May 25, 1995 Steering Committee MinutesAPPROVED
MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER STEERING COMMITTEE
HELD AT ELK RIVER CITY HALL
MAY 25, 1995
Members Present: Chair Minton, Committee Members Mark Lucas, Mary Eberiey, Pat
Dwyer, Keith Holme, Marty Glines, Chris Kreger, Hank Duttsman, Bill
Birrenkott, Arne Engstrom, Lloyd Barthel, Dave Anderson and Mary
McDevitt
Members Absent: Committee Members Dick Hinkle and Merry Sipe.
Staff Present: Steve Ach, City Planner
1. Call Meeting To Order
The May 25, 1995 meeting for the Elk River Comprehensive Plan Steering
Committee was called to order at 7 p.m. by Chair Minton.
2. Consider 5/25/95 Steering Committee Agenda
MARY EBERLEY MOVED APPROVAL OF THE 5/25/95 STEERING COMMITTEE AGENDA.
PAT DWYER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED.
3. Consider Steering Committee Minutes
April 20, 1995 Minutes:
MARY EBERLEY MOVED APPROVAL OF THE APRIL 20, 1995 STEERING COMMITTEE
MINUTES. CHRIS KREGER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED.
Dave Anderson stated that the map which was distributed at the last Steering
Committee meeting shows the Mississippi Heights as being included in the
expanded urban service district.
May 4, 1995 Minutes:
Page 4, sentence that begins "Steve Ach stated" - add the words "a map
outlining the boundaries of the industrial area."
MARY EBERLEY MOVED APPROVAL OF THE MAY 4, 1995 STEERING COMMITTEE
MINUTES AS AMENDED. PAT DWYER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION
CARRIED.
4. Review Committee's Decision on Industrial Development
Discussion was carried on regarding the property on East Highway 10
recommended for industrial use at the May 4, 1995 Steering Committee meeting.
Steering Committee Minutes
May 25, 1995
Page 2
Fairgrounds Property
Pat Dwyer stated that the Business Park Task Force was in favor of rezoning the
fairgrounds to Business Park, so that if the County ever decided to relocate the
fairgrounds, it could be developed in that manner. Steve Ach noted that the
property was approximately 30 acres in size.
Dave Anderson suggested that a portion of the property be purchased and
added to the adjacent softball complex. Discussion followed regarding best use
of the land, since it would be served by sewer and water. Dave Anderson
stated that turning approximately 10 acres into softball fields would meet the
needs for adult softball fields when the City is fully developed. Members of the
Committee were in agreement that they were not in favor of the fairgrounds
moving out of their present location.
Arne Engstrom explained that the County was not opposed to rezoning the
fairgrounds property to Business Park. He stated that if the County were to ever
sell the property, the Board would be looking for a fair return on their investment.
He added that property served by city sewer and water would be quite
expensive for the City to purchase for ballfields.
Barb Miracle, resident, questioned the definition of a Business Park and amount
of Business Park land that the Committee feels is needed.
Pat Dwyer explained that there is property located near the Sherburne County
Courthouse zoned Business Park. Prospective users want a location near major
transportation route and have good visibility. Pat stated that Elk River is a little
Ijght in their inventory of Business Park property.
PAT DWYER MOVED TO RECOMMEND THAT THE PRESENT FAIRGROUNDS PROPERTY `
BE REZONED TO BUSINESS PARK, WITH THE UNDERSTANDING THAT THE COMMITTEE
IS NOT IN FAVOR OF THE FAIRGROUNDS BEING RELOCATED. THE STEERING
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDS ESTABLISHING PROPER ZONING FOR THE POSSIBILITY
THAT THE COUNTY BOARD MAY WISH TO SELL THE PROPERTY AND/OR RELOCATE
THE FAIRGROUNDS IN THE FUTURE. ARNE ENGSTROM SECONDED THE MOTION. THE
MOTION CARRIED 12-1.
Hiahway 10 and Proctor Avenue
Barb Maricle, 1234 6th Street, explained that there are 11 homes on the block
between Proctor and Quinn Avenue on Highway 10, which is bounded by
Beaudry Express, LeFebvre's Trucking and Cretex. She stated that in contacting
the County Assessor she was told that only those homes 3 lots back from
Highway 10 are zoned multi -family, which would make a total of 8 homes zoned
multi -family. The owner of the old Banke house which is apartments now
informed her that he has been zoned to commercial and he is paying
commercial taxes. Mrs. Maricle stated she was told by the County that if her
property were rezoned to commercial, her taxes would double. She would be
taxed for the house at 1 percent and 2 percent for the land. Five of the eleven
home owners would be in favor of commercial if the opportunity arose, three
would likely be against rezoning, two already have a commercial use in
addition to the residential use, and one homeowner is likely going to sell their
residence within a year. Ms. Maricle stated the total of the 11 homes was 3 - 4
Steering Committee Minutes
May 25, 1995
Page 3
acres in size. If the property were rezoned she would not be able to add onto
her home, and if it were over 50 percent destroyed by fire, etc. she would not be
able to rebuild it as a residence. Her taxes would go up to $1,200 per year if the
property were zoned commercial.
