03-25-1997 PC MIN
.
.
.
MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER PLANNING COMMISSION
HELD AT ELK RIVER CITY HALL
TUESDAY, MARCH 25, 1997
Members Present:
Chair Anderson, Commissioners Cote, Mesich, Minton,
Sullivan and Thompson
Members Absent:
Commissioner Kuester
Staff Present:
Steven B. Ach, City Planner; Scott Harlicker, Assistant Planner;
Terry Maurer, City Engineer; 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 THOMPSON MOVED TO APPROVE THE MARCH 25, 1997 PLANNING
COMMISSION AGENDA, WHICH WAS AMENDED AS FOLLOWS:
6.3.
6.4.
UPDATE ON CITY COUNCIL MEETING - 3/17/97
REGIONAL TRAINING UPDATE - COMMISSIONER KUESTER
COMMISSIONER SULLIVAN SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 6-0.
COMMISSIONER THOMPSON MOVED TO AMEND THE FEBRUARY 25, 1997 MINUTES AS
FOLLOWS:
ITEMS 5.1. AND 6.1. - ADD CLOSURE OF PUBLIC HEARING
ITEM 6.6. - MOTION SHOULD REFLECT ALL DENIALS SHALL BE REFERRED TO THE
"CITY COUNCIL"
ITEM 6.3. - ADD "MESICH" AFTER THE WORD "COMMISSIONER"
COMMISSIONER MINTON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 6-0.
Commissioner Sullivan will be unable to attend the 4/21/97 City Council meeting.
Chair Anderson will attend in her place.
Planning Commission Minutes
Page 2
.
5.1.
Shielv Co. Request for Amendment to Conditional Use Permit Public Hearinq
Case No. CU 95-4
Staff report by Steve Rohlf. Shiely Company is requesting their hours for washing
of gravel be extended to 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Currently, the hours of operation
are from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Steve noted two issues of concern related to
Shiely's request. One is noise and the other is the affects of the wash operation
on adjacent wells. Steve explained a condition of approval to address the noise
issue could be to require that Shiely use strobe lights or cameras instead of back-
up alarms during the extended hours. Regarding the water issue, Steve felt the
conditional use permit addresses water usage by stipulating the mining activities
shall not adversely affect adjacent wells. In the event of a problem, Shiely would
be required to take mitigative measures until the water levels returned to normal.
Commissioner Mesich questioned the procedure for testing wells. Steve Rohlf
explained the water depth is tested and if a there is a significant change, an
expert would be called in to evaluate the situation.
Chair Anderson opened the public hearing. There being no comments from the
public, Chair Anderson closed the public hearing.
.
COMMISSIONER MINTON MOVED THE PLANNING COMMISSION RECOMMEND
APPROVAL OF THE REQUEST BY SHIEL Y COMPANY FOR AMENDMENT TO THEIR
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO ALLOW EXTENSION OF THEIR WASH OPERATION FROM
6:00 A.M. UNTIL 10:00 P.M., PUBLIC HEARING CASE NO. CU 95-4, BASED ON THE
INFORMATION IN THE STAFF REPORT AND THE FACT THERE WAS NO PUBLIC
OPPOSITION DURING THE PUBLIC HEARING, WITH THE FOLLOWING CONDITION:
1. ALTERNATIVE BACKUP WARNING DEVICES BE USED ON LOADERS BETWEEN
6:00 A.M. - 7:00 A.M. AND BETWEEN 7:00 P.M. - 10:00 P.M., SUCH AS STROBE
LIGHTS OR CAMERAS.
COMMISSIONER SULLIVAN SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 6-0.
5.2. Phoenix Enterprises Request for Conditional Use Permit/Time Out Bar & Restaurant
Public Hearinq Case No. CU 97-5
Staff report by Scott Harlicker. Phoenix Enterprises is requesting a conditional use
permit for a 6,000 square foot Class I restaurant and on-sale liquor establishment,
Time Out Sports Bar at 19280 Evans Street NW. Scott reviewed issues related to
seating capacity, hours of operation, traffic and access, signage and on sale
liquor license. Staff recommends approval of the request based on the
conditions outlined in the staff report.
Discussion followed regarding the elimination of the gate in the patio fence.
Scott indicated this was suggested by the police department representative at
the staff review meeting.
Chair Anderson opened the public hearing.
.
Marlon Glines, representing Phoenix Enterprises, explained the lighting on the
backside of the building will consist of five 2,400 watt lights. Mr. Glines indicated
he would not object to an "in only" gate for the patio fence.
