08-12-2020 PC MIN JOINT W/CCSpecial Meeting of the
Elk River Planning Commission
Held at Elk River City Hall
Wednesday, August 12, 2020
Members Present: Chair Jill Larson -Vito, Commissioners Perry Beise, Alexander
Feinstein, Eric Johnson, and Brad Thiel
Members Absent: Commissioners John Jordan and Robert Rydberg
Also Present: Councilmember Nate Ovall
Staff Present: Planning Manager Zack Carlton, Senior Planner Chris Leeseberg, and
Planning Sr. Administrative Assistant Jennifer Green
I . Call Meeting to Order
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the meeting of the Elk River Planning
Commission was called to order at 5:45 p.m. by Chair Larson -Vito.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
2. Copart Phase II Update: Copart of Connecticut, Inc. — 15932 Jarvis St.
NW
■ Conditional Use Permit to Operate a Salvage Yard, Case No. CU 20-14
■ Preliminary Plat of Cascade Industrial Park Third Addition, P 20-11
Mr. Carlton presented the staff report.
Chair Larson -Vito re -opened the public hearing. There being no one to speak, Chair
Larson -Vito closed the public hearing.
Commissioner Beise asked if the site grading concerns were addressed.
John Blenker with Westwood Engineering, stated they lowered the high point as
much as possible to keep the earthwork balanced. He stated those efforts will push
more dirt to the north, raising up the fence and allow for more buffering to the
north and along the railroad tracks. He noted there will be ditches buffering the
property lines as well as fencing.
Councilmember Ovall asked what the minimum size requirements were for trees.
Mr. Carlton stated any deciduous trees would be 2.5" caliper, evergreens are 6 feet
high, and green and ornamental trees are 1.5" caliper. Trees will be a variety of
deciduous trees to the west abutting the railroad tracks, and to the north a mix of
evergreen and deciduous trees to help create the buffer along the proposed park
space.
Planning Commission
August 12, 2020
Page 2
Moved by Commissioner Johnson and seconded by Commissioner Feinstein
to recommend approval of an amendment to the City of Elk River
Comprehensive Plan, swapping industrial and open space land uses with the
condition that the associated preliminary plat (P 20-11) and CUP (CU 20-14)
are approved by the City Council as outlined in the staff report.
Motion carried 5-0.
Moved by Commissioner Johnson and seconded by Commissioner Feinstein
to recommend approval of the Preliminary Plat for Cascade Industrial Park
Third Addition, with the following conditions:
1. A recommendation from the Parks and Recreation Commission
(supporting or opposing) must be provided to the City Council.
2. Submittal of the Phase 1 environmental assessment for PIDs 75-712-
0030, 75-712-0040, and 75-603-0020.
3. Council adoption of a resolution vacating the right-of-way for
Buchanan Street NW and 161st Avenue NW.
4. Planning Commission adoption of a resolution stating the proposed
land swap has no impact on the Comprehensive Plan.
5. The Land Use Amendment (Case No. LU 20-03) swapping industrial
and open space land uses is approved.
Motion carried 5-0.
Moved by Commissioner Beise and seconded by Commissioner Thiel to
recommend approval of the Conditional Use Permit authorizing operation of
a salvage yard on Lot 1, Block 1, Cascade Industrial Park Third Addition, with
the following conditions:
1. City Council approval of the Preliminary and Final Plat of Cascade
Industrial Park Third Addition.
2. The site plan must show the presence of an approved surface
(bituminous, gravel, or concrete) on all driving and parking areas. 3.
All fencing shall be eight feet tall and green in color in order to reduce
visual impacts around the property.
4. Follow the 2015 Minnesota State Fire Code Appendix D for Fire
Apparatus Access Roads.
5. Follow all city stormwater management practices and procedures
established as part of Phase 1 of the Copart project.
6. NPDES permit should be amended to include both phases.
7. Submit a vehicle staging plan. Parking, stalling, and staging will not
be permitted on Jarvis St., 163rd Ave., 165th Ave., or any other rights-
of-way.
8. Staff approval of a vegetated screen along the railroad tracks.
9. Satisfaction of all staff comments in the letter dated July 9, 2020.
10. Staff approval of all site and civil plans.
Motion carried 5-0.
UXATURE
AEI Bi
Planning Commission
August 12, 2020
Page 3
Moved by Commissioner Johnson and seconded by Commissioner Beise to
adopt Resolution 20-01 finding compliance with the Comprehensive Plan
regarding the proposed land swap with the applicant.
Motion carried 5-0.
3. Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 5:55 p.m.
Minutes prepared by Jennifer Green.
Tina Allard
City Clerk
J' arson -Vito
Planning Commission Chair
PP011O E1 OE
Fa ■ATURE