shall apply for an extension thereof by completing and submitting a request for
extension, including thc renewal fee as set forth ir~ the City Code, The request tbr extension
shall state facts showing a good faith attempt to complete or utilize the approval permitted in
the variance. A request for an extension not exceeding one (1) year shall, be subject ro the
review and approval of the Zoning Administrator. On matters involving a major variance
approval, should a second extension of time or any extension of time longer than one (1) year
be requested by the applicant, it shall be presented to the Planning Commission for a
recormnendation and to the Board for a decision.
21030.07. SITE IMPROVEMENT PERFORMANCE AGREEMENT AND
FINANCIAL GUARANTEE: Following the approval of a variance as required by this
Section and prior to the issuing of any building permits or the commencing of any work, the
applicant as may be applicable shall guarantee to the City the completion of all private exterior
amenities as shown on the approved site plan and as required by the variance approval. The
guarantee shall be made by means of a site improvement performance agreement and a
financial guarantee as specified in Section 2104:5 of this Chapter.
21030.08. CERTIFICATION OF TAXES PAID: Prior to approving an application for
a variance (major or minor), the applicant shall provide certification to the City that there are
no delinquent property taxes, special assessments, interest, or City utility fees due upon the
parcel of land to which the variance application relates.
21030-6
Finance Department
· Auditors from Tautges, Redpath LLP
were in the week of January 25th for the
interim audit. The final audit is sched-
uled tobegin the week of May 17.
o The finance staff is busy woking out all
the kinks in the new financial system.
We've had some problems printing
payroll checks and notice of deposits,
that we now hope has been resolved.
We've also resolved some issues with
the accounts payable/financial manage-
mere system and hope to be printing
accounts payable by the end of the week
for 1998 and 1999 payables.
Park & Recreation Department
~, Todd~Hoffman asked that I respond to
a question:from:the.city council
regarding flyer distribution. The
department's "flyer distribution list" is
attached. All programs that are spon-
sored solely by the depamnent are
advertised in all schools when age
appropriate. "Club Mid" is an after
school program sponsored by the Cities
ofChanhassen, Chaska, Victoria,
Community Education 112, and School
District 112. The program offers kids the
opportunity to join different after school
clubs and events. There will be a ski trip
going to Afion Alps on Friday, February
19. In this case, flyers have been
distributed to District 112 schools only.
o On January 22 repairs were made to a
broken watermain at the intersection of
Pleasant View Road and Powers
Boulevard. A portion of the newly
constructed retaining wall (1998 trail
project) was undermined in order to
carry ont the repairs. Soils at the point
of repair will settle upon spring'thaw.
The Park & Recreation Department is
investigating protective measures which
could be carried out to help ensure the
integrity of the wall.
U dates from City Hall--January 27, 1999
Public Safety Department
· Wayne Wenzlaffwas recently denied a
permit to carry a handgun by the city
attorney's office. Wayne was in and
spoke with Public Safety about the
decision, and has said he will fight to get
that decision reversed.
· Last week Mark, Greg, Bob and Kerri
completed recertification as Emergency
Medical Technicians. The 3~day class
consisted of practical exams as well as the
state written exam.
· Recently the Public Safety Dept. was
informed that the technology grant applied
for by the City of Chaska, Carver County,
and Chanhassen was approved. This
grant would fund mobile data terminals in
Bob, Kerri, and Henry's cars so that they
could be on-line with Carver County.
When a call is received at Carver County,
dispatch would radio our officers with the
type of call and address. Our officers
would then receive the detailed informa-
tion about the call on the computer. The
computer would also be used to mn
registrations and complete reports.
Chanhassen would have to provide a
$12,500 match to receive this grant. This
was not a 1999 budgeted expense and
therefore this item would have to be
scheduled for a future city council meeting
for consideration.
Public Works/Engineering
· Test pumping was completed on Well No.
8 on January 25.
· A continuation of the TH 212 discussion
from the December 7th work session is
scheduled for February 16 at 5:00 p.m.
Submittal of specific questions/issues
which council would like addressed would
be helpful in scheduling the appropriate
personnel from other agencies and
ensuring a productive work session.
Please email me (chctyeng~ci.chan-
hassen.mn.us) or call me at 937-1900 ext.
156 at your earliest convenience.
· Southwest Corridor Transportation
Coalition meeting to be held February
12 from 8:00-9:30 a.m. atthe
Chanhassen Rec Center to meet with
newly appointed commissioner Elwyn
Tinklenberg to discuss coalition
projects and the new Highway 212
Corridor. Coalition members will also be
updated on the MOU designated to
coordinate the efforts of regional and
local officials to complete the new
Highway 212.
· Trunk Highway 101 North of TH 5:
The preliminary proposals for TH 101
were presented to the Eden Prairie City
Council on January 19. It is anticipated
that the project management team will
be meeting in the near future to discuss
details of the public meetings which are
expected to occur in the next 30-60
days.
· The January 26th ice storm required 3-
4 times the normal salt/sand distribu-
tion to maintain safe road conditions.
Planning Department
· The Southwest Coalition of cities has
been meeting to draft an issue paper
regarding the governance of the
Metropolitan Council. This is an issue
~aper to provide some alternatives
including pros and cons.
· Attached is a copy of an Informational
Packet conceming the Suburban Transit
Association. This information was
provided by Tom Poul ofMesserli &
Kramer and contains sta,istical informa-
tion for member transit service providers
and Met Council transit service statis-
tics.
Administration
· The city council expressed interest in
joining the 1-494 Corridor Commission.
Anita requested information from Lisa
Raduenz, L JR, Inc. regarding membership
and a membership roster. Attached is Mr.
Raduenz's response. If the council wishes
to join this commission, this item should be
placed on a future council agenda. The
annual dues are $1,950 (population x 10
cents).
Attached is an updated work session
schedule.
· The bill for First System Technology was
hired to "repair" the telemetry system that
draws information from all of our 36 utility
sites. This item was included in the Five
Year Capital Improvement Program for 1998
on page 139, SCADA System annual
maintenance.
· The bill that stated "siren repair" was not
a repair, but was a part of the installation of
the sirens.
FLYER DISTRIBUTION LIST
September 18, 1998
School:
Address:
Phone:
Contact Person:
Instructions:
Bluff Creek Elementary
2300 Coulter Blvd
Chanhassen, MN 55317
470-6915
Karen ,Terri
1 st Thursday of month distribute flyers.
Class Sizes: 4th 5~28
K 5th 5~28
1st5~28 6th __
2aa5~28 7th --
3rd5~28 xtra 1~28
In Bulk Total: 728
School:
Address:
Phone:
Contact Person:
Instructions:
Chanhassen Elememary
7600 Laredo Drive
Chanhassen, MN 55317
934-5246
Faye or Sue
Drop off Monday.
Class Sizes: 4th 5 ~ 30
K -- 5th 5 ~ 30
1st 5 ~ 30 6th --
2aa 5 ~ 30 7th --
3ra 5 ~ 30 8th --
Go out Tuesday a.m. Total: 750
School:
Contact:
Phone:
School:
Contact:
Phone:
Chaska Middle School-East
Darlene,Mary
448-8700
Chaska Middle School-West
Kay
448-8611
Class Sizes:
East 56~18
West 63~18
Total:
2142
School:
Address:
Phone:
Contact Person:
Instructions:
Clear Springs Elementary
5701 Highway 101
Minnetonka, MN 55345
934-3993
Can only post flyers.
Class Sizes: 4th --
K -- 5th --
1st __ 6th __
2nd __ 7th __
3ra __ 8th __
Total: 10
School:
Address:
Phone:
Contact Person:
Instructions:
Early Childhood Center
110600 Village Road
Chaska, MN 55318
368-3101
Midge,Barb
Need flyers on Wednesday
Class Sizes:
K 13 ~45
K 2~25
6th
7th
8th
Total:
635
School:
Address:
Phone:
ContactPerson:
Instructions:
Excelsior Elementary
441 Oak Street
Excelsior, MN 55331
474-2564
'lVIary Landberg
Class Sizes: 4th 101
K 102 5th 86
1st 95 6th ~-
2nd 108 7th --
3~'a 101 8t~ -
Total: 593
593 Bulk or 450 for 1 flyer per family
School:
Address:
Phone:
Contact Person:
Instructions:
