Sixteen years and at least ten of which he has been without a summer vacation…that’s how long Tom Piekarski has been faithfully tending his gardens and selling locally grown vegetables and flowers from his backyard garden to the residents of Rosemount, the rest of the South Metro and beyond. You would think that after that many years the individuals sitting on the Rosemount City Council would be applauding the hard work that Mr. Piekarski has done for the public in his spare time but, as is the case with many South Metro municipalities, they are doing exactly the opposite and going out of their way to ensure that small business owners are pushed out while big business’ indiscretions are ignored.
Over two days last week I spent nearly three hours chatting with Tom in his backyard garden. I began just like the 15 or so other people who came and went during my visits, by pulling into Tom’s driveway hoping to see some vegetables and flowers available for sale. While nothing like the personal gardens you see adjacent to working farms, this is no doubt one of the largest I have seen anywhere in the hell that is the South Metro suburbs. This lush green patch between Tom’s unpaved driveway and a neighbors fence is chock full of tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, basil, dill, beets, onions, multiple varieties of peppers and plenty more that I’m positive I am missing. Meticulously kept, this Eden, set amongst the rows of Rosemount homes, is a sight for my sore eyes and something that I can only hope to someday have for myself–what many would consider part of the American dream. While not organic, the fertilizers and other chemicals Tom uses are kept to an absolute minimum and the vegetables that are available are large and plentiful even though this summer’s weather has been less than stellar.
Tom enthusiastically talks of his garden going into great detail beginning with how he preps his seeds beginning as early as March to picking cucumbers every other day in the height of the summer. He enlists the help of his kids who have been scheduled to help in the backyard farm since they were barely able to count and his wife who, when I arrived on the second day, was impatiently awaiting a large bin of cucumbers–actively rolling around in fresh well water from a hose clamped to the side of an old washtub–so that she could start the pickling process. But just as enthusiastically as before, Tom tells me of the woes he has experienced over the years at the hands of Rosemount’s poor leadership. Everything from attempting to get him to change to city water, bypassing his own well and paying large fees to the city just so he could water his plants, to condemning a corner of his property because he refused to allow them to take it for $500 and create the dangerous intersection that now exists at the corner of Dodd and Shannon Parkway. But those run-ins with Rosemount’s public officials have had little impact on him compared to their recent calls for him to close up shop.
It all started because he was advertising his flowers and vegetables on a sign at the end of his driveway, quite similar to those ever so popular signs which point the way to the nearest house for sale. After being fined $77 for his signage, he asked the Rosemount City Council if the home builders and Realtors were in violation of the same ordinance for their signs. After being told that they were, the builders stormed City Hall to complain and were eventually granted a change so that they could have their signs out over the weekends as long as they put them in after 4:30 PM on Thursday and removed them by 8:00 AM Monday morning. After watching the signs stay up past the deadline, Tom asked for the same ordinance he was fined under be enforced for everyone else–something which, to his knowledge, has never happened.
Now, after being told to remove his signs and fighting the city’s haphazard enforcement of others violating the ordinance, the city decided to enforce a city ordinance that it had chosen not to push for the last 16 years…one centered on home occupations. Tom admits that he’s in violation of the ordinance and even I must admit that while the city has a right to enforce it, I find their timing to be inappropriate and disturbing. As far as I’m concerned they are sending the message, “You want enforcement? We’ll give you enforcement.”
Tom still sells pickles and jams out of his garage, as that is the one thing that is permitted under Rosemount’s unbelievably unfortunate and completely selective ordinance enforcement. I have sampled both an excellent apricot jam and some habanero pickles that carry a super sweet taste with a bit of fire on the tip of your tongue which I highly suggest you check out. Both of these treats together can be had for $12 or less! There is nothing more satisfying than knowing that you are tasting canned food produced less than 2.5 miles from your front door.
