02-16-2010 CC MINMEETING OF THE ELK RIVER CITY COUNCIL
HELD AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HALL
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY I6, 2010
Members Present: Mayor Klinzing, Councilmembers Zerwas, Motin, Westgaard, and
Gumphrey
Members Absent: None
Staff Present: Ciry Administrator Lori Johnson, Planning Manager Jeremy Barnhart, Park
Planner Chris Leeseberg, City Attorney Peter Beck, City Clerk Tina Allard,
Liquor Operations Manager Dave Potvin, Finance Director Tim Simon,
and Environmental Administrator Rebecca Haug
Also Present: Planning Commissioner Eric Johnson
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 Klinzing.
2. Consider 2/16/2010 Agenda
Mayor Klinzing added Code of Conduct discussion under Other Business.
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER WESTGARRD AND SECONDED BY
COUNCILMEMBER GUMPHREY TO APPROVE THE AGENDA AS
AMENDED. MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
3. Consider Consent A~nenda
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER MOTIN AND SECONDED BY
COUNCILMEMBER WESTGAARD TO APPROVE THE FOLLOWING
CONSENT AGENDA:
3.1 CHECK REGISTER AS OUTLINED IN THE STAFF REPORT.
3.2. RESOLUTION 10-OG ACKNOWLEDGING CONTRIBUTION TO THE
CITY OF ELK RIVER ($1,000 FROM EAGLES CLUB FOR PARKS AND
RECREATION PROGRAMMING).
3.3. STAFF TO PURSUE THE DEFINITION OF "PARK" IN CITY
ORDINANCE.
3.4. SETTLEMENT WITH LEROY AND TROY ANDERSON FOR THE
PURCHASE OF OUTLOT A, CHERRYHILL BLUFF SECOND
ADDITION AS OUTLINED IN THE STAFF REPORT.
3.5. SOLICITOR LICENSE TO SHAWN STAHOVICH, FRONT LINE
MARKETING VALID THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2010.
• MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
City Council Minutes Page 2
February 16, 2010
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4. Open Mike
Dave Burandt, 19118 Tyler Street -Handed out a request and proposal regarding the 193rd
Avenue improvement project. He expressed concerns with the visibility of an intersection.
Staff will look into the issue and bring it back to Council in April.
5.1. Acknowledge Thank You From St Andrew's Fourth Graders
Ms. Johnson stated two fourth graders, their teachers, and their parents from St. Andrews
dropped off thank you Valentine cards from the fourth grade classes to the City Council for
the job they do for the city. She noted the city would submit a form to the random act of
kindness campaign.
Mayor Klinzing thanked the students for the cards.
5.2. Kathy Heaney. Sherburne County Attorney -Review of Elk River Statistics
Ms. Heaney reviewed office staffing changes and crime statistics for the county.
6.1. Request by Lakeland Properties LLC (Dennis Sharp) for Conditional Use Permit for Mini
Storage and Outdoor Storage of Boats (Gateway Rd Renner 4~ additionl Case No CU 10
O1, Public Hearin
Mr. Barnhart presented the staff report. He stated the application is consistent with the
city's zoning ordinance. •
Mayor Klinzing opened the public hearing.
Russell Kostreba, 15930 Jarvis Street -Stated he owns a storage facility near the applicant
and asked that the Council be consistent in applying similar conditions he was required to
follow when he applied for a conditional use permit a few years back. He specifically
addressed outdoor storage, hours of operation, building materials, lighting, and garage doors
facing the street. He stated many of the items requested by the city were expensive for his
business. He further stated if the applicant is allowed to have outdoor storage he would be
back to Council to request outdoor storage at his business.
Mayor Klinzing closed the public hearing.
Council questioned the inconsistencies among the two businesses
Mr. Barnhart stated he is unsure why the lighting requirements are different. He stated
lighting was not brought up during the review process. He stated there is a difference in
philosophy with regards to the number of conditions and noted staff is not taking the policy
of listing everything that could happen. He stated staff looked at what could be major issues
during the operation of the business and limits the conditions to those issues. Mr. Barnhart
also noted that there are different characteristics among the two businesses that may have
reduced the number of conditions. He stated the city may have had a different stance on
outside storage in 2003 because landscaping for screening and building design are more
acceptable today.
Council noted the following concerns: •
City Council Minutes
February 16, 2010
Page 3
• Hours of operation
^ Outdoor storage:
o Type of outdoor storage: renting space outdoors for boat storage verse storing
equipment.
o Setting timeframes for when outdoor storage would begin and need to be
terminated based on build-out but also within a timeframe so if the buildings
are not built, the storage would eventually end. It was suggested that outdoor
storage not be allowed for more than five years.
o Concern with traffic flow and safety.
o Concern with the type of items that could be considered mini-storage.
o Screening of storage.
Dennis Sharp, applicant -Stated he didn't feel they could ever eliminate outdoor storage.
He further stated he would like to include additional electric or barbed wire fencing to
prevent people from jumping over the fence.
Councilmember Westgaard questioned why the applicant needed five doors.
Mr. Sharp stated the number and size of the doors may not be final. He stated it will depend
on the boat sizes. He noted larger boats tend to bang up the sides of the doors.
Concern was expressed regarding the inconsistencies in the conditions of the conditional use
permits between the two businesses because it could create unfair competition.
Mr. Beck noted if Council wanted to allow different hours and storage options for the
current applicant, then Mr. Kostreba could seek an amendment to his conditional use
permit. He further noted the Council has an obligation to maintain consistenry and would
need a reasonable basis to distinguish between the two businesses. Mr. Beck recommended
that the areas for outdoor storage locations be identified.
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER WESTGAARD AND SECONDED BY
COUNCILMEMBER GUMPHREY TO CONTINUE THIS ITEM TO MARCH
15, 2010. MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
6.2. Request by Flowers Plus (518-520 Freeport Avenuel for Ordinance Approving Zone
Change From PUD to C3, Case No, ZC 10-01, Public Heating
Mr. Leeseberg presented the staff report.
Mayor Klinzing opened the public hearing.
Cindy Delorum 518 Freeport Street - Stated a portion of the building has been for sale
since October 2007. She stated there has been no interest in a hardware store at this
location. She stated she entered into a lease agreement with The Gym in January 2009 but
noted they were denied a building permit for a sign. She further stated they would like to
install showers but that the permits are dependent upon this zoning application
consideration. She further noted the timing is very important for her business.
Rich Shultz, owner of building at 510 Freeport Street -Stated he is in favor of the
• applicant getting the tenant in her building as soon as possible but opposes converting the
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February 16, 2010
Page 4
building from a PUD to a C3 zone change. He suggested that exception #14 be removed •
from the PUD requirements.
Mayor Klinzing closed the public hearing.
Mayor Klinzing questioned why the PUD couldn't be amended to eliminate exception #14
and why staff didn't consider this approach because it would've been easier.
Mr. Leeseberg stated the applicant didn't submit an application to amend the PUD but
rather to rezone to C3. He stated she could re-apply for a PUD but the timeframe would be
extended due to public hearing notice requirements. Mr. Leeseberg stated it would have
been easier to amend the PUD but didn't feel it was the correct solution from an overall
planning process.
The Council disagreed since they already decided to review the entire area at a previous
meeting. Council noted they didn't want to hold the applicant up but stated they would like
to see the PUD amended.
Mr. Beck noted that the city would need to follow procedure in order to amend the PUD.
He suggested making a motion to deny the request and direct staff to amend the PUD so
the applicant would not need to re-apply. He stated Council could direct staff to authorize
the building permits but the building couldn't be occupied until the PUD amendment was
approved.
