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Workshop Agenda CITY OF ELK RIVER • PLANNING COMMISSION WORKSHOP MEETING AGENDA Tuesday, February 8, 2000 6:30 p.m. Elk River City Hall ITEM NUMBER 1. REVIEW TEMPORARY SIGN REQUIREMENTS 2. DETERMINE ATTENDEES, 2000 NATIONAL PLANNING CONFERENCE 3. IDENTIFY AGENDA ISSUES FOR 3/13/00 JOINT MEETING WITH CITY COUNCIL 4. REVIEW"SPECIAL" MEETING DATES 5. REVIEW 2/29/00 AGENDA ITEMS • • • CITY OF ELK RIVER SPECIAL MEETING NOTICE ELK RIVER PLANNING COMMISSION DATE: FEBRUARY 9, 2000 TIME: 7:00 RM PLACE: ELK RIVER SENIOR HIGH, 900 SCHOOL STREET SUBJECT: WCCO MORNING SHOW AND GOVERNOR'S VISIT I, Thomas Mesich, Acting Chair, hereby request a special meeting of the Planning Commission on February 9, 2000, at 7:00 a.m. to be held at the Elk River Senior High, 900 School Street. 1111 The purpose of the meeting is to attend the WCCO Morning Show and Governor's Visit event. In accordance with State Statute, I hereby request the city clerk to post this notice at least three days prior to the meeting date. I further request the city clerk to notify each member of the Planning Commission of this special meeting, in writing, at least one day before the meeting. y("7--eve2-77. -.)--///0V Thomas Mesich, Acting Chair Date I HEREBY CERTIFY, that this notice has been posted and that I have served this notice upon the members of the Planning Commission by mail at least one day prior to the above-called special Planning Commission meeting. 215 / 00 • Sandra A. Peine, City Clerk Date iItem # Ity of lk/ River MEMORANDUM TO: Planning Commission (kir-- FROM: Michele McPhersorDirector of Planning DATE: February 2, 2000 SUBJECT: Temporary Sign Regulations Request The Commission is asked to review the current temporary sign regulations and make a recommendation to the City Council regarding any changes to be made. Attachments • Current Ordinance Language • December 20, 1999 Council Minutes • Comparison of Other Cities' Requirements • • Star News Article Regarding Signs Overview In recent months, staff has made a concerted effort to enforce the current temporary sign ordinance. The current ordinance allows temporary signs to be displayed, with a permit, for 15 days. Temporary signs include port-a-panels (yellow and black), banners, balloons, and inflatable figures. Two permits are allowed per business per year. Most businesses have complied with the requirements, and the sign rental company has been helpful in enforcing the sign requirements. Two businesses complained regarding the number of permits allowed and length of time for display. Staff reviewed a number of sign ordinances from cities both inside and outside the state for temporary sign requirements. With the exception of St. Cloud, Minnesota (150 days/year), Elk River's requirements are very consistent with surrounding communities. Some cities even prohibit the use of temporary signs. The questions for the Commission to consider are: 1. What is an appropriate number of permits to issue on an annual basis? 2. How many days should be allowed per permit? • 13065 Orono Parkway • P.O. Box 490 • Elk River, MN 55330 • TDD &Phone: (612) 441-7420 • Fax: (612)441-7425 Memo to the Planning Commission Temporary Sign Regulations Page 2 The City cannot regulate content, only size, setbacks, and number of permits/days per year. The Chamber of Commerce was notified as well as the two business owners most concerned regarding the regulations. They may be in attendance at the workshop meeting. Recommendation The Commission is asked to discuss the current regulations and suggest any changes it deems necessary. An ordinance amendment would then be prepared by staff for the February meeting. • • ii . One (1) on-premise temporary combination area • identification, construction and real estate sign not to exceed ninety-six (96) square feet in sign a a or fifteen (15) feet in height for three (3) year after approval by the City of said project unless extension is granted by the City Council. uch signs shall not be illuminated. /j iii. One (1) on-premise non-illuminated/real estate sign per lot or