3. PC DRAFT MINUTES 12-17-2019
Meeting of the
Elk River Planning Commission
Held at Elk River City Hall
Tuesday, November 26, 2019
Members Present: Chair Eric Johnson, Commissioners Perry Beise, Alexander Feinstein,
John Jordan, Jill Larson-Vito, Robert Rydberg, and Brad Thiel
Members Absent: None
Also Present: City Council Liaison Nate Ovall
Staff Present: 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 6:30 p.m. by Chair Johnson.
2. Pledge of Allegiance
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
3. Consider November 26, 2019, Planning Commission Agenda
Moved by Commissioner Thiel and seconded by Commissioner Jordan to
approve the November 26, 2019, Planning Commission agenda.
Motion carried 7-0.
4. Consider October 22, 2019, Planning Commission Minutes
Commissioner Thiel noted on page 4 to change the title of “Commissioner” Ovall to
“Councilmember” Ovall.
Moved by Commissioner Larson-Vito and seconded by Commissioner
Feinstein to approve the October 22, 2019, Planning Commission meeting
minutes, with the above change.
Motion carried 7-0.
5.1. Buell Consulting, Inc., on behalf of Verizon Wireless – 17610 Tyler St.
NW
Interim Use Permit to install temporary wireless telecommunications tower
facility, Case No. IU 19-04
Planning Commission Page 2
November 26, 2019
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Mr. Leeseberg presented the staff report.
Councilmember Ovall asked questions regarding the height of the proposed tower.
Mr. Leeseberg indicated the submitted narrative stated the temporary facility will
include the placement of a 120’ tall ballasted monopole.
Chair Johnson opened the public hearing.
Brian Kabat, Buell Consulting, representing the applicant, affirmed the height of
the proposed temporary tower will be a 120’ tall ballasted monopole.
There being no one else to speak, Chair Johnson closed the public hearing.
Moved by Commissioner Beise and seconded by Commissioner Thiel to
recommend approval of the request by Buell Consulting, Inc., on behalf of
Verizon Wireless for an Interim Use Permit to install a temporary wireless
telecommunications tower facility at 17610 Tyler St. NW with the following
conditions:
1. The IUP shall expire on December 16, 2021, or upon removal of the
temporary tower facility.
2. The city shall approve a lease agreement with Buell
Consulting/Verizon Wireless prior to construction or installation of
any equipment.
3. Sidewalks shall not be obstructed and must remain open to non-
motorized traffic at all times.
4. Roads must be kept free of debris at all times during construction and
operation. Sweeping must be completed within 12 hours of
notification.
5. After the IUP expires or the use has ceased, the site must be returned
to its original condition within 30 days.
Motion carried 7-0.
5.2. Copart Phase II – 75-712-0010, 75-712-0030, & 75-712-0040
Conditional Use Permit to Operate a Salvage Yard, Case No. CU 19-09
Mr. Leeseberg presented the staff report.
Commissioner Thiel asked for clarification on the fence height.
Mr. Leeseberg stated the fence height will need to be consistent with the Phase I
condition, which states the remaining 100% opaque perimeter fencing shall be no
less than six feet.
Chair Johnson opened the public hearing.
Planning Commission Page 3
November 26, 2019
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John S. Blenker, Westwood Professional Services, engineering partner
representing Copart of Connecticut, Inc., stated they are content with meeting the
conditions as presented. He stated the fence height Phase I is 8 feet and will be the
same for Phase II.
There being no one else to speak, Chair Johnson closed the public hearing.
Councilmember Ovall stated he recalled the City Council expressing concern with
the size of this project by doubling the footprint and wondered if there would be
unintended consequences as a result.
Chair Johnson reiterated his previous concerns with regards to this project and how
it aligns with the goals for city beautification of railways and roadways, but he felt the
conditions presented will provide screening and he feels more confident knowing
Copart agrees with the screening conditions. He stated he doesn’t know of a better
place within the city for this type of light industrial project.
Commissioner Larson-Vito stated she doesn’t have concerns with this project being
near the Youth Athletic Complex and while you may possibly hear some truck noise,
it wouldn’t affect kids playing sports.
Moved by Commissioner Larson-Vito and seconded by Commissioner
Rydberg to recommend approval of the Conditional Use Permit authorizing
operation of a salvage yard on PIDs 75-712-0010, 75-712-0030, & 75-712-0040,
with the following conditions:
1. Update the site plan to show the presence of an approved surface
(bituminous, class 5, or concrete) on all driving and parking areas.
2. All fencing shall be green in color in order to reduce visual impacts
around the property.
3. Follow the 2015 Minnesota State Fire Code Appendix D for Fire
Apparatus Access Roads.
4. Follow all city stormwater management practices and procedures
established as part of phase 1 of the Copart project.
5. NPDES permit should be amended to include both phases.
6. Complete a traffic study to document short and long-term traffic
impacts to Jarvis Street, 165th Ave, and the intersections of Highway 10
with Jarvis and 165th Ave. Include the total number of vehicle spaces
available on site, vehicle trips per day, vehicle drop-off staging
locations and timing of vehicle arrivals.
7. Submit a vehicle staging plan. Parking, stalling and staging will not be
permitted on Jarvis Street, 163rd Ave., or 165th Ave. or any other rights-
of-way.
8. City ordinance requires 1 tree per 40 linear feet of perimeter, plus three
more. This results in a requirement for 134 trees (50% deciduous, 25%
evergreen, and 25% ornamental). Credits will be given for any trees
that will remain on the property after construction. Submit a landscape
plan demonstrating compliance with the ordinance.
Planning Commission Page 4
November 26, 2019
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Motion carried 7-0.
6.1 Council Liaison Update
Councilmember Ovall updated the Planning Commission on the recent City Council
meeting items.
7. Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 6:48 p.m.
Minutes prepared by Jennifer Green.
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Tina Allard
City Clerk
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Eric Johnson
Planning Commission Chair