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER ZERWAS AND SECONDED BY
COUNCILMEMBER GUMPHREY TO DENY THE REQUEST TO AMEND •
THE CITY OF ELK RIVER ZONING MAP TO REZONE CERTAIN
PROPERTIES, AS DESCRIBED, PER CASE NO. ZC 10-01 FROM PUD TO C3.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER ZERWAS AND SECONDED BY
COUNCILMEMBER GUMPHREY TO DIRECT STAFF TO AMEND THE ELK
RNER PLAZA PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT TO
REMOVE THE RESTRICTION ON THE USE FOR PARCEL L AND TO ISSUE
BUILDING PERMITS TO THE GYM LOCATED AT 518-520 FREEPORT
STREET. MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
6.3. Reg_uest for Conditional Use Permit and License (Amendment) by Waste Management for
Elk River Landfill Case No. CU 10-02 Public Hearin
Ms. Haug presented the staff report. She reviewed the proposed changes to the conditional
use permit and the solid waste facility license as noted in her report.
Mayor Klinzing opened the public hearing.
Deb Walters, Elk River Landfill representative, 22460 Highway 169 -Stated she agreed
with staffs changes on all items. She stated she disagreed with Item # 1(i) in the draft
resolution approving the application of Elk River Landfill, Inc. for an amended conditional
use permit and license for the existing Elk River Landfill because it is currently pending in
court as a legal issue.
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February 16, 2010
Page 5
Dennis Butler, 12516 225th Court -Questioned if the applicant's request would prolong
• the life span of the landfill because if it did, he would be opposed to it.
Ms. Haug stated the application for the conditional use permit and the solid waste facility
license does not grant the landfill any approvals for an e~:pansion.
Mayor Klinzing closed the public hearing.
Mr. Beck stated the Council can approve the resolution as it was drafted and noted the
landfill doesn't have to agree to it for the Council to approve it. He stated it is in the
Council's findings of fact and the landfill is not required to agree to it
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER ZERWAS AND SECONDED BY
COUNCILMEMBER WESTGAARD TO APPROVE AN AMENDED
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO WASTE MANAGEMENT FOR THE ELK
RIVER LANDFILL, CASE NO. CU 10-12 AS OUTLINED IN THE STAFF
REPORT AND TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 10-07 APPROVING THE
APPLICATION OF ELK RIVER LANDFILL, INC. FOR AN AMENDED
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT AND LICENSE FOR THE EXISTING ELK
RIVER LANDFILL. MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER MOTIN AND SECONDED BY
COUNCILMEMBER WESTGAARD TO APPROVE THE AMENDMENTS TO
THE ELK RIVER LANDFILL'S SOLID WASTE FACILITY LICENSE WITH
MODIFICATIONS AS OUTLINED IN THE STAFF REPORT AND
• RESOLUTION 10-07. MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
6.4. Request by City of Elk River for Ordinance Amendment Relating to the Rezoning of
Certain Property From Al (Agricultural Conservation to R1a (Single Family Residential
Case No. ZC 10-02 Public Hearin
Mr. Barnhart presented the staff report.
Mayor Klinzing opened the public hearing. There being no one to speak to this issue, Mayor
Klinzing closed the public hearing.
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER WESTGAARD AND SECONDED BY
COUNCILMEMBER MOTIN TO ADOPT ORDINANCE 10-01 AMENDING
THE CITY OF ELK RIVER ZONING MAP TO REZONE CERTAIN
PROPERTIES AS DESCRIBED, CASE NO. ZC 10-02. MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
6.S.A. Stormwater Grant Update
Ms. Haug stated the Sherburne County Soil & Water Conservation District has received two
grants and would be interested in partnering with the city on projects. She stated the stormw
water grand includes three projects that are being reviewed by staff; the old Northbound
Liquor site at TH 169 and Main Street and two other locations she couldn't disclose until
she was able to talk with property owners to gauge their interest in participating. She stated
the grant is for $25,000 with the city providing an in-kind match of $14,000. She noted these
grants are through the clean water grant program.
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February 16, 2010
Page 6
She stated the second grant is offering $50,000 in grant funds to communities in Sherburne •
County. She noted Elk River and St. Cloud were the only two communities to express
interest in these funds. She stated formal commitment is needed from Council to partner on
this grant. She stated a 35% match would be required which could be cash or in-kind. She
stated she didn't have a lot of details on the grant at this time but noted a focus for the
funds could be on impaired waters for the Mississippi River, older parts of the community
or Council could offer suggestions.
