DEEPHAVEN CITY COUNCIL MINUTES

Monday, June 6, 2005

6:00 PM

 

1.                  CALL TO ORDER

Mayor Tom Anderson called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM.

PRESENT:  Mayor Tom Anderson, Councilmembers Kimberly Crockett, Keith Kask, Paul Skrede and John Wheaton.

STAFF:  Attorney Kim Kozar, City Administrator Dana Young and City Clerk Sandy Langley

 

2.                  EXECUTIVE CLOSED SESSION REGARDING LAWSUIT

Attorney Kim Kozar stated according to State Statue 13D.05 Subd. 3 (b) the Council will go into closed executive session for attorney/client privileges to discuss settlement litigation strategy regarding McNulty Construction Company v. City of Deephaven.

Councilmember Wheaton moved to close the meeting and go into executive session at 6:03.  Councilmember Skrede seconded.  Motion carried 5-0.

Councilmember Skrede moved to adjourn the executive closed session at 6:30 PM.  Councilmember Crockett seconded.  Motion carried 5-0.

 

            Mayor Anderson reconvened the Regular Council meeting at 7:00 PM

 

PRESENT:  Mayor Tom Anderson, Councilmembers Kimberly Crockett, Keith Kask, Paul Skrede and John Wheaton.

STAFF:  City Administrator Dana Young, Police Chief Virgil Gustafson, Zoning Coordinator Gus Karpas and City Clerk Sandy Langley

 

2.         APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA

Councilmember Skrede moved to approve the following consent agenda item:

A.     Minutes of May 16, 2005 as amended.

B.     The request of $1,200 for July 4th Celebration Contribution to the South Lake-Excelsior Chamber of Commerce.

C.     The Accounts Payable in the amount of $143,935.22 dated June 1, 2005.

            Councilmember Kask seconded. Motion carried 5-0.

 

3.         MATTERS FROM THE FLOOR

 

There being no matters from the floor, the Mayor closed matters from the floor.

 

4.         PUBLIC HEARING 

            A.        Subdivision/Variance – Sheryl Wilkie, 19440 Vine Street (R-2, 40,000) –

Mayor Anderson stated the request is continued.

     

B.                 Variance – Deephaven Elementary School, 4452 Vinehill Road (R-2, 40,000)

Mayor Anderson convened the public hearing for a variance request to reconfigure the existing playground and expand the parking area which will exceed the maximum permitted impervious surface area of 25% by approximately 8.7%.

 

Mike Condon, Minnetonka School Grounds Supervisor and Greg Buchal of Larson Engineering presented the request.  He said the proposal would create a better playground area and help alleviate parking issues at the school by adding additional parking spaces.

 

Councilmember Crockett reported that the Planning Commission recommended approval unanimously.

 

Mayor Anderson opened the public meeting for public comment.  There being no public comment, the hearing was closed.

 

Councilmember Crockett moved to adopt Resolution No. 19-05 approving the variance to exceed the maximum impervious surface by 8.7% through the reconfiguration of the school parking lot and playground.  Councilmember  Wheaton seconded.  Upon roll call vote Anderson, Crockett, Kask, Skrede and Wheaton voted aye.  Resolution No. 19-05 was adopted.

 

C.                 Special Use Permit – Tim Duffy (Fusion Life Spa), 18142 Minnetonka Blvd. C-1

Mayor Anderson convened the public hearing for a special use permit to erect a new two (2) foot by twenty-four foot four inch (20’4”) illuminated commercial identification sign.

 

Tim Duffy presented the request.  He said the proposed light would be what is called a box light and that only the letters will be illuminated. The remainder of the sign area would be silver.  The light would only be illuminated during business hours.

 

Councilmember Crockett reported that the Planning Commission recommended approval unanimously and reported a resident’s concerns that the sign was not appropriate for Deephaven.

 

Mayor Anderson opened the public meeting for public comment.  There being no public comment, the hearing was closed.