Tom, as a special favor to all the Lazy Lightning readers out there, has offered a special deal. If you visit him at his home (14800 Dodd Blvd Rosemount, MN) and mention that you read this article he will give you one of his absolutely stunning hanging flower baskets free of charge. Yes, you heard me right–free–just for stopping by and admitting you read this site ;-) While you cannot have any of the special displays (like the toilet–overflowing with color or the spreaders–teeming with flowers which line the side of his driveway), you are welcome to any of the others he has on display. After you pick one of those up, I ask that you please support Tom and all of the hard work he has done with a thank you, a canned food purchase, and a call to Rosemount’s mayor to tell him what an absolute shame it will be to lose yet another small business in town due to ridiculous ordinances (please note that Tom has asked for none of this but I suggest you support the little guy and let Rosemount know how you feel about their selective enforcement behaviors).
What do you think about what Rosemount has done to Rosemount and the surrounding community by selectively enforcing ordinances on only small businesses who cannot possibly afford to fight them? What about Rosemount’s reprehensible decision to destroy the American dream and outlaw the traditional home garden sales and roadside vegetable stands? Whatever you think about Tom’s vegetables, his problems with Rosemount’s city leaders, or his flowers please go ahead and comment on and let us (and Rosemount, as they read this site) know what you think!
See all the pictures from Tom Piekarski’s garden on Flickr here.
Related posts:
Dakota Complaints Map
Dakota Inmate Dashboard
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August 17th, 2009 at 10:51 am
Bill, AWESOME story.
I actually met Tom earlier this summer, bought a couple hanging flowers, some Hostas, and a few other plants from him, and was struck by how beautiful the flowers were, and how nice he was. He spent some time with my 2 year old son, letting him feed the chickens in the corner of the yard, and then some more time with me, telling me how to care of the plants I purchased.
The city should be supporting him. The fact that they are working to put him out of business is sad, frustrating, and disappointing. He was/is an incredible steward for the city of Rosemount, and I left his place saddened when he told me that he may not be around much longer as the city is trying to close his business down.
The city would probably prefer to get him out of there. Get rid of all those pretty flowers, and visitors who travel to rosemount to purchase them. Maybe replace them with a vacant home in foreclosure. That would make so much more sense.
Its nice to see Burnsville does not have the market cornered on petty and spiteful politicians who look out for thier own interests over and above the city and its residents.
August 17th, 2009 at 11:03 am
We bought some daylily plants from him a couple years ago. Super nice guy! I love his gardens and he was super nice too. I’ll be over there for sure to support him. I hate when stuff like this happens–no reason at all.
August 17th, 2009 at 11:21 am
THANK YOU for posting this, Bill, and for your effort in getting to the bottom of the story. I wish the city would realize that people like Tom make small towns like Rosemount appealing. I was always happy to spend a little bit more cash at Tom’s stand to get a nice bag of sweet corn or tomatoes, knowing my money was going to a local person rather than a supermarket or a Target. Like you said, the American Dream is dying, and I find that to be really sad.
August 17th, 2009 at 11:25 am
Both the Minnesota Sun and the Rosemount Town Pages covered this topic in different ways (the MNSun article might be online sometime in the future but as of now it isn’t and the Town Pages’ article is only partial online, retards).
I want to thank reader “jean b” for e-mailing me that this was happening to Tom and giving me the opportunity to chat with an amazing man doing wonderful things for Rosemount and the rest of the South Metro. I will definitely be back this week for more pickles–at the very least.
Please remember to tell Tom you read about his plight here and get your free hanging basket. He’d really like to know how many people have read this post and that’s the best way for him to gauge interest!
August 17th, 2009 at 12:04 pm
Thanks for this information. I would love to stop down and see his gardens and get some nice vegtables or canned goods. Do you know time he takes customers daily? Or is this just weekends. Maybe I missed that part.
