06-16-2003 CC MINMEETING OF THE ELK RIVER CITY COUNCIL
HELD AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HALL
MONDAY, JUNE 16, 2003
Members Present:
Members Absent:
Staff Present:
Mayor I~-3mzing, Councilmembers Dietz, Kuester, Mot_m, and Tveite
None
City Administrator Pat K. laers, Senior Planner Scott Harlicker, Planner
Chris Leeseberg, City Engineer Terry Maurer, Police Chief Jeff Beahen,
City Attorney Peter Beck, and Recording Secretary Tina Allard
4.1.
4.2.
Call Meeting To Order
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the meeting of the Elk River City Council was called
to order at 6:30 p.m. by Mayor Fdinzing.
Consider 6/16/2003 Agenda
COUNCILMEMBER TYEITE MOVED TO APPROVE THE AGENDA.
COUNCILMEMBER MOTIN SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION
CARRIED 5-0.
Consider Consent Agenda
COUNCILMEMBER MOTIN MOVED TO APPROVE THE CONSENT
AGENDA AS FOLLOWS:
3.1. 6/09/2003 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
3.2. ADOPT RESOLUTION 03-41 EXTENDING THE TERM OF THE
CABLE FRANCHISE HELD BY CC VIII OPERATING COMPANY, LLC
D/B/A CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS
COUNCILMEMBER TVEITE SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION
CARRIED 5-0.
Utilities Update
Councilmember John Dietz stated that he was not in attendance at the June 10, 2003
Utilities meeting but that the minutes for this meeting are attached to the staff report.
YMCA Update
City Administrator Pat Iadaers provided an update of the YMCA Founder's Committee
meeting held on June 12, 2003. It was noted that the YMCA lead contact for this project,
Chad Lanners, has accepted a new position within the YMCA organization and would no
longer be working on the Elk River project.
City. Council ~finutes
June 16, 2003
4.3. NCDA Update
Page 2
Senior Planner Scott Harticker provided an update of the June 5, 2003, NCDA meeting.
4.4. Park and Recreation Update
Planner Chris Leeseberg provided an update of the Park and Recreation Commission's
meeting held on June 11, 2003. He noted upcoming summer park events and stated that the
playground for Highlands West Park will be installed in August.
4.5. Gun Range Update
City Administrator Pat I~aers stated that the low bid for the mechanical system for the gun
range is valid until the end of June 2003, and that the Council should decide whether to go
forward with spending funds to finish this project or to look at alternative options of what
to do with this space. He stated that the shooting range equipment bid is no longer valid.
Mr. Klaers stated that he talked with Sheriff Bruce Anderson regarding interest in a joint
venture for the range and that Sheriff Anderson feels that the range is not adequate for his
needs. Sheriff Anderson is looking into building a gun range during the next expansion
phase of the Sherburne County Government Center. Nfl:. Klaers stated that funding could
come from the liquor store fund to complete the gun range.
Police Chief Jeff Beahen stated that if the Council decides not to go for~vard with finishing
the gun range then there is a security issue with a window well that must be remedied. He
stated that this space should be used, if not as a range, it could possibly be leased out to the
community or used for training purposes.
Councilmember Dietz stated that he talked with the Sheriff whom stated that he is not
interested in a joint effort with the City Hall gun range. He is looking at building a gun range
either on the west side of town or at the Elk River Sportsman's Club gun range site. This
range would be offered to all cities at no charge.
Councilmember Dietz questioned what the pay out would be if the city gun range were
£mished. Chief Beahen stated that approximately $15,000 a year would be saved in overtime
for officer training. He stated that some revenue could be generated with training for the
new Concealed and Carry law. He stated that the pay back on the range would take
approximately 10-15 years.
Mayor Iadinzing stated that she is concerned whether the Sheriff's gun range proposal was in
the works when the city decided to include a range on its site. She questioned why the city
should finish its range when they will be able to use the Sherburne County range for free.
She is concerned about creating competition between the two gun ranges.
Councilmember Kuester expressed concerns (proximity to residents) regarding the proposed
Sherburne County expansion. Councilmember Dietz expressed concerns (residents and
noise) about the Elk River Sportsman's Club gun range as a possible expansion site.
Councilmember Tveite stated that he is concerned about budget constraints, the economy,
and the lengthy pay back time for the range.