premise, not to excejed six (6) square feet in sign area. Such a sign must be removed ten (10) days following closing, rent1, or lease. iv. One (1) on-premise attached nameplate per occupancy, not to exceed four (4) square feet in sign area. / v. Political signs ar ' permitted in any zone. Such signs shall be consist nt with State Statute. Political signs may be placed o ly on private property and only with the permission/of the property owner. Such signs shall not be illuplinated. vi. On-premise Directional/Informational signs not to • exceed four k4) square feet per sign in sign area. vii. One /6/.) on-premise temporary or portable sign and/or decoration per premise, as allowed by the Buildi g and Zoning Administrator for special events, gran ' openings or holidays . Such signs and decorations ma be erected fifteen (15) days prior to a special e ent or holiday and shall be removed five (5) days • ollowing the event or holiday. Sp cial event signs and/or decorations are also subject to e following: Limited to two (2) times per year. SIGNAGE can be a maximum of thirty-two (32) square feet Must not be unsafe or dangerous . Must be securely anchored. Must be located on property of business with special event and advertising message must only relate to business conducted on that premise, except that nonprofit or charitable organizations as defined by Internal Revenue Code 501 (C3) may have off-premise signs for their fund raising activities provided that they obtain permission from the property owner. Nonprofit organizations shall be limited to eight (8) signs • per event . Must not be placed in the right-of-way and must meet sign setbacks . Only one business per premise at a time 9.84 can have said special event sign. A fifty dollar ($50 . 00) deposit is required that is refundable if the sign meets all requirements herein and is removed on time. B. Si.ns Permitted in A•ricultural A-1 and Residential R- R-2, R-3, and R-4 Zones i. All signs as permitted in paragraph 4 (a) of his section. ii. One (1) permanent area identification si•, per neighborhood, subdivision, or development, not to exceed sixteen (16) square feet in sign are: . The area identification sign shall be placed on th- same premise as the development which it identifies. iii. One (1) on-premise permanent ide' tification sign per apartment or condominium comple , not to exceed sixteen (16) square feet in sign a ea. iv. For permitted nonresidents. uses, such as churches, synagogues, and schools, one (1) on-premise freestanding sign and one (1 wall business sign not to exceed ninety-six (96) s• a e feet in total sign area. 411 v. Any combination of on-premise freestandingand P wall mounted real esta - signs for model homes having a combined total sign a'ea not to exceed thirty-two (32) square feet. Freestanding signs for model homes shall have a maximum hei; t of five (5) feet. vi. One (1) on-.remise construction sign not to exceed thirty-two (32), square feet in sign area. Such a sign may be erecte,4 thirty (30) days prior to beginning of construction/ and shall be removed thirty (30) days following ompletion of construction. Such signs must not be i uminated. vii. Rural-based businesses shall be allowed four (4) off 'remise directional signs subject to the following res rictions : Indio'dual directional signs shall not exceed eighteen (18) squa e feet. 117 id signs shall be set back ten (10) feet from any public ight-of-way as measured to any portion of the sign. 9.85 City Council Minutes Page 6 December 20, 1999 411 COUNCILMEMBER MOTIN MOVED TO ADOPT ORDINANCE 99-33 AMEND! G SECTION 218 OF THE CITY CODE OF ORDINANCES ENTITLED PERSONN ORDINANCE AND AMENDING THE CITY CODE OF ORDINANCES BY ADOPTING ► SECTION 220 ENTITLED CONFLICT OF INTEREST. COUNCILMEMBER DIETZ SEC• 1DED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 4-0. COUNCILMEMBER DIETZ MOVED TO ADOPT THE PER NNEL POLICY MANUAL AS PRESENTED. COUNCILMEMBER THOMPSON SEC• IDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 4-0. 