08-12-1997 PC MIN - SPECIAL
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SPECIAL MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER PLANNING COMMISSION
HELD AT ELK RIVER CITY HALL
TUESDAY, AUGUST 12, 1997
Members Present:
Chair Anderson, Commissioners Kuester, Mesich and Sullivan.
Commissioner Cote arrived at 5: 15 pm. Commissioner Thompson
arrived at 6: 18 p.m.
Members Absent:
None
Staff Present:
Steven B. Ach, City Planner; Scott Harlicker, Assistant Planner;
Debbie Kleckner, Recording, Secretary
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 Anderson.
COMMISSIONER MINTON MOVED TO APPROVE THE AUGUST 12, 1997 PLANNING
COMMISSION AGENDA. CHAIR ANDERSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION
CARRIED 6~O.
Staff report by Scott Harlicker. Amoco Oil Co. is requesting a conditional use
permit for a convenience store, gasoline sales and a car wash located at the
southeast corner of Highway 169 and 197th Avenue. Scott reviewed changes
made in the site plan in response to issues raised at the July 22nd meeting
regarding berming and landscaping, traffic and circulation, lighting, and
signage. Scott indicated the applicant has requested a 25' pylon sign, while
staff recommends a monument style sign which is consistent with other
commercial PUD's. Scott explained the applicant has the option of requesting
an amendment to the PUD agreement.
Chair Anderson opened the public hearing.
John Kamas, KKE Architects, architect for project, reviewed changes to the site
plan including landscaping, entrance off of 197th, building location and
elevations, signage and the Evans access.
There being no other comments, Chair Anderson closed the public hearing.
Commissioner Minton indicated he did not feel a sign variance would be
appropriate.
Special Planning Commission Meeting
August 12, 1997
Page 2
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Chair Anderson expressed his opposition to the "right in" access off 197th and felt
the Evans access should be placed with 196th.
Chair Minton expressed his support for the access off 197th.
Commissioner Cote arrived at this time (5:55 p.m.)
John Kosmos requested Amoco be allowed to have an 18' sign which he felt was
comparable to the Holiday sign.
Commissioner Thompson arrived at this time (6: 18 p.m)
COMMISSIONER MINTON MOVED TO RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF THE REQUEST BY
AMOCO OIL FOR A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT, PUBLIC HEARING CASE NO. CU 97-
17, BASED ON THE INFORMATION IN THE STAFF REPORT AND THE FACT THERE WAS NO
OPPOSITION DURING THE PUBLIC HEARING, SUBJECT TO THE FOLLOWING
CONDITIONS:
1. THE TOP OF THE BERM ALONG 197TH AND EVANS BE AT LEAST 6 FEET ABOVE
THE FINISHED FLOOR ELEVATION OF THE BUILDING.
2. THE PROPOSED DRIVEWAY ON EVANS STREET LINE UP OPPOSITE 196TH
A VENUE.
3.
A LANDSCAPING PLAN BE PROVIDED THAT COMPLIES WITH WHAT IS
REQUIRED IN THE ZONING CODE. THE LANDSCAPING SHOULD INCLUDE
EVERGREEN TREES PLANTED ON THE BERM AND AROUND THE TRASH
ENCLOSURE, OVERSTORY TREES PLANTED ALONG THE STREET FRONTAGE, AND
UNDERSTORY TREES PLANTED ON THE INTERIOR OF THE SITE. THE SCREENING
PROVIDED ON THE BERM WILL BE IN ADDITION TO LANDSCAPING REQUIRED
BY ORDINANCE.
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4. A LANDSCAPED AND CURBED PENINSULA BE PROVIDED ON THE WEST END OF
THE PARKING AREA IN FRONT OF THE BUILDING WITH A WIDTH OF 5 FEET TO
ALLOW FOR LANDSCAPING.
5. THE LIGHTS ON THE BOTTOM OF THE CANOPY BE DESIGNED SO THAT THE
LIGHT IS DIRECTED UNDER THE CANOPY AND DOES NOT SPILL OVER TO
ADJACENT PROPERTIES AND THE BACKLIGHTING BE LIMITED TO THE AREA
USED FOR SIGNAGE AND THE STRIPE. OTHER ON SITE LIGHTING SHALL BE
DIRECTED TOWARDS THE INTERIOR OF THE SITE.
