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04-29-1991 CC MIN - JOINT e e e MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER CITY COUNCIL/PLANNING COMMISSION HELD AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HALL CONFERENCE ROOM MONDAY, APRIL 29, 1991 Councilmembers Present: Mayor Tralle, Councilmembers Schuldt, Holmgren, Kropuenske and Dietz Planning Commission Present: Chair Johnson, Commissioners Eberley, Bischoff, Nadeau, Schroeder and Spotts Staff Present: Steve Rohlf, B & Z Administrator; Pat Klaers, City Administrator 1. Call Meetin!! To Order Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the meeting of the Elk River City Council and Planning Commission was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Mayor Tralle. 2. Consider 4/29/91 City Council A!!enda The Mayor added Item 3.5, the calling of the special meeting to the agenda. COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN MOVED TO APPROVE THE 4/29/91 CITY COUNCIL AGENDA AS AMENDED. COUNCILMEMBER SCHULDT SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. 3. QI2~!LMike There was no one present for this agenda item. 3.5 Callin!! of a Special Meetin!! The Mayor indicated that Economic Development Coordinator Bill Rubin has requested a special meeting of the City Council on 5/6/91 at 6:00 p.m. at the public library in order to discuss the 1986 Economic Recovery Grant. COUNCILMEMBER KROPUENSKE MOVED '1'0 CALL A SPECIAL CLOSED MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER CITY COUNCIL MONDAY MAY 6, 1991, AT 6:00 P.M. TO DISCUSS POTENTIAL LITIGATION RELATED TO THE 1986 ECONOMIC RECOVERY GRANT AND DIRECT STAFF TO POST APPROPRIATE NOTICE OF THE CLOSED MEETING. COUNCILMEMBER DIETZ SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. 4. Update 9n Plannin!! Commission Activities 4.1. lIome Occupations Chair Johnson distributed a handout which provided a brief update on Planning Commission work progress. Additionally, it was noted that the Commission ,just received staff material and background on home occupations. The Council requested that special attention be paid to e e e City Council/Planning Commission Minutes April 29, 1991 Page 2 service businesses and it was noted that most of the complaints that are received by the City Council relate to retail home occupations. It was indicated that the Commission is looking at broadening the defini tion of home occupations and that the impact on the neighborhood will be a key factor. 4.2. Downtown Parkiq~ Stu~ Reference was made to previous staff research on this issue and the fact that input will be solicited from either the Chamber or the Downtown Committee. Discussion took place regarding turnover in businesses and how the parking requirements can be different with a new business. Enforcement of additional parking requirements was reviewed. 4.3. Adult Entertainment It was noted that the Elk River moratorium on adult businesses ends in March, 1992. The City is still reviewing lawsuits that are taking place over ordinances in other cities. It is indicated that the liquor related issues should be kept separate from the adult entertainment issue. 4.4. Tax Bas~ Chair Johnson noted that it is the Planning Commission role to protect the tax base through its land use recommendations. Discussion took place regarding apartment developments and rezoning issues. 4.5. Ot.h~I'. a. The business park zoning district concept was discussed whereby one building may have a multitude of uses that cover many different zoning categories. Currently, this type of development is covered under the City PUD ordinance. b. Commissioner Eberley updated the Council on the "Plan Share" worksession that is annually held by the Planning Commission with neighboring communities. The 1991 "Plan Share" is scheduled for this fall. c. Commissioner Eberley updated the Council on the State Planning Conference in Duluth in May, 1991. It was noted that Commissioner Johnson is the Chair for the State Planning Conference. d. Outside displays in the Central Business District - The Council questioned the legali ty of businesses having merchandise outside of their store on the public sidewalk. The Planning Department was directed to look into the situation. City Council/Planning Commission Minutes April 29, 1991 Page 3 e 5. OutdoOI'_..A_~btra\T~ Commissioner Bischoff requested that the City Council consider the placement of outdoor ashtrays at the entrance of City Hall and the Public Library as both of these facilities are no smoking zones. Staff was directed to place aesthetically pleasing and functional ashtrays at these locations. 6, 7 & 8. Role Clarificatjon. Communication and Teen Buildin~ It was noted that the role of the Planning Commission has changed in Elk River over the past five years or so. The Commission is getting more pro-active and beginning to review issues before problems develop. Commission members state that they are planning to review the White Bear Lake guidelines on the role of the Planning Commissioner. I t was stated that one reason for the changing Commission has been the increased attendance training sessions, conferences and workshops. opportuni ties have allowed the Commissioners to challenges in developing communities. role of the Planning of Commissioners at These educational become more aware of e The Council discussed the potential "burnout" of the Commissioners if . they overwork themselves with worksessions and too many meetings on a monthly basis. Additionally, concern was expressed regarding overwork of the City staff on various special projects. The need to prioritize work efforts on City issues and obtain Council approval for various special projects was discussed. Councilmember Holmgren noted the future need to expand the community development divisions within the City and that additional separation of the functions will be required as staff becomes available. Discussion took place regarding conducting a City Council and Planning Commission team building worksession. It was the consensus of the groups that such a session should take place after the summer months in a comfortable setting with a professional facilitator being hired. Chair Johnson and Mayor Tralle will coordinate this special worksession. The Council concurred regarding issues of appropriate means of COllnci 1 . wi th Chair .Johnson that correspondence to them interest and concern by way of memo is an communication between the Commission and the 9. Oth~~usiness Council member Kropuenske updated the groups on the Prayer Breakfast that was held on the morning of 4/29/91 which had the Mayor as one of the featured guests. e 10. QH~ministrator Update City Council/Planning Commission Minutes April 29, 1991 Page 4 e a. The City Administrator advised the Council that two appraisals are underway for the Gospodor property. Both appraisals are anticipated to cost approximately $2,000 each. b. A reminder was provided to the Council regarding the Tuesday morning Industrial Council meeting at UPA. c. The Administrator noted that a memo regarding the 4/29/91 Police Mediation Session would be forthcoming. d. It was noted that some grading activity may soon be taking place on the E & 0 land that was recently purchased as an expansion of Orono Park to the west. 11 . Adjournment There being no further business, COUNCILMEMBER HOLMGREN MOVED TO ADJOURN THE 4/29/91 JOINT CITY COUNCIL/PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING. COUNCILMEMBER KROPUENSKE SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. The tape recording of this meeting will be retained on file for one year. The joint meeting of the Elk River City Council and Planning Commission adjourned at approximately 9:45 p.m. e Respectfully submitted, 7!]) tfcu/.-- Patrick D. Klaers City Administrator e