02-09-1998 CC MINMEETING OF THE ELK RIVER CITY COUNCIL
HELD AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HALL
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 1998
Members Present:
Mayor Duitsman, Councilmembers Dietz, Thompson, Farber, and
Holmgren
Members Absent: None
Staff Present:
Pat Klaers, City Administrator; Sandra Thackeray, City Clerk; Steve
Rohlf, Building and Zoning Administrator; Steve Ach, City Planner;
and Terry Maurer, City Engineer
Aisc Present:
Judy Thompson, Planning Commission Representative and Dana
Anderson, Park and Recreation Commission Representative
1. Call Meetin.q To Order
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the special meeting of the Elk River City
Council was called to order at 7:20 p.m. by Mayor Duitsman.
2. Consider Aqenda
COUNClLMEMBER FARBER MOVED TO APPROVE THE AGENDA AS PRESENTED.
COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-
0.
3. Consider Consent Aqenda
COUNCILMEMBER THOMPSON MOVED TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AS
FOLLOWS:
3.1.
3,3.
1/26/98 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - APPROVED
CALL SPECIAL MEETING FOR BOARD OF REVIEW FOR APRIL 30, 1998, AT 6
P.M. - APROVED
APPOINTMENT OF DAVE ARO TO THE ICE ARENA COMMISSION -
APPROVED
COUNClLMEMBER FARBER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
4.1. Lake Orono Update
Building and Zoning Administrator Steve Rohlf informed the Council that there
are approximately 191 units proposed to be assessed for the Lake Orono
project. Mayor Duitsman stated he felt it was important that the City Council
make a decision on what the assessment for property owners will be so as to
eliminate confusion among the lakeshore owners. Councilmember Dietz
indicated he did not feel the city should pay more than 50 percent of the cost
and suggested an assessment amount of $2,500 per unit. Councilmember
Thompson suggested $2,350 per unit as a compromise.
Elk River City Council Minutes
Februar~v 9, 1998
Page 2
5.1.
5.2.
5.3.
5.4.
5.5.
Patrick Plant indicated that the assessment range of $1,500 to $2,000 and 20 to
35 percent of the total was discussed among the lakeshore residents.
Mayor Duitsman suggested that the Council make a decision on this issue at the
next City Council meeting during the feasibility study discussion.
Guardian Anqels of Elk River Request for Land Use Amendment (MR to HR and
CC), Public Hearin.q Case No. LU 97-2
Guardian Anqels of Elk River Request for Zone Chan.qe, Public Hearin.q Case No.
ZC 97-4
Guardian An.qels of Elk River Request for Conditional Use Permit, Public Hearin.q
Case No. CU 97-20
Guardian Anqels of Elk River Request for Preliminary Plat fOrono Shores), Public
Hearin.q Case No. P 97-12
Guardian An.qels of Elk River Request for Variance, Public Hearin.q Case No. V 97-
2~
City Planner Steve Ach indicated that Guardian Angels of Elk River is requesting
the following applications.
ag
b0
Land Use Plan amendment changing the land use designation from
medium density residential to high density residential and medium
density residential fo community commercial.
Rezoning from two family residential fo planned unit development.
Preliminary Plat fo subdivide approximately 11 acres into one
commercial lot; one lot for assisted living, 20 townhouse lots, and one lot
considered common space around the townhomes.
Conditional Use Permit for a residential and commercial planned unit
development as well as site plan approval for Phase I consisting of 20
townhomes and 60 units of assisted living.
Variance from the impervious surface coverage requirement.
Steve Ach explained that the total amount of property consists of 11 acres. He
gave an overview of the property included in the project and talked about how
the shoreland ordinance effects the development. Steve Ach reviewed the
components of the plat indicating that there are three lots proposed. He
indicated that the tiers consist of 20 townhomes proposed on tier 1, 80 units of
assisted living proposed on tier 2, and a commercial venture proposed for tier 3.
He indicated that Phase I consists of 60 assisted living units and 20 townhomes.
Steve Ach indicated that the variance request to the shoreland ordinance
requirement is the main issue. He explained that the shoreland ordinance allows
no more than 25 percent impervious coverage. He explained that tier 1 of the
proposed project does not need fo meet the 25 percent, however tier 2
exceeds the requirement by almost 100 percent and tier 3 exceeds the
requirement by approximately 60 percent. Steve Ach indicated that the Board
of Adjustments reviewed the variance request and recommended that the
variance be granted to allow 30 percent impervious coverage on each tier.