.
.
.
Planning Commission Minutes
Page 3
Tony Bakhtiari, representing Time Out Sports Bar & Restaurants, indicated their
logo would be placed on the building, rather than individual letters.
There being no further comments from the public, Chair Anderson closed the
public hearing.
The Planning Commission discussed whether or not a gate should be installed
along with the patio fencing. Commissioner Minton indicated "panic" hardware
should be required if the gate were an "in only", so that people could exit the
gate in the event of an emergency. It was the consensus to have the police
department verify whether or not the gate was a concern.
COMMISSIONER SULLIVAN MOVED THE PLANNING COMMISSION RECOMMEND
APPROVAL OF THE REQUEST BY PHOENIX ENTERPRISES FOR A CONDITIONAL USE
PERMIT TO OPERATE A CLASS 1 RESTAURANT AND ON-SALE LIQUOR ESTABLISHMENT,
WITH THE FOLLOWING CONDITION:
1. SIGNAGE SHALL COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE HILLSIDE
CROSSING RETAIL CENTER PUD.
COMMISSIONER MESICH SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 6-0.
5.3.
Good Value Homes/J. Peterson Reauest for Preliminary Plat (Oakwood HillsL
Public Hearina Case No. P 97-1
Staff report by Scott Harlicker. John Peterson of Good Value Homes is requesting
to subdivide approximately 40 acres located at 198th Avenue alignment and
Pascal Street into 14 single family lots. Scott noted this item was reviewed and
postponed by the Planning Commission at their February 25th meeting.
Scott updated the Planning Commission on the following issues associated with
the plat:
. A 66' right-of-way easement deeded to the City for Pascal Street was filed
with Sherburne County. The applicant proposes shifting the road within the
plat to better align with the intersection with Pascal.
. The County Ditch Inspector has indicated it may be possible to incorporate
the ditches into the drainage plan and possibly relocate them if necessary.
. The plat has been revised to show more realistic locations for houses, wells
and septic systems. Exact locations will be based on soils and site conditions.
. Drainage calculations have been provided to the City Engineer, Terry Maurer.
. The applicant is in the process of collecting topographic information to
determine if the proposed extension of the temporary cul-de-sac will work
and is not available at this time.
Terry Maurer noted the Pascal Street 66' road easement in favor of the City of Elk
River has been verified with Sherburne County. The County Ditch Inspector has
indicated the northern branch of the county ditch system is inoperable. Terry
Planning Commission Minutes
Page 4
.
recommended a condition requiring the applicant to go through the procedure
to abandon the ditch. Abandonment of the ditch would remove restrictions on
the northerly lots for house pads and septic locations. The drainage calculations
indicate the current flow rate, but over time the volume would increase as the
plat developed and would be let out slowly. The applicant would be required to
obtain an outlet permit from Sherburne County, to outlet to the county ditch
system. The County Ditch Inspector indicated a concern for the drainage once it
leave the subject property. Terry explained he has discussed trying to maintain
the drainage on site with no outlet, in the event an outlet permit cannot be
obtained, by ponding and other means. Terry indicated the revised drainage The
revised drainage calculations will need to show ponding locations and high
water elevations, which may require some shifting of septic locations. He did not
feel there would be any problem making these adjustments to the plat, due to
the large size of the lots and the fact the site will remain substantially wooded,
even when the property is developed. Terry felt reasonably confident the
topography information will confirm proper location of the proposed road
alignment. Terry Maurer felt there would be future opportunity to connect the
road in the plat with Weatherwood.
Chair Anderson opened the public hearing.
Dan Steffens, 13813 196th Avenue NW, Elk River, stated he was concerned with
future drainage from the site onto his property. He also did not support the
Queen Street connection.
.
Brent Rachel, representing Good Value Homes, stated if the topography
information indicates a problem with the proposed alignment of the road, it can
be shifted. The developer will also attempt to pond the drainage on site.
There being no further comments from the public, Chair Anderson closed the
public hearing.
Terry Maurer explained additional easements will be obtained in order to provide
a full cul-de-sac, in addition to the 66' road right-of-way.
Terry explained the city typically requires platting easements for existing county
ditches so that in the future when the city takes over the county ditch system, the
necessary easements will already be in place. Commissioner Cote asked if
additional ditch easements were needed. Terry indicated it depends on whether
it is pipe or an open channel, with a minimum of a 30' easement.
Commissioner Mesich questioned if the city has a problem with residents using
easements. Terry explained it does happen occasionally. Steve Ach explained
the certificate of survey is required for a building permit and shows all easements.
