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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-05-75 P.H. Mtg. 1720 Wastings, Minnesota May 5, 1975 The City Council of the City of Hastings, Minnesota met for a Public Hearing on Monday, ~fuy 5, 1975 at 7:00 o'clock P.M. in the Council Chambers of the City Hall. '-' i ~ Members present: Councilmen Fischer, Erickson, Elliott, Kramer, Schnirring, Latch, Hallberg, Novak and Mayor Petersen. Members absent: None. ~ 1 The Mayor declared open the Public Hearing at 7:01 P.M. The Administrator noted the publication of a notice of the Hearing. The ~~yor called for comments from the Audience. Peter Mitzuk stated that a petition had been circulated for rezoning from R-3 to R-2 and for issuance of permits to allow upgrading the property. He referred to the Larry Hamman problem, noting that Hamman had started remodeling and was stopped. He asked for an immediate permit to continue the remodeling and to put in a suitable sewage system. He noted that wells had been in operation for many years. He referenced a 1964 report. He noted that no one had been sick in 11 years since the wells were checked. He asked that the wells be allowed to remain as is. Further that if someone wants to go into the Jordon basin with their well that they should be allowed to do so. He further said that they would agree that upon sale, either the water would have to be tested and meet requirements or the well would have to be re-drilled into the Jordan. He discussed the septic tank - overflow problem and said that the people were trying to solve the problem themselves. A committee is being started to police the area. Any- one having a complaint can go to the committee and the committee would try to resolve the problem and if not able to would bring it to the attention of the City. He referred to the constitution of the right of people to their life, liberty and pursuit of happiness that people had died for and he did not want the freedom of the people infringed. PUBLIC HEARING EAST HASTINGS ISSUE Mrs. Cecil Werner presented a petition with approximately 1,000 sig- natures and presented photographs of some homes in the area. Marjorie Leslie said that there will be a solution for the problem. She noted that many in the area are second or third generation residents of East Hastings. She said that she liked the town and liked East Hastings Mhich she referred to as a town within a town. She said that they bought their home knowing about the high water and wouldn't move even if it continued to be flooded. She said that the river is the city's greatest asset. She said that the matter under consideration concerned over 100 families and she asked that the rezoning be allowed and the permits granted. James Holmes of the Chamber of Commerce said that he and the Chamber were interested in Hastings and he referred to the various issues. He noted that the sewer and water issue has been around for in excess of 35 years and cannot be left dormant but must be dealt with. He said that the Council was correct in facing the issue at this time. He said that the re-zoning will be a short term solution which should be set in motion and that a long-term strategy should be developed. He noted that we are part of the metro-area and if the problem is not dealt with locally, decision making bodies outside of the City might impose a resolution. He asked for empathy for the residents. . II Duane Legler, attorney representing the residents, said that he had discussed rezoning with large groups of residents. He said that the purpose of his presentation and the persons present was not to criticize or complain but to sharpen the issues. He said there has to be a concensus among the residents regarding the two issues, namely; rezoning and water and sewer. He said that to form a concensus more facts are needed which will require investi- gation. He said that the residents are ready to set up a permanent organiza- tion to deal with the sewer line issue and its feasibility in light of the rock formation. He said inquiries should be made about other sources of financing. 1721 He noted a high degree of interest at this time which is good. He is concerned about the short run use of the property. He referred to the rezoning in 1970 and that the people want the right to continue to use the property and to upgrade it and reapir it beyond a 10% limitation. He wants the property rezoned to comply with the facts, namely; single family dwell- ings. He wants people to be able to repair and replace private systems that exist now. They don't want to harm the water supply and feel that holding tanks are the least offensive. He said that with reference to the policing of holding tanks, that the Council should not assume that there will be a violation unless and until this actually occurs. He saw the East Hastings --r Improvement Association, which is being formed as a buffer and a means of rendering an impersonal complaint to correct problem areas. He noted that the residents recognize the problem as a peculiar one to the area and would not object to withholding of permits for new structures until the utility issue is resolved. He said that through the organization the residents are becoming aware of the issues and are willing to remedy the problems. He said that consideration should be given to requiring testing before prop- erties are sold, which may in turn require new wells. ~~s. Hjermstad noted that her father had been on the Council many years ago and that the East side residents can solve their own problems if they are left alone to do so. She suggested that H.D.D. application could be very helpful. Charles Keller mentioned that he had done appraisal work on two properties in East Hastings, had handled the sales of the properties and that in the two cases the wells had been tested and found acceptable. Terry Maher said that if wells are drilled as required by state law they will prevent pollution problems. Clarence Chapman questioned whether the people were going to be allowed to improve their property. Robert Beissel said that high water has contributed to polluting the wells and that there had been no problem before the dams were built and suggested Corps of Engineers assistance. He further noted the run off into the Lake Isabel. Clarence Chapman also noted that the lake had been filled in from the drains. ATTEST: The Mayor having given everyone an opportunity to speak who wished eclared the PUblic Hearing closed at 7:42 P.M. ~~(7/ ~ 7ity - - 1m;; rator /