Mayor Duitsman opened the public hearing for Items 5.1. through 5.5.
Elk River City Council Minutes
February 9. 1998
Page 3
Patrick Plant, 13184 Islandview Drive, indicated he was the Chair of the Water
Quality Task Force and the past President of the Lake Orono Homeowners
Association. He indicated that a majority of the lakeowners are in favor of the
project concept, however they are opposed to exceeding the 25 percent
impervious surface requirement and they are also opposed to a structure larger
than two stories on tier 2.
Mike Trossen of Trossen Wright Architects, discussed the proposal indicating that
the townhomes would be set back farther from the lake than required on tier 1.
He stated that the proposal is to construct a two-story assisted living area as
opposed to a three-story as he feels this will lessen the impact visually to the
residents and users of the lake. He indicated that tier 3 is proposed as a
commercial lot which is somewhat limited due to the pie shape of the lot. Mr.
Trossen indicated that in order to meet the 30 percent impervious coverage
recommended by the Board of Adjustments, the commercial building would
have to be reduced in size and over half of the parking would be eliminated.
Carol Mills of Guardian Angels, indicated that the project needs a greater
exception to the impervious surface requirement than the 30 percent
recommended by the Board of Adjustments. Carol Mills stated that the
impervious percentage has the greatest significance to the project. If Guardian
Angels were to follow the standards, the density in the commercial corner of tier
3 and parking in tier 2 would be greatly affected. Carol Mills further indicated
that they have met the intent of the DNR shoreland management ordinance in
the following ways: 1.) surface water management; 2.) lakeshore preservation to
keep the area natural; and 3.) adequate green and open space.
Carol Mills indicated that the Board and Finance Committee have met and are
offering the following compromise: to reduce the commercial building from
43,000 square feet to 23,100 square feet with the developer reconfiguring the
building to meet the developers specific needs. This compromise would allow a
second compromise on impervious percentages. Each party could move closer
together. Guardian Angels would reduce its percentage from 49 percent to 40
percent and the city would increase its percentage from 30 percent to 40
percent in both tier 2 and tier 3. She indicated that the Board of Directors feels
that this compromise would not have an injurious effect on the lake or on storm
water management.
Planning Commission Representative Judy Thompson indicated that the Board of
Adjustments and Planning Commission felt very strongly about not going
beyond 30 percent.
Larry Kramka, Area Hydrologist from the DNR, indicated that the DNR is trying to
find a way to make the project work to meet the physical uniqueness of the site
as it is bound by Highway 10, a storm water pond, a frontage road and Orono
Lake. He indicated that the DNR's position is that it is the City Council's decision
as to whether or not a variance is warranted.
Elk River City Council Minutes
February 9. 1998
Page 4
Park and Recreation Commission Representative Dana Anderson indicated that
he is not in favor of granting a variance for 40 percent to the impervious
coverage requirement.
There being no further comments, Mayor Duitsman closed the public hearing.
City Engineer Terry Maurer indicated that if the project goes forward, the
watermain will have to be looped through the project and extends east along
Highway 10 to Elk River Bowl.
COUNCILMEMBER FARBER MOVED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 98-11 AMENDING THE
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN TO CHANGE THE LAND USE FROM MR (MEDIUM DENSITY
RESIDENTIAL) TO HR (HIGH DENSITY RESIDENTIAL) AND CC (COMMUNITY
COMMERCIAL) BASED ON THE FOLLOWING FINDINGS:
THE LAND USE PLAN AMENDMENT IS CONSISTENT WITH THE PROPOSED
PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT.
LAND USE AMENDMENT PROVIDES A TIERING OF INTENSE LAND USE
ADJACENT TO HIGHWAY INTERSECTION TO A LOWER DENSITY ADJACENT
TO THE LAKE.
THE LAND USE AMENDMENT IS CONSISTENT WITH THE CITY'S LAND USE PLAN
STRATEGY TO FOCUS COMMERCIAL AT SIGNALIZED INTERSECTIONS AND
HAVING COMPLIMENTARY LAND USES SURROUND THE COMMERCIAL.
COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-
0.
COUNCILMEMBER THOMPSON MOVED TO ADOPT ORDINANCE 98-4 AMENDING
THE CITY OF ELK RIVER ZONING MAP TO REZONE THE PROPERTY FROM R2 (TWO
FAMILY RESIDENTIAL) TO PUD (PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT) BASED ON THE
FOLLOWING FINDINGS:
1. RECENT FRONTAGE ROAD IMPROVEMENTS HAVE CHANGED THE
CHARACTER OF THE PROPERTY TO WARRANT A REZONING.
