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City Council Minutes <br /> June 5, 2007 <br /> Page 2 of 7 <br /> ---------------------------- � <br /> � ' <br /> COUNCIL MEMBER SJOBLAD SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION <br /> CARRIED 5-0. <br /> 4. Open Forum <br /> Virgil Dahl addressed the Council regarding complaints he has received <br /> from the City on the condition of his property. He noted that the leaves are <br /> on the trees and his property is not visible from the road. He also noted <br /> that he has tried to comply with the City's ordinance. Mr. Dahl stated that <br /> he feels he is being harassed by the City. The Planning and Zoning <br /> Administrator noted that Mr. Dahl's property is still in violation of the City's <br /> zoning ordinance in relation to outside storage, animals running loose on <br /> his property and a fence that is falling down. The Clerk noted that the <br /> Board of Review has made the decision to not raise the market value of <br /> surrounding properties until the Dahl property is in compliance with City <br /> Ordinances. Following discussion, it was the consensus of the Council <br /> that Mr. Dahl meet with the Planning and Zoning Administrator and Chief <br /> of Police to bring the property into compliance with the City ordinances. <br /> 5.1. Lonesome Cottaqe— Siqn Ordinance <br /> � <br /> Brandon Anderson of Lonesome Cottage addressed the Council regarding <br /> a sign variance for his business that was denied by the Planning <br /> Commission. Mr. Anderson stated that the City's sign ordinance is over <br /> restrictive toward businesses and that Pequot Lakes is the only City that <br /> counts both sides of the sign toward the square footage allotment of a <br /> sign. Mr. Anderson spoke about his need to relocate his business and <br /> stated that he would like to stay in Pequot Lakes but that there is no <br /> commercial property available that is at least 5 acres in size. He noted that <br /> the land costs in the industrial park are $30,000 per acre compared to <br /> Pine River's $5,000 per acre. He requested the Council to take a more <br /> active role in attracting businesses to the community. He also spoke about <br /> the Council's decision to move forward with an alternate route for the <br /> highway and the detrimental effect this would have on business. <br /> Council Member Ryan noted that the sign ordinance is restrictive. He <br /> stated that the sign ordinance was recognized as an evolving process and <br /> would be changed when needed. He indicated that the Planning <br /> Commission is supposed to be flexible and accommodating. He noted he <br /> wants Planning and Zoning to change its tone to begin helping businesses <br /> in the community. <br /> � <br />