by April Scheinoha
Editor
Good fences apparently make good neighbors, and it seems like more people are building fences in Thief River Falls. At its meeting Tuesday, Oct. 21, the Thief River Falls City Council instituted some rules for those building fences.
By votes of 6 to 1, the council held a first reading and immediately adopted the new ordinance pertaining to fences. Council member Jason Aarestad voted in opposition to both the first reading and immediate adoption of the ordinance. Council member Megan Arlt was absent from the meeting.
Highlights of the new ordinance include:
• All new fences require a permit from the city’s building official.
• Adjoining property owners must provide written permission for property-line fences, and maintenance responsibilities must be designated. The finished side or face of the fence must face the adjacent property owner.
• Front-yard fences may not exceed four feet in height.
• Corner lot sight-restriction areas may not exceed 30 inches in height.
• Side/rear yard fences are subject to zoning restrictions.
• “With corner lots, no structure or planting in excess of 30 inches above the street centerline grade shall be permitted,” said City Attorney Delray Sparby. “Corner yard setbacks shall be determined by a defined vision triangle with sightlines defined as being 35 feet in length as measured from the point of intersection of the outside perimeter of the corner street curbs.”
• “Alleyway setbacks shall be determined by a defined vision triangle with sightlines defined as being 25 feet in length as measured from the point of intersection of the adjacent city alley right-of-way and the city street or sidewalk right-of-way, whichever is closer.”
• Fences are to be two feet away from any city right-of-way.
• Painted fences should be painted in a solid, opaque continuous color.
• A conditional use permit is required for fences eight-feet tall or higher.
• Electric fences are allowed around gardens to keep animals out. However, visible signage is required at reasonable intervals.
• Variances may be granted in instances of hardship and with alternative proposals provided.
• Violations of the ordinance may result in stop work orders, removal at the owner’s expense or court action.
There are further provisions regarding razor wire and barbed wire fences in commercial or industrial zones.
During the meeting, Aarestad didn’t voice why he chose to vote in opposition. In an interview with The Times on Thursday, he said he agreed with portions of the ordinance and disagreed with others. In particular, Aarestad voiced concerns about requiring residents obtain permits and pay fees if they wish to construct a fence. Aarestad added that it seemed like the matter was rushed.
City Council approved applying for a Small Cities Development Program grant. The city seeks this Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development grant to rehabilitate commercial, rental and owner-occupied housing.
The council held a first reading to rezone 324 10th St. E. and 921 Atlantic Ave. N. from Multi-Family Residential District (R-4) to General Commercial District (C-2). Sanford Medical Center plans to redevelop its vacant building into its ambulance garage. If rezoning were approved, the city has stipulated that Sanford Ambulance can’t use its ambulance sirens until the ambulance has reached Eighth Street. It has also stipulated that all three parcels owned by Sanford will be surveyed and platted in that area. The council is expected to consider the matter at an upcoming meeting.
In a separate, related motion, the council held a first reading to amend the city’s Comprehensive Plan related to the above matter. The council is expected to consider the amendment at an upcoming meeting.
Carly Lunsetter and Angie Westling, representing the Thief River Falls Chamber of Commerce, sought permission from the council to offer a holiday lights event at Thief River Falls Tourist Park. If plans move forward, businesses would sponsor holiday light displays for the public to see. Westling indicated that the only expense for the city would be electricity.
The Joe and Jodi Drevlow family hosted such a display at the park in the past.
The matter was referred to the Public Safety and Public Works committees for further review.
Mayor Mike Lorenson proclaimed Thursday, Oct. 30 as Manufacturing Day in Thief River Falls. The proclamation noted “manufacturing is a vital part of our economy, driving innovation, creating jobs, and contributing to the prosperity of our community.”
It further noted that “manufacturers in the City of Thief River Falls produce high-quality goods that are essential to our daily lives and global competitiveness.”
In addition, the proclamation indicated that “Manufacturing Day provides an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of manufacturers and inspire the next generation of workers.”
Lorenson will present the proclamation Thursday, Oct. 30 at the annual Manufacturers’ Breakfast.
The council approved a variance request from Lorene Flynn, 716 Main Ave. N. It granted an 11-foot variance to front-yard setback requirements, allowing Flynn to install a new deck and stairs to replace her existing dilapidated front concrete steps.
City Council approved a variance request from Diane Kalsnes, 214 Markley Ave. N. It granted a nine-foot variance from the front property line, allowing Kalsnes to construct a new front porch, deck and stairs. Her current porch is separating from her house since the footings aren’t protected against frost.
Ron Hegge, 2004 Northrop Ave., appeared before the council. Hegge voiced concerns about safety concerns and sight lines related to a 40-foot camper parked in his neighbor’s driveway throughout the winter. The council took the matter under advisement.
City Council congratulated Electric Superintendent Brian Jacobson on his Oct. 1 retirement from the Thief River Falls Fire Department. Jacobson had served as a volunteer firefighter for more than 32 years. For a portion of that time, he also served as the volunteer fire chief.
The next council meeting is scheduled Tuesday, Nov. 4 at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall.