06-23-2015 PC MINElk
River
Members Present:
Members Absent:
Meeting of the Elk River Planning Commission
Held at the Elk River City Hall
Tuesday, June 23, 2015
Chair Eric Johnson, Commissioners Garrett Christianson, Jeremy Johnson,
Jill Larson -Vito and Brad Thiel.
Commissioners Andrew Crook and Mark Konietzko
Staff Present: Park Planner /Planner Chris Leeseberg, Planner Zack Carlton and Sr.
Administrative Assistant Debbie Huebner
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 6:30 p.m. by Chair Eric Johnson.
2. Pledge of Allegiance
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
3. Consider 6/23/2015 Planning Commission Agenda
Moved by Commissioner Larson -Vito and seconded by Commissioner Thiel to
approve the June 23, 2015, Planning Commission agenda. Motion carried 5 -0.
4.1 5/26/2015 Regular Planning Commission Meeting Minutes
Motion by Commissioner Larson -Vito and seconded by Commissioner Thiel to
approve the May 26 2015, Regular Planning Commission meeting minutes. Motion
carried 5 -0.
4.2 S/26/20 15 Board of Adjustments Meeting Minutes
Motion by Commissioner Larson -Vito and seconded by Commissioner Thiel to
approve the May 26 2015, Board of Adjustments meeting minutes. Motion carried 5-
0.
5.1 Request by Terrance Nowak for Ordinance Amendment to Amend the City
of Elk River Zoning Ordinance to increase the number of accessory
structures permitted in the R I a Single Family Residential Zoning District,
Case No. OA 15 -06 — Public Hearing
Zack Carlton reviewed the staff report.
Planning Commission Minutes
June 23, 2015
Page 2
,l.
Chair Johnson opened the public hearing.
Terry Nowak, applicant, stated that the two existing structures are in good repair. He stated
in order to build another structure he would have to tear them down, if the ordinance is not
approved.
There being no further comments, Chair Johnson closed the public hearing.
Motion by Commissioner Larson -Vito and seconded by Commissioner Thiel to
recommend approval of the request by Terrance Nowak for an ordinance
amendment to increase the number of accessory structures in the R1a Zoning
District. Motion carried 5 -0.
5.2a Request by the City of Elk River for a Land Use Amendment to change the
land use of a portion of Outlot F, Elk Path Business Center, owned by
Sherburne County, from Industrial to Public /Institutional, and a portion
changed from Public /Institutional to Industrial, Case No. LU 15 -04
5.2b Request by the City of Elk River for a Zone Change to rezone a portion of
Outlot F, Elk Path Business Center, owned by Sherburne County, from R I c
Single Family Residential to Business Park, Case No. ZC 15 -04
The staff report was presented by Zack Carlton for both items. Mr. Carlton noted that the
proposed changes will "clean up" the zoning and land use on the property for potential
future use as a data center.
Chair Johnson opened the public hearing.
Ricky Johnson, 13733 182nd Avenue NW, asked for clarification on what is planned for the
site. Mr. Carlton explained that the property owner is looking to attract a data center, similar
to the ones already in this area.
Jim Sletten, 18137 Ogden Street NW, stated that the Target data center is quiet, but the
United Healthcare data center at times sounds like an aircraft taking off. He stated that
when they have their windows open, it is very loud.
There being no further public comment, Chair Johnson closed the public hearing.
Motion by Commissioner Thiel and seconded by Commissioner Larson -Vito to
recommend approval of the request by the City of Elk River for a Land Use
Amendment to change the land use of a portion of Outlot F, Elk Path Business
Center, owned by Sherburne County, from Industrial to Public /Institutional, and a
portion changed from Public /Institutional to Industrial, Case No. LU 15 -04. Motion
-,u
carried 5 -0.
Planning Commission Minutes
June 23, 2015
Page 3
Motion by Commissioner Thiel and seconded by Commissioner Christianson to
recommend approval of the request by the City of Elk River for a Zone Change to
change a portion of Outlot F, Elk Path Business Center, owned by Sherburne
County, from R1c Single Family Residential to Business Park, Case No. ZC 15 -04.
Motion carried 5 -0.
