1995-11-21MINUTES - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE- NOVEMBER 21, 1995
The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. Members present: Mayor Bob Polston,
Councilmembers Mark Hanus, Andrea Ahrens, and Phyllis Jessen. Absent:
Councilmember Liz Jensen. Also present: Mark Koegler, City Planner; Jon
Sutherland, Building Official; Gino Businaro, Finance Director and Ed Shukle, City
Manager.
The topic of Variance Streamlining was introduced by Mark Koegler, City Planner. He
reviewed a memorandum dated November 14, 1995 regarding the Planning
Commission's discussion on Variance Streamlining. He reviewed two different
statements related to this matter. He then reviewed information that had been
compiled by Peggy James, Secretary, and Mike Mueller, Planning Commissioner,
relating to variances that had been approved in 1993, 1994 and 1995 and what
impact the proposed streamlining statements would have on those particular
variances. The impact was minimal and it was the consensus of the Council to have
the Staff further review the impact of actual variances to see if streamlining will really
make an impact. It was basically the consensus to have the variances studied and
then recommend streamlining statements versus creating streamlining statements and
then seeing what effect they would have on the typical variances that have been
approved. The Staff will report further to the Planning Commission who will then
discuss it and then will submit a recommendation back to the City Council.
City Manager Ed Shukle asked for some clarification as it relates to Public Lands
permits on City of Mound projects. He indicated that routine maintenance such as
tree trimming along right-of-ways to clear tree branches from growing into power lines
or trimming trees to avoid traffic hazards did not require Public Lands permits. He
wanted the City Council's reaction to that. The consensus was that Public Lands
permits did not apply in these cases. However, there was concern expressed by the
Council as it relates to certain projects that the City Staff does that would involve
major removal of trees and filling of areas and that it is important that the City of
Mound follow the same standard as it requires citizens to follow.
Jim Fackler was asked to come into the meeting from the Commons Task Force
meeting to answer questions as it related to the project that was done on Beachside
Road after the August 6, 1995 storm. He answered questions and clarified issues
with regard to this matter.
The 1996 Proposed Budget was then discussed. The Council reviewed some Capital
Outlay items, line items and the consensus was to have the City Manager and Finance
Director suggest a reduction in expenditures of $22,990 which represents the
decrease in the Fund Balance as proposed.