05-26-2015 PC MINMeeting of the Elk River Planning Commission
Held at the Elk River City Hall
Tuesday, May 26, 2015
Members Present: Chair Eric Johnson, Commissioners, Jeremy Johnson, Jill Larson -Vito, Mark
Konietzko and Brad Thiel.
Members Absent: Commissioners Crook and Christianson
Staff Present: Park Planner /Planner Chris Leeseberg, Planner Zack Carlton and Sr.
Administrative Assistant Debbie Huebner
Also Present: Councilmember Burandt
I . Call Meeting to Order
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the meeting of the Elk River Planning Commission
was called to order at 7:10 p.m. by Chair Eric Johnson.
2. Consider 5/26/2015 Planning Commission Agenda
Moved by Commissioner Johnson and seconded by Commissioner Larson -Vito to
approve the April 28, 2015, Planning Commission agenda. Motion carried 5 -0.
3. 4/28/2015 Regular Planning Commission Meeting Minutes
Motion by Commissioner Johnson and seconded by Commissioner Larson -Vito to
approve the April 28, 2015, Regular Planning Commission meeting minutes. Motion
carried 5 -0.
4.1 Request by Morrell Companies /Terry Morrell for a Land Use Amendment to
change the land use of Lot I, Block 2, Natures Edge Business Center from
FAST (Station Area Village) to Industrial, Case No. LU 15 -02
Chris Leeseberg reviewed the staff report.
Chair Johnson opened the public hearing. No one appeared for comment. Chair Johnson
closed the public hearing.
Motion by Commissioner Johnson and seconded by Commissioner Konietzko to
recommend approval of the request by Morrell Companies /Terry Morrell for a Land
Use Amendment to change the land use of Lot 1, Block 2, Natures Edge Business
Center from FAST (Station Area Village) to Industrial, Case No. LU 15 -02. Motion
carried 5 -0.
Planning Comrnissian Minutes
May 26, 2015
4.2 Request by City of Elk River for Zone Change to rezone certain property
owned by Sherburne County from RI c Single Family Residential to BP
Business Park, Case No. ZC 15 -04
Zack Carlton presented the staff report.
Chair Johnson opened the public hearing.
Rick Koch, 18176 Ogden Street NW asked for clarification on the area to be rezoned.
Caroline Koch, same address, asked what proposed use might be.
Page 2
Mr. Carlton explained the area to be rezoned and stated that the property owner may be
looking for a data center client. Staff asked that the public hearing be continued to June 23,
2015 to allow a land use amendment to be processed first.
Chair Johnson continued the public hearing to the June 23, 2015 Planning
Commission meeting.
4.3 Request by Dave Markquart Enterprises (Skeeter Boats):
4.3a Land Use Amendment to Change the Land Use of 17354 Zane Street
NW from FAST (The Point) to Highway Business, Case No. LU 15 -01
— Public Hearing
4.3b Conditional Use Permit for boat sales, Case No. CU 15 -07 — Public
Hearing
Mr. Carlton stated that the applicant has requested more time to prepare his
application. Staff recommended that the public hearing be closed. He stated that
the applicant has waived his 120 -day review period and staff will re- advertise the
public hearing at a later date.
Chair Johnson closed the public hearing.
4.4 Approve the Purchase of the Yale Court parcel for consistency with the
Comprehensive Plan
Mr. Carlton stated that the commission is asked to adopt a resolution, finding that the
purchase of the `'ale Court property for a roadway connection is consistent with the city's
Comprehensive Plan.
Motion by Commissioner Johnson and seconded by Commissioner Mark Konietzko
to approve Resolution 15 -01, finding that the acquisition of real property is consistent
with the Comprehensive Plan. Motion carried 5 -0.
5. General Business
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Planning Commission Minutes
May 26, 2015
6.1 City Council Liaison Update
Page 3
Counciltxmember Burandt stated that the GATR 50 -ft. sign was approved by the City Council.
Discussion followed regarding the Council decision to approve the sign. Chair Johnson
asked how the Council justified approving the variance when the Board of Adjustments
unanimously agreed that all five criteria did not meet the requirements to approve the
variance. Chair Johnson stated he disagreed with the decision and felt it would open the
door for more 50 -ft. signs, giving the area a "truck stop" feel. Counciimember Burandt
stated that the Council's decision was more about supporting businesses.
7. Adjournment
Therc being no further business, Commissioner Johnson moved to adjourn the
meeting.
The meeting of the Elk River Planning Commission adjourned at 7:28 p.m.
-i
Tina Allard
City Clerk
JnricJohnson, Chair, Planning Commission