4.13. Hirin• of Wastewater Treatment S st- O•erator COUNCILMEMBER THOMPSO l OVED TO HIRE CHRISTOPHER CLARK AS A WASTEWATER TREATMENT TEM OPERATOR AT A STARTING WAGE OF $12.71 PER HOUR BEGINNING JA • •RY 3, 2000, CONTINGENT UPON DRIVER'S LICENSE CHECK AND PRE-EMPLOY i ' T DRUG SCREENING. COUNCILMEMBER DIETZ SECONDED THE MOTION. THE ' •TION CARRIED 4-0. 5.1. O•en '"e • one appeared for Open Mike. 6.1. Temporary Sian Permit Michele McPherson indicated that the planning staff has been inspecting and regulating temporary signs to ensure that the signs are out of the public rights-of- way, that property line setbacks are met, and to control the size of the signs. She noted that Scott Mitchell, owner of the Dairy Queen, has been using a temporary sign at his store along Highway 10 during the winter months. She indicated that Mr. Mitchell's temporary sign does not meet the setbacks, is placed in the MnDOT right-of-way, and is being displayed for more than the allotted 2-15 day periods per year. Scott Mitchell addressed the council. He noted that he purchased the sign for the Dairy Queen in the fall of 1996. He further noted that prior to purchasing the sign, he talked to staff at city hall and was told that there were no ordinances against the sign. He requested the council to allow him to continue using the sign. He further noted that there is not enough room between his building and the highway to meet the required setbacks and that MnDOT has given him permission to place the sign in the right-of-way. Charlie Houle, Houle Oil, indicated that he also uses temporary signs and reader board signs for the purpose of obtaining employees. He noted that the time allowed by the ordinance for temporary signs is not a reasonable time period to allow business owners to obtain the necessary results they desire from the temporary signs. Mr. Houle noted that he believes these signs should be allowed in certain zones, such as highway commercial zones. Michele McPherson suggested that the Planning Commission review the ordinance for possible amendments such as extension of time frame. • Mayor Klinzing noted that she would like to see the city working with the business owners in the community in regard to this issue. City Council Minutes Page 7 December 20, 1999 It was suggested that Mr. Mitchell consider a more permanent sign rather than a • temporary sign for his situation. It was a consensus of the council that the Planning Commission hold a worksession to review the sign ordinance in relation to temporary signs. 6.2. Re•uest b NRG for Renewal of Conditional Use Permit for Solid Waste Facilit Public Hearing Case No. CU99-33 Building and Zoning Administrator Steve Rohlf noted that NRG is requesti • approval for the renewal of their Conditional Use Permit and their Solid / aste License to operate a refuse-derived fuel plant. Steve Rohlf reviewed e staff report. Mayor Klinzing opened the public hearing. There being no one '•r or against the matter, Mayor Klinzing closed the public hearing. COUNCILMEMBER THOMPSON MOVED TO APPROVE THE REN' AL OF THE CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT BY NRG FOR THE OPERATION OF • SOLID WASTE FACILITY. COUNCILMEMBER DIETZ SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MION CARRIED 4-0. 6.3. Re•uest b GRE for Renewal of Conditional Use Per ►it for Solid Waste Facilit Public Hearing Case No. CU 99-34 Building and Zoning Administrator Steve Rohlf nv.ted that Great River Energy is requesting approval for a renewal of their Co, ditional Use Permit and their Solid Waste Permit to burn refused-derived fuel a their Elk River electrical generation station. Steve Rohlf reviewed the staff reload. Mayor Klinzing opened the public hea ' g. There being no one for or against the matter, Mayor Klinzing closed the pu•• is hearing. COUNCILMEMBER MOTIN MOVED • APPROVE RENEWAL OF THE CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT AND SOLID WASTE LICEN E FOR GREAT RIVER ENERGY. COUNCILMEMBER DIETZ SECONDED THE MOTION. HE MOTION CARRIED 4-0. 6.4. Re•uest b Robert Harris fo Variance Public Hearin• Case No. V 99-16 Director of Planning Mi. ele McPherson noted that this issue has been withdrawn by the applicant. 