Jonathan Elementary
110300 Jonathan Blvd.
Chaska, MN 55318
448-8720
Sue,Ann
Class Sizes: 4th
K 5th
1st 5 ~ 30 6th
2[]a 5 ~ 30 7th
3rd 5 ~ 30 xtra
Total:
26 packets of 30 in 1 stack/don't separate
5@30
5@30
1@30
78O
School:
Address:
Phone:
Contact Person:
Instructions:
Minnetonka Intermediate
6421 Hazeltine Blvd.
Excelsior, MN 55331
906-2509 (district office)
Sue Smith
Class Sizes: 4th
K -- 5th
1st __ 6th
2nd _0 7th
3ra __ 8th
Total:
School:
Address:
Phone:
Contact Person:
Instructions:
Minnewashta Elementary
26350 Smithtown Road
Excelsior, MN 55331
474-5241
625 Bulk
Drop off Mondays & flyers go out Weds.
Class Sizes: 4th
K 5th
1st 6th
2nd 7th
3rd 8th
Total:
625
School:
Address:
Phone:
Contact Person:
Instructions:
St. Hubert's School
306 West 78th Street
Chanhassen, MN 55317
934-6003
Jane Schindler
Class Sizes: 4th 2 ~ 30
K 3 ~ 18 5th 2 ~ 30
1st 2 ~ 30 6th 8
2n~l 2 ~ 30 7th ~
3ra 2 ~ 30 8th 18
Total: 498
School:
Address:
Phone:
Contact Person:
Instructions:
St. John's Catholic School
680 Mill Street
Excelsior, MN 55331
474-5812
Class Sizes: 4th 20
K 30 5th 10
1st 25 6th --
2nd 25 7th
3rd 25 8th
Total: 135
School:
Address:
Phone:
Contact Person:
Instructions:
Chapel Hill Academy
306 w. 78th Street
Chanhassen, MN 55331
974-0813
Annie
Bulk - need flyers by 3 p.m. on Thursdays
Class Sizes:
Total: 200
g:\park\jerry~FlyerDistributionCurrent
METROPOLITAN GOVERNANCE
A Drctft Issue4'aperfor Consideration by the
Minnesota State Legislature
INTRODUCTION:
This paper was prepared by representatives of the Southwestern Coalition of
Governments (the Coalition). The members of the Coalition have not officially adopted
this paper, but the members have authorized its distribution to the Legislature in order to
spark discussion of the alternatives for metropolitan governance.
OVERVIEW:
In recent years there has been continued and growing discussion about the need for the
Legislature to address perceived shortcomings in the current governance structure for the
Twin Cities Metropolitan Area. The discussion has largely been driven by three factors;
· The problems that have resulted from continued rapid growth in the counties lying
just outside the jurisdiction of the seven-county Metropolitan Council,
e The perception that an appointed Metropolitan Council structure is not sufficiently
accountable,
A desire to limit future "sprawl," and to make redevelopment and reinvigoration of
/he central cities and older, developed suburbs the focus future public investments.
A task force appointed by the Legislature in 1998 has already begun the discussion
regarding the problems associated with growth in the so-called "collar counties."
Outgoing.Metropolitan Council Chair Curt Johnson, in a December 1, 1998 address to
the Sensible Land Use Coalition (SLUC), further set the stage for legislative
consideration of the options available to address these problems. While a discussion of
those options is outside the scope of this paper, the Southwestern Coalition of
Communities (the Coalition) looks forward to having an active part in those discussions.
The Coalition believes that it is vitally important that the Legislature take a realistic look
at fne options available to address the perceived accountability problem with the current
Metropolitan Council structure. The Coalition further believes that a significantly revised
appointment process (as outlined below) would more effectively address the perceived
problem than the alternative most often discussed at the Legislature, i.e. an elected
Metropolitan Council.