August 17th, 2009 at 12:05 pm
Sorry about that. I visited him on two weekdays and he said he’s usually home after 4:30 PM. Perhaps others who have visited him more often than I have over the years could give you more specific times. I know he’s usually also around on the weekends as well.
Because he cannot sell the vegetables from his garden any longer he has been placing them in white 5 gallon pails at the end of the driveway and people can stop by and take what they need.
August 17th, 2009 at 12:21 pm
I have a headache! How frustrating to have City of Rosemount constantly acting in ways that frustrate entrepreneurship! The current regime seems bent on making us into a tapioca-pudding suburb, poisoning the well for any individuality and creativity that might distinguish us. Well, the City has shown that it can promulgate rules and regulations just like the big cities it so clearly wants to be. Lovely….We’re on the way to being another St. Paul–just without the people or the businesses.
August 17th, 2009 at 12:30 pm
Awesome, thanks Bills. I will check it our for sure this week. Can you leave a donation in a jar by the road as well?
You need to do an update on how you & mrs are doing with the whole organic eating. Are you still doing most of your shopping at Valley Natural Foods? I haven’t read anything about it for awhile.
August 17th, 2009 at 12:36 pm
Isn’t there a farmers market that he could bring his items too? I know there is one in Hastings a few times a week. How is this really any different then a kid having a lemonade stand in front of their house? Seems silly, but what do expect with Rosemount.
August 17th, 2009 at 12:37 pm
As for donations, I dunno, you could always try. Your best bet would be to drive into the driveway and knock on the door. Tom is a great guy and I have seen numerous people stop to chat with him.
—-
Yeah, we’re still doing the organic thing but due to a big life change we’re probably going to have to curtail some of that and limit it to the necessities like dairy, meat, and some fruits and vegetables.
We now have a chest freezer and we’re in the process of saving up enough cash to purchase meat in bulk from a local farm. We were hoping to be at that point by now but as noted above, it just hasn’t happened yet.
I do still do the majority of my shopping at VNF but have added some things in from Cub’s organic section including milk (it’s $1+ cheaper on average), field greens (~$1 cheaper on average), pasta ($2+ dollars less), and snack foods (depending on sales).
I still prefer VNF for vegetables and meats but have purchased from farmers markets and local vendors even if they aren’t organic just so I can support local growers. I especially prefer stuff that’s not from abroad.
August 17th, 2009 at 12:41 pm
Great job on the article Bill.
This is tremendously frustrating. On a tangent, but based on the stipulations, I wonder how any home day care businesses exist in the City. Clearly they would violate a number of the requirements listed, especially the part about being fully contained to the inside of structures and not being audible or visible from the property line.
I also wonder — is selling vegetables from your garage/driveway technically considered an “occupation”? Is this his job or a hobby? Is running a lemonade stand considered a “home occupation”? Is a garage sale considered an “occupation”? Where do they draw the line…percentage of overall income? Set dollar amount? Maybe this is defined elsewhere in Rosemount code…let me know.
Beyond that, I have no idea if Tom is interested in this level of effort, but a simple solution might be a petition drive and/or effort for a “roadside stand” exception to the home occupation ordinance.
It would probably have to have some definition of temporary vs. permanent, a specified number of days/hours and product types, etc.
It would be a common sense solution for Rosemount to protect itself but also defend some of these “fabric of America” unique highlights.
August 17th, 2009 at 12:43 pm
There is and he has. According to Tom he recently sent his son to the Hasting’s Market where he made a total of $10–as much money as he spent in gas going there and back. Other farmers markets require expensive booths to be purchased decreasing profits and forcing him to drive produce many miles outside of Rosemount.
Tom seems to really enjoy providing for those in the immediate area and based on the reactions of those that came to his home while I was there, it was apparent that everyone else appreciated it too.
August 17th, 2009 at 12:48 pm
No, and Tom has held “garage sales” this year to make up for some of this and has even posted to Craigslist (something which the City saw and archived for future use against him).
