01-14-2014 BA MIN
Meeting of the Elk River Board of Adjustments
Held at the Elk River City Hall
Tuesday, January 14, 2014
Members Present: Chair Anderson, Commissioners Eric Johnson, Jeremy Johnson,
Mike Keller, Mike Keefe, Mark Keller and Chad Westberg
Members Absent: None
Staff Present: Planner/Park Planner Chris Leeseberg, Planner Zack Carlton and
Recording Secretary Debbie Huebner
Also Present: Councilmember Barb Burandt
1. Call Meeting to Order
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the meeting of the Elk River Board of
Adjustments was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Chair Anderson.
2. Pledge of Allegiance
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
3. Consider 1/14/14 Agenda
Moved by Commissioner Eric Johnson and seconded by Commissioner
Jeremy Johnson to approve the January 14, 2014, Board of Adjustments
agenda. Motion carried 7-0.
4.1 Consider 11/12/13 Board of Adjustments
Motion by Commissioner Eric Johnson and seconded by Commissioner Mike
Keller to approve the November 12, 2013, Board of Adjustments minutes.
Motion carried 7-0.
4.2 Consider 12/10/13 Board of Adjustments
Motion by Commissioner Jeremy Johnson and seconded by Commissioner
Eric Johnson to approve the December 10, 2013, Board of Adjustments
minutes. Motion carried 7-0.
5.1 Request by Cornerstone Auto for Variance to allow reduced lot size,
Case No. V 14-01 – Public Hearing
The staff report was presented by Zack Carlton.
Board of Adjustments Minutes Page 2
January 14, 2014
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Commissioner Konietzko asked what staff’s opinion was on the variance. Mr.
Carlton stated that staff could see both sides of the argument. Commissioner
Konietzko asked if staff could see any issues if the variance were approved. Mr.
Carlton stated no.
Chair Anderson opened the public hearing.
Steve Rohlf, 17219 Highway 10, representative for Cornerstone Auto Resource –
stated it was not their intent to create a variance situation when they purchased the
property and if they had known they needed one full acre, they could have purchased
the additional 0.05 acre. He stated that Cornerstone has spent tens of thousands of
dollars to have plans drawn and to have new plans drawn at this point would create a
huge financial burden.
There being no one else to speak to this issue, Chair Anderson closed the public
hearing.
Commissioners Jeremy Johnson and Eric Johnson expressed support for approval of
the variance.
Motion by Commissioner Chad Westberg and seconded by Commissioner
Eric Johnson to approve Cornerstone Auto Resource request for a variance
from the minimum one acre lot size in the C3 zoning district to allow a 0.95
acre lot, based on the finding that the request meets the five criteria for
granting a variance. Motion carried 7-0.
5.2 Request by BWB Holdings, LLC for Variance to reduce the minimum
lot size, Case No. V 13-10 – Public Hearing
The staff report was presented by Chris Leeseberg. Mr. Leeseberg explained that
approval of a variance for both the size and frontage requirements is required for
both outlots B and C in order to plat the property as proposed by the applicant. He
stated that six parcels are being reconfigured as Aggregate Commercial Second
Addition and will result in the same number of lots.
Commissioner Westberg asked where the access for Outlot C will be to Highway
169. Mr. Leeseberg explained where the existing access is located and stated that it
will remain in this location, per MnDOT’s requirements.
Chair Anderson opened the public hearing.
Brent Hislop, Synergy Land Company, representing the applicant – stated he was
present to answer questions.
There being no further public comment, Chair Anderson closed the public hearing.
Board of Adjustments Minutes Page 3
January 14, 2014
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Commissioner Eric Johnson stated that it appears the criteria for granting a variance
is met.
Motion by Commissioner Jeremy Johnson and seconded by Commissioner
Chad Westberg to approve the request for a variance to the minimum lot size
of 20 acres and minimum lot frontage of 300 feet, to allow:
Outlot B – 3 acres with 277 ft. of frontage
Outlot C – 2 acres with 120 ft. of frontage
Motion carried 7-0.
6. Adjournment
There being no further business, Commissioner Eric Johnson moved to adjourn the
meeting of the Elk River Board of Adjustments at 6:50 p.m.
Minutes prepared by Debbie Huebner.
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Dana Anderson
Planning Commission Chair
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Tina Allard, City Clerk