05-23-2017 PC MIN ;ity of
Meeting of the Elk River Planning Commission
River Held at the Elk River City Hall
Tuesday, May 23, 2017
Members Present: Acting Chair Jill Larson-Vito, Commissioners Robert Rydberg,Alexander
Feinstein,Mike Nicholas,and Brad Thiel
Members Absent: Chair Eric Johnson, Commissioner Mark Konietzko
Staff Present: Planning Manager Zack Carlton, Senior Planner Chris Leeseberg,Planner
BrieAnna Simon, Sr. Administrative Assistant/Recording Secretary Jennifer
Johnson
Also Present: Councilmember Jennifer Wagner,Council Liaison
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 6:38 p.m. by Acting Chair Larson-Vito.
2. Consider May 23, 2017, Planning Commission Agenda
Moved by Commissioner Thiel and seconded by Commissioner Nichols to approve
the May 23,2017, Planning Commission agenda.
Motion carried 5-0.
3.I Consider April 25, 2017, Regular Meeting Minutes
Moved by Commissioner Feinstein seconded by Commissioner Nichols to approve
the April 25,2017, Regular Planning Commission Minutes.
Motion carried 5-0.
4.1 Paxmar, LLC — Miske Meadows
• Update to Preliminary Plat, Case No. P 17-05
Mr. Carlton presented the staff report. Staff recommended approval of the update to the plat
with the conditions listed in the staff report.
Commissioner Thiel asked about access to maintain the stormwater area and wondered if
residents will know not to disturb area.
Mr. Carlton explained the area in question will be considered an outlot and the city would
have full access to the area for maintenance. He stated the area around the stormwater pond
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May 23,2017
will not signed but residents will have their property line survey and stakes to determine the
requirements should they wish to add an accessory structure or fence.
Acting Chair Larson-Vito asked if there was a future financial consideration for the city
maintaining the catch basin.
Mr. Carlton stated engineering staff reviewed this proposal and feels this is an acceptable and
cost-efficient solution to stormwater management.
Acting Chair Larson-Vito asked if the developer agreed with the condition of striping the
crosswalk and asked about sidewalk locations.
Mr. Carlton indicated the developer was fine with striping the crosswalk and that every street
would have a sidewalk.
Councilmember Wagner asked questions about wetland setbacks and restrictions on
homeowners.
Mr. Carlton explained the area in this development already has the necessary required
setbacks in place and those will not affect the homeowners.
Commissioner Rydberg asked for clarification on the standard setback measurements for the
homes that abut the catch basin.
Mr. Carlton stated the typical rear yard setback is 5'but if an easement was in place, the
setback would be 10'.
Acting Chair Larson-Vito clarified the area considered a catch basin is not a wetland or an
improvement stormwater pond. Mr. Carlton concurred.
Acting Chair Larson-Vito opened the public hearing. There being no public comment,
Acting Chair Larson-Vito closed the public hearing.
Motion by Commissioner Nichols and seconded by Commissioner Feinstein to
recommend approval of the update to the Preliminary Plat for Miske Meadows with
the following conditions:
1. Updated engineering and utility plans must be approved by city staff.
2. An updated Planned Unit Development agreement for Miske Meadows must be
approved by the City Council.
3. The sidewalk along the south side of wetland#2 must include pedestrian ramps
on both sides of Johnson Street and Ivanhoe Drive. The mid-block pedestrian
crossings also need to be striped and signed according to established standards.
4. Read yard drainage easements for all parcels abutting the new stormwater basin
must encompass the 928 contour line.
5. All mailboxes shall be clustered.
Motion carried 5-0.
Planning Commission Minutes Page 3
May 23,2017
4.2 Satellite Shelters— Ordinance Amendment
• Ordinance Amendment to allow outdoor storage as a principal use, Case No.
OA 17-06
Mr. Carlton presented the staff report. Staff recommended denial of the request to amend
the zoning ordinance to allow outdoor storage as a principal use in the I-3 (General
Industrial) zoning district as not consistent with the city's vision and intention for the
Highway 10 corridor, nor the I-3 General zoning district. Mr. Carlton indicated the applicant
notified city staff earlier that day that they are no longer moving forward with purchasing the
property abutting Highway 10 and are now searching for property further away from
Highway 10. He indicated while this removes the aesthetics concern for this current
application,it still requires consideration for the increased setback and buffer/screening
requirements and concerns with highest and best use of the property,not only for this
applicant but for future applications. He indicated the City Council recently discussed this at
a work session,as well as a broader discussion regarding the vision of the Highway 10
corridor,and asked the Planning Commission to consider the future of this area,which
could include imposing a moratorium.
Commissioner Rydberg asked if the City Council discussion included the I-3 area
specifically.