From Rosemount’s ordinance on garage sales:
August 17th, 2009 at 1:27 pm
For those asking about a time, when I spoke to him he said if his garage door is open, its ok to stop.
August 18th, 2009 at 12:10 am
Chalk another miscue up to clueless Droste and the gang of Fucktards at city hall, as if more evidence was needed. Droste only cares about BIG business and shits on the little guy EVERY chance he gets.
August 18th, 2009 at 4:18 am
[...] reports on the city of Rosemount vs. a local vegetable grower, Anna of True Thai is dumping her ad buys, a great-looking way to utilize and save your onion and [...]
August 18th, 2009 at 8:52 am
i talked to the mrs. yesterday afternoon. seems like there’s a butthead neighbor involved that complains quite a bit of the time. a real shame. she said now that the kids aren’t helping any more, no demand, they have too much free time on their hands. a shame. it’s everyones loss. sounds like droste is taking lessons from h.r. mary and lizzie the k.
bb
August 18th, 2009 at 12:26 pm
Anyone interested in getting together on Thursday night after work to head over to Tom’s to get flowers, possibly some vegetables, and canned goods before heading to Ramy’s in Apple Valley for dinner? Say, 6:00 and dinner at Ramy’s around 6:45ish?
August 18th, 2009 at 12:49 pm
The Mr. Marcos and I are down for Thursday night!
Fresh produce, garlic knots, and Coca Cola….the American Dream!
August 18th, 2009 at 6:48 pm
We could probably do ramy’s for dinner, but not the 6:00 thing.
August 18th, 2009 at 8:17 pm
Cool. We’ll see you there.
August 19th, 2009 at 9:28 am
Brilliant post! I really hope that local government officials are keeping an eye on your blog and taking note.
September 4th, 2009 at 7:02 am
More from the Pioneer Press here: http://www.twincities.com/dakota/ci_13266290
September 4th, 2009 at 8:29 am
i read the article this morning. sounds like he’s hosed!
bb
September 4th, 2009 at 12:50 pm
I just read the article and then through the comments. I would love to hear peoples opinions on the MN State Constitution angle.
Here is what it says:
http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/cco/rules/mncon/mncon.htm
Sec. 7. No license required to peddle. Any person may sell or peddle the products of the farm or garden occupied and cultivated by him without obtaining a license therefor.
It seems to me like he gets a free pass on this and our founding fathers saw into the future and wrote an article specifically to prevent low level power hungry bueracrats from pissing all over ordinary citizens. He gets around the zoning issue, as he is clearly allowed, per current zoning to have a garden. And he is clearly allowed, per the state constitution, to sell the fruits of his labor.
September 4th, 2009 at 1:00 pm
The biggest issue at hand here are the flower baskets and corn which he was selling as neither were from his own garden. Now, I don’t know the specifics but I do have a call into the city (I was transferred to the code enforcer and then on to Kim Lundquist who apparently has been fielding all questions related to this–but she didn’t answer) and am awaiting a call back.
It would be interesting to see if this is something that they will solely pin on the corn and flower baskets and claim that they never told him to stop selling everything (it’s been too long for me to remember exactly what Tom told me).
September 4th, 2009 at 1:48 pm
I talked to Kim Lundquist and she said that the issue is that he’s running a commercial business out of his property and they have had “complaints”. I asked for a specific number of complaints and she she a couple. I pushed to receive the exact number–something which she became very defensive about and said it would take time to review the file as it has been several years.
Now, in my talks with Tom, it was apparent that there was a neighbor nearby that he was at odds with over one reason or another. I pushed Ms. Lundquist to tell me that they are going to selectively enforce ordinances on this man for a “couple” (I’m taking this as 1 or 2) of complaints when the benefit is to a much larger group. Her voice became quite nervous at this point but she wouldn’t really say anything other than they are doing what they have to.
