3.1. DRAFT PC MINUTES 08-27-2019
Meeting of the
Elk River Planning Commission
Held at Elk River City Hall
Tuesday, July 23, 2019
Members Present: Chair Eric Johnson, Commissioners Perry Beise, John Jordan, Robert
Rydberg, and Brad Thiel
Members Absent: Commissioners Alexander Feinstein and Jill Larson-Vito
Also Present: City Council Liaison Nate Ovall
Staff Present: Planning Manager Zack Carlton, Senior Planner Chris Leeseberg and
Sr. Admin. Assistant/Recording Secretary Jennifer Green
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 6:35 p.m. by Chair Johnson.
2. Consider July 23, 2019, Planning Commission Agenda
Moved by Commissioner Thiel and seconded by Commissioner Jordan to
approve the July 23, 2019, Planning Commission agenda.
Motion carried 5-0.
3. Consider June 25, 2019, Planning Commission Minutes
Moved by Commissioner Beise and seconded by Commissioner Thiel to
approve the June 25, 2019, Planning Commission minutes.
Motion carried 5-0.
4.1. Cornerstone Auto Resource – 17219 US Highway 10 NW
Amend CUP to allow construction of accessory structure, Case No.
CU 19-12
Mr. Carlton presented the staff report.
Chair Johnson opened the public hearing.
Stephen Rohlf, representing Cornerstone Auto Resource, stated when the
dealership was built, the internet was not used for vehicle sales. He indicated 90% of
their customers use the internet to shop for vehicles and building this accessory
structure allows the dealership to improve their internet presence.
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July 23, 2019
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There being no one else to speak, Chair Johnson closed the public hearing.
Moved by Commissioner Jordan and seconded by Commissioner Thiel to
recommend approval of the amendment to the Conditional Use Permit for
Cornerstone Auto Resource to allow for construction of an accessory structure
with the condition that all building permits must be approved by the city prior
to beginning construction.
Motion carried 5-0.
4.2. Three Rivers Montessori Charter School – 21695 Elk Lake Rd. NW
Interim Use Permit for Institutional Use (School) inside River of Life Church,
Case No. IU 19-02
Mr. Leeseberg presented the staff report.
Chair Johnson opened the public hearing. There being no one present to speak,
Chair Johnson closed the public hearing.
Moved by Commissioner Beise and seconded by Commissioner Jordan to
recommend approval of the Interim Use Permit for Institutional Use (School)
inside River of Life Church with the following conditions:
1. The Interim Use Permit will expire August 19, 2024.
2. No Montessori Charter School functions may occur in
temporary structures.
Motion carried 5-0.
4.3 Ordinance Amendment – City of Elk River
Institutional Uses, Case No. OA 19-04
Mr. Leeseberg presented the staff report.
Chair Johnson opened the public hearing. There being no one present to speak,
Chair Johnson closed the public hearing.
Commissioner Beise noted in Section 2 of the draft ordinance, outpatient health care
facilities is listed twice, under (6) and (7).
Moved by Commissioner Beise and seconded by Commissioner Thiel to
recommend approval of the Ordinance Amending Institutional Uses as
outlined in the staff report with the change listed above.
Motion carried 5-0.
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4.4 Ordinance Amendment – City of Elk River
Warehouse Uses in the BP District, Case No. OA 19-06
Mr. Carlton presented the staff report.
Chair Johnson opened the public hearing. There being no one present to speak,
Chair Johnson closed the public hearing.
Moved by Commissioner Beise and seconded by Commissioner Thiel to
recommend no amendments/changes to the request for an Ordinance
amending Warehouse Use in the Business Park Zoning District.
Motion carried 5-0.
4.5 Ordinance Amendment – City of Elk River
Non-Residential Signs in Residential Districts, Case No. OA 19-07
Mr. Carlton presented the staff report.
Chair Johnson stated this was a good approach to this request and in favor of
making the change.
Commissioner Ovall agreed, noting it was a creative solution.
Chair Johnson opened the public hearing.
Lowell Blom, 8619 County Road 39, Monticello, stated he is part of the leadership
team from Elk River Baptist. He stated they appreciate staff’s, Planning Commission,
and City Council’s cooperation to assist with their attempt to replace the old sign.
There being no one else present to speak, Chair Johnson closed the public hearing.
Commissioner Jordan agreed with Chair Johnson and Commissioner Ovall, stating
he was very happy with this creative solution.
Moved by Commissioner Jordan and seconded by Commissioner Rydberg to
recommend approval of the ordinance amending non-residential signs in
residential districts as outlined in the staff report.
Motion carried 5-0.
5. General Business
There was no general business.
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6.1 Council Liaison Update
Commissioner Thiel will attend the August 19 City Council meeting as Planning
Commission representative.
Councilmember Ovall updated the Planning Commission on recent City Council
activity, noting it is budget season.
7. Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 7:02 p.m.
Minutes prepared by Jennifer Green.
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Tina Allard
City Clerk
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Eric Johnson
Planning Commission Chair