 

Councilmember Kask moved to adopt Resolution No. 20-05 approving the special use request to erect a two (2) foot by twenty foot, four inch (20’4”) illuminated business identification sign.  The motion is conditioned that the sign only be illuminated during business hours.  Councilmember Crockett seconded.  Upon roll call vote Anderson, Crockett, Kask, Skrede and Wheaton voted aye.  Resolution No. 20-05 was adopted.

 

D.                 Variance – Mark Klesk, 19900 Cottagewood Road, (R-2 40,000)

Mayor Anderson convened the public hearing for the variance request to build

a new single family home within the required lake yard setback.  The requested variances are for fifty-two feet of the required one hundred foot lake yard setback on the north portion of the property and twenty-seven feet of the required one hundred foot lake yard setback on the east portion of the property.  In addition, the application has submitted a request to build a swimming pool within the lake yard setback.

Mark Klest presented the request.  He said his property is unique in that it is zoned R-2, yet has the lot area of a lot in the R-3 district.  His request is to add onto the existing home which cannot be done due to the lake yard setback, which wraps around the property.  He pointed out that he is able to comply with the maximum permitted impervious surface.

 

Councilmember Crockett reported that the Planning Commission recommended  unanimous approval of the variance request to construct an addition.  The variance request to construct a swimming pool which encroaches into the required lake yard setback was recommended for approval on a vote 4-3.

 

Mayor Anderson opened the public meeting for public comment.  Nancy Middleton, 20245 Lakeview Ave., voice her views that she was not in favor of granting large variances and she was opposed to swimming pools/spas, as these are accessory structures.  She feels we have good beaches and facilities in the City and that we are proud of the recreational areas we provide for our citizens.

David Gross, 19700 Lakeview Ave., stated any new structure within 50 feet of the lake needs to be permitted by the MWCD.

Mike Moran of Custom Pools stated that pools are a reasonable use and an area variance is what should be applied for versus an accessory structure variance.  The hardship is created by the 100 foot setback.  Swimming pools are allowed in Deephaven and permits have been granted.

There being no further public comment, the hearing was closed.

 

Mayor Anderson stated the Back Bay of Carson’s Bay is not your typical lakeshore in Deephaven.  The Council has had discussions regarding changing the setbacks to be more consistence with the DNR setback of 50 feet.  Mayor Anderson was concerned with the front yard setback making the principle structure closer to the street.  Councilmember Kask noted that the structure is not any closer to the street than adjacent properties.  Councilmember Skrede stated that the garage is what is closer to the street, not the living space.

 

Councilmember Kask moved to approve the variance to construct an addition which encroaches fifty-two (52) feet into the required lake yard setback, encroaches twenty-seven (27) feet into the required lake yard setback on the west portion of the property and encroaches twenty (20) feet into the required front yard setback and to have the structure height be identified and submitted for the file.   Also Resolution No. 20-04 be rescinded.  Councilmember Crockett seconded.  Motion carried 4-1 with Mayor Anderson voting nay. 

 

Councilmember Crockett asked what happens if everyone wants a pool in this area?  Zoning Coordinator stated he is concerned with the setback from the shoreline and feels that pools should be treated as a structure and have the same setback rules as a building.

Councilmember Kask stated he can see giving the variance for the garage being closer to the street but cannot support the variance and the hardship for a pool that is not an essential need.

Councilmember Skrede feels our city ordinances need to be reviewed and amended but he feels that does not constitute a hardship as it pertains to this request.   

Councilmember Wheaton stated he had trouble seeing where the undue hardship exist for a pool and he does not want to legislate setbacks through the use of variances.

 

Noting that two consecutive City Councils had express sympathy with the restrictions posed by the 100 foot lake yard on the Back Bay but had done nothing to review or change the rules, Councilmember Crockett moved to approve the variance request to construct a swimming pool which encroaches into the required lake yard setback.  A hardship exists in the fact that the pool cannot be located anywhere on the property without a variance.  The motion is conditioned upon the pool being placed in its current dimensions not closer than fifty feet away from the ordinary high water level, that a guard rail be placed at the top of the retaining wall and that a pump be installed so that the water not be pumped directly into the lake. Mayor Anderson seconded.  Motion was denied 2-3, with Councilmembers Kask, Skrede and Wheaton voting nay.  Councilmember Crockett moved to adopt Resolution No. 21-05.  Upon roll call vote Anderson, Crockett, Kask, Skrede and Wheaton voted aye.  Councilmember Skrede seconded.   Resolution No. 21-05 was adopted.