I also asked if it was made *CLEAR* to Tom that he was not able to sell the baskets but all of his other self-grown vegetables or if it was intentionally muddied so that he would cease all activity? She would only say that he and her have had numerous conversations. It is clear that it was never directly mentioned (being that he gives the veggies away now) that he could continue to sell his homegrown stuff.
I will be awaiting the specific number of complaints and I can guarantee you, it’s going to be a lot less than the number of people who received something positive out of what he was doing.
Boo on Rosemount.
September 4th, 2009 at 2:04 pm
Bill, I would be willing to bet that in a court, the baskets would be fine as well, as he does plant them and grow them there in his yard. A hanging garden is still a garden. If the corn is grown someplace else, then that I guess would be in issue for this particular defense.
As to her response that he is operating a commercial business out of his home, I would just continue to point out that the Constitution of the state of MN explicity gives him permission to sell the products that he grows in his garden. There is nothing she or any other small minded Rosemount official can do about it. Once he has that solidified he should start calling in complaints every Tuesday morning for every single builders sign that is up on 160th and CR142. I would be willing to bet that they number in the hundreds on a given day.
I would love to have some of the more legal minded readers chime in on this, but it seems to me he is in the clear on this and should go back to selling his products. He should also consider a counter suit against them for all the petty agravation they are putting him through.
September 4th, 2009 at 2:12 pm
He imports them to begin with and then lets them grow in his yard. I don’t know if that makes a difference to his argument.
September 4th, 2009 at 2:27 pm
The constitutional argument is OK, and may well work. However, if I had to prepare an argument for the city, I would point out that the Constitution does not limit the city from placing restrictions on WHERE the merchandise can be sold. They are not requiring him to get a business license to sell his product. They are not preventing him from renting retail space and opening a market. They are also not preventing him from selling to anybody. They are simply limiting him from selling the product from his home in violation of city zoning ordinances.
For example: I am sure that the Constitutional argument would not hold up as a defense if he set up a booth in the center of a busy intersection. The problem would not be with his product, but with his location.
I don’t think the Constitutional argument is a slam dunk.
September 4th, 2009 at 3:20 pm
More from Kim Lundquist:
1. One complaint was received in January of 2007 for outdoor storage of materials related to the business.
2. Enforcement began at that time to attempt to bring Tom into compliance.
3. Another complaint was received along the way–she was unsure if it was the same person or a different person. When I pressed this issue saying that she saw the file she said that the person who took the complaint was not here when the first one came in and that it was anonymous. To me that means she’s covering the fact that it is for sure the same person.
4. I mentioned that the outdoor storage of materials (which you cannot see from the road or the majority of homes around Tom’s house) have nothing to do w/the current issue. She said it’s related to the business.
September 8th, 2009 at 4:16 pm
For those of you that are Facebook users, someone started a Facebook group in support of Tom and his plight: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=134701396050&ref=nf
September 8th, 2009 at 6:27 pm
In rural areas farm stands are exempt from home businesses regulations.
He could try and get that exemption made into a law over the winter since its a seasonal business and there is not year around traffic etc which the home business regulations are trying to deal with. Not everyone wants their neighbors to have constant traffic all day thats why they have zoning rules etc.
September 9th, 2009 at 3:22 pm
It’s my impression that the neighbor in question has one and only one hobby: Calling the police any time he sees anything happening in the neighborhood. This neighbor has a particular beef with Tom and his family that I think might be based solely upon them seeming to be happier people than him; it’s hard to tell.
March 12th, 2010 at 7:48 am
Final outcome of dispute with City reported here: http://www.twincities.com/dakota/ci_14658978
March 12th, 2010 at 7:51 am
From the article Whit graciously linked above:
I look forward to picking up some pickles soon. Mmm, pickles.
June 11th, 2010 at 3:05 am
Yes, I am the guy you have commented about and I am the guy who lives at 14800 Dodd Blvd, Rosemount, MN.
I happen to read through the comments and appreciate them all, seriously.
