HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012/03/05 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Study Session Jf/ St. Louis Park OFFICIAL MINUTES
MINNESOTA CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL STUDY SESSION
ST. LOUIS PARK,MINNESOTA
MARCH 5, 2012
The meeting convened at 6:57 p.m.
Councilmembers present: Mayor Jeff Jacobs, Steve Hallfin, Anne Mavity, Julia Ross, Susan
Sanger, Sue Santa, and Jake Spano.
Councilmembers absent: None.
Staff present: City Manager (Mr. Harmening), Fire Chief (Mr. Stemmer), Assistant Fire
Chief/Fire Marshal (Mr. Smith), Communications Coordinator (Mr. Zwilling), and Recording
Secretary(Ms. Hughes).
1. Recreational Fire Permits and Fees
Mr. Harmening presented the staff report.
Mr. Stemmer advised that the City issued 698 permits for recreational fires last year and the Fire
Department responded to a number of complaints regarding recreational fires. He stated that
staff is suggesting the City move away from the annual permit process and begin issuing
permanent permits after conducting site inspections, educating permit applicants, and payment of
a $25 recreational fire permit fee. He indicated the site inspection would provide an opportunity
for the Fire Department to ensure compliance with fire code regulations, including setback
requirements, and site drawings will be required to show the proposed location of the fire pit. He
stated the City retains authority to revoke permits due to non-compliance, and applicants would
not be allowed to apply for a recreational fire permit until the following year and would be
required to pay another $25 permit fee at that time. He added that the City's administrative
penalties ordinance would allow the Fire Department to impose a fine of $50 for failure to
comply with the City Code.
Councilmember Ross stated she did not have a problem with permanent permits for permanent
fire pits but was concerned about fire pits that can be moved on the property. She indicated a
resident could show the location of the fire pit at the time of their application but there is nothing
to stop them from moving the fire pit after receiving the permit.
Mr. Smith explained that the process for issuing permanent permits will hold residents
accountable and if they are not in compliance with the City Code, the Fire Department can
revoke the permit and/or fine them.
Councilmember Mavity indicated that health issues are frequently raised as it relates to
recreational fires and asked if the City Code addresses the issue of frequency of recreational fires
and nuisance issues. She stated that a neighbor with asthma concerns needs to be
accommodated.
Mr. Stemmer stated it is difficult to enforce frequency of recreational fires. He added the Fire
Department has asked people to put out a fire if residents complain.
Councilmember Sanger questioned how many complaints it would take before a neighbor's
asthma concerns trump their neighbor's interest in having recreational fires.
Special Study Session Minutes -2- March 5, 2012
Mr. Smith advised that the City does not receive a lot of complaints from residents about their
neighbor's recreational fire; rather,most complaints relate to residents not following the rules.
Councilmember Hallfin stated there are a significant number of recreational fires occurring in the
City and he questioned how many people are pulling permits for those fires. He indicated he
would like to eliminate the recreational fire permit process and instead have information posted
on the City's website about the rules and applicable ordinances, including the City's authority to
fine people for non-compliance. He felt this would free up staff time and reduce administrative
expenses.
Councilmember Sanger expressed support for the permanent permit because it will be more
efficient, it will force property owners to be held accountable, and it will be easier for the City to
enforce the Code.
Councilmember Ross asked if the onus is on the property owner and not the renter in situations
where a renter has violated the City Code.
Mr. Smith explained that renters requesting a permit are required to submit a letter from the
property owner.
Councilmember Mavity suggested that the City send annual reminders to residents who have
received a permanent permit regarding the Code requirements and provide pertinent drought or
other relevant information.
Mr. Harmening agreed to have the Fire Department send this information to permanent permit
holders.
It was the consensus of the majority of the City Council to direct staff to proceed with the
changes proposed as to how the Fire Department issues Recreational Fire Permits.
The meeting adjourned at 7:23 p.m.
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Nancy Stroth, ity Clerk Jeff Jacoy r