5.3 Request by Sportech for Zone Change to amend the zoning of Lot I, Block 2,
Natures Edge Business Park from C3 Highway Commercial to BP Business
Park, Case No. ZC 15 -05 — Public Hearing
The staff report was presented by Chris Leeseberg.
Chair Johnson opened the public hearing. There being no one to speak to this issue, Chair
Johnson closed the public hearing.
Chair Johnson stated he was in favor of the request, since it was in conformance with the
Focused Area Study and the Comprehensive Plan.
Motion by Commissioner Larson -Vito and seconded by Commissioner Christianson
to recommend approval of the request by Sportech for a Zone Change to amend the
zoning of Lot 1, Block 2, Natures Edge Business Park from C3 Highway Commercial
to BP Business Park, Case No. ZC 15 -05. Motion carried 5 -0.
5.4 Request by Envision Company, LLC — ERX for:
5.4a Ordinance Amendment to add a new extreme commercial recreational /mixed
use zoning district, Case No. OA 15 -04 — Public Hearing
5.4b Land Use Amendment to change the land use of the property located east of
Hwy 169 and between the 215th and 221st road alignments, from Development
Reserve /Mining /Residential to Highway Business /Mining, Case No. LU 15-
03 — Public Hearing
5.4c Zone Change from CRT (Commercial Reserve Transition) to XCR (Extreme
Commercial Recreation, Case No. ZC 15 -06 — Public Hearing
5.4d Conditional Use Permit for Limited Stay Lodging, Case No. CU 15 -10 —
Public Hearing
Chris Leeseberg presented the staff report.
Chris Carlson, applicant, stated they purchased the property in 2008 to provide "grass roots"
motor sports. He stated ERX is recognized globally and attracts people from all over the
world. The training and events have grown but that their charter remains the same; it is
family business to encourage youth. He stated that it is not profitable and they don't even
break even, financially. Mr. Carlson explained that he has worked with a number of non-
profits to teach disadvantaged kids. He stated that the winter snow -cross event /races was
the largest ever. Mr. Carlson indicated that youths that started out at ERX are now
competing and winning national championships. Also, he is aware of people moving to Elk
River so they would have access to ERX. Mr. Carlson discussed plans to create a rental
space to provide a heated shop for clients to park their trailers. He stated that the demand
Planning Commission Minutes
June 23, 2015
Page 4
for this type of use is overwhelming. He proposes to expand the existing building by 20,000
square feet for additional shop space and offices. He stated that ERX is strong in winter
sports and they are looking to expand into summer activities, such as a truck /ATV track.
They would like to offer more classes and more access for non - profits. He stated they also
have an opportunity to rent space for outside companies to use the site for vehicle testing
and validation.
Mr. Leeseberg asked Mr. Carlson to explain the proposed water sports. Mr. Carlson
explained how they propose creating a water pond with a boom that pulls water skiers and
other related non - motorized activities.
Chair Johnson opened the public hearing.
Mr. Leeseberg noted that a special meeting will be scheduled for July 14 to continue review
of this project. He stated that the platting of the property will also be considered at that
meeting, as was well as numerous ordinance amendments (definitions) related to creating the
new district.
Chair Johnson stated he felt the proposed complex would be a great asset to the community
and would like to see the expansion happen. He stated he felt it was the right approach to
rezone the property to include the proposed multiple uses.
Commissioner Larson -Vito concurred. She stated that she felt it was a good plan and would
be a great draw to Elk River.
6. General Business
Mr. Leeseberg noted that a joint worksession with the City Council may be scheduled for
July 6. Further information will be forthcoming. He also noted that a special meeting of the
Planning Commission will be scheduled for July 14 to review the ERX applications. He
asked that the Commissioners let him know if they cannot attend.
7.1 City Council Liaison Update
Councilmember Burandt provided an update of Council action on the Morrell applications.
Discussion followed regarding conditions of the approval.
8. Adjournment
There being no further business, Commissioner Christian moved to adjourn the
meeting.
The meeting of the Elk River Planning Commission adjourned at 7:15 p.m.
Minutes prepared by Debbie Huebner.
Planning Commission Minutes
June 23, 2015
Tina AUard
City rk
ohnson, Chair, Planning Commission
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