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080398 CC Ws AgP. e� yp S.. CITY OF SHOREWOOD CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MONDAY, AUGUST 3, 1998 SCAN��© 5755 COUNTRY CLUB ROAD COUNCIL CHAMBERS 7:00 P.M. AGENDA 1. CONVENE WORK SESSION A. Roll Call B . Review Agenda 2. DISCUSSION ON POLICY SURVEY QUESTIONS (Att. -#2 Proposed Questions) 3. DISCUSSION ON CONDITIONAL USE PERMITS FOR HOME OCCUPATIONS 4. ADJOURN No ofcial action is taken at Work Sessions. . i 6129296166 DECISION RESOURSES DECISION RESOURCES 3128 Dean Court Minneapolis, Mn 55416 16? P02 JUL 30 '98 12:00 CITY OF SHOREWOOD RESIDENTIAL STUDY FIRST DRAFT 1. Hello, I'm of Decision Resources, Ltd., a polling firm located in Minneapolis. we've been retained by the City of Shorewood to speak with a random sample of residents about issues facing the city. The survey is being taken because your city representatives and staff are interested in your opinions and suggestions. I want to assure you that all individual responses will be held strictly confidential; only summaries of the entire sample will be reported. (DO NOT PAUSE) 1. Approximately how many years have you lived in Shorewood? 2. As things now stand, how long in the future do you expect to live in Shorewood? 3. How would you rate the quality of life in Shorewood -- excellent, good, only fair, or poor? 4. What do you think is the most serious issue facing the city today? 5. Now, which of the following statements comes closest to your feelings? A. I feel a real tie to the entire city. R. I have strong ties to my neighborhood, but weak ties to the rest of city. C. I have neither strong ties to my neighborhood nor the city as a whole. 6. How would you rate the general sense of community among Shorewood residents -- excellent, good, only fair, or poor? Moving on.... 7. In comparison with nearby suburban areas, do you consider property taxes in Shorewood to be very high, somewhat high, about average, somewhat low, or very low? S. when you consider the property taxes you pay and the quality of city services you receive, would you rate the general value of city services as excellent, good, only fair, or poor? I would like to read you a list of a few city services. For each one, please tell me whether you would rate the quality of the service as excellent, good, only fair, or poor? If you have no opinion, just say so.... (ROTATE) 9. police protection? 10. Fire protection? 11. 911 emergency dispatch service? 12. Pavement repair and patching on city streets? 1 �a 6129296166 DECISION RESOURSES 167 P03 JUL 30 '98 12:01 , 13. Animal control? 14. Building inspection? 15. Street lighting? 16. Park and recreational facilities? 17. Snow removal? 18. Other than voting, do you feel that if you wanted to, you could have a say about the way the City of Shorewood runs things? 19. How much do you feel you know about the work of the Mayor and City Council -- a great deal, a fair amount, or very little? 20. From what you know, do you approve or disapprove of the job performance of the Mayor and City Council? (WAIT FOR RESPONSE) And do you feel strongly that way? IF OPINION STATED, ASK: 21. Why do you feel that way? 22. How much first -hand contact have you had with the City Staff -- quite a lot, some, very little, or none at all? 23. From what you know, how would you rate the job performance of the City Staff -- excellent, good, only fair, or poor? IF RATING IS GIVEN, ASK: 24. Why did you rate city staff as ? 25. During the past year, have you contacted by telephone or in person any Shorewood City staff member? IF 11 YES, 11 ASK: 26. On your last contact with City staff, which department did you reach -- Police, Fire, Finance, Planning, Building In- spection, Public Works and Engineering, Parks and Recreation, Code enforcement office, the Information Desk, Motor Vehicle Licensing, or Administration? Thinking about that last contact, for each of the fol- lowing characteristics, please rate the Roseville City staff as excellent, good, only fair, or poor.... 27. Courtesy of the Information Desk receptionist? 28. Waiting time for service? 29. Ease of reaching a department staff member who could help you? 30. Efficiency of the department staff? 31. Courtesy of the department staff? Changing topics.... 