An update, I can sell my flowers for the years 2010 and 2011. I can sell the vegis as long as I live their. I can sell these items on the friday-sunday. That does not mean you can not stop by and pick something up and let’s say “pay for it later”. There are details, but not going to list them here.
I will be selling. Stop by, afternoons during the week, usually after 2:00pm. Weekends, most of the day. Like Bill said, when the garage doors are open, come on in.
My battle is not over. The city has recently had to go after two businesses for sign violations, something they did not want to have to do. But a few emails and they had no choice.
I have some unanswered questions that I put into the city. Basically, it is showing that they can enforce their codes and ordiances on who, what, where, and when they want to. I recently acquired an audio tape where Kim Lindquist clearly admitted that signs were in violation, but yet they did not act on them. I also have the papers where and when the warnings were issued.
The last time I spoke to Mr. Bill Droste, and I quote what he said: “I am not in charge of the staff”. If he is not in control at city hall, who is? (That is one of my unanswered question I put into the city)
Speaking of Mr. Droste, he and I go a long way back. See, before he became mayor, he stopped by my place. “Tom, I love what you are doing here, looks great, nice for the area. May I put up one of my election signs in your front yard?” I said sure. I hope he stops by to ask again.
By now, you can tell I am frustrated and probably heard enough. Yes, I agree.
I have to add one more thing. The whole reason I do this gardening, flowers, etc. is not for the money (I could make more at McDonalds per hour). It is to meet the people. All kinds of people. I have learned so so much. You see, just like most of you, I started out with a little garden. I remember my first year with flowers, I had 6 pots. Sold them all to one happy lady. I will always miss the customers. My boys always say “I talk to much to people”. Well, I just want to share what I know, what I love doing, and hopefully, someone, some people, can pick that up and pass it along. I just had a customer stop by today, he just got back from the locker, and he gave a chicken that he raised. He raises his own chickens to eat. I asked how it’s going. “Not so good, just wanted to stop by a give you this”. I know he runs a business in construction and I know it has not been good. But yet, here is a guy, not doing so well, goes out of his way, and gives me something. Kind of makes you choke up a little. This is what I will miss, meeting people.
If you like to comment to the Rosemount city council: Citycouncil@ci.rosemount.mn.us
If you want to stop by, look around, chat, smell the flowers, I would love to see you.
Again, thanks for all your support. Tom Piekarski.
June 11th, 2010 at 7:51 pm
Outstanding Tom. Thanks for posting and thanks for keeping up the good fight!
August 2nd, 2010 at 5:20 pm
I was just informed by Eric Zweber of the city of Rosemount, MN 55068 that I am being taken back to court for violating the agreement we have. He stated that I can not any flowers on display on my property, even if they are not for sale. Item G & H. of the contact states, G – have not more than 100 pouches, 50 hanging baskets, and 50 pots for sale on the Property at any given time, with the understanding that such pouches, hanging baskets and pots dot not have to contain plants or flowers cultivated in the ground on the Property: and H – engage in the activity of paragragh (g) only between Arpil 15 – July 31 of 2010 and 2011, after which all such sales will permanently cease. I told hime I am not selling them anymore, but giving them away. He said no, I can not have them on display. Here we go again. Again, send a comment to the Rosemount city council: Citycouncil@ci.rosemount.mn.us.
FYI, I am selling vegi’s Friday thru Sunday, and the Super Sweet Corn started this past Sunday. Stop by, get some goods eats, and, and, the flowers are free, just mention Bill Roehl’s name.
Again, thanks for the support.
August 2nd, 2010 at 5:58 pm
I think that the City of Rosemount has just won the South Metro Trophy for stupidity previously held by the City of Burnsville.
Bill, I think you need to create two awards that are posted right above Recent Comments. 1. the current monthly South Metro Stupidity Award that is awarded and held by an idiot for a period until another idiot needs to be recognized for their activity or contribution 2. an award that remains with the biggest idiot for the past twelve rolling months and every January 1st will be the winner of the South Metro Idiot of the year.