ISSUE STATEMENT:
The seven-county Twin Cities Metropolitan Area (Metro Area) has a long history of
metropolitan governance and coordination. The establishment of the Metropolitan
Council -(-the <3ouncit) was a response to lack of planning, coordination, -and inequity in
the payment of costs for public infrastructure. The Council's role has been to plan for
· e orderly growth, development, and redevelopment of the Twin Cities Metropolitan
Area. Initially, separate regional operating agencies were established for airports,
sanitary sewers, and transit. Two years ago, the Legislature significantly changed these
structures by combining the operating agencies for sewers and transit into the
Metropolitan Council itself. However, throughout its existence, the Governor has
appointed the members of the Metropolitan Council, and they serve at the Governor's
pleasure.
While the Council's jurisdiction is still limited to the original seven counties, the
Minneapolis/St. Paul Standard Metropolitan Statistical Area (SMSA) has grown to about
23 counties. Continued growth in the adjacent collar counties has created pressures on
that these counties are unable to address on their own. Similarly, this "collar-county"
development results in increased pressures on Metro area roadways, transit and other
infrastructure which the Council, because of its limited jurisdiction, cannot effectively
mitigate. Until the issue of development ir~ collar counties is addressed these problems
and pressures will remain.
ALTERNATIVES:
Appointed Metropolitan Council:
Under this alternative, the Chairman and members of the Council would continue to be
appointed by the Governor. The Council would remain responsible for regional planning
and the operation of the regional sewer and transit systems~ Changes would be made in
:the method by ~vhich appointments are made:
Nomination committees would be established in each Council district°' The
committees would consist of representatives of the cities, counties and/or
townships located in the district. The committees would solicit candidates for
the district seat on the Council, and review applicationS for open seats.
The nominations committees would provide the govemor with a list of 2 - 4
candidates. The governor would be required to make the appointments from
the list(s) submitted by the committees.
2. Terms of office on the Council would be staggered,
Advantages:
o
An appointed Council is less overtly political than an elected Council.
By establishing nominations committees with substantial local representation,
and by requiring the governor to make appointments from the committees'
lists of candidates, a more direct connection to local constituencies would be
made. Thus, Council would become more accountable°
Staggering of terms on the Council would a) provide much needed continuity
on the Council, and b) make appointment less political and less subject to
dramatic shifts.
Disadvantages:
1. As an appointive body, the Council has less credibility at the Legislature.
Elected Metropolitan Counc#:
Under this alternative, separate Council districts would be established from which
Council members would be elected.
Advantages:
1. Makes Council members more directly accountable to voters in the individual
districts.
2. May give the Council's legislative agenda more credibility with the
Legislature.
Disadvantages:
3. Makes the Council a more overtly political body that, as a result, will likely be
less able to carry out its planning and coordinating role.
4. Creates a more formal, additional layer of government that further impinges
on the exercise of local autonomy at the city, county and school district levels.
Council of Governments:
Under this alternative a council, made up of representatives from local governments
throughout the Metropolitan Area, would be established to govern at the metropolitan
level.
Advantages:
1. Provides a high level of accountability to local government throughout the
Metropolitan Area.
Disadvantages:
1. Because of this regions long history of regional governance in a different
form, this alternative would have difficulty achieving legislative support.
2. Because of the size and complexity of such councils, positive action is
difficult to accomplish.
FINDING:
While each of the alternatives presented have some advantage(s), the first alternative, i.e.
a revised appointment process, can most effectively and readily address metropolitan
governance and accountability.
Jan-22-99 02:42P LJR. INC 6126904094
ILOOJILINGTON · EDEN PRAIRIE , EDINA · llAPL~ GROVE · MIHNETONKA · PLYMOU?H · RICHFIELD
P-02
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
RE:
1-494 CORRIDOR COMMISSION
8080 Mitchell Road * Eden Prairie MN 55344 · (612)699-,~228 · FAX 690-4094
Anita Benson. Engineer
City of Chanhasscn (FAX: 612-937-9152)
Lisa P, aduenz. L JR. Inc.
