HomeMy WebLinkAboutAndersen Windows Snow Removal Dec. 2010 POLICE DEPARTMENT
CITY OF
O OAK PARK HEIGHTS
,i y i 14168 Oak Park Blvd. N. P.O. Box 2007
tif, 4 Brian DeRosier
Oak Park Heights, Minnesota 55082 Chief of Police
e Telephone: (651) 439 -4723
v Fax: (651) 439 -3639
m Emergency:911
December 16 2010
Christine Fischer
Facilities Manager, Andersen Windows
5909 Omaha Av No.
Oak Park Heights, MN 55082
Dear Christine Fischer;
As we discussed in our phone conversation 12 -15 -2010, the winter season is upon us and the Oak Park
Heights Police Dept. is receiving complaints about your facility and noise during the nighttime hours.
This has been an ongoing problem we have attempted to address with the facility and is generally
focused around the removal of snow from your south parking lot. We have received other complaints
in the past of general maintenance and garbage removal during the early morning prior to 0700 hrs.
In addressing the complaints surrounding the snow it is understood that you need to remove snow from
your parking lot area; however there seems to be little regard or understanding for the resident's peace
and quiet in the adjoining neighborhood during the nighttime hours. We have received numerous
complaints over many years since Andersen Corp. moved into the building. The department and
residents of the neighborhood frustratingly have to address these issues annually over the same
violations. The complaints surround loud construction type equipment being used with back up
beepers, whining hydraulics, banging of equipment together and against the pavement, scraping of
already plowed areas, extended periods of noise for many hours due to apparent lack of enough
equipment to removed the snow efficiently, and activity several days after snow accumulations and
original plowing was completed. This is all taking place at times 50 feet or less behind residential
bedrooms.
We have tried to mediate the issue but are being placed into a position due to lack of cooperation and
repeated warnings issued of having to criminally cite the offending operators if the violations do not
stop. I am sure you understand your facility was built next to the existing residential neighborhood and
specifically that Andersen Corp. purchased the facility next to existing residential neighbors.
City ordinance has certain restrictions that may be applied to plowing of snow, removing accumulated
snow, or conducting other unnecessary operations creating noise, vibrations, or disturbing the peace of
the neighborhood. The normally accepted hours for these operations or activity creating unnecessary
noise in or near residential neighborhoods is between 7:00 AM and 10:00 PM, no activity is allowed on
Sundays. The element of necessary should not be interpreted as convenient to the facility or the
contractor, but rather activity that could not be accomplished in another manner or time.
Some suggestions I can provide that may help are the south lot sits primarily empty from 5PM
weeknights and on weekends all day. Plowing could be started in the south lot at 5PM and using
adequate equipment could be finished prior to 10 PM. When finished with the south lot the plowing
could take place in the north lot which has not been disturbing to residents in the past. Snow events
are not surprise events, and preplanning could accomplish the needed work during times that do not
disturb the neighborhood, still allowing your facility to operate. In extreme conditions you may need to
make some other parking accommodations or restrictions for your facility staff to accomplish the
plowing or removal during times not disturbing to the neighborhood.
1 encourage you to consider the neighborhood and work with your staff and contractors to prevent any
further complaints. Previous tenants of that building were able to meet these same restrictions so I am
confident you will be able to also. The best resolution is one of being a good neighbor. The city does
not want to cause enforcement action to gain compliance. Please be up front and clear with your
contractors on the restrictions and courtesies to prevent repeated annual issues or criminal
enforcement by the city in an effort to gain compliance.
The city web site: www.cityofoakparkheights.com has links to our city ordinances.
1109.04 Sub F Z Unnecessary noise
1105.06 Sub A B Noise in residential areas and on Sunday
502.07 Sub G Garbage Collection previously addressed with all licensed haulers
I thank you for your cooperation and efforts to resolve these issues permanently for the betterment of
the entire community.
Sincerely,
Brian DeRosier
Chief of Police