6.5. Re•uest b D na tics Lamm & Dehrer LLP for Prelimina Plat indsor Park Public Hearin• •se No. P 99-12 Director of Planning Michele McPherson noted that Dynamics, Lamm, & Dehrer have requo ted a preliminary plat of Windsor Park. She noted that the Windsor Plat is the irst preliminary plat application submitted under the Open Space Preserv. ion Plat Ordinance (Cluster Development). Michele McPherson noted that t - development consists of a 57.03-acre site with 31 single-family residential lots .nd with over 50%of the development permanently protected by a co' servation easement as open space. Michele McPherson reviewed the staff r-port on this issue. She noted that the staff and Planning Commission have • ecommended approval of the preliminary plat. Temporary Sign Permit Requirements — Other Cities • CITY PERMITS/YR DAYS/PERMIT SETBACKS AREA (square (feet) feet) Brooklyn Park Single Tenant 3 10 15 200 Multi Tenant 6 10 15 200 Allow portable and temporary signs under the same permit. Exemption for grand openings (total of 4 weeks) San Bernadino, ? 30 days CA Limited to special events like grand openings, parades, holiday sales, charitable events. Salinas, CA 30 days/year Portable Signs not permitted, must be banners or other devices. Champlin, MN 3 10 Savage 3 (CUP) 14 15 40 Plymouth 4 14 Waived 32 Eden Prairie Portable signs not permitted, "Help Wanted" signs not exceeding 32 square feet are permitted for 14 days. Rochester, MN 1 14 24 Hilton Head, Portable Signs not permitted. SC • Park City Portable Signs not permitted St. Cloud 3 150 days/year 10 40 Eagan No permits 10 days/month 25 required Stillwater Portable Signs not permitted Monticello Annual permit 40 days/year Buffalo 2 15 1/2 minimum 32 yard setback Duluth unlimited 10 2 Roseville* Portable Signs not permitted * Temporary signs include balloons, searchlights, attention-getting devices limited to 12 days per calendar year. • . • Visit us on the web at www.erstarnews.com • Wednesday, January 5, 2000/ Elk River Star News /5 x Elk River , . , , 4,,,.,,4,, vv,,,,,,1,4„.4„ , ,,,,,,, , ,,„ ,,,,,,. ,,,, FRE Business owners sa sign � .„.„.4,4_ p ;;, Z� k� aa ordinance is too stringent a 4'm : Otik ;Ali erg ���e� m���''�q�w �z i ; by Jim Boyle f,, 4 t :04;01W.'"',.'"' Staff writer < ' '. - Business at Dairy Queen booms in the summer, especial- _ _ ly when the temperatures soar „-, •„:::, into the 70s and 80s. ¢, ,u,•. , r i In the winter, when tempera- - .` t Itures drop into the teens and , ; 't-,7 G ” t `� single digits —it needs a boost. }y' "People seem to forget about ! _, us on nights like this," Scott ' i _ Mitchell, the owner of the Elk River Dairy Queen, told mem- bers of the Elk River City Council on a recent wintery night. thawMitchell has found a sign out front of his store with specials Charlie Houle of Houle Oil in Elk River posts this sign to attract3922listed on it gives his business help at his gas station and convenience store.An ordinance Iim just the boost it needs. its the size of the sign and the how often it's up. Charlie Houle,owner of Houle ' ' ' . lge Ave., Oil,"struggles to find applicants Commission starting with a a mess of portable signs or a [iVei . • for his gas station and conve- workshop in February to which great downtown and tasteful ,' thence store.A help wanted sign Mitchell, Houle and other busi- development?" McPherson out front brings them in and ness owners will be invited to asked. venient locations: he's able to stay on topof the take part in. Safety is another reason for e St. No. • 263-3262 employee turnover that comes Michele McPherson,the direc- the ordinance. If the city starts with his business. for of planning, says she is not allowing businesses to, park 389-3126 The only problem for these opposed to making some revi- signs in rights of way,there are '1: 497-2367 two businessmen with their ,sions to the sign ordinance,but going to be safety hazards for signs is the city's sign ordinance she doesn't want the purpose of motorists and pedestrians, not iie prohibits them from using the a "sign ordinance lost in the to mention problems with signs signs the way they would like shuffle. being in the way of utility work, to. They have in the past, but The sign ordinance exists to McPherson said. n,- ; � •,-t,; ,„0, the city is enforcing the city's prevent visual blight and to pro- City Council Member Paul • wee ,„ 4. 