 

E.                  Variance – Mike Miller (Todd Gorr), 19640 Cottagewood Road, (R-2, 40,000)

Mayor Anderson convened the public hearing for a request to build a swimming pool within the required lake yard setback.  The requested variance is for twenty-five feet of the required one hundred-foot lake yard setback for the proposed swimming pool. 

 

Mike Miller presented the request.  He feels the property creates a hardship in locating a swimming pool.  He would like to have his children in a pool rather than swimming in the lake.  He also has a son who had knee surgery and a pool helps his physical recovery.  He pointed out that all other lakes in Deephaven have a seventy-five foot setback.  Mr. Miller said the lot is very wooded and the pool will not be invisible from the lake.  He feels the proposed pool is a reasonable use of the property.

 

Councilmember Crockett reported that the Planning Commission recommended the variance request to construct a swimming pool which encroaches into the required lake yard setback was recommended for approval on a vote 4-3.

 

Mayor Anderson opened the public meeting for public comment.  There being no public comment, the hearing was closed.

 

Councilmember Kask stated that pools are treated as a structure as far as setbacks are concerned.  The pool is an accessory use to the property not an essential use.

 

Councilmember Skrede feels it would be inconsistent to grant a variance for this request and could not find an undue hardship.

 

Councilmember Wheaton would like to see our ordinance amended regarding the shoreline setback for the Back Bay of Carson’s Bay and at this time there is no hardship for a pool.

 

Although she agreed with the concern about legislating by variance, to be consistent with the Klesk request made earlier, Councilmember Crockett moved to approve the variance to construct a swimming pool which encroaches into the required lake yard setback.  The motion is conditioned that the pool be rotated to match the angle of the existing principle structure and that the bottom of the pool be located above the ordinary high water level.  A hardship exists in that the pool cannot be located elsewhere on the property without the issuance of a variance.  Mayor Anderson seconded.  Motion was denied 2-3, with Councilmembers Kask, Skrede and Wheaton voting nay.  Councilmember Skrede moved to adopt Resolution No. 22-05.  Upon roll call Anderson, Crockett, Kask, Skrede and Wheaton voted aye.  Resolution No. 22-05 was adopted.

 

F.                  Subdivision – Kent Carlson, 20505 Lakeview Avenue, (R-3, 20,000)

Mayor Anderson convened the pubic hearing for the request to combine and re-subdivide existing lots.  The proposed lots would comply with the dimensional requirements of the ordinance. 

 

Kent Carlson presented the request.  He said that he own two properties, one being a rental, and would like to re-plat them to allow him to construct a new home on his existing lot.

 

Councilmember Crockett reported that the Planning Commission recommended the approval unanimously of the request to create two lots out of three existing parcels.  The proposed lots meet the dimensional requirements of the city ordinances.

 

Mayor Anderson opened the public meeting for public comment.  There being no public comment, the hearing was closed.

 

Councilmember Crockett moved to adopt Resolution No. 23-05 approving the request to combine and re-subdivide existing lots.  Councilmember Skrede seconded.  Upon roll call vote Anderson, Crockett, Kask, Skrede and Wheaton.  Resolution No. 23-05 was adopted.

 

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

A.                 Approve Parking Request for MYC Regatta on June 16th -  A letter was submitted

from the Minnetonka Yacht Club C-Nationals Committee requesting 50 temporary parking permits for June 16 – 19 for guest parking.  Also the request to use the City Hall main parking lot area for pressure washing of boats on Thursday June 16th from 4 to 8 PM.  There also is a request to park trailers in the gravel lot near the paddleball court and to use the Gazebo for the Awards Ceremony after the last race on Sunday.  

 

Terry Jewett presented the request for MYC.  She noted that the pressure washing of the boats would be done at the Deephaven School site.  The request is needed for the parking permits and parking of the trailers and to use the gazebo.