1/22/99
Chaxahass~n Interest in 1-494 Corridor Commission
Thanks for your phone message today regarding Chanhassen's interest in the 1-494
Corridor Commission. I thought I'd take the opportunity to give you some information
about the membership of the Corridor Commission, its structure and our work plan.
The 1-494 Corridor Commission has seven municipal members--the cities of
Bloomington, Eden Prairie, Edina, Maple Grove, Mirmetonka, Plymouth and Richfield.
Five o[' these cities began the Joint Powers Organization (JPO) in 1986; the two
remaining cities, Plymouth and Maple Grove, joined in 1993.
Because of its structure as a Joint Powers Organization, each of the members of the
Corridor Commission pays annual dues of 10 cents per capita. These local monies arc
used to match a federal Congestion Mitigation Air Quality (CMAQ) grant that has been
obtained thxough thc Metropolitan Comxcil until the year 2003. Meetings of thc 1-494
Corridor Commission are not open to the public. A staff'person and one elected official
represent their city on the Commission's Board of Directors.
We are beginning a new biennial work plan in January 1999 that focuses on transit and
HOV improvements for 1-494 and a long-term plan for advancing the reconstructio~
plans of 1-494 as detailed in the 1993 Environmental Impact Statement (ELS). At the
present time the reconstruction of 1-494 has been dropped as a project on MnDOT's 20
Year Plan duc to its estimated $1 billion pricctag. The Corridor Commission's goal is to
find ways in which reconstruction can still occur, even if staged, and how to improve
capacity along 1-494 by the use of transit, HOV and TDM techniques.
LJR is the consultant hired by the Corridor Commission to oversee and implement its
work plan and manage the organization. You can reach me at our St. Paul office, (651)
227-1905, if you have any further questions or need more information,
Thanks for your interest in the 1-494 Corridor Commission.
1999 City Council Work Sessions
January 4, 1999 · No meeting
5:30p. m.
Courtyard Conference Room
January 19, 1999, Tuesday · Noise Study, Lewis Engineering in Chaska (Kate) 30 minutes
5:30p. m. · Appointments to the Board of Adjustments & 15 minutes
Courtyard Conference Room Appeals, Planning Commission, & Southwest
Metro Transit (Kate)
· Fire Department Pension 1 hour
· Accounts Payable from January 11, 1999 mtg. i hour
· Eastern Carver County Collaborative Study
· Review meeting schedule
February 1, 1999 · Review 1999 Budget Detail/Reserve Accounts 5:00-6:30 p.m.
5:OOp. m. · Reorganization Issues 6:30
City Council Chambers
February 16, 1999, Tuesday · TH 212 Update 2 hours
5:00p. m. · Strategic Plan with all Dept. Heads--Review 2 hours
Priorities including 1999 goals
Courtyard Conference Room
· MIS Task Force
March 1, 1999 · Strategic Plan: How are we going to do it?
5:30p. m. · Volunteer Recognition Week Dinner
Courtyard Conference Room · Facility Scheduling Report (Todd H.) 30 minutes
· Neighborhood Park Maintenance (Todd H.) 30 minutes
· Referendum Land Acquisition (Todd H.) 30 minutes
_ · Fire Dept. Relief Association
March 15, 1999 ~ Joint meetings?:
5:30p. m. - Senior Commission 1 hour
Courtyard Conference Room -~ Planning Commission 1 hour
~ Environmental Commission 1 hour
· City Welcome Signs
March 29, 1999 · Joint meetings.'?:
5:30p. m. - Park & Recreation Commission (6:30 p.m.) 1 hour
Courtyard Conference Room - Public Safety Commission (7:30 p.m.) 1 hour
April 5, 1999 ·
5:30p. m.
Courtyard Conference Room
April 19, 1999 ·
5:30p. m.
Courtyard Conference Room
May 3, 1999 · Team Building
5:30p. m.
Courtyard Conference Room
May 17, 1999 ·
5:30p. m.
Courtyard Co~,fe. ronoe Room . _
Tuesday, June 1, 1998 ·
City Council Work Session Schedule - 1999
June 7, 1999 ·
5:30p. m.