Ci~ Council Minutes Page 3
June 16, 2003
COUNClLMEMBER DIETZ MOVED TO HAVE THIS ISSUE BROUGHT
BACK TO THE COUNCIL ON MONDAY, JUNE 23, 200:3. COUNCILMEMBER
KUESTER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED $-0.
5. Ope~ Mike
Darrin Brown, 18299 Boston Street - Stated that he would like the city to reconsider the
Boston/Concord Street Assessments that were approved on Monday, June 9, 2003. He
stated that property owners were confused about the public hearing process and were too
fearful to speak up. He stated that this assessment would be a financial burden on property
owners. He questioned if the city could add additional streets to the project to help reduce
costs.
Councilmember Dietz stated that he heard from many property owners who stated they
were in favor of the project. He stated that if this project were put off to a later date the cost
of the project would increase. He questioned whether the term of the assessments could be
extended.
Mr. Maurer stated that the assessment should not be extended beyond the life of the street.
He stated that it may be possible to change the calculation of the assessment so that the
property owner would be paying more in interest at the beginning of the assessment and less
toward the end of the assessment. He stated that over the long term of the assessment the
property owner would be paying more interest.
Mayor Klinzing stated that property owners petitioned the city to make these project
improvements.
Councilmember Motin suggested that this item be brought back to the Council at a later
date to determine whether the assessment calculations could be changed and asked that
another notice be sent to the property owners.
6.1.
Request by James and Stephanie Zaczkowski for Preliminary. Plat Approval (Kingdom
Estates), Public Hearing-Case No. P 03-2
Mayor Klinzing stepped down from voting on this item as she is the applicant.
Staff report submitted by Planner Chris Leeseberg. Mr. Leeseberg stated that the applicant is
requesting preliminary plat approval for Kingdom Estates, a 7 lot subdivision. He gave an
overview of the project and discussed landscaping, wetlands, utilities, park dedication
requirements, and Planning Commission action.
Vice Mayor Kuester opened the public hearing. There being no one to speak to this issue,
Vice Mayor Kuester closed the public hearing.
Councilmember Motin stated a concern about having a street enter on a curve in the road.
He also questioned the access off of County Road 33 and the extra traffic it will create.
Jim Brown, Dynamics Design - Stated that there isn't a way to avoid having some access
onto county roads. He stated that originally this plat had four accesses to the county road
but he was able to bring the access down to one.
Vice Mayor Kuester stated concerns about the length of the cul-de-sacs.
City Council Minutes
June 16, 2003
Page 4
COUNCILMEMBER DIETZ MOVED TO APPROVE THE PRELIMINARY
PLAT FOR KINGDOM ESTATES WITH THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS:
1. ALL COMMENTS OF THE CITY ENGINEER SHALL BE
ADDRESSED.
2. ALL COMMENTS OF SHERBURNE COUNTY SHALL BE
ADDRESSED.
3. A SEALCOAT FEE SHALL BE PAID PRIOR TO RELEASING THE
PLAT FOR RECORDING.
A LETTER OF CREDIT IN THE AMOUNT OF 100% OF THE COST OF
THE IMPROVEMENTS SHALL BE SUBMITTED PRIOR TO
RELEASING THE PLAT FOR RECORDING.
5. THE APPLICANT SHALL EXECUTE A DEVELOPER'S AGREEMENT
OUTLINING THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL.
6. PARK DEDICATION SHALL BE IN CASH FOR FIVE LOTS.
7. THE PLAT SHALL COMPLY WITH THE A1 SETBACK
REQUIREMENTS.
8. ALL COMMENTS OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNICIAN SHALL
BE ADDRESSED.
COUNCILMEMBER MOTIN SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION
CARRIED 4-0.
Mayor IClinzing returned to the council dais.
6.2.
Request by Lisa Shields-Ergan for a Conditional Use Permit to Operate a Montessori
School, Public Hearing-Case No. CU 03-13
Staff report submitted by Planner Chris Leeseberg. Mr. Leeseberg stated that the applicant is
requesting a conditional use permit, in a PUD zone to operate a Montessori School at 508
Freeport Avenue. He discussed previous City Council and Planning Commission action. He
also discussed parking, hours of operation, and student to teacher ratios.
Mayor Klinzing opened the pubic hearing. There being no one to speak to this issue, Mayor
Klinzing closed the public hearing.