 

It was noted that the gazebo could be used without permission from the City.  It is on a first come basis for use.

 

Councilmember Wheaton moved to approve the request for 20 temporary permits to be issued for the City Hall parking lot from June 16-19th limiting the use to this site.  Overnight trailers would be allowed to be parked in the gravel lot near the paddleball court.  Councilmember Skrede seconded.  Motion carried 5-0. 

 

B.                 Discuss Single Sort Recycling Proposal – This item was removed from the agenda

June 20th.

 

C.                 Approve Final Payment to Infratech for Sewer Main Televising – Councilmember

Skrede moved to approve the final payment to Infratech Technologies, Inc. in the amount of $12,242.72 for televising of @1,862 L.F. of sanitary sewer main.  Councilmember Kask seconded.  Motion carried 5-0.

 

D.                 Approve One Year Probation for Officer Matt Case – Councilmember Wheaton moved to change the employment status of Matt Case to “fulltime permanent” status with the City of Deephaven.  Councilmember Skrede seconded.  Motion carried 5-0.

 

E.                  Review 2006 LMCD Budget -  Councilmembers Skrede and Kask attended the

LMCD review of the 2006 budget on June 3rd. 

Councilmember Skrede raised the issues on the increases being planned which

include an additional $2,000 for meeting expenses to use Wayzata Community

Center which are televised on local cable television; an additional $4,000 for

office equipment to replace a copy machine; an additional $5,000 for zebra

mussel operational expenses.  It was his recommendation that these additional

costs should not be budgeted, thus keeping the increase at 3% versus 6%.  It is

recommended that zebra mussels should be handled at a higher level of

government because it is a statewide problem for all of the lakes.

David Gross explained the use of the reserve fund which was to be used for

replacement of a harvester.  He stated the funds are being brought down and used

for other parts of the budget.

 

Councilmember Skrede moved to adopt the 2006 LMCD Budget subject to a 3% increase and directed our LMCD Representative to have the LMCD Administrator work with MWCD on the milfoil and zebra mussel issues on a much broader prospective.  Councilmember Kask seconded.  Motion carried 5-0. 

 

Councilmember Crockett asked if other cities would see how we acted on the budget?  She felt the LMCD should be handling enforcement and education issues on the Lake. The boat licensing and zebra mussels, milfoil etc. should be handled by state legislation and other governmental/regulatory bodies (MCWD, DNR). 

        

7.         REPORTS FROM BOARDS, COMMITTEES & DEPARTMENT

A.        Public Safety  – Chief Gustafson noted that the April Incident Report was in the

Council packet and he would answer any questions.

 

B.           Public Works -  Administrator Young stated the Report of Activities were in the  

Council packet from May and what is being planned for June.

 

C.        Administration  – Administrator Young reviewed report – Deephaven Cove

Update noting construction is not scheduled to begin until later this fall.  The

City of Minnetonka was successful in obtaining transit oriented development

grant funds from Hennepin County which will enable the cost of each affordable

housing unit to be lowered by $65,000.  The City of Minnetonka has offered

to use their Economic Development Authority to establish the affordable housing

units per the Agreement between Deephaven and Minnetonka to enable the

Economic Development Authority to undertake the project on behalf of both

cities.  The City will have a resolution approving the Joint Powers Agreement at

the June 20th Council meeting.

            - Grant Funding is continuing to assist with the financing of storm water projects

            and/or the installation of dry hydrants.

            - The State Audit Report has been submitted to the State Auditors Office that

summarized the annual financial statements and a summary of the financial

statements has been published in our official newspaper.

- Street Ends will be a topic of a meeting inviting property owners for comments

regarding the installation of six canoe racks in the Bay Street street end on June

8th with the Boat Committee.

- 2006 City Budget has been completed and will be distributed to the City Council

at the June 20th Council meeting.

- Safety Deposit Box has been rented at Beacon Bank where the City has placed

backup discs on city house files and minutes.

 

7.          ADJOURNMENT

             Mayor Anderson moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:45 PM.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Sandra R. Langley