11-24-2020 PC MINMeeting of the
Elk River Planning Commission
Held at Elk River City Hall
Tuesday, November 24, 2020
Members Present: Chair Jill Larson -Vito, Commissioners Perry Beise, Alexander
Feinstein, Eric Johnson, John Jordan, Robert Rydberg, and Brad
Thiel (all via Zoom)
Members Absent: None
Also Present: Engineering Project Manager Brandon Wisner, Elk River Municipal
Utilities Engineering Manager Chris Kerzman, and
Councilmember/Liaison Nate O►vall
Staff Present: Planning Manager Zack Carlton, Senior Planner Chris Leeseberg, and
Sr. Admin. Assistant/Recording Secretary 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 6:39 p.m. by Chair Larson -Vito.
2. Consider November 24, 2020, Planning Commission Agenda
Moved by Commissioner Johnson and seconded by Commissioner Jordan to
approve the November 24, 2020, Planning Commission agenda.
Motion carried 7-0.
3. Consider October 27, 2020, Planning Commission Minutes
Moved by Commissioner Thiel and seconded by Commissioner Feinstein to
approve the October 27, 2020, Planning Commission minutes.
Motion carried 7-0.
4.1 City of Elk River — Elk River Fire Station #3 — 9921 191 st Ave. NW
■ Conditional Use Permit allowing construction of a fire station and well
house, Case No. CU 20-18
Mr. Carlton presented the staff report.
Commissioner Rydberg asked about service of public utilities to this area.
Mr. Carlton stated everything west of Cleveland and south of Twin Lakes is served
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November 24, 2020
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by city utilities. He indicated the current Comprehensive Plan does call for the area
east of Cleveland to be added to the Urban Service District.
Councilmember Ovall asked about the use of firetruck lights and sirens so near to
the school and if the district officials had concerns about disruption.
Mr. Wisner stated when he met with school district staff, they discussed the driveway
locations going near the school district property along with the use of firetruck lights
and sirens when responding to calls. He indicated to aid in exiting trucks, rapid
flashing beacons will be installed on Cleveland Street. He stated lights and siren use
by fire personnel are regulated under the fire code and overall, the fire chief will be
cognizant of the station's location near residents and the school, especially outside of
normal work hours. He stated he anticipates similar protocol used for fire station 1.
He stated there were no concerns regarding this from the neighborhood south of
this location.
Councilmember Ovall stated the few people he has spoken to are thrilled to have the
fire station in that location and they just had questions about that would be
addressed.
Chair Larson -Vito asked about location of the firefighter vehicles when responding
to fire calls.
Mr. Wisner explained the proposed driveway location and parking spaces for
firefighters responding to fire calls will be identified and marked for the firefighters
responding to this location.
Chair Larson -Vito asked if the city had received any comments from the neighboring
residents.
Mr. Carlton indicated staff had received no comments.
Chair Larson -Vito opened the public hearing.
There being no one to speak, Chair Larson -Vito closed the public hearing.
Moved by Commissioner Johnson and seconded by Commissioner Jordan to
recommend approval of the Conditional Use Permit allowing construction of
a fire station and well house at 992119181 Ave. NW on the condition that the
variance (Case No. V 20-17) addressing driveway deviations is approved.
Motion carried 7-0.
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4.2 Elk River Municipal Utilities — 1643 Main St. NW
■ Conditional Use Permit to allow a duplex in the R- I a zoning district, Case
No. IU 20-02
Mr. Leeseberg presented the staff report.
Councilmember Ovall noted this proposal is a significant change to the initial site
layout proposed and asked ERMU for the reason regarding this change.
Mr. Kerzman explained the big change came after completing final cost analysis
associated with civil work, soil removal, and the cost of the retaining wall. He stated
the updated plan will not require a retaining wall and will keep most of the soils on
site.
Councilmember Ovall stated he likes this concept even better.
Chair Larson -Vito asked about outdoor storage location and what type of screening
would be required. She asked if the type of screening should be detailed in the
conditions.
Mr. Leeseberg explained storage would occur on the west side of the parcel and
some type of screening would be required, stating the screening type is outlined in
city ordinance but specific language of the type of screening could be included in the
condition. He stated for instance, the condition could be 100% opaque screened
fence and wall, using the same materials as the building itself.