2. A PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT ALLOWS A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF
DEVELOPING THE PROPERTY.
3. REZONING WILL BE CONSISTENT WITH THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN.
4. THE EXISTING FRONTAGE ROAD HAS BEEN DESIGNED TO ACCOMMODATE
AN INCREASED DENSITY OF DEVELOPMENT ON THIS SITE.
COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-
0.
Elk River City Council Minutes
February 9, 1998
Page 5
COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN MOVED TO APPROVE THE PRELIMINARY PLAT WITH
THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS:
A DEVELOPERS AGREEMENT AND PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT
AGREEMENT BE SIGNED AND RECORDED ALONG WITH THE PLAT.
ALL COMMENTS FROM TERRY MAURER'S MEMO DATED DECEMBER 18, 1997,
BE INCORPORATED INTO THE PLAT FOR APPROVAL.
°
AN NPDES PERMIT BE OBTAINED PRIOR TO COMMENCING GRADING ON
SITE.
APPROPRIATE EASEMENTS BE DEDICATED ON THE PLAT. THIS INCLUDES
INCREASING THE EASEMENT ALONG THE PRIVATE STREETS TO 60 FEET IN
WIDTH.
A COMPLETE GRADING/DRAINAGE PLAN ALONG WITH CALCULATIONS BE
PROVIDED FOR STAFF REVIEW. ALL PONDS AND STORM SEWER SYSTEM
MUST BE CONSISTENT WITH EASEMENTS ON PLAT.
°
PLAT APPROVAL IS CONTINGENT UPON THE LAND USE PLAN AMENDMENT,
REZONING AND CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR A PLANNED UNIT
DEVELOPMENT BEING APPROVED.
o
ASSOCIATION DOCUMENTS SHALL BE REVIEWED BY CITY AND DNR PRIOR
TO RECORDING THE PLAT WITH SHERBURNE COUNTY AND RECEIVING SITE
PLAN APPROVAL.
o
PARK DEDICATION FEES BE PAID FOR THE TOWNHOME UNITS AND
COMMERCIAL PROPERTY. THE FEES WILL BE BASED ON THE RATE AT THE
TIME OF FINAL PLAT AND SHALL BE PAID PRIOR TO RELEASING THE PLAT FOR
RECORDING.
°
WATER AVAILABLE CHARGE BE PAID TO ELK RIVER MUNICIPAL UTILITIES
PRIOR TO RELEASING THE PLAT FOR RECORDING.
10.
APPLICANT CONSULT WITH ELK RIVER UTILITIES FOR ANY ADDITIONAL
CHARGES RELATING TO UTILITY INSTALLATION OR HOOKUP CHARGES.
11.
SURFACE WATER MANAGEMENT FEE BE PAID PRIOR TO RELEASING THE PLAT
FOR RECORDING. THE FEE WILL BE BASED ON THE LAND USE APPROVED AS
PART OF THE PUD.
12.
ACCORDING TO THE SHORELAND ORDINANCE CERTAIN CRITERIA TO
PRESERVE AND MAINTAIN THE OPEN SPACE OF THE PUD MUST OCCUR.
THESE GUIDELINES WILL NEED TO BE MET AND MADE PART OF THE PLAT
WHERE APPLICABLE.
13.
A FINANCIAL GUARANTEE FOR 100 PERCENT OF THE IMPROVEMENT COSTS
BY PROVIDED TO THE CITY PRIOR TO ANY WORK COMMENCING ON SITE.
14.
GUARDIAN ANGELS OF ELK RIVER, INC. SHALL BE ASSESSED FOR THEIR
PORTION OF A POTENTIAL LAKE ORONO IMPROVEMENT PROJECT.
Elk River City Council Minutes
February 9. 1998
Page 6
COUNCILMEMBER FARBER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN MOVED TO APPROVE THE CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT
FOR MASTER PLAN APPROVAL OF ORONO LAKE DEVELOPMENT CONSISTING OF 20
TOWNHOMES, 80 ASSISTED LIVING AND SOME COMMERCIAL, AND SITE PLAN
APPROVAL FOR PHASE I INCLUDING 60 UNITS OF ASSISTED LIVING AND 20
TOWNHOME UNITS WITH THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS:
COMMENTS OUTLINED IN TERRY MAIJRER'S LETTER DATED DECEMBER 18,
1997 BE INCORPORATED INTO THE PLANS FOR APPROVAL.
A COMPLETE LANDSCAPING PLAN BE PROVIDED FOR PHASE I OF THE
PROJECT. THIS PLAN SHALL INCLUDE ADDITIONAL LANDSCAPING ALONG
LAKE ORONO AND ALONG THE WEST PROPERTY LINES.