She further noted these grants would take care of MS4 requirements of the City's NPDES
permit.
Councilmember Zerwas noted that the Lake Orono Association may be interested in
participating in a project.
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER ZERWAS AND SECONDED BY
COUNCILMEMBER WESTGAARD TO PARTNER WITH THE
STORMWATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT FOR THE TWO GRANT
APPLICATIONS. MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
6.5.B Energy Expo Update
Ms. Haug stated the Initiative Foundation is willing to grant $1,000 for use at the Energy
Expo and formal Council action is required if the city is willing to work with the Initiative
Foundation.
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER WESTGAARD AND SECONDED BY •
COUNCILMEMBER GUMPHREY TO PARTNER WITH THE INITATIVE
FOUNDATION FOR THE ENERGY EXPO. MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
7.1. Future Liquor Store Staffing_
Mr. Potvin presented the staff report.
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER MOTIN AND SECONDED BY
COUNCILMEMBER GUMPHREY TO AUTHORIZE ADVERTISING OF A 30
HOUR PER WEEK PART-TIME POSITION AT WESTBOUND LIQUOR
STORE AND TO PROMOTE JOANN WARREN TO FULL TIME LIQUOR
STORE CLERK EFFECTIVE APRIL 1, 2010. MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Councilmember Westgaard clarified that Mr. Donais is retiring from the city on good terms
and clarified that the memo mention of severance is accrued liabilities (Sick/vacation)
payout.
Ms. Johnson noted the city will greatly miss Mr. Donais
Other Business
Code of Conduct
Mayor Klinzing suggested discussing a code of conduct for Council, Commission, and staff
at a future worksession meeting. She noted many cities have them and distributed sample
documents. •
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Februan~ 16, 2010
Page 7
Councilmember Moon stated he was okay «zth reviewing them but was concerned the
• adoption of a code of conduct would limit discussion. He also noted that staff conduct may
be addressed in the Personnel h~Tanual.
Mayor hlinzing stated she didn't want to be too restrictive but has concerns for the office
served by members and noted the recent issue with an EDA coirunissioner. She stated she
would like to see a policy that would need to be signed by commissioners.
Councilmember Zerwas stated he would be willing to review a code of conduct fox
Commissioners but felt Councilmembers were held to a standard set by constituents.
Ms. Johnson stated Council could give additional requirements to staff regarding conduct.
She also stated the Board and Commission Handbook addresses statutory provisions such
as the gift or open meeting law.
Mr. Beck stated there is a code of ethics section in the city code.
Tlus item will be added to the March worksession agenda.
Gumpl~rey Travel
Councilmember Gumphrey noted he would be leaving for Washington for the Elk River
Municipal Utilities and questioned if Council or staff had issues they would like discussed
with legislators.
Ms. Johnson mentioned a request for appropriations.
9. Council Updates
Councilmember Zerwas noted he would be unable to attend the March 1 Council meeting.
10. Staff Updates
FAST
Ms. Johnson noted the Focus Area Study would be on the March 1 Council agenda and
would be held in Council Chambers in order for the public to view it on cable.
Budget Update
Ms. Johnson provided an update on the Governor's budget proposal. She noted the
Sherburne ~X~right Cable Commission would be giving three quarters of franchise fees
(approximately X120,000) back to member cities.
TH 169 d~' Main Street Proper~~ (old 1'Vo~~thbound)
Ms. Johnson stated the Street Division would begin to remove the Northbound Liquor
building soon.
11. Adjournment
There being no further business, Mayor Klinzing adjourned the meeting of the Elk River
City Council at 8:20 p.m.
• She further stated the City Council will go into a Closed Session pursuant to MN Statute
13D.05, subd. 3 for the performance evaluation of City Administrator Lori Johnson
City Council Minutes
February 16, 2010
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j ~ `~~ ~`
Stephan Klinzing ~ `
Mayor
J
Tina ~111ard
City Clerk
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