12-16-1985 CC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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-, PAGE 4 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES DECEMBER 16, 1985 Ron Black noted that there were only two places which were remotely feasible for their offices, one being Ben Franklin and the other being Hagens, both of which he indicated were charging more for rent than they could aft ord. Councilmember Engstrom noted that in the past he has had some reservations about commercial moving into residential areas. He noted that the First National Bank, Dares Funeral Home and Doug Johnson's building were all residential at one time. He indicated that he agreed with Ron Black in that the available commercial buildings available are not suitable for real estate or attorney's offices. He noted that he also agrees with the transition process of moving the offices into remodeled homes instead of building a new building. The City Administrator noted that economic issues should be separated from the land use issues. He stated that the City does not allow people to use financial burden when granting a variance. He further noted that the city is not dealing with a site plan at this time. He indicated that the key issue is where to draw the line on the downtown area. He noted that the area in question is on the border between residential and commercial and felt the City Staff should look a little closer and do some research on what is available for office space in the downtown area. John Fitzgerald noted that economics is what is playing the major roll in the situation. He noted they are looking at trying to stabilize the downtown area and further indicated this is the ideal situation for what they are looking for. Councilmember Williams noted he agrees with the proposal. He noted he felt it was a natural order of progress for these properties to go into a zone change. He noted he would be against certain types of signage. He indicated he felt this was sensible and orderly progress. Val Hanson, employee of Century 21 addressed Councilmembers Schuldt and Gunkel requesting them to please give consideration to the appropriateness of the facilities. The City Administrator noted he agreed that the trend is moving in the general direction of the zone change request, but indicated he felt the staff does not have enough information at this time to make a decision. COUNCILMEMBER ENGSTROM MOVED TO TABLE THE REQUEST UNTIL THE JANUARY 21 CITY COUNCIL MEETING IN ORDER TO GIVE THE CITY STAFF TIME TO RESEARCH THE DOWNTOWN AREA. COUNCILMEMBER GUNKEL SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION PASSED 4-1. COUNCILMEMBER SCHULDT VOTED AGAINST THE MOTION. Councilmember Schuldt noted he felt the zone change request should be voted on.