4temporary sign ordinance now' ' tett safety concerns ' raised Motin agrees that its one thing e "u 4, \ `,' „,% that it has the resources to when vision is obstructed by to have some signs around , 4 investigate violators. The citysigns,she said. town.But once you start having has also worked with sign corn- As the city has grown, the a line of businesses with them a'� s v� panics to make the cities ordi- number of temporary signs has out all the time,he would start if ,, r -''', , ' nances clear to them so they grown. With'the crackdown'on to have a problem with it. .:„ Y , don't mislead their customers.' ' the ordinance,'McPherson said McPherson says it's crucial to The temporary sign ordinance the city will keep the city from. be consistent and,to avoid hav- W. limits the size of temporary looking cluttered. ing to constantly deal with vari- signs to 4-by-8-feet or 32-square "Drive to the Wisconsin Dells ante requests. `',0„ '" feet as well as the length of time and the reason for the ordi- Mayor Stephanie Klinzing ` �'` r they can be up. nance ' becomes obvious," said the city must inject corn- The matter was before the Elk McPherson said, noting that mon sense into the matter, and , §- i River City Council on Dec. 20, there is no sign ordinance there.' look at variance requests when • " " and it now will be worked ' "Part of it is what do you want they arise. 1,Vi t through the Elk River Planning your city to be remembered for 0 5 ''f I ; Police to host 10-week citizen academy ity of Item # 1 ,„ River MEMORANDUM TO: Planning Commission IIM1t� FROM: Michele McPhersotr Director of Planning DATE: February 1, 2000 SUBJECT: Attendance at National Convention, April 15-19, 2000 The National Planning Convention is scheduled for April 15-19, 2000 in New York City. The City's budget for the Planning Commission provides funds for two Commissioners to attend this convention. Michael Baker has indicated that he is interested and able to attend this event. One space is available for another Commissioner. • • 13065 Orono Parkway • P.O. Box 490 • Elk River, MN 55330 • TDD &Phone: (612) 441-7420 • Fax: (612)441-7425 \14 - Item # ity of ,/ J�� River MEMORANDUM TO: Planning Commission FROM: Michele McPherson, Director of Planning DATE: February 1, 2000 SUBJECT: Joint Planning Commission/City Council Meeting Agenda Items A joint meeting with the City Council has been scheduled for Monday, March 13, 2000 after the regular City Council meeting. Attached for your review are the minutes of the October 25, 1999 workshop meeting at which the Council discussed a number of items that relate to Planning. They are: 1. Updating the Comprehensive Plan 2. Updating the Transportation Plan 3. Tree Preservation Please review the attached minutes and provide staff any additional subjects that the Commission would like to discuss. • 13065 Orono Parkway • P.O. Box 490 • Elk River, MN 55330 • TDD & Phone: (612)441-7420 • Fax: (612)441-7425 . SPECIAL MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER CITY COUNCIL HELD AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HALL MONDAY, OCTOBER 25, 1999 Members Present: Mayor Klinzing, Councilmembers Dietz, Farber, Thompson, and Motin Members Absent: None Staff Present: Pat Klaers, City Administrator; Lori Johnson, Finance Director, Sandy Peine, City Clerk; Phil Hals, Street Park Superintendent; Paul Steinman, Director of Economic Development; and Peter Beck, City Attorney Call Meeting To Order Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the special worksession of the Elk River City Council was called to order by Mayor Klinzing at 5:00 p.m. 2. Worksession/Discussion on Council Priorities Mayor Klinzing noted that the Council called this worksession to discuss topics of • concern and priority issues of the City Council. The following issues were discussed: Comprehensive Plan: Mayor Klinzing suggested that because the existing comprehensive plan is approximately 5 years old and because of the fast growth the city is experiencing, it might be appropriate to update the comprehensive plan. It was the consensus of the city council to have the planning'commission (once it has seven members) review the comprehensive plan. It was also the consensus of the council that the city council and planning commission meet jointly, so that everyone can discuss issues regarding the comprehensive plan. Transportation Plan: Councilmember Motin noted the lack of specifics, such as under or overpasses, in the City's existing transportation plan. Additionally, such things as how to fund new streets and when new streets should be constructed are not discussed in the plan. He stated that because of this the plan would be difficult to implement. Discussion was held regarding the number of signals along Highway 169 and the impact the signals have on local drivers trying to get across Highway 169. It was noted that MnDOT's long-term plan is to make Highways 10 and 169 thoroughfares in the Elk River. Discussion was held regarding the intersection of Main Street and Highway 10. In regard to this issue, discussion was held regarding the Boelter's site, its land use at this corner, its appearance, and the need for a free right turn onto Highway 10 at 111 this corner. City Council Minutes Page 2 October 25, 1999 • Discussion was held regarding the number of accidents that have taken place at Jackson Avenue and School Street. Councilmember Thompson suggested putting in a left turn arrow similar to the one at School and Freeport. Mayor Klinzing asked about the level of contact with the city of Ramsey and Anoka County, regarding Ramsey and Anoka County roads that lead into the city of Elk River such as County Road 22. School/City: Mayor Klinzing indicated her concern about the city putting forth cooperative ventures in regard to building space in relation to the school district, a joint community center, arts facility, and ECFE. Tree Preservation: Councilmember Motin indicated that he would be interested in seeing some sample guidelines and ordinances regarding tree preservation for new plats. It was a consensus of the council to have Michele McPherson research this issue, and to bring some sample ordinances from other cities regarding tree preservation to the council for review. Nuisances: Mayor Klinzing indicated that she would like to see the city be more proactive in its nuisance ordinance relating to the number of cars on property and recreational vehicles stored on residential property. Council Meetings: Councilmember Farber suggested that Mayor Klinzing run the council meetings in a more relaxed manner so as to allow the council to hold conversations amongst each other. The rest of the council supported this • suggestion. It was acknowledged that the manner in which the mayor ran the meetings was beneficial to the public as it allowed the public to better follow and understand the issues. Mayor Klinzing indicated that she understood Councilmember Farber's concern. 3. Adjournment There being no further business, Mayor Klinzing adjourned this special worksession of the Elk River City Council at 5:58 p.m. andra Peine �� City Clerk Item # ity of iik, � MEMORANDUM River TO: Planning Commission FROM: Michele McPherson "Director of Planning DATE: February 1, 2000 SUBJECT: Upcoming Meeting Dates The following "special" meetings have been scheduled outside of the normal Planning Commission schedule of meetings: February 22, 2000: Planning Commission/City Council Joint Orientation (after Council meeting). Commissioner Thompson is excused from this meeting. March 11, 2000: Special Annual Meeting (Saturday, agenda attached). The March 14, 2000 workshop meeting will be cancelled due to the scheduling of this meeting. • March 13, 2000: Annual Joint Meeting with City Council (Monday evening). Please let me know if there are any conflicts with this schedule. • 13065 Orono Parkway • P.O. Box 490 • Elk River, MN 55330 • TDD & Phone: (612) 441-7420 • Fax: (612) 441-7425