Brainerd's ordinance regulating the growth of grass and weeds got another tweak Monday.
The Brainerd City Council, in a 6-1 vote, approved amending the ordinance to add in exceptions for undeveloped lots.
In Brainerd, grass and weeds cannot exceed a height of six inches, except in wetland and floodplains designated on the official zoning map, in a drainage ditch or pond that stores or conveys water and in areas used as pasture land.
The amendment approved Monday added to the exceptions undeveloped land more than one acre in size that is contiguously situated and is owned by the same entity, unless the property is directly adjacent to property that contains a home. In that case, weeds and grass must be mowed within 100 feet of the property containing the home.
Also added to the ordinance Monday was undeveloped land that is predominately wooded and all grass and weeds within the street right-of-way.
Voting against the ordinance amendment was council member Bob Olson, who said it favors developers over residential property owners.
In other action, the council:
Adjourned to 6 p.m. on Sept. 11 for a special budget meeting at Brainerd City Hall.
Accepted by a 6-1 vote a $1,500 proposal from Bill Ludenia for an appraisal of the Brainerd Lakes Chamber land and buildings at Washington and South Sixth streets. The chamber had entered into a purchase agreement to buy the former WorkForce Center building on South Sixth Street. Olson, who voted against the appraisal, asked why the city would consider purchasing the land when there were other priorities for city funds. Council member Kevin Goedker said the appraisal doesn't mean the city has to buy the land, just learning its value.
Was informed by council member Bonnie Cumberland that council could have a recommendation on whether to allow chickens in the city by the council's Sept. 15 meeting.
Gave conceptual approval for purchasing tax forfeited land in Buffalo Hills to use for an easement and for staffers to negotiate with an adjacent property owner to buy half the property.
Appointed Brainerd Police officer Joy Larson to sergeant.
Authorized submission by Brainerd Lakes Area Development Corp. for a Small Cities Development Program grant to go toward assisting downtown property owners in paying storm and sanitary sewer connection fees with the downtown reconstruction project slated for the spring of 2009.
MATT ERICKSON may be reached at matt.erickson@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5857.\
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