I would like to nominate the City of Rosemount to be recognized with both awards immediately!
August 2nd, 2010 at 6:02 pm
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by garciasn and LazyLightning.org, suzi. suzi said: WTF Rosemount RT @SouthMetroNews Fight Rosemount's ridiculous litigious behavior and get free flowers this weekend: http://ow.ly/2k2rl [...]
August 2nd, 2010 at 9:34 pm
Tom’s address is in the post above but for those of you who may not have seen it, here you go: http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=14800+Dodd+Blvd+Rosemount,+MN&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=51.089971,79.013672&ie=UTF8&z=16
August 3rd, 2010 at 5:34 am
If anyone knows of a good lawyer who would be willing to take this on, please let me know or have them contact me. I do have someone in mind, but am open to hear from anyone.
I have not officially been served any papers yet, but I like to be prepared.
I will be having a petition at my house for people to sign if they so wish.
For those who live in Rosemount, I encourage you to vote in new city council members. When in came time to vote to take me to court, I believe it was 6-0, not one voted in favor for me. Kurt Bills is currently running for state senate I believe. As far as I am concerned, he is the a two faced person. At my oldest son’s graduation, he was the guest speaker. He stressed for young people to work hard, strive for what you believe, etc., etc. It was a great speach. Keep in mind he is on the Rosemount city council. Later that year, he voted to take me to court and shut down my farm business, which took away my middle son’s job for the summer. I have put in a complaint about his political signs that they are in violation of two city ordiances. To date, they have done nothing about them. How does that work, a council member in violation of his own city’s ordiance? If he does not have to follow his own city’s ordiances, think of what may happen when he is in a state office? He is also a teacher at Rosemount High School, and I personally know at least one of his co-workers thinks of him like I do. So, you decide.
Again, thanks for the support.
Tom Piekarski
August 3rd, 2010 at 9:08 am
where’s the petition? your place?
bb
August 5th, 2010 at 6:05 pm
Yes, the petition will be at my place this weekend.
August 8th, 2010 at 5:39 pm
From what I heard his flowers are absolutely beautiful. He’s still giving them away until they’re gone. Go for it people.
August 13th, 2010 at 1:14 pm
There is a story in today’s Pioneer Press about this:
http://www.twincities.com/localnews/ci_15764494
Here’s the first few paragraphs:
Rosemount officials and a resident are at odds once again over his flowers and vegetables.
The city contends Tom Piekarski is in violation of a settlement agreement both parties reached in February and has given him until today to remove his flower pouches, hanging baskets and pots from his property or face possible enforcement, including further court action.
Piekarski said Wednesday that he has done nothing wrong, and the flowers that City Planner Eric Zweber spotted on his property Aug. 2 “were my display, my personal stuff.”
He said he’s been giving them away, not selling them, and won’t comply with the city’s demands.
“They can take me to court,” he said, “and they’re not going to like my next lawyer.”
August 13th, 2010 at 3:36 pm
It’s really too bad it has to come to this, and I feel bad that this citizen has to spend his own money defending himself over this really trivial (in MY opinion) matter.
That said, I hope he fights them, and embarrasses them in court.
August 23rd, 2010 at 5:20 pm
Here is some news that people should be aware of. I recently requested some information from the city, public information. Well, it is not so public. Each piece of paper they give you costs you 25 cents plus tax.
I have not yet picked up this information, nor do I know if I get a chance to review it before puchasing it.
So much for public information.
August 23rd, 2010 at 7:55 pm
Tom,
They cannot charge you to inspect the information, only if you want them to make you a copy of it. Please see https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/?id=13.03 (Subd. 3(a) emphasis mine):
I routinely bring a laptop and a flatbed scanner with me to inspect documents and make my own scans of them. This nets me free access to the data and copies of them to disseminate to others.