Discussion followed regarding taxing of residential and commercial properties
and whether or not it is based on land use or zoning.
Ms. Maricle stated that she would be in favor of leaving the zoning as it is. Chair
Minton stated that the underlying land use could be changed so that someday
it could be commercial.
Discussion followed regarding the multi -family zoning in this area.
CHRIS KREGER MOVED TO RECOMMEND CHANGING THE LAND USE MAP FOR THE
SUBJECT AREA FROM HR to HB (HIGHWAY COMMERCIAL), AND, TO CHANGE THE
ZONING FROM R3 TO RIC (SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL). BILL BIRRENKOTT
SECONDED THE MOTION.
Barb Maricle questioned how the old Banke property would be affected by the
changes. Chris Kreger explained that the owner would not be able to add on
to the existing structure. Chair Minton noted that the Committee was not able
to answer her taxing questions, as that it done by the County.
THE MOTION CARRIED 13.0.
Mary Eberley suggested that in the future, the Steering Committee refrain from
commenting on tax issues, as this appears to be a complicated process which is
done by the County.
Area Along Jackson Avenue
Discussion followed regarding the following properties:
-Morrell property (currently zoned R4 -Multiple Family Residential)
-Property south of Morrell's on the west side of Jackson (currently zoned C2)
-Property east along Jackson (south of School Street), (northern portion currently
zoned R4 and southern portion zoned C-1 Central Commercial)
MARY EBERLEY MOVED THAT THE STEERING COMMITTEE RECOMMEND THE
FOLLOWING CHANGES IN ZONING:
1. PROPERTY LOCATED ON THE EAST SIDE OF JACKSON BE CHANGED FROM
THE EXISTING R4 (MULTIPLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL) TO R2 (TWO FAMILY
RESIDENTIAL); AND, THAT RESTRICTIONS BE INCORPORATED TO REQUIRE
ANY NEW CONSTRUCTION TO MEET SETBACKS OF THE EXISTING HOMES
ALONG THAT SECTION OF JACKSON AVENUE.
2. THE MORRELL PROPERTY CURRENTLY ZONED R4 BE CHANGED TO C2 (OFFICE
DISTRICT), CITING THE CONCERNS OF THE SCHOOL DISTRICT TO MAINTAIN
A LESS INTENSE USE OF THE LAND TO DISCOURAGE CONGREGATION OFF^,
STUDENTS AND ALSO, TRAFFIC CONCERNS.
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Steering Committee Minutes
May 25, 1995
Page 4
ALSO, THE STEERING COMMITTEE RECOMMENDS THAT THE CITY COUNCIL
CONSIDER PURCHASING THE HOULTON PROPERTY ON THE WEST SIDE OF JACKSON
AVENUE FOR ADDITION TO LIONS PARK.
CHRIS KREGER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 13-0.
Extension of Commercial Zonina North Along Highway 169
Cut lot A
Chair Minton requested that the letter from Kent and Ellen Harell be entered into
the official record. Chair Minton stated that although the Planning Commission
recommended denial of the request by Dennis Anderson, the Commission did
indicate they were not opposed to some sort of commercial development for
Outlot A.
Steve Ach provided an overview of existing commercial areas in the City.
Pat Dwyer stated that he felt the commercial zoning should end at 193rd. He
added that commercial development should be encouraged on Highway 10
where water and sewer will be available.
Discussion followed regarding the different types of commercial districts and
permitted uses. Steve Ach suggested the possibility creating a new
neighborhood or community commercial district that would be more
compatible with surrounding residential.
Mary Eberley expressed her concern that a neighborhood commercial use
would not be able to survive financially.
A resident stated that this type of commercial may be applied in other areas of
the City.
Discussion followed regarding the Earl Hohlen property on Highway 169, its
existing land use and zoning and future plans for the site.
Dave Anderson expressed his concern for the downtown area, and agreed that
the commercial should end in the 193rd-194th area along Highway 169.
Discussion followed regarding open land east of Highway 169 south of County
Road 12.
Chris Kreger suggested a C2 zoning for the Outlot A property. He stated he did
not feel it was a good location for residential with its close proximity to a major
4-lane highway. He felt a less intense commercial would buffer the existing
residential from the highway.