Discussion followed regarding information the applicant still needs to provide.
Terry Maurer explained the information will be required before final plat approval
will be granted.
.
COMMISSIONER MINTON MOVED APPROVAL OF THE REQUEST BY GOOD VALUE
HOMES FOR PRELIMINARY PLAT APPROVAL (OAKWOOD HILLS), PUBLIC HEARING
CASE NO. P 97-1, BASED ON THE INFORMATION IN THE STAFF REPORT AND THE FACT
Planning Commission Minutes
Page 5
.
THERE WAS NO OPPOSITION RECEIVED DURING THE PUBLIC HEARING, WITH THE
FOLLOWING CONDITIONS:
1. A DEVELOPERS AGREEMENT BE PREPARED OUTLINING THE TERMS AND
CONDITIONS OF THE PLAT APPROVAL AND INSTALLATION OF
IMPROVEMENTS.
2. ALL OF THE COMMENTS IN THE CITY ENGINEER'S MEMOS DATED 2/17/97
AND 3//97 BE INCORPORATED INTO THE REVISED PRELIMINARY PLAT AND
MADE A CONDITION OF THIS APPROVAL.
3. A LETTER OF CREDIT BE PROVIDED TO THE CITY IN THE AMOUNT OF 100% OF
THE COSTS OF THE PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS.
4. UPON COMPLETING ALL OF THE IMPROVEMENTS AND HAVING THEM
ACCEPTED BY THE CITY, A WARRANTY BOND IN THE AMOUNT OF 25% OF THE
IMPROVEMENT COSTS SHALL BE SUBMITTED TO THE CITY FOR A ONE YEAR
PERIOD.
5. SURFACE WATER MANAGEMENT FEE IN THE AMOUNT REQUIRED BY THE CITY
AT THE TIME OF FINAL PLAT BE PAID PRIOR TO RECORDING THE PLAT WITH
SHERBURNE COUNTY.
6.
. 7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
ALL WETLANDS ON THE SITE BE DELINEATED AND A WETLAND JOINT
NOTIFICATION FORM BE COMPLETED AND RETURNED TO THE CITY.
AN NPEDS PERMIT BE OBTAINED FOR THE GRADING ASSOCIATED WITH THIS
DEVELOPMENT.
PARK DEDICATION FEE IN THE AMOUNT REQUIRED BY THE CITY AT THE TIME
OF FINAL PLAT BE PAID PRIOR TO RELEASING THE PLAT FOR RECORDING.
A SEAL COAT FEE, IN THE AMOUNT TO BE DETERMINED BY THE CITY
ENGINEER, TO BE PAID PRIOR TO RELEASING THE PLAT FOR RECORDING.
STREET LIGHTS SHALL BE INCLUDED AS PART OF THE IMPROVEMENTS FOR THE
SUBDIVISION PER ELK RIVER UTILITIES RECOMMENDATION.
A GRADING/EROSION CONTROL PLAN AND DEVELOPMENT PLAN BE
SUBMITTED AND APPROVED BY THE CITY ENGINEER PRIOR TO THE ISSUANCE
OF BUILDING PERMITS.
12. ALL GRADING WILL NEED TO BE CERTIFIED PRIOR TO ISSUANCE OF BUILDING
PERMITS.
13. SOIL BORINGS WILL HAVE TO BE PERFORMED AND APPROVED PRIOR TO
FINAL PLAT VERIFYING SEPTIC LOCATIONS.
14. THE PLAT WILL HAVE TO BE REVIEWED AND THE LOCATION OF THE COUNTY
DITCHES VERIFIED BY THE COUNTY DITCH INSPECTOR PRIOR TO FINAL PLAT.
.
15.
A CLEARING AND TREE PROTECTION PLAN SHALL BE PROVIDED PRIOR TO
FINAL PLAT.
.
.
.
Planning Commission Minutes
Page 6
16.
THE DEVELOPER IS REQUIRED TO UPGRADE PASCAL STREET FROM 200TH
AVENUE TO THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF HIS PLAT AND TO PROVIDE
DOCUMENTATION THAT THE PASCAL STREET EASEMENT OVER THIS STRETCH
OF ROAD DOES EXIST AND IS IN FAVOR OF THE CITY.
17. ADDITIONAL TOPOGRAPHIC INFORMATION ON THE ADJACENT PROPERTY
NEAR THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF THE PLAT IS REQUIRED IN ORDER TO
ASSESS THE ABILITY TO EXTEND THE PROPOSED ROAD ONTO THE PROPERTY TO
THE WEST.