Mr. Carlton stated the City Council discussed all areas along the Highway 10 corridor as part
of a bigger discussion, and the Planning Commission will discuss all areas along Highway 10
at a future work session.
Acting Chair Larson-Vito opened the public hearing. There being no one to speak,Acting
Chair Larson-Vito closed the public hearing.
Commissioner Thiel stated he felt it was the right way to go by setting a precidense until the
vision is clear for this corridor.
Acting Chair Larson-Vito agreed and felt for her, the focus would be what would provide
the best opportunity to bring additional jobs to the area.
Commissioner Rydberg noted the lots in this area are fairly small and perhaps they are
undersized for their zoning, stating it was something to consider in future discussions.
Councilmember Wagner asked the Planning Commission to consider an area in the city
where outdoor storage would be a desired principle use.
Motion by Commissioner Thiel and seconded by Commissioner Nicholas to
recommend denial of the zoning ordinance to allow outdoor storage as a principal
use in the I-3 (General Industrial) zoning district.
Motion carried 5-0.
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May 23,2017
4.3 Metro Gravel — Darren Lazan/Mary Matze — 1 5683 Jarvis Street NW
• Conditional Use Permit to amend the accessory use - outdoor storage of
trucks/trailers, Case No. CU 17-12
The staff report was presented by Ms. Simon.
Acting Chair Larson-Vito opened the public hearing.
Darren Lazan,President of Landform and representing the applicant, complimented Ms.
Simon's presentation and indicated they had no additions to it and no concerns with the
conditions as presented.
Councilmember Wagner asked specifically about condition #10.
Mr. Lazan indicated they had no concerns with that condition and in the future should they
need to increase the number of tractors and/or trailers on site over 30, they would request
an amendment to the CUP.
There being no further public comment,Acting Chair Larson-Vito closed the public hearing.
Motion by Commissioner Feinstein and seconded by Commissioner Thiel to
recommend approval of the Conditional Use Permit with the following conditions:
1. The Conditional Use Permit shall not be recorded until all conditions have been
completed.
2. The authorized use shall not begin until the Conditional Use Permit is recorded.
3. If the proposed work described in the application and Conditional Use Permit
has not been substantially completed within two years after the Conditional Use
Permit's date of issuance, the permit shall expire and become void.
4. The applicant must apply for and receive approval for all required permits before
any construction may begin.
5. The city's Building Official and Fire Marshal shall inspect the building for
compliance with all state and local building codes.
6. All refuse collection containers shall be stored within an enclosure facility large
enough to accommodate the collection of all materials. Refuse containers and
materials must be out of sight from neighboring properties and street.
7. A minimum 20 foot wide fire lane shall be maintained around the primary
building.
8. Vehicle circulation areas must be maintained clear of obstructions, including
parked vehicles, at all time.
9. Parking stalls shall be striped in accordance with City Ordinance, Section 30-892
and as shown on the approve site plan.
10. If more than 30 tractor and/or trailers are to be stored on site, the applicant shall
apply for an amendment to the Conditional Use Permit.
11. All maintenance or body work shall take place indoors.
12. Truck tractors shall not be left outdoors while idling.
13. Submit SWPPP and issued NPDES permit permits prior to construction starting
on-site.
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May 23,2017
14. Vinyl slats will be installed in the existing chain link fence. The slats must be
maintained at all times and must be replaced within 30 days at the request of the
city.
15. Outdoor storage areas shall be completely screened from view within all public
rights-of-way and commercial or residentially zoned parcels. Screening will
consist of a least a six foot tall fence made of wood, factory finished metal or vinyl
panels, or chain link with vinyl slats.
16. Approved outdoor storage areas must be paved and maintained with an approved
surface such as asphalt, concrete, concrete or similar pavers, or class V
compacted to maintain a dustfree surface.
17. Outdoor storage areas shall not be located in designated parking areas or areas
striped for parking.
Motion carried 5-0.
5.1 Downtown Sign Ordinance Amendment
Mr. Leeseberg presented the staff report.
Motion by Commissioner Rydberg and seconded by Commissioner Feinstein to
amend the sign ordinance to permit signage above the stringcourse in the
Downtown District (DD).
�-- Motion carried 5-0.
6.1 City Council Liaison Update
Councilmember Wagner discussed her thoughts regarding the Highway 10 corridor zoning
and the fact that corridor has nine different zoning districts, and she expressed her
appreciation for the commissioner's thoughtful feedback as it helps the Council formulate
decisions moving forward.
Mr. Carlton asked the commissioners to review the board/commission attendance policy
changes included in the packet.
7. Adjournment
There being nothing further,Acting Chair Larson-Vito adjourned the meeting at 7:09 p.m.
Planning Commission Minutes Page 6
May 23,2017
Minutes prepared by Jennifer Johnson.
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Tina Allard
City Clerk
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Larson-Vito,Vice Chair
Planning Commission