Courtyard Conference Room
June 21, 1999 ·
5:30p. m.
Courtyard Conference Room
July 6, 1999, Tuesday · Interview Bonding Consultants
5:30p. m.
Courtyard Conference Room
July 19, 1999 · Audit Review
5:30p. m.
Courtyard Conference Room
August 2, 1999 · 2000 Budget
5:30 p.m.
Courtyard Conference Room
August 16, 1999 · 2000 Budget
5:00 p.m.
Courtyard Conference Room
August 30, 1999 · 2000 Budget
5:30p. m.
Courtyard Conference Room
September 7, 1999 ·
5:30 p. n~
Courtyard Conference Room
September 20, 1999 ·
5:30 p.m.
Courtyard Conference Room
October 4, 1999 ·
6:30p. m.
Courtyard Conference Room
October 18, 1999 ·
.5:30p. m.
Courtyard Conference Room
November 1, 1999 ·
5:30p. m.
Courtyard Conference Room
Monday, November 15, 1999 · 2000 Budget
5:00p. m.-7:3Op, m.
Courtyard Conference Room
November 29, 1999 · 2000 Budget
5:30 p.~n.
Courtyard Conference Room
December 6, 1999 · Possibly Truth in Taxation Hearing (Budget
5:30 p.m. Adoption on December 13)
Courtyard Conference Room
City Council Work Session Schedule - 1999
December 20, 1999
5:30 p. m.
Courtyard Conference Room
g:\user'dcaren\99worksessions.doc
Items to schedule:
· Public Works Expansion
· Wrase Buildings
· Park & Recreation Programs--Are we fulfilling residents needs?
· Entry Monuments
· Fee Schedules
· RFP for Financial Advisors
· Code of Ethics.
· Park & Recreation Items to be scheduled after the referendum vote:
· Park & Recreation Commission Long and Short Range Goals
· Park Acquisition and Development Five Year Capital Improvement Program
· Funding Sources for Park, Open Space, and Trail Initiatives
· The Chanhassen Senior Center--The Challenges Presented by Congregate Dining
· Replacement of Lake Ann Park Entrance Road and Parking Lot Infrastructure
~ Local Sales Tax/Franchise Fees - Position papers by Mark Senn and Don Ashworth
~ Southwest Metro Transit--Joint Meeting
· Library
· Update on Highway 10l
· City Vehicle Purchasing Policy
· Uniform Policy
· Pay Compensation Plan
· Media Relations Policy
· Election Policy
* Policy on Capital Purchases
AUTHORIZED TO pRACTICE I~W ~
IMINNESOTA, WISCONSIN, IOWA~
SoLrm D~OWA, W~SHIN~TON D.C.,
WRITER'S DIRECT DIAL NUMBER
Messerli
Kramer
professional association
ATTORNEYS AT LAW
LEAGUE OF MINNESOTA CITIES BUILDING
StnTE 450, 145 UNtVEP. Srr~ AVENUE WEST
ST, PAUL, MINNESOTa 55103 -2044
'P~LEPHON~ (651) 228-9757
FACSLM~LE (651) 228-9787
MINNEAPOLIS OFFICE
1800 FIFTH STREET TOWERS
150 SOUTH FIFTH STREET
{~"~, ~ C El VE~[INNEkPOLI S, MINNESOTA 55402-4218
T~LEPHONE (612) 672-3600
;999 FACSLMILE (612) 672-3777
MEMO
DATE:
TO:
FROM:
RE:
January 26, 1999
STA City Managers/Administrators
Tom Poul
STA Informational Packet
Please find enclosed copies of an informational packet prepared on behalf of the
Suburban Transit Association (STA). The STA Board of Directors would appreciate it if
these packets were distributed to your mayor and city councilmembers to help inform
them about the ST,& and opt-out transit.
This packet contains information regarding the STA, including: (1) a Board of Directors
roster; (2) legislative delegation list; (3) statistical information for member transit service
providers; and (4) Met Council transit service statistics. I hope you and your city
officials will find this information to be helpful.
,If you have any questions or would like additional packets, please do not hesitate to
contact me at 651/228-9757o