18. ALL NECESSARY WETLAND PERMITS SHALL BE OBTAINED PRIOR TO ANY
WETLAND DISTURBANCES ASSOCIATED WITH THIS PROJECT.
19. THE DEVELOPER SEEK ABANDONMENT OF THE NORTHERN DITCH SYSTEM
PRIOR TO DEVELOPMENT OF LOTS 1 AND 2.
20. THERE IS NO INCREASE IN THE RATE OR VOLUME OF THE WATER TO THE
COUNTY DITCH SYSTEM.
21. ADDITIONAL EASEMENTS FOR THE COUNTY DITCH SYSTEM AS REQUIRED BY
THE CITY ENGINEER.
COMMISSIONER THOMPSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED
6-0.
5.4.
Enterorises Rent-A-Car Reauest for Conditional Use Permit/Outdoor Storaae of
Vehicles, Public Hearina Case No. CU 97-6
Staff report by Steve Ach. Enterprise Leasing Company is requesting a
conditional use permit to occupy approximately 2,000 square feet adjacent to
Kennedy Transmission, in order to operate a rental car business. Steve explained
staff's concern there may not be adequate parking area at the proposed
location. Staff is recommending the number of vehicles parked outside be
limited to a maximum of 10 with the opportunity to increase this to 20 after six
months.
Chair Anderson opened the public hearing.
Pat Kleinman, representative of Enterprise Rent-A-Car, provided information on
the type of business they would be operating in Elk River. Commissioner Mesich
asked if they would be selling cars from the proposed location which are taken
out of service. Ms. Kleinman stated those cars would be taken to another
location or sold back to the local dealers where the cars will be purchased from.
Ms. Kleinman stated the rental rate is expected to be between 80 - 90% and
expects there will be very few cars parked in the parking area at any given time.
Arlon Fuchs, 266 Elk Hills Drive, representing Guardian Angels, expressed concern
that the business not be allowed to remain open during late evening hours, due
to its close proximity to the Guardian Angels residences. Mr. Fuchs noted the
dumpsters at the automall have not been enclosed as required by the city when
the automall was approved. He requested there be no wall signage facing the
Guardian Angels property and that lighting be directed away from the
apartments, as well.
Planning Commission Minutes
Page 7
.
Sherry Emerson, representative of Guardian Angels, expressed her concern that
cars are parking in landscaped areas because there is not adequate parking for
the businesses.
There being no further comments from the public, Chair Anderson closed the
public hearing.
Discussion followed regarding the number of cars to allow to be parked on the
site.
COMMISSIONER THOMPSON MOVED THE PLANNING COMMISSION RECOMMEND
APPROVAL OF THE REQUEST BY ENTERPRISE LEASING COMPANY FOR A
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO OPERATE A RENTAL CAR BUSINESS, WITH THE
FOLLOWING CONDITIONS:
1. THE NUMER OF VEHICLES TO BE PARKED OUTSIDE BE LIMITED TO A MAXIMUM
OF 15 WITH THE OPPORTUNITY OF INCREASING THIS TO 20 AFTER SIX MONTHS
IF THE SITE IS ABLE TO ACCOMMODATE ADDITIONAL CARS PARKED ON SITE.
STAFF WILL REPORT BACK TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION IN SIX MONTHS.
2. THE RENTAL LOT BE LIMITED TO THE PARKING LOT IMMEDIATELY SOUTH OF THE
PROPOSED SPACE TO BE LEASED.
3. NO CAR SALES WILL BE PERMITTED ON SITE.
.
4.
HOURS OF OPERATION BE BETWEEN 8:00 A.M. - 6:00 P.M.
5. LIGHTING BE DIRECTED AWAY FROM THE NEIGHBORING RESIDENCES.
COMMISSIONER COTE SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 6-0.
5.5. Grea Karnis Reauest for Conditional Use Permit for Restaurant/On-Sale Liauor,
Public Hearina Case No. CU 97-7
Commissioner Sullivan withdrew from the discussion and voting on this item due to
a conflict of interest.
Staff report by Steve Ach. Greg Karnis is requesting a conditional use permit to
operate a Class I restaurant and have on-sale liquor. Mr. Karnis is considering
purchasing the Bridgeman's Restaurant and converting it to an Italian style
restaurant. Steve reviewed issues associated with the request regarding hours of
operation, existing driveway easement, access off 173