DAVE ANDERSON MOVED THAT THE STEERING COMMITTEE RECOMMEND
COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT NORTH ALONG BOTH SIDES OF HIGHWAY 169
CORRIDOR END AT 194TH AVENUE NW ALIGNMENT. THIS WOULD INCLUDE THE
Steering Committee Minutes
May 25, 1995
Page 5
CITY -OWNED LOT ON THE WEST SIDE OF HIGHWAY 169. MARY EBERLEY SECONDED
THE MOTION.
Marly Glines stated that Jerry Hagen, owner of Sax Foods, would be opposed to
this recommendation, since it would prevent him from expanding his store to the
north. Mr. Glines stated that the Specht property to the north has a large open
area behind the residence. He felt that it should be designated for commercial
now before any residential development occurs.
Mary Eberley expressed her concern regarding the removal of any more trees
along Highway 169.
Steve Ach explained that although it appears Mr. Hagen's business could be
expanded to the south, there is a platted lot that could be developed and
beyond that there is a pond.
Discussion followed regarding the 1-1 /4 acre parcel owned by the City which is
located on Holt Avenue.
THE MOTION CARRIED 11-2. CHRIS KREGER AND MARLY GLINES OPPOSED.
Marly Glines stated that he opposed the motion because of the fact that Mr.
Hagen cannot expand his business to the south because the lot is owned by
someone else and is proposed for a sit-down restaurant. Furthermore, Mr.
Hagen's building was designed to expand towards the north. The property to
the north is mainly open field with the exception of Everett Specht's residence.
Earl Hohlen Property
CHRIS KREGER MOVED THAT THE STEERING COMMITTEE RECOMMEND THE EARL
HOHLEN PROPERTIES CURRENTLY ZONED R1C, PUD AND C3 BE CHANGED TO A
LAND USE OF HB (HIGHWAY BUSINESS) AND REZONE AT THE APPROPRIATE TIME TO
BE DEVELOPED AS A PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT. HANK DUITSMAN SECONDED
THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 13-0.
West Side of Hiahwav 169 and South of Main Street
ARNE ENGSTROM MOVED THE STEERING COMMITTEE RECOMMEND A CHANGE IN
THE LAND USE AND ZONING FOR PROPERTY LOCATED ON THE WEST SIDE OF / ff
HIGHWAY 169 AND SOUTH OF MAIN STREET FROM ITS CURRENT ZONING
DESIGNATION OF R3 (MULTIPLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL) TO C3 (HIGHWAY
COMMERCIAL). PAT DWYER SECONDED THE MOTION.
Discussion followed regarding preserving the pine trees along Highway 169 in
the right-of-way. The preservation of these trees could be a design
consideration when a specific project is proposed. v
THE MOTION CARRIED 13-0. .
Steering Committee Minutes
May 25, 1995
Page 6
Southeast Highway 10 Area
Steve Ach stated the following locations are possibilities for future signalization
by Mn/DOT:
-165th Avenue and Highway 10
-Jarvis Street and Highway 10
-173rd Avenue and Highway 10
He reviewed possible mixed uses for the Specht property discussed at the last
Steering Committee meeting.
Kathy Specht expressed her disapproval of the Steering Committee's
recommendations.
Robin Tuttle questioned what would happen if the Spechts wished to subdivide
their land among the family members. Members of the Committee indicated
that would not be a problem, but that a single family residence could not be
placed on the eastern portion of the property along Highway 10 if the zoning
was changed to Light Industrial.
Discussion followed regarding service roads along Highway 10.
CHRIS KREGER MOVED THE STEERING COMMITTEE RECOMMEND THAT THE STRIP OF
THE SPECHT PROPERTY ALONG EAST HIGHWAY 10 BE REZONED TO 11 (LIGHT
INDUSTRIAL) TO A DEPTH CONSISTENT WITH THE ADJACENT COMMERCIAL
PROPERTY.
MARY EBERLEY SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 13.0.
West Hiahwav 10 Area
CHRIS KREGER MOVED TO RECOMMEND NO CHANGES IN THE EXISTING LAND USE
AND ZONING ALONG THE WEST HIGHWAY 10 CORRIDOR. HANK DUITSMAN
SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 13-0.
6. Revise Tentative Schedule of Upcominq Meetings
The following changes were noted:
June 15 - Discussion of Commercial Development in the Downtown
July 6 - Residential Land Use Plan/Zoning Map
July 27 - Parks and Recreation
8. Adiournment
DAVE ANDERSON MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING. CHRIS KREGER SECONDED
THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED13-0.
Steering Committee Minutes
May 25, 1995
Respectfully submitted,
Debbie Kleckner
Recording Secretary
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