Commissioner Rydberg asked about Applicable Regulation #5 and what type of
activities may generate complaints during normal business operations.
Mr. Leeseberg explained staff anticipates traffic and vehicle noise in and out of the
site, headlights, backup signals, all occurring during times when people are home.
Chair Larson -Vito opened the public hearing.
Gordon Bynum, 420 Rush Avenue, was curious about the traffic being anticipated
and if it were on Main Street where the current traffic entered and exited. He asked if
there was the thought of a further setback and screening to mitigate the traffic, noise,
and lights from the neighboring homes.
Chris Kerzman stated they are expecting employee traffic during normal work hours
coming in on the two northern entrances, and truck traffic along the west side from
Main Street, stating they are not anticipating more traffic or workload than what is
already taking place. He stated there may be additional deliveries as they will have
more storage space.
Mr. Bynum asked if staff has heard from the residents living across the street on
Main or off Tipton.
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Mr. Kerzman stated he has had discussions with someone who lives on the north
side of Tipton, Al Nadeau, and he has been involved in the design of this as he
serves on the Utility Commission. He stated he does not anticipate any change in
size of the work trucks, perhaps an increase in delivery truck traffic during normal
business hours.
Mr. Bynum asked about the property zoning. He would appreciate it if the building
could be set back further and ensure proper screening.
Mr. Leeseberg stated the property was recently rezoned to R -1c and will not affect
any zoning outside of this property, noting R -lc does allow public institutions such
as this.
There being no one else to speak, Chair Larson -Vito closed the public hearing.
Chair Larson -Vito felt the City Council can recommend additional screening
requirements if they see fit.
Moved by Commissioner Johnson and seconded by Commissioner Beise to
recommend approval of the request by Elk River Municipal Utilities for a
Conditional Use Permit to allow a government facility in the R -lc zoning
district with the following conditions to satisfy the standards set forth in
Section 30-654:
1. The hours of operation shall be limited to 7:00 a.m. — 3:30 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except for emergencies.
2. Dumpsters, recycling, and/or scrap metal shall be screened from view.
Motion carried 7-0.
S. Council Liaison Update
Councilmember Ovall presented an update to the Planning Commission about
recent city council activities, including approval of the Troy Street and Mulvaney
Point Twin Home plats, and continuation of the DeMars IUP, to allow the
applicants to gather more information about taxes. He stated the council was not
going to require a down payment or escrow as a condition of the IUP.
6. General Business
Mr. Carlton asked for a commissioner to attend the December 21 city council
meeting. Commissioner Rydberg indicated he would.
The Planning Commission meeting recessed the meeting and reconvened into work session
at 7:09 p.m.
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November 24, 2020
7.1 Bob and Tammy Jorgenson -Owens — 418 Jackson St.
M Concept Review to construct a 3 -level 4-plex, Case No. CR 20-06
Mr. Carlton presented the staff report for a concept review. He presented an updated
4-plex site layout for the Jackson Street parcel. He also presented a site layout for a
six-plex on a parcel located at 1857 Main Street. It was noted the commission felt the
Jackson Street parcel had desired walkability to shopping but the property was
situated close to a mix of commercial properties. They discussed possible spot
zoning to meet the needs of multi -family housing in the city. The parking layout and
stormwater runoff was a concern, and the site would require setback variances.
The commission then reviewed a six-plex on Main Street. Discussion took place
regarding the structure looking out of place in a dominantly single-family
neighborhood. The applicant indicated the way the building was positioned was to
allow the decks to view the lake. The commission felt there was issues with multi -
housing in a single-family neighborhood, stormwater runoff, zoning with a zone
change approval, and questioned if the future of this area was supportive of multi-
family housing. There was also concern the site was too small and odd shaped to
support the building and parking requirements as presented but perhaps a different
design concept would solve some of those concerns.
As presented, both property proposals would require variances for setbacks and
possible zone changes. The Planning Commission was in support of the Jackson
Street proposal but had concerns with an apartment complex on the Main Street
parcel. The plans and locations presented would be challenging to support as the
projects may not meet the necessary criteria.
7.2 Review Sign Ordinance
Mr. Carlton presented a review of the sign ordinance with a PowerPoint
presentation.
8. Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 8:11 p.m.
Minutes prepored by Jennifer Green.
C�
Tina Allar
City Cj rk
Jill rson-Vito
Planning Commission Chair
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