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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/02/1978 A ! ' � • ' CITY OF APPLE VALLEY URBAN AFFAIRS COMMITTEE , MINUTES February 2, 1978 PRESENT: George Hecker, Hank Myers, Richard Edwards, Dorothy Regis, Joan Goering, Williams D. Smith, Jr. , Jim Ronay. ABSENT: None. Chairman Hecker called the meeting to order. Jim Ronay told the committee members that he enjoyed working with them and if he could be of any assistance to the Committee as a member of the Planning Commission he would appreciate their input. Members of the Committee �hanked Jim for his time and input. The remainder of the meeting was spent discussing the proposed revisions to the i�uisance Ordinance in reference to weeds. The Committee discussed the pla�ted or unplatted properties; also there are unoccupied platted areas that may or may not need to be covered. The natural areas and a definition of natural areas is the Committees concern. The Ordinance should protect the homeowner from the individual who just doesn't want to take the time to cut down his weeds. Dorothy recommended that the definition of natural area be stated -- it includes the following, but is not limited to these areas. The ordinance could be limited to occupied platted areas. Regis recommended the following: The requirements of the ordinance will apply to platted occupied lots and platted unoccupied lots within feet of a occupied lot, and unplatted property within feet of platted occupied lots; except for natural areas defined as woods, pastures, parks, bogs, and marshes. If there is a question about the "natural area" it could be referred to the City Forester for a decision. The Committee agreed that the Ordinance should, be flexible enough so that if there is something that isn�t bothering anyone you can call it a natural area; compliance would not be mandatory if it isn't bothering anyone. Joan Goering asked the Committee members to review the Bloomington Ordinance; 163.0$ (1 & 2) which reads as follows: 1. Definition of Weeds. The word "weeds" as used in this section shall be construed- to mean and include all noxious weeds as defined by the statutes of the State of Minnesota and all such useless and troublesome plants as are commonly known as weeds to the general public. 2. Nuisance. All weeds or growing grass upon any lot or parcel of land in the City of Bloomington to the greater height of one foot, or which have gone or are about to go to seed, are hereby declared to be a nuisance and dangerous to the he�th, safety, and good order of the City. i Page 4�2 -- Urban Af.rs Committee Minutes • � " February 2, 1978 , The Committee felt that these provisions are meant to deal with the homeowner who lets his lot go to weeds. The Ordinance should provide for enhancing the aesthetics in a neighbQrhood. Basically stop the guy from letting his yard get unsightly and offending the neighbors. The Committee agreed to recommending �he height limitation of 12" rather than the 4" height in the ordinance at the present time. There was further discussion regarding the "Natural Area" definition. Someone will have to determine if the property owner is lazy or if it is a-natural area. Could state in the Ordinance that the decision of the City Forester will rule. The Co�nittee members will continue their study and will formulate a recommendation to the City Council as to a revision in the Ordinance at their next meeting on February 16, 1978. Meeting was adjourned.