ELEVATIONS OF THE ASSISTED LIVING AND TOWNHOME UNITS SHALL BE
SUBMITTED FOR REVIEW.
THE TOWNHOMES ALONG THE LAKE SHALL BE A SINGLE STORY STRUCTURE,
ASSISTED LIVING BE NO HIGHER THAN A THREE-STORY BUILDING, AND THE
COMMERCIAL BUILDING BE LIMITED TO 40 FEET IN HEIGHT.
ALL ELECTRICAL TRANSFORMERS MUST BE A MINIMUM OF 10 FEET FROM THE
BUILDING, UNLESS A NON-FLAMMABLE WALL IS CONSTRUCTED PER
BUILDING CODE.
ALL AREAS DISTURBED BY GRADING SHALL BE REESTABLISHED WITH TOPSOIL
AND VEGETATION.
o
EITHER THE PLANS BE MODIFIED TO MEET THE MAXIMUM 25% IMPERVIOUS
AREA IN TIERS 2 AND 3 OR A VARIANCE BE GRANTED.
o
ALL OF THE COMMENTS OUTLINED IN THE SITE PLAN REVIEW SECTION OF THE
STAFF REPORT TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION DATED DECEMBER 23, 1997
BE INCORPORATED INTO THE DEVELOPMENT PLANS.
THE NUMBER OF DOCKS ALLOWED ON LAKE ORONO BE LIMITED TO ONE
FOR THE ASSISTED LIVING AND ONE FOR EVERY TWO TOWNHOME UNITS.
10.
SIGNAGE FOR THE TOWNHOUSE AND ASSISTED LIVING CONSIST OF
MONUMENT STYLE SIGNS. A COMPLETE SIGN PACKAGE SHOULD BE
SUBMITTED ALONG WITH THE FINAL DEVELOPMENT PLANS.
11.
SIGNAGE FOR THE COMMERCIAL COMPONENT OF THE PUD SHALL BE A
MONUMENT STYLE SIGN. THE SPECIFIC SIZE AND AREA WILL BE REVIEWED
AT THE TIME OF A SPECIFIC DEVELOPMENT PROPOSAL.
12.
THE APPROVED CONCEPT PLAN FOR THE PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT
APPLIES ONLY TO THE TOWNHOME (20 UNITS) AND ASSISTED LIVING
COMPONENT (80 UNITS). THE COMMERCIAL COMPONENT WILL BE
Elk River City Council Minutes
February 9. 1998
Page 7
REVIEWED AT A LATER DATE AND A SPECIFIC SQUARE FOOTAGE WILL BE
APPROVED AT THAT TIME.
13.
THE COMMERCIAL COMPONENT OF THE PUD SHALL BE LIMITED TO THE USES
ALLOWED IN THE C2 (OFFICE DISTRICT) SECTION OF THE ZONING
ORDINANCE.
14.
AN EMERGENCY/TRAIL CORRIDOR BE CONSTRUCTED IN THE SOUTHEAST
CORNER OF THE PROJECT CONNECTING THE ELK MOTEL DRIVEWAY WITH
ORONO LAKE DEVELOPMENT.
15.
REVISED DEVELOPMENT PLANS SHALL BE SUBMITTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH
THE CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL PRIOR TO ISSUANCE OF BUILDING PERMITS.
COUNCILMEMBER FARBER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
COUNCILMEMBER DIETZ MOVED TO GRANT A VARIANCE TO THE IMPERVIOUS
SURFACE COVERAGE UP TO 30 PERCENT ON TIER 2 AND 35 PERCENT ON TIER 3.
The motion died for lack of a second.
Carol Mills requested the Council to table ifs decision on this issue until Februaw
1 7 so that guardian Angles has a chance to speak with the developer
regarding their needs.
COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN MOVED TO TABLE THIS ISSUE UNTIL THE FEBRUARY 17,
1998, CITY COUNCIL MEETING. COUNCILMEMBER FARBER SECONDED THE
MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
6. Other Business
There was no other business.
7. Staff Updates
There were no staff updates.
8. Adjournment
There being no further business, Mayor Duitsman adjourned the Council
meeting.
The meeting of the Elk River City Council was adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Sandra Thack~
City Clerk