02-23-2005 PC MIN
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MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER PLANNING COMMISSION
HELD AT ELK RIVER CITY HALL
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2005
Members Present:
Chair Ropp, Commissioners Anderson, Lemke, Offerman, Scott, Stevens,
and Westgaard
Members Absent:
None
Staff Present:
2.
3.1.
Scott Harlicker, Senior Planner; Chris Leeseberg, Planner; Steve Rohlf,
Building & Environmental Administrator; Debbie Huebner, Recording
Secretary
1. Call Meeting To Order
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the meeting of the Elk River Planning Commission
was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Chair Ropp.
Consider 2/23/05 Planning Commission Agenda
MOVED BY COMMISSIONER STEVENS AND SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER ANDERSON TO APPROVE THE FEBRUARY 23,2005
PIANNING COMMISSION AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED 7-0.
Consider 12/14/04 Planning Commission Workshop Meeting Notes
MOVED BY COMMISSIONER ANDERSON AND SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER LEMKE TO APPROVE THE DECEMBER 14,2004
PIANNING COMMISSION WORSHOP MEETING NOTES. MOTION
CARRIED 7-0.
3.2. Consider 1/11/05 Planning Commission Workshop Meeting Notes
MOVED BY COMMISSIONER OFFERMAN AND SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER LEMKE TO APPROVE THE JANUARY 11, 2005 PIANNING
COMMISSION WORSHOP MEETING NOTES. MOTION CARRIED 7-0.
3.3. Consider 2/8/05 Planning Commission Workshop Meeting Notes
3.4.
MOVED BY COMMISSIONER WESTGAARD AND SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER LEMKE TO APPROVE THE FEBRUARY 8, 2005 PIANNING
COMMISSION WORSHOP MEETING NOTES. MOTION CARRIED 7-0.
Consider 1/25/05 Planning Commission Minutes
MOVED BY COMMISSIONER STEVENS AND SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER LEMKE TO APPROVE THE JANUARY 25,2005 PLANNING
COMMISSION MINUTES. MOTION CARRIED 7-0.
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Planning Commission Minutes
Febru<uy 23, 2005
Page 2
4.
Planning Commission Representative to Attend City Council Meeting
Commissioner Stevens will attend the March 21, 2005 City Council meeting.
5.1. Request by Suburban Northwest Builders Association for Conditional Use Pennit to allow
Use of Home (Energy House II) as office in Nordic Hills. Public Hearing - Case No. CU
05-03
Staff report presented by Building & Environmental Administrator Steve Rohlf. The
Suburban Northwest Builders Association (NSBA) requests an interim use pennit to allow
them to office from Energy House III demonstration site and model home. Mr. Rohlf
noted that it has been difficult to monitor the results of Energy House I and II, since no one
was at either of these sites on a regular basis. Mr. Rohlf explained that the house is proposed
to be opened for the 2005 Fall New Home Tour and Parade of Homes and cease being used
as the SNBA office in March of 2008 (2;1 years).
Mr. Rohlf reviewed information regarding the reason for the request, the site, Energy City
participation, City involvement, and issues which were discussed at the neighborhood
meeting. These issues included traffic, hours of operation, lighting, number of employees
and employee parking, use of adjacent lot for parking, and the type and number of functions
which would be held at the site. Mr. Rohlf provided detailed information regarding each of
the residents' concerns including details regarding the Energy III house (appearance,
materials used, etc.), projected traffic and hours, signage, and screening and landscaping. He
stated that staff recommends approval of the request, and reviewed each of the proposed ten
conditions.
Commissioner Stevens asked if there were any issues with Energy House I and II. Mr. Rohlf
stated that they were not utilized as much as they hoped, and that the larger lot size and
location made them difficult to find. Commissioner Stevens asked if any complaints were
received. Mr. Rohlf stated there were no complaints regarding the Energy I and II homes.
