02-27-1988 CC MIN - JOINT
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JOINT MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER PLANNING COMMISSION/CITY COUNCIL
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 1988
HELD AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HALL CONFERENCE ROOM
Counc ilmembers
Present:
Mayor
Schuldt;
Gunkel, Counci1members
Counci1member Tra11e
Holmgren,
arrived at
Dobe1,
9: 15
a.m.
Planning Commission Members Present: Chairman Kropuenske, Commissioners
Kimball, Barrett, Fuchs, Morton and Johnson
Planning Commission Members Absent: Commissioner Olson
Staff Present: Steve Rohlf, Building and Zoning Administrator; Pat K1aers,
City Administrator
Mayor Gunkel called the meeting to order at 8:45 a.m.
Mayor Gunkel indicated that it had been approximately one year since the City
Council and Planning Commission had gotten together for a joint meeting on
issues of mutual concern. She indicated that no formal agenda was put
together for this meeting as it was planned that an open discussion between
members would take place on any issue or concern that was relevant to City
business and activities.
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The first topic discussed was the City's "junk" ordinance, pole barns and
different uses for structures in the agricultural zone. Concern was expressed
about enforcement of the junk vehicle ordinance inside the core village area
or urban district and how the definition of what is "junk" differs from the
urban area and the rural areas. Members of both groups expressed concern over
the prof1iferation of uses of pole barns in the agricultural zone. The
general consensus was that these pole barns should be used for an agricultural
purpose and that home occupations or commercial activities (i.e. storage
facilities) should not be allowed. The Building and Zoning Administrator
indicated that this was one of the many issues he was planning to discuss with
the City Attorney in the next few weeks.
The second topic discussed by the group related to apartments in general
and subsidized apartments in particular. Mayor Gunkel indicated that the
Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) is starting to receive more requests
for comments on proposals where part of an apartment complex is dedicated to
low and moderate income individuals or where the entire complex is for these
income groups. Discussion related to the appropriate locations for apartments
within Elk River and the need for any apartment complex to be hooked up to the
municipal utilities systems. It was the consensus of the group that the City
has an obligation to provide such housing opportunity in Elk River, but that
the location of these housing opportunities should be disbursed throughout the
community. The City Administrator indicated that through approval of the
Growth Management Plan, that both the City Council and the Planning Commission
would have a great deal of input on the location of apartments through
revisions and changes in the zoning map and land use map.
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City Council Minutes
February 27. 1988
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Gary Santwire was present to indicate that he has a proposal for the
apartments in Barrington Place to be of the low and moderate income
classification. The property for these apartments is already zoned for
multi-family use and Mr. Santwire was looking for a statement from the City
Council that it was not opposed to such apartment units. Mr. Santwire was
directed to get placed on the March 7. 1988. City Council agenda for
consideration of his request.
The third topic discussed was the need for a permanent City Hall facility that
has adequate space to provide for the long term needs of the City Staff. It
was noted that the existing City Hall facility was planned to be a "stop gap"
measure and that within three to five years a long term facility would either
be located or constructed for City Hall. Various sites discussed for the
construction of the new City Hall facility or the purchase of an existing
facility included the County Administration building. old City Hall site.
City owned property along 169 north of Elk Hills Drive and Larry Morrell's
property on the corner of School Street and Jackson Avenue.
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The fourth topic discussed was vacant commercial sites which have municipal
utilities available. The Building and Zoning Administrator indicated that he
has been rece~v~ng a number of requests for large parcels of property that
have utilities available for commercial activities. The City Administrator
mentioned again that during the Growth Management Plan approval process. a
great deal of input can be given on the location for such sites. He indicated
that it is anticipated when the northern access for Deerfield Third is matched
into the realignment of Jackson Avenue that street signals will be installed.
As municipal utilities are available near this vacant land on the east side of
Highway 169. a great deal of pressure will be exerted by developers upon the
City to open this area up for commercial activities. He indicated that this
does not conflict with the growth management concepts being discussed and that
some of the area on the west side of the City between the two rivers is
planned for more of a light industrial activities when municipal utilities
becomes available. The area planned for such light industrial activities is
near the county government center.
The fifth topic discussed related to building and zoning applications and
other requests that could be handled at the Staff level without proceeding to
the City Council and Planning Commission for its review and action. The
Building and Zoning Administrator indicated that during his upcoming meeting
with the City Attorney. he would receive input on what type of applications
could be handled at the Staff level. He would then relay this information on
to the Planning Commission and City Council to receive input on if code
amendments to allow such activities are acceptable and appropriate.
The group took a ten minute break at this time.
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When the Planning Commission and City Council reconvened. Councilmember Tralle
updated the group on progress that is being made in the efforts to upgrade
Highway 101 to a four lane. Mr. Tralle noted that a project manager has been
assigned to this upgrading project by Mn/DOT and that this is a very important
step as it virtually assures the project will be done within five years. The
upgrading project has been taken off the "indefinite project" list and is in
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City Council Minutes
February 27. 1988
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the process of getting placed on a timetable list. Mr. Tralle noted that
continued efforts are needed by the Select 101 Committee in terms of raising
funds to help finance various aspects of this project. The more local funds
that can be raised to help finance this project. the quicker the project will
be accomplished. The most immediate need is to help raise funds for the
financing of the estimated $60.000 Environmental Assessment Worksheet. A
committee meeting is planned 'for Wednesday. March 2. 1988. in Elk River.
The group then discussed the 1987 Building and Zoning Annual Report where
various staff goals were listed. The group concurred with the majority of the
goals listed in the Annual Report and specifically requested attention be
given to the gravel m1n1ng operations in Elk River. Serious concern was
expressed regarding the expansion of the mining operations and eventual
reclamation of the gravel pit areas.
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The City Administrator provided an update on various miscellaneous City
activities and informed the group of the availability of City supplies
(folders. pads. pens. notebooks. etc.) to assist both groups in performing
their duties as elected and appointed officials. The Administrator also
indicated the importance of seminars and workshops that are available to
appointed and elected officials and encouraged all interested individuals to
participate in such activities. A request was given to the Staff to work on
the improvement of the meeting setting at the Library facility. Maps need to
be available when meetings are held at the Library and it was requested that
an improved seating arrangement be developed for both the City Council and
Planning Commission meetings.
All members indicated that the meeting this morning was a good informational
exchange of comments and concerns and that future similar meetings need to be
held to continue continuity between the groups and so that unresolved issues
are not left hanging and are dealt with in a professional and timely
manner.
The meeting was adjourned at approximately 11:50 a.m.
/~
I ,c-/V~
Patrick K1aers
City Administrator
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