COUNCILMEMBER MOTIN MOVED TO APPROVE THE CONDITIONAL
USE PERMIT TO OPERATE A MONTESSORI SCHOOL WiTH THE
FOLLOWING CONDITIONS:
1. NO MORE THAN A TOTAL OF 10 EMPLOYEES ARE TO BE ON
SITE.
City Council Nfinutes
June 16, 2003
2. NO MORE THAN A TOTAL OF 55 STUDENTS ARE TO BE
ENROLLED.
Page 5
IF THE LOCATION OF THE PLAY AREA IS MOVED, THE
APPLICANT SHALL APPLY FOR AN AMENDMENT TO THE
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT.
4. CLIENTS SHALL ABIDE BY THE DROP-OFF AND PICK-UP
SCHEDULE SET BY THE OPERATOR.
APPLICANT SHALL PLACE PAVEMENT MARKINGS, CONES,
AND SIGNAGE ANNOUNCING CHILDREN CROSSING AT
THE REAR OF THE BUILDING TO THE PLAY AREA.
6. MAINTAIN STATE LICENSE.
COUNCILMEMBER KUESTER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
6.3.
Request by Trails End Holdings-Elk River, LLC (STM Development.) for a Conditional Use
Permit for 7,000 sq. ft. Retail Building, Public Hearing-Case No. CU 03-12
Staff report submitted by Senor Planner Scott Harlicker. Mr. Harlicker stated that the
applicant is requesting a conditional use permit for a 7,000 square foot auto parts store. He
discussed zoning, parking, building design standards, landscaping, signage, and Planning
Commission action.
Mayor Kdinzing opened the public hearing. There being no one to speak to this issue, Mayor
IGinzing closed the public hearing.
Mayor Klinzing stated concerns about access onto Zane Street. She stated that traffic along
Zane Street (coming from Home Depot and Wal-mart) makes it difficult to pull onto Zane
Street.
Councilmember Motin-stated that he is concerned with customers servicing their vehicles in
the parking lot.
Lynn Sutherland, STM Development - Stated that they do not allow repairs to be made in
their parking lots. He discussed changes made to the exterior of the building.
COUNCILMEMBER MOTIN MOVED TO APPROVE THE CONDITIONAL
USE PERMIT FOR AN AUTO PARTS STORE WITH THE FOLLOWING
CONDITIONS:
FOUR FOOT HIGH WAINSCOTING SHALL BE INCLUDED ON THE
MIDDLE SECTION OF THE NORTH AND SOUTH ELEVATIONS.
THE MATERIAL SHALL MATCH THE MATERIAL OF THE
PILASTERS.
City, Council Minutes Page 6
June 16, 2003
2. THE COLOR OF THE MATERIAL ON THE ENDS OF THE NORTH
AND SOUTH ELEVATIONS SHALL BE CHANGED SO THAT IT IS
DIFFERENT FORM THE COLOR OF THE MIDDLE SECTION.
A LANDSCAPING STRIP SHALL BE ADDED TO THE WEST SIDE OF
THE BUILDING WITH LANDSCAPING SUCH AS ORNAMENTAL
TREES AND BUSHES.
THE PARAPET SHALL BE CHANGED SO THAT THE HEIGHTENED
AREAS ON ALL FOUR SIDES EITHER EXTEND OR ARE RECESSED
FROM THE FACE OF THE BUILDING.
5. ALL COMMENTS OF THE CITY ENGINEER SHALL BE
ADDRESSED.
6. ALL LANDSCAPE AREAS SHOULD BE IRRIGATED.
7. NO REPAIRS BE MADE ON SITE BY AN EMPLOYEE OR A
CUSTOMER.
COUNCILMEMBER TVEITE SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION
CARRIED 5-0.
6.4.
Request by STM Development for a Conditional Use Permit for an 8,000 sq. ft. Multi-
Tenant Building, Public Hearing-Case No. CU 03-11
Staff report submitted by Planner Chris Leeseberg. Mr. Leeseberg stated that the applicant is
requesting a conditional use permit to allow the construction of a multi-tenant retail
building. He discussed zoning, building design, landscaping, and parking. Mr. Leeseberg
stated that the applicant submitted a building design that duplicated Panera's. Staff didn't
feel that repetitive buildings were the intent of the Elk River Crossing PUD Development
Standards for Architectural Character. The applicant submitted a second building design but
the Planning Commission liked the original Panera designed building better.
Mayor IClinzing opened the public hearing.