6. THE GRADE AT WHICH THE FREESTANDING SIGN IS PLACED SHALL NOT
EXCEED THE GRADE ALONG THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF THE SITE.
7. IF THE SECOND DRIVEWAY BETWEEN THIS PARCEL AND OUTLOT A IS
APPROVED, THE RELATED IMPROVEMENTS SHALL BE INSTALLED WITH THIS
DEVELOPMENT TO THE PROPERTY LINE.
8. ALL COMMENTS OF THE CITY ENGINEER SHALL BE ADDRESSED.
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Special Planning Commission Meeting
August 12, 1997
Page 3
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ALL SIGNS WILL REQUIRE A SIGN PERMIT AND SHALL COMPLY WITH THE
REQUIREMENTS OF THE HILLSIDE CROSSING II SIGN AGREEMENT AND THE
CITY SIGN ORDINANCE.
IF THE ACCESS FROM 197TH IS APPROVED, THE STREET LIGHT ALONG 197TH
SHALL BE RELOCATED.
SIGHT DISTANCE ALONG EVANS STREET BE KEPT CLEAR WITH LANDSCAPING
KEPT LOWER THAN 24 INCHES OR HIGHER THAN 42 INCHES.
THE EXTERIOR OF THE DUMPSTER ENCLOSURE AND THE CAR WASH SHALL BE
SPLIT FACED BLOCK TO MATCH THE EXTERIOR OF THE BUILDING.
ALL DISTURBED AREAS SHALL BE SODDED INCLUDING THAT AREA WITHIN THE
HIGHWAY 169 RIGHT-OF-WAY.
APPROVAL IS CONTINGENT UPON THE PRELIMINARY AND FINAL PLAT OF
HILLSIDE CROSSING III BEING APPROVED. PLAT MUST BE FILED WITH
SHERBURNE COUNTY PRIOR TO BEGINNING CONSTRUCTION.
15. REQUIRED FIRE HYDRANTS BE PROVIDED AS DETERMINED BY THE FIRE CHIEF.
16. EROSION CONTROL MUST BE IN PLACE PRIOR TO COMMENCING GRADING
ON SITE.
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COMMISSIONER KUESTER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION FAILED 3-3. Chair
Anderson, Commissioners Cote and Mesich opposed. Commissioner Thompson
abstained.
The Commissioners discussed the possibility of combing the signage for two sites
proposed for this location.
Steve Ach indicated Phoenix Enterprises is requesting preliminary plat approval to
subdivide approximately 7 acres into two lots for commercial development
purposes. This application was presented at the July 21st City Council meeting.
After discussion, the Council recommended having the Planning Commission
review the plans and provide their comments. The Planning Commissioners
indicated they shared staff's concerns regarding traffic, commercial uses, and
preserving the ridge line. Commissioner Minton suggested the possibility of
rezoning the property to PUD. Commissioner Kuester expressed concern for the
traffic congestion some of the more intense commercial uses that are allowed
may generate. She felt office uses would be more appropriate, but there is no
guarantee the property will be developed for office use. Commissioner Mesich
questioned whether or not there would be a way to open up Evans to four lanes
to improve traffic flow. Terry Maurer indicated the street is probably wide enough
to accommodate four lanes.
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Commissioner Sullivan stated it appears there is no buffer between the site and
the residences to the east. Steve Ach indicated a 30' parking lot setback is
required and the site may be wooded at this location.
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Special Planning Commission Meeting
August 12. 1997
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Commission Mesich indicated he supported an office use for this location, but felt
the city could not force the property owner to develop as offices, since the
concept plan was approved for commercial use.
The Planning Commission mobile workshop will begin at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday,
September 9th.
There being no further business, COMMISSIONER THOMPSON MOVED TO ADJOURN
THE MEETING. COMMISSIONER MESICH SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION
CARRIED 7-0.
The meeting of the Elk River Planning Commission adjourned at 6:40 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
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Debbie Kleckner
Recording Secretary
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SPECIAL JOINT MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER PLANNING COMMISSION
AND THE ELK RIVER HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
HELD AT ELK RIVER CITY HALL - TRAINING ROOM
TUESDAY, AUGUST 12,1997
Planning Commission Members Present:
Chair Anderson, Commissioners Cote,
Kuester, Mesich, Minton, Sullivan and
Thompson
Planning Commission Members Absent:
None
HRA Commission Members Present:
Chair Schuldt, Commissioner Wilson
HRA Commission Members Absent:
Commissioners Hinkle, Farber and
Kruepenske
Staff Present:
Paul Steinman, Executive Director of
Economic Development; Steven B. Ach, City
Planner; Scott Harlicker, Assistant Planner;
Brady Halverson, Planning Intern; Debbie
Kleckner, Recording Secretary
Also Present:
Shelle Perleberg, Representative of River's
Edge Downtown Development Corporation
1. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 6:40 p.m.
2. Discuss Downtown Master Plan
A. Puroose of Meetina
Paul reviewed the topics for discussion. Shelle Perleberg explained the River's
Edge group is made up of downtown property owners, business owners and
operators.
B. Review Information from Comorehensive Plan and Strateaic Plan
Reaardina Downtown
Commissioner Minton stated the intent of a master plan is not to redevelop the
entire downtown, but rather, to improve upon what is already there. During the
Steering Committee discussions of the downtown, the incorporation of some neo-
traditional concepts were suggested which would allow for a mixture of
residential and business uses.
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Joint Meeting of the Planning Commission and HRA
August 12, 1997
Page 2
HRA Chair Gene Schuldt felt it was important to fully involve the downtown
business owners in this process, since they have the most at stake. The City's role
is to provide backup and support for the downtown.
Steve Ach indicated a downtown master plan will be a long term plan which will
develop over time. Steve noted staff is attempting to incorporate some of the
design concepts in downtown which were generated by Hoisington Koegler for
the river walk.
Commissioner Kuester suggested the downtown be expanded so that an area
could be created for community events. She felt landscaping could be done on
the south side of the railroad tracks similar to what was done on the north side to
improve the Railroad Drive area.
Discussion followed regarding the riverwalk, parking and transportation issues.
Paul noted that in addition to the design issues, there are economic issues as well,
such as land uses and a marketing study.
C. Visionina - Discuss General Issues Relatina to Downtown
The following issues were discussed for possible incorporation in a master plan for
the downtown:
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Keeping the downtown "pedestrian friendly" (Le., limiting surface parking
lots, use of back entrances to businesses and shops wherever possible)
Improving traffic circulation (Le., congestion at Main Street and Parrish
Avenue bridge)
Creating a "draw" to the downtown such as Sunday band concerts
Tying the Handke Stadium in with the downtown flavor
Possibility of restoring downtown store fronts to their original design (mostly
brick)
Establishing design standards
Bike paths and walking paths leading to the downtown
Business owners researching historical background of their buildings
Possibility of signage Highway 169/Highway 10 identifying how to get to
downtown Elk River
D. Identifv Geoaraohic Boundaries of Central Busienss District (StudY Areal
Discussion followed regarding the participants' perception of where the
downtown area begins and ends. Steve Ach indicated standards which are
established to incorporate design elements such as landscaping, street lights, and
signage could be used to identify the downtown boundaries. Banners for
community events could be hung throughout the downtown to further establish
those boundaries.
Members of the group were asked to draw boundary lines around the area they
felt represents Elk River's "downtown".
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Joint Meeting of the Planning Commission and HRA
August 12. 1997
Page 3
A future workshop meeting of the group was set for Tuesday. September 9th at
6:30 p.m. (after the Planning Commission mobile workshop which begins at 4:00
p.m.)
The joint meeting of the Elk River Planning Commission and Housing and Redevelopment
Authority adjourned at 8:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted.
DJh.~~
Debbie Kleckner
Recording Secretary