2 6129296166 DECISION RESOURSES 167 PO4 JUL 30 '98 12:01 32. Would you favor or oppose the City placing utility lines underground? (WAIT FOR RESPONSE) Do you feel strongly that way? The cost of placing utility lines underground would be reflected in an increase in your monthly utility bill. 33. How much would you be willing to see your utility bill increase to fund placing utility lines underground. Let's say, would you be willing to pay an additional $_ per month? (CHOOSE RANDOM STARTING POINT; MOVE UP OR DOWN DEPENDING ON RESPONSE) How about $ per month? (REPEAT PROCESS) Moving on.... 34, In general, do you feel that the City is enforcing city codes and ordinances at about the right level, is too exacting, or is not rigorous enough? IF "TOO EXACTING," "NOT RIGOROUS ENOUGH," OR "VARIES," ASK: 35. What codes or ordinances do you feel are not being en- forced at about the right level? Moving on.... For each following types of residential development, please tell me if you think the City of Shorewood has the right amount, too much or too little.... 36. Affordable housing? 37. Senior housing? 38. Luxury housing? 39. Apartments? 40. "Starter" housing for first -time buyers? 41. Would you favor or oppose the City changing the zoning laws to allow for more high density development, such as senior hous- ing? (WAIT FOR RESPONSE) Do you feel strongly that way? Snowmobiling is currently permitted in Shorewood.... 42. Do you or anyone in your household own a snowmobile? 43. Would you support or oppose banning snowmobiles within city limits? 44. Would you support or oppose banning snowmobiles on the regional trail? IF "SUPPORT IN EITHER QUESTION, ASK: 45. Why do you feel that way? 3 6129296166 DECISION RESOURSES 167 P05 JUL 30 '98 12:02 I . 46. Within the past two years, do you think crime in your neigh- borhood has increased, decreased, or remained about the same? Changing directions.... As you may know, nearly 40 percent of Shorewood residents are currently using City water. 47. How satisfied are you with the current voluntary water system -- very satisfied, somewhat satisfied, not too satisfied or not at all satisfied? 48. Should the water system be expanded to include all residenc- es within the city? IF "YES," ASK: 49. Should the system remain voluntary, or not? The cost of expanding the water system would be reflected in the affected property owners' tax bill. 50. How much would you be willing to see your property tax increase to fund expansion of the water system. Let's say, would you be willing to pay an additional $ per month? (CHOOSE RANDOM STARTING POINT; MOVE UP OR DOWN DEPENDING ON RESPONSE) How about $ per month? (REPEAT PROCESS) Turning to park and recreation issues..... 51. Overall, would you rate the park and recreational facilities in Shorewood as excellent, good, only fair or poor? 52. Do you or members of your household regularly leave the City of Shorewood to use leisure -time recreational facilities or programs in other cities because of their unavailability here? (IF "YES," ASK:) What types of leisure -time facilities or pro- grams? 53. How much would you be willing to see your property tax increase to fund a park bond referendum. Let's say, would you be willing to pay an additional $ per month? (CHOOSE RANDOM STARTING POINT; MOVE UP OR DOWN DEPENDING ON RESPONSE) How about $ per month? (REPEAT PROCESS) Suppose the City of Shorewood proposed a bond referendum for land preservation, park, trail and recreational improvements. Improve- ments would include Residents would be asked to approve a million dollar bond referendum to fund these improvements. The average homeowner would an increase of property taxes of about $ monthly on a $ home. 4 6129296166 DECISION RESOURSES 167 P06 JUL 30 1 98 12:72 54. If the election were today, would you favor or oppose this bond referendum? (WAIT FOR RESPONSE) Do you feel strongly that way? IF A RESPONSE IS GIVEN, ASK: 55. Why do you feel that way? Moving on.... 56. What is your primary source of information about City government and its activities? The City publishes a newsletter, sent to each home. 57. Do you receive the newsletter? IF "YES," ASK: 58. How much of the newsletter do you usually read -- all of it, most of it, some of it, not too much of it, or none of it? 59. How would you evaluate its format -- excellent, good, only fair, or poor? 60. How would you evaluate its content -- excellent, good, only fair, or poor? 61. Does your household receive cable television? IF "YES," ASK: 62. How often do you watch Shorewood City Council Meetings on the access channel, frequently, occasionally, rarely, or not at all? IF THEY WATCH, ASK: 63. Are there any changes or improvement you would make to improve the telecast of the meetings? 