Chair Ropp asked what the status of the adjacent lot was that would be used for parking.
Mr. Rohlf explained that the lot is owned by a builder and that the builder will tty to keep it
open as long as he can, but that it could be sold at any time. If this happened, the NSBA
members would need to carpool or shuttle to the site. Mr. Rohlf noted that the home will
be sold at the end of the time period.
Chair Ropp opened the public hearing.
Neal Christy, 19488 Boston Street - Expressed his concern for increased traffic related to
the use. He was concerned for safety of the children in the neighborhood, since there are no
sidewalks in this area. Mr. Christy asked how many tours there would be per year. Mr.
Rohlf stated that they hoped to have twelve tours, but that in reality there may only be six or
seven. He noted that there were four or five per year at Energy Houses I and II. He stated
that the board members would not be there as often as staff's traffic study suggests, but that
he estimated the "worst case" scenario. Mr. Christy disputed staff's note that single family
homes generate ten trips per day. He stated he was opposed to the request because of traffic
concerns.
Tom Osberg, 19496 Zumbro Street - Asked if the lot was proposed to be rezoned to
commercial. Mr. Rohlf stated no, and that the use is proposed as interim use with a specific
start and end date. Mr. Osberg expressed concern that the integrity of the neighborhood
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Planning Commission Minutes
February 23, 2005
Page 3
will be negatively impacted by the proposed use. He felt that if the number of employees
increased, there would be even more traffic. Mr. Osberg stated his concern for the safety of
children with increased traffic, noting that the 30 mph speed limit is often ignored. He
stated he was opposed to the request because it would adversely change the structure of the
neighborhood, and that potential buyers will be deterred from building in Nordic Hills. He
was concern about buses in the neighborhood, shuttling people back and forth.
Mr. Rohlf asked the applicant if they anticipated more than three employees. The applicant
stated no. Mr. Rohlf stated that he will discuss the issue of a three way stop at the
intersection of Zumbro Court and 194m Avenue with the City Engineer and Police Chief.
Mike Wilson, 19370 Zumbro Court - Stated that he would not have moved to this
location if he would have known about the proposed office. He felt that all those living on
Zumbro Court will be impacted by the traffic. He stated that there are many children and
walkers on this street. He stated that he was upset with the number of meetings proposed
and the traffic that would be generated.
Angie Wilson, 19370 Zumbro Court - Stated that she did not feel the trips per day were
realistic. She stated that the people living on this street are aware of the number of children
and watch out for them, and that the people coming to this site would not be as cautious.
Jim Greenlund, Board of Directors for the Minnesota Builders Association, and the
Suburban Northwest Builders Association, Chair for Energy House III, applicant -
stated that they care what happens in the neighborhood, and that they also care about
educating people how to conserve energy. He stated that the Energy House will be built for
builders and consumers. He stated that when a house sits vacant, it has the appearance of
being abandoned and may attract unwanted people to a neighborhood. He stated that there
may be twelve buses to the site a year, at most, and that school buses will also be in the
neighborhood. He felt that all bus drivers know how to drive in areas where there are
children. He did not feel traffic will be a significant issue, and that two single family homes
on these two lots would generate significantly more traffic. He noted that it is very unlikely
that all thirteen SNBA board members will attend all the meetings, since they often have a
difficult time getting a quorum. He concluded that the Energy House III will serve an
important purpose for the builders, the people, and the City of Elk River.
Unknown resident residing at 19473 Zumbro Court - Stated he would not have moved
to a neighborhood with commercial uses nearby if he would have known what was
proposed. He expressed his appreciation for the neighborhood meeting but did not feel that
all of their concerns have been addressed. He felt it was poor planning to open this office
after the neighborhood is already there. Mr. Greenlund stated that the property is
residential, not commercial and that it will stay that way. He stated that the office use would
have no more impact than having a day care business in a residential neighborhood.
There being no one else to speak to this issue, Chair Ropp closed the public hearing.
Commissioner Lemke asked if any city money is being used for Energy House III. Mr.
Rohlf stated that Landfill Abatement funds will be used for recycling education.
Commissioner Stevens asked if any of the building materials will be "outside" of the
Building Code. Mr. Rohlf stated no, noting that they will try to build the home in
anticipation of the 2006 Energy Code.
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Planning Commission Minutes
February 23, 2005
Page 4
Commissioner Offerman asked if the only issue for the interim use was the office use. Mr.
Rohlf stated yes.
Commissioner Anderson asked why this lot was chosen. Greg Holst, representing the
applicant, stated that the house was chosen because of its location and utilities that are
available for the site.
Commissioner Stevens stated that he understood the neighbors' concerns, but that he was
not sure the use would have the impact that they are expecting. He felt Energy Houses I
and II had little neighborhood impact, and there was little difference between having this use
and two residential uses.
Commissioner Anderson stated that he also lives on a cul-de-sac and understood the
potential impacts. He stated he was disappointed that the applicant chose this lot at the end
of a long cul-de-sac, since all of the residents living along it would be affected. But, he was
aware there were not easy to find a lot for this purpose. He stated that since this was an
interim use, there would be a beginning and ending date. He felt that Mr. Rohlf did a good
job addressing the neighbors' concerns through the proposed conditions. Commissioner
Anderson stated that he felt it was important for the home to be built, since Elk River is an
Energy City and that it should be built in an area with more visibility than the two previous
homes. He stated he supported a recommendation for approval.
Chair Ropp stated that he also shared Commissioner Anderson's views, although it was
unfortunate that the lot was located at the end of a cul-de-sac. He stated that the City has
already approved many home occupations and there don't appear to be any problems.
Commissioner Offerman stated he also concurred with Commissioner Anderson's and
Commissioner Stevens' comments. He felt that the conditions have adequately addressed
the residents' concerns and supported the Energy House as a valuable educational tool.
It was the consensus of the Commission to recommend that staff review the need for a
three-way stop at the intersection of 194m Avenue and Zumbro Court.
MOTION BY COMMISSIONER LEMKE AND SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER STEVENS TO APPROVE THE REQUEST BY SUBURBAN
NORTHWEST BUILDERS ASSOCIATION FORA CONDITIONAL USE
PERMIT TO ALLOW USE OF HOME AS OFFICE, CASE NO. CU 05-03, WITH
THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS:
1. ENERGY HOUSE III SHALL CEASE BEING USED AS THE SNBA
OFFICES AND AN ENERGY CITY DEMONSTRATION ON MARCH 20,
2008
2. NO TWO EVENTS OR MEETINGS SHALL BE SCHEDULED AT ENERGY
HOUSE III AT THE SAME TIME, EXCEPT THAT ENERGY CITY'S
GRAND OPENING WILL COINCIDE WITH THE 2005 FALL PARADE OF
HOMES.
3. NO ON-STREET PARKING IS ALLOWED AND EVENTS AND
MEETINGS ARE LIMITED IN SIZE BY THE AMOUNT OF PARKING
AVAILABLE UNLESS PARTICIPANTS ARE SHUTTLED-IN FROM OFF-
SITE PARKING AREAS.
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Planning Commission Minutes
February 23, 2005
Page 5
4. ALL PARKING SHALL BE CONDUCTED ON HARD SURFACING OR
POROUS PAVERS PLANTED WITH GRASS IN THE LOCATIONS
IDENTIFIED IN THE MATERIALS SUBMITTED BY THE SNBA. THESE
PARKING AREAS WILL BE DEFINED TO AVOID PARKING ON
LANDSCAPED AREAS.
5. SNBA MAY INCLUDE ENERGY HOUSE III IN THE 2005 FALL PARADE
OF HOMES AND THE 2006 SPRING HOME TOUR. THE SNBA IS NOT
AUTHORIZATION TO INCLUDE ENERGY HOUSE III IN FUTURE
SIMILAR EVENTS WITHOUT REVIEW WITH A PUBLIC HEARING AND
APPROVAL BY THE ELK RIVER PLANNING COMMISSION. THE
PLANNING COMMISSION'S DECISION MAY BE APPEALED TO THE
CITY COUNCIL BY THE SNBA OR PROPERTY OWNERS IN THIS AREA.
6. TYPICAL SNBA OFFICE HOURS ARE LIMITED TO 8:00 AM UNTIL 5:00
PM ON WEEKDAYS. FALL PARADE OF HOMES AND SPRING HOME
TOURS HOURS ARE LIMITED TO 12:00 PM UNTIL 6:PM THURSDAY
THROUGH SUNDAY AND ENERGY CITY HOURS ARE LIMITED TO 9:00
AM UNTIL 2:30 PM ON WEEKDAYS.
7. LANDSCAPING AND SCREENING SHALL BE INSTALLED BY THE
SNBAAS ADDRESSED IN THIS MEMO AND THE PLANS SUBMITTED
AND SHALL INCLUDE A SIX FOOT HIGH PRIVACY FENCE WITH
PLANTINGS ON LOT 28, BLOCK 2 AS LONG AS IT IS USED FOR
PARKING FOR ENERGY HOUSE III.
8. THE SNBA SHALL MAKE THEMSELVES AVAILABLE TO NEIGHBORS
TO ADDRESS SPECIFIC ISSUES AND CONCERNS. IF FUTURE ISSUES
AND CONCERNS THAT MAY ARISE CAN'T BE REMEDIED BETWEEN
THE NEIGHBORHOOD AND THE SNBA, THEY WILL BE DIRECTED
TO CITY STAFF FOR RESOLUTION. IF STILL UNRESOLVED, STAFF
MAY DIRECT THIS PERMIT BACK TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION
AND CITY COUNCIL, WITH PUBLIC HEARING FOR POSSIBLE
REVOCATION.
9. SIGNAGE SHALL BE LIMITED TO:
)0> AN ADDRESS STONE ARCHITECTURALLY INCORPORATED
INTO THE HOUSE STATING "SUBURBAN NORTHWEST
BUILDERS ASSOCIATION - ENERGY HOUSE III". THIS SIGN
MAY BE INDIRECTLY LIGHTED AS LONGS AS IT DOESN'T
CAST A GLARE ON ADJACENT PROPERTIES.
)0> A NON-LIGHTED SIGN ADJACENT TO COUNTY ROAD #1, BUT
NOT LOCATED IN THE R-O-W, WITH A MAXIMUM COPY FACE
OF 64 SQUARE FEET. IN LIEU OF THIS SIGN, SNBA MAY
REQUEST A NORTHBOUND AND A SOUTHBOUND RURAL
BASED BUSINESS SIGN FROM SHERBURNE COUNTY.
)0> FOR SPECIAL EVENTS A BANNER MAY BE PLACE ON THE
FLAGPOLE AT THE ENTRANCE TO NORDIC HILLS. THIS
BANNER SHALL NOT BE ERECTED MORE THAN ONE DAY
PRIOR TO THE DAY OF THE EVENT AND SHALL BE TAKEN
DOWN WITHIN ONE DAY AFTER THE EVENT.
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Planning Commission Minutes
February 23, 2005
Page 6
10. LIGHTING FOR ENERGY HOUSE III SHALL FOLLOW THE
STANDARDS SET FORTH IN THE ELK RIVER CIlY CODE FORA
SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DWELLING.
11. THE NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES SHALL NOT EXCEED THREE (3) FOR
THE TERM OF THE INTERIM USE.
MOTION CARRIED 7-0.
5.2. Request by 1st Step Preschool/Paulette Hanlon for Conditional Use Permit to operate
Preschool at 555 Railroad Drive. Public Hearing - Case No. CD 05-01
Staff report presented by Senior Planner Scott Harlicker. Paulette Hanlon requests a
conditional use permit to operate a preschool (1st Step Preschool) at 555 Railroad Drive. Mr.
Harlicker reviewed the request details including layout, play area, parking needs and hours of
operation. Staff recommends approval of the request with the three conditions listed in the
staff report dated Februaty 23, 2005.
Commissioner Anderson asked how the children got to the site. Mr. Harlicker stated that
they would be dropped off by their parents/caregivers.
Chair Ropp opened the public hearing. There being no one to speak to this issue, Chair
Ropp closed the public hearing.
Commissioner Stevens stated that he is familiar with this operation and felt that this would
be a better location. He expressed his support to recommend approval.
Commissioner Anderson asked how many staff would be at the preschool. Paulette
Hanlon, applicant, stated there would be six per day and there would be more than
adequate parking. She noted that the class times are staggered by ten minutes to allow better
flow.
MOTION BY COMMISSIONER STEVENS AND SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER LEMKE TO RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF THE REQUEST
BY 1ST STEP PRESCHOOL/PAULETTE HANLON FORA CONDITIONAL
USE PERMIT TO OPERATE A PRESCHOOL, CASE NO. CU 05-01, WITH THE
FOLLOWING CONDITIONS:
1. THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE CHIEF BUILDING OFFICIAL SHALL BE
MET.
2. THE APPLICANT SHALL RECEIVE A LICENSE FROM THE STATE OF
MINNESOTA PRIOR TO COMMENCING OPERATION.
3. SIGNAGE SHALL COMPLY WITH THE SIGN ORDINANCE.
MOTION CARRIED 7-0.
5.3.
Request by Amanda Hill for Conditional Use Permit for Home Occupation (Hair Salon).
19371 Zumbro Court. Public Hearing - Case No. CD 05-02
Staff report presented by Planner Chris Leeseberg. Mr. Leeseberg reviewed the request by
Amanda Hill for a conditional use permit to operate a hair salon out of her home at 19781
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Planning Commission Minutes
Februmy 23, 2005
Page 7
Zumbro Court, providing details regarding the location, type and hours of operation. Staff
recommends approval of the request with the four conditions listed in the staff report.
Chair Ropp opened the public hearing. There being no one to speak. to this issue, Chair
Ropp closed the public hearing.
Commissioner Offerman stated that there was nothing different about this request than
others they have approved and expressed his support for approval.
MOTION BY COMMISSIONER LEMKE AND SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER WESTGAARD TO RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF THE
REQUEST BY AMANDA HILL FORA CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO
OPERATE A HAIR SALON OUT OF HER HOME, CASE NO. CU 05-02, WITH
THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS:
1. THE SALON SHALL COMPLY WITH ALL BUILDING CODE
REQUIREMENTS.
2. THE APPLICANT SHALL MEET ALL STATE LICENSING
REQUIREMENTS.
3. IF ADDITIONAL WORK STATIONS OR EQUIPMENT ARE TO BE
ADDED, THE APPLICANT SHALL APPLY FOR AN AMENDMENT TO
THE CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT.
4. THERE SHALL BE NO PARKING FOR THE BUSINESS ALLOWED ON
THE STREET.
MOTION CARRIED 7-0.
5.4.
Request by Richard Foster for Ordinance Amendment to Private Kennel Ordinance. Public
Hearing - Case No. OA 05-01
Staff report by Michele McPherson and presented by Scott Harlicker. Richard Foster
requests an ordinance amendment to allow private kennels in districts other than the R1a
Single Family Zoning District. Staff recommends that private kennels be allowed in Rl
districts as a permitted use on lots greater than five acres, and as a conditional use on lots
less than five acres.
Commissioner Anderson asked if the request was a result of a complaint. Mr. Harlicker
stated yes.
Chair Ropp asked for clarification regarding private kennels. Mr. Harlicker explained that
the animals would be the pets of the property owner and no boarding of other people's pets
would occur.
Mr. Anderson asked if the complaint has been addressed. Mr. Harlicker stated that
complaints regarding animals are handled by the City's Community Service Officer (CSO).
Commissioner Scott asked if a permit was required for the private kennel. Mr. Harlicker
stated that a private kennel license was required from the City and that all private and
commercial kennels are inspected by the City on an annual basis by the CSO's.
Chair Ropp opened the public hearing. There being no one to speak. to this issue, Chair
Ropp closed the public hearing.
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Planning Commission Minutes
February 23, 2005
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MOTION BY COMMISSIONER LEMKE AND SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER STEVENS TO RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF THE
PROPOSED ORDINANCE IANGUAGE RELATING TO PRIVATE KENNELS,
CASE NO. OA 05-01. MOTION CARRIED 7-0.
5.5.
Request by R.J. Ryan Construction for Conditional Use Permit for Maxsun Furniture Store.
Public Hearing - Case No. CO 04-39
Staff report by Director of Planning Michele McPherson and presented by Planner Chris
Leeseberg. The applicant requests a conditional use permit to allow construction of a 50,000
square foot retail furniture store at the southwest comer of 179th Avenue and Twin Lakes
Road (Lot 2, Block 1, Elk River Crossing 6th Addition). Mr. Leeseberg reviewed the site plan,
grading and drainage, transportation issues, landscaping, and building elevations and
materials. Staff recommends approval of the request with the two conditions listed in the
staff report.
Commissioner Offerman asked for clarification on the random rib pattern panels. Mr.
Leeseberg explained.
Commissioner Westgaard stated that the floor plans do not match the elevations submitted
in their packet, and that all elevations do not reflect the Gty's standards requiring that
buildings over 100 feet in length incotporate recesses, off-sets, pilasters or angular forms so
that no uninterrupted length exceeds 50 feet, or that wall project or recess should be a depth
of 3 percent of the length of the uninterrupted buildings length.
Chair Ropp opened the public hearing.
Tom Ryan, applicant - Stated that the architect spoke with Michele McPherson today
regarding the necessary changes. He stated that the reason the floor plans don't match with
the elevations is because they are still negotiating the details. He stated that the revisions will
conform with the PUD standards and will include architectural interest at the pedestrian
level. Mr. Leeseberg noted that the elevations in the packet were taken from the first
submittal graphics and changes have not been incotporated yet.
Commissioner Offerman asked if lighting was addressed. Mr. Ryan stated that he discussed
lighting with Ms. McPherson and that she stated it will be addressed in the staff report to the
Gty Council.
Mr. Ryan asked if the sidewalk being recommended was necessary and asked who would use
it. Commissioner Anderson explained the history of the sidewalk link and that construction
of the link would allow pedestrian movement between the business park area and the
commercial area.
Commissioner Stevens asked if there were any plans to change the three lane configuration
of Zane Street. Mr. Leeseberg stated that staff has reached an agreement with Wal-Mart to
move the sidewalk 10 feet into their property in order to provide more right-of-way for the
widening of Zane, if necessary.
There being no one else to speak to this issue, Chair Ropp closed the public hearing.
Commissioner Offerman stated that he liked the look of the building and felt that Condition
# 2 would address their concerns. He supported a recommendation of approval.
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February 23, 2005
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MOTION BY COMMISSIONER ANDERSON AND SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER OFFERMAN TO RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF THE
REQUEST BY R.J. RYAN CONSTRUCTION FORA CONDITIONAL USE
PERMIT TO CONSTRUCT A 50,000 SQUARE FOOT RETAIL FURNITURE
STORE, WITH THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS:
1. ALL COMMENTS OF THE CITY ENGINEER SHALL BE ADDRESSED.
2. THE BUILDING DESIGN AND MATERIALS SHALL COMPLY WITH THE
ELK RIVER CROSSING PUD STANDARDS.
Commissioner Lemke asked if the other elevations met the City's standards. Commissioner
Offerman stated that he was comfortable that Condition # 2 addresses the need for the
applicant to meet the PUD standards.
MOTION CARRIED 7-0.
5.6.
Request by Zylstra Harley Davidson to Amend the Planned Unit Development Agreement
for Hillside Crossing to allow parking lot as Principal Use. Public Hearing - Case No. CU
05-04
The staff report was presented by Senior Planner Scott Harlicker. Zylstra Harley Davidson
requests that the Hillside Crossing Two Planned Unit Development be amended to allow a
lot to be used as accessory parking/motorcycle training for a principal use that is not on that
same lot. Mr. Harlicker reviewed issues related to the request regarding location, property
size, proposed use, grading and drainage, and landscaping. He stated that the applicant will
address noise. Mr. Harlicker explained that as part of the City Council review, the Hillside
Crossing PUD will be amended to ties this use to the existing Harley Davidson business.
Mr. Harlicker reviewed each of the seven conditions of approval recommended by staff.
Commissioner Stevens asked where training is now being conducted.
Chair Ropp opened the public hearing.
Mike Manner, General Manager, stated that they currently use the Senior High School
parking lot area. Commissioner Stevens asked if there have been any complaints. Mr.
Manner stated no, and Mr. Harlicker concurred.
Mr. Manner explained that Harley Davidson motorcycles are not used for training. He
distributed information regarding the Buell Blast motorcycle which is used for training
riders. He explained that this product is much smaller and quieter and that have a decibel
rating of 82. He discussed information that was also distributed to the Commissioners
regarding decibel ratings of typical household items and compared them to the Buell
motorcycle decibel rating. Mr. Manner stated that there will be a maximum of twelve
students at one time.
Commissioner Anderson asked what would prevent i8-wheelers or other vehicles from
parking in the lot and felt there should be some type of controls and/or signage to prevent
this from occurring. Mr. Manner stated that the lot would be posted "no parking" and that
the Police Department does a good job of keeping an eye on their business. Mr. Harlicker
noted that this was a problem in the past, but they have worked with the City to keep it from
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February 23, 2005
Page 10
happening. Mr. Marmer stated that the parking lot will have curb and gutter, and will be
paved and sodded.
Commissioner Scott asked where the weekend events would occur. Mr. Marmer stated that
they will be confined to the main building site and that employees will be parking in the new
lot when it is constructed.
Commissioner Offerman asked if the business was open on Sundays. Mr. Marmer stated
that they are open from noon to 5:00 p.m., but there are no vehicle sales in conformance
with Minnesota law. He noted that students will be in the classroom on Thursday and
Friday evenings and range training is conducted on Saturdays and Sundays.
Commissioner Scott asked how the Buell Blast compared to the Harley in size and noise.
Mr. Marmer stated that the Buell has a 500cc single cycle engine, and a Harley has a 1,400 -
1,500cc twin cycle engine, so there is a considerable difference in the size and noise level.
Commissioner Anderson stated that he has observed the motorcycle training in session and
did not see it as an issue. Commissioner Scott concurred.
Commissioner Stevens stated he also shared Commissioner Anderson's concern for a
possible need to restrict access to the lot. He suggested that some type of arm be placed
across the driveway into the lot.
Commissioner Anderson asked if any lighting was proposed. Mr. Marmer stated no, that
their activities would be conducted during the daylight hours. Mr. Harlicker stated that this
is a highly visible site and is not isolated. He stated it would be up to the applicant if they
wished to light the parking lot. Commissioner Anderson stated that he would support the
request if some type of control was used for access to the lot. Chair Ropp concurred.
Mr. Harlicker suggested that the need for a gate or other device could be required, if there
were problems or complaints. Commissioner Anderson stated that he felt that signage
should be placed immediately upon completion of the construction, stating "Harley
Davidson employees only" or something similar.
Mr. Marmer asked if it would be possible to have surmountable curbing rather than 90-
degree curbing, since this could pose a safety hazard for new students to come to such an
abrupt stop. Mr. Harlicker stated that typical curbing is 90-degrees, but he could check with
the City Engineer to see if it would be acceptable to have the surmountable curbing on the
sides of the parking area not adjacent to the street.
There being no one else to speak to this issue, Chair Ropp closed the public hearing.
MOTION BY COMMISSIONER SEVENS AND SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER SCOTT TO RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF THE REQUEST
BY ZYLSTRA HARLEY DAVIDSON TO AMEND THE HILLSIDE CROSSINGaTWO PUD TO ALLOW USE OF LOT FOR PARKING/MOTORCYCLE
TRAINING, WITH THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS:
1. ALL COMMENTS OF THE CITY ENGINEER SHALL BE ADDRESSED.
2. THE PAVED AREA SHALL BE CONSTRUCTED TO CITY STANDARDS
INCLUDING CONCRETE CURB AND GUTTER, AND THAT THE CITY
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February 23, 2005
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ENGINEER SHALL DETERMINE IF SURMOUNTABLE CURBING CAN
BE USED ON AT LEAST TWO SIDES OF THE PARKING LOT.
3. THE AREA BETWEEN THE PAVED AREA AND THE SIDEWALK OR
CURB SHALL BE SODDED AND THE PROPOSED lANDSCAPED AREAS
SHALL BE IRRIGATED.
4. TURF SHALL BE ESTABLISHED AND MAINTAINED ON THE
REMAINDER OF THE SITE THAT IS NOT WOODED, PAVED OR
lANDSCAPED.
5. A 50 FOOT NOT CUT AREA SHALL BE MAINTAINED ALONG THE
NORTH BOUNDARY OF THE PROPERTY.
6. OUTLOT B SHALL BE REPLATTED AS ONE LOT PRIOR TO FINAL
APPROVAL OF THE CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT.
7. NOISE IMPACTS SHALL BE MITIGATED.
8. IF WARRANTED IN THE FUTURE DUE TO COMPLAINTS, ACCESS TO
THE PARKING LOT /TRAINING SITE SHALL BE RESTRICTED TO
PREVENT UNAUTHORIZED USE.
MOTION CARRIED 7-0.
5.7.
Request by the City of Elk River for an Ordinance Amendment to include Bed and
Breakfast Establislunents as uses in Zoning Districts, Public Hearing - Case No. OA 05-02
The staff report was presented by Senior Planner Scott Harlicker. The City of Elk River
requests an ordinance amendment to define bed and breakfast business and establish
standards to allow them in certain residential, agricultural and commercial districts. Staff
recommends approval of the proposed ordinance amendment.
Chair Ropp opened the public hearing. There being no one to speak to this issue, Chair
Ropp closed the public hearing.
MOTION BY COMMISSIONER ANDERSON AND SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER STEVENS TO RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF THE
REQUEST BY THE CITY OF ELK RIVER FORAN ORDINANCE
AMENDMENT TO DEFINE BED AND BREAKFAST BUSINESS AND
ESTABLISH STANDARDS TO ALLOW THEM IN CERTAIN RESIDENTIAL,
AGRICULTURAL AND COMEMRCIAL DISTRICTS, CASE NO. OA 05-02.
MOTION CARRIED 7-0.
6. Other Business
6.1. Update on February 22, 2005 City Council Meeting
Commissioner Anderson provided an update on the February 22, 2005 City Council
meeting.
8.
Adiournment
.
.
.
Planning Commission Minutes
February 23, 2005
Page 12
There being no further business, MOVED BY COMMISSIONER STEVENS AND
SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER ANDERSON TO ADJOURN THE
MEETING. MOTION CARRIED 7-0.
The meeting of the Elk River Planning Commission adjourned at 8:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
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Debbie Huebner
Recording Secretary