Jay Tutt, Applicant - Stated that he originally wanted to duplicate the Panera building but
staff asked for a different building design.
Mayor IClinzing questioned if the applicant had the second building design to show to the
Council.
Lynn Sutherland, STM Development - Stated that he understood that second building
design was not needed according to the Planning Commission. He stated that if this project
is delayed it will extend his building project into next spring.
Mayor I<linzing closed the public hearing.
COUNCILMEMBER DIETZ MOVED TO APPROVE THE CONDITIONAL
USE PERMIT TO ALLOW THE CONSTRUCTION OF A MULTI-TENANT
RETAIL BUILDING WITH THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS:
City CouncLl Nfinutes Page 7
June 16, 2003
1. FACADE AND TRIM COLORS SHALL VARY FROM THE ADJACENT
MULTI-TENANT BUILDINGS AND TO BE CONSISTENT WITH THE
DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS.
2. ALL COMMENTS OF THE CITY ENGINEER SHALL BE
ADDRESSED.
3. THE BUILDING SHALL COMPLY WITH ALL BUILDING AND FIRE
CODES.
A DUMPSTER ENCLOSURE SHALL BE CONSTRUCTED OF THE
SAME MATERIALS AND COLORS AT THOSE USED IN THE
BUILDING.
5. ALL SHADEMASTER HONEY LOCUST TREES IN THE LANDSCAPE
PLAN BE REPLACED BY LINDENS AND/OR MAPLES.
COUNCILMEMBER TVEITE SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION
CARRIED 5-0.
6.5.
Request by City. of Elk River to Rezone Certain Property. from Rle Single Family Residential
to Rlc and Rld Single Family Residential, Public Hearing-Case No. ZC 03-01
Staff report submitted by Director of Planning Michele McPherson with Planner Chris
Leeseberg presenting. Mr. Leeseberg stated that the Council is asked to consider rezoning
certain properties from Rle, Single Family to Rlc and Rld, Single Family. He discussed the
Planning Commission's action.
Mayor Klinzing opened the public hearing. There being no one to speak to this issue, Mayor
I~dinzing closed the public hearing.
COUNCILMEMBER TVEITE MOVED TO ADOPT ORDINANCE 03-09
AMENDING THE CITY OF ELK RIVER ZONING MAP TO REZONE
CERTAIN PROPERTIES AS DESCRIBED, CASE NO. ZC 03-02.
COUNCILMEMBER MOTIN SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION
CARRIED 5-0.
6.6.
Request by City. of Elk River for an Ordinance Amendment, Section 30-796 Regarding
Fences, Public Hearing-Case No. OA 03-04
Staff report submitted by Planner Chris Leeseberg. Mr. Leeseberg stated the Council is
asked to consider an amendment to the fence portion of the zoning ordinance. He stated
that the current language is confusing and open to misinterpretation. He stated that the
proposed change would be consistent with the building code.
Mayor I6dinzing opened the public hearing. There being no one to speak to this issue, Mayor
I~dLinzing closed the public hearing.
COUNCILMEMBER DIETZ MOVED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 03-10
AMENDING SECTION 900.08 "DEFINITIONS" AND 900.20.3 "ACCESSORY
BUILDINGS" OF THE CITY CODE OF ORDINANCES. COUNCILMEMBER
KUESTER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
City Council NLinutes
June 16, 2003
Page 8
7. Other Business
Councilmember Kuester stated that the Council missed an opportunity to recognize City
Clerk Sandy Peine who recently resigned. She stated that Sandy was a professional,
dedicated, and appreciated employee for the city.
Mayor Iadinzing stated the Ms. Peme was an extremely dedicated employee for the city.
COUNCILMEMBER TVEITE MOVED TO APPOINT CITY ADMINISTRATOR
PAT KLAERS AS ACTING CITY CLERK. COUNCILMEMBER DIETZ
SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Mr. I~daers stated that interviews for the City Clerk vacancy could be held as early as the
week of july 7.
8. Staff Updates
The City Administrator provided a brief update on the public safety building project, on the
City Hall office staff relocating to the Utilities office, and noted that all furore meetings (of
the City Council and city boards and commissions) will be held at Lions Park Center.
9. Adjournment
There being no further business, Mayor K1inzing adjourned the meeting of the Elk River
City Council at 8:40 p.m.
Tina Allard
Recording Secretary