64. If you could choose the best way for you to receive informa- tion about City government and the issues facing the commu- nity, what would it be? 65. Do you currently own a home computer? (IF "YES," ASK:) Do you use a modem on your home computer? IF THEY HAVE A MODEM OR "YES/YES," ASK: IF THEY DO NOT HAVE A MODEM GO TO QUESTION Which of the following computer resources on the Internet have you used through your modem? 5 6129296166 DECISION RESOURSES 167 P07 JUL 30 '98 12103 ' 66. Electronic mail, or e -mail? 67. Subscriber newsgroups? 68. The World Wide Web? 69. Have you visited the City of Shorewood's homepage on the World Wide Web? (IF "YES," ASK:) Are there any changes or im- provements you would suggest? Now, just a few more questions for demographic purposes.... Could you please tell me how many people in each of the following age groups live in your household. Let's start with the oldest. Be sure to include yourself. 70. First, persons 65 or over? 71. Adults under 65? 72. School -aged or pre - school children? 73. What is your occupation and, if applicable, the occupation Of your spouse or partner? 74. Do you own or rent your present residence? 75. What is your age, please? 76. What is the last grade of school you completed? And now, for one final question, keeping in mind that your answers are held strictly confidential.... 77. Could you tell me your approximate pre -tax yearly household income. Does the income lie.... 78. Gender 79. PRECINCT 6 PLANNING COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES JUNE 2, 1998 - PAGE 3 Commissioner Bailey felt a Conditional Use Permit would be inconsistent with the idea of adult uses in that a Conditional Use Permit should not be utilized if it causes a reduction in surrounding property values. Commissioner Callies asked if the issue of notice has been resolved. Nielsen stated he would utilize the notice process which is currently contained in the zoning code. Commissioner Lizee pointed out the notice area has been extended in the past on various projects. Commissioner Callies expressed concern if there is a separate notification requirement. Anderson moved, Bailey seconded approving permitted use with a licensing process to include the notice requirement consistent with the notification process utilized by the City. Motion passed 4 /1. (Commissioner Lizee was the dissenting vote.) Commissioner Lizee felt a conditional use would show more integrity than a permitted use. b. Home Occupation Regulations - Review Requirements Commissioner Anderson inquired what type of occupations are being performed. Nielsen noted there are businesses making gift baskets, gun dealers, secretarial services, contractors, computer services as well as a number of Special Home Occupation Permits. Pro Tem Chair Collins inquired whether a person utilizing electronic data in and out of their home would be required to have a permit. Nielsen explained if this work qualifies as a business, a permit would be required. Commissioner Callies commented she would want to control such things as traffic and signage. Nielsen felt the biggest advantage to a Special or Home Occupation Permit would be that the residents are made aware of the requirements which must be met to operate a home occupation. Commissioner Callies pointed out many residents may not be aware such an ordinance exists. Nielsen suggested it be included once per year in the City newsletter which is delivered to all residences. Nielsen explained staff reviewed the Home Occupation Permits from Minnetonka, Plymouth and Eden Prairie. He felt the benefit to this process to be that when an applicant applies for a permit, a questionnaire is completed and the applicant is made aware of the rules. The applicant must then show to the City how they will comply with the requirements. Commissioner Bailey asked about the purpose in requiring a Limited Home Occupation Permit. Nielsen pointed out use of an outside employee or conducting a business in an accessory building would trigger the need for a Limited Special Home Occupation Permit. Commissioner Bailey stated he would sympathetic to not requiring a permit for a limited home occupation. He would be opposed to a law which would cause someone to be in violation unintentionally. PLANNING COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES JUNE 2, 1998 - PAGE 4 Nielsen explained Minnetonka has taken the entire category which encompasses the limited home occupations and made them accessory uses within the residential districts. If a resident is in excess of those requirements, they would then need to apply for a Conditional Use Permit. Pro Tem Chair Collins asked how the City would become aware of violations. Nielsen noted violations are complaint driven. Commissioner Anderson felt it to be intrusive to require a license to do things in your home which you would do for general pleasure purposes as long as it does not violate a neighbor's rights to their property. Commissioner Lizee asked Council Liaison O'Neill about his experience with Home Occupation Permits. He pointed out at one time a substantial number of homes on his block were operating home occupations without a permit. Council Liaison O'Neill stated he would be in favor of utilizing the Minnetonka approach to home occupation permits. Commissioner Anderson felt there may need to be better definitions contained within the ordinance. Commissioner Lizee felt the types of businesses which would be allowed could be better defined. Nielsen felt the consensus of the Commission to be that a limited permit should be more of an accessory use and that a license or permit would not be required. If the use were to go beyond this, a Conditional Use Permit would be required. A better definition of home occupation should be considered. Commissioner Bailey felt the current Special Home Occupation Permit works quite well and should not be changed. Commissioner Anderson felt there to be a gray line between limited use and special use and some guidance should be given to administrative staff to assist them in determining where that gray line lies. Nielsen noted a distinction between the two has not been a problem in the past. Commissioner Bailey felt perhaps there would be a way to work in a provision relative to outsiders entering the premises as opposed to working inside the home at different hours. He expressed his agreement in eliminating the requirement of a permit for a limited home occupation. Commissioner Lizee stated she concurs with Commissioner Bailey. She asked whether the Planning Commission should look at the percentage of floor use as defined by the IRS as a possible guideline. Nielsen expressed concern the IRS requires a minimum amount of use and the City would want to limit this. Nielsen will review this and return to the Commission with some suggestions. Commissioner Callies felt the ordinance could be rewritten so that it is clearer and easier to follow and understand. Commissioner Anderson stated he would like to see the ordinances being used by other cities such as Minnetonka. He felt it to be intrusive to require a license for a limited home occupation. PLANNING COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES JUNE 2,1998 - PAGE 5 With respect to signage, Commissioner Callies did not feel it would be offensive to have a small sign indicating "office" for limited home occupations with an office. She would, however, not want to see neon signs. Nielsen felt it important to limit signs in residential areas. He recommended against anything more liberal than is currently permitted in the ordinance. Commissioner Callies commented the City may want to consider permitting a business such as a dentist with a small business in the home. Nielsen stated he will return to the Commission with some proposed changes to the ordinance based upon their input. 4. MATTERS FROM THE FLOOR - None 5. REPORTS Commissioner Bailey commented on the change in the make up of the Planning Commission and stated he did not feel this change should have been made mid year. Council Liaison O'Neill reported he has a copy of the survey which was just completed and anyone wishing copies may contact him. Nielsen noted the next meeting of the Planning Commission is scheduled for June 16th and will be a study session. Pro Tem Chair Collins invited Commissioner Lizee to the next meeting of the Commission to receive accolades from the Commission for her years of service. He thanked her for her time, service and guidance during his short time on the Commission. Commissioner Lizee stated, "It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." 6. ADJOURNMENT Bailey moved, Anderson seconded adjourning the meeting at 8:24 p.m. Motion passed 5 10. RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED Cheryl Wallat Recording Secretary Timesaver Off -Site Secretarial, Inc. Note: Corrections to minutes by the Planning Commission are shown as italics for additions and strikeouts for deletions.