06-06-2017 City Council Meeting Minutes

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City Council Minutes June 6, 2017 Page 3 of 9 Council Member Akerson questioned how much of the property Mr. Simar reviewed. Mr. Simar explained that he walked the entire trail and the property on the east side of the lake. Council Member Akerson added that the property should be marked so that volunteers are not cutting trees on private property. Council Member Swanson concurred. Mr. Simar stated that the Fire Tower remains closed and the DNR has no plans to deconstruct it in the immediate future and are open to another agency taking over the management and administration of the Tower site as the DNR does not have a budget to maintain it. Mr. Simar stated he would like to see it open to the public again and would like the City to consider this. Council Member Swanson questioned the integrity of the Tower. Mr. Simar noted there has never been a study done on this. 6. Planning and Zoning 6.1. Planning Commission Report The May 30, 2017 Planning Commission Report and May 18, 2017 draft Planning Commission Meeting minutes were received by Council. 6.2. Housing Rental Ordinance Mayor Adams explained that there are rental homes in Pequot Lakes that are not up to living standards. Mayor Adams stated that she would like the Planning Commission to look into a housing rental ordinance requiring a minimum standard for rental units to make these homes safe for occupants. MAYOR ADAMS MOVED TO DIRECT THE PLANNING COMMISSION TO RESEARCH A RENTAL HOUSING ORDINANCE. COUNCIL MEMBER SWANSON SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED 3-0 Council Member Akerson inquired whether a homeowner would have to make all these changes to rent their home. Mayor Adams explained that changes would be made to abide by the housing and safety standards. Council Member Akerson questioned who would monitor this. Mayor Adams explained that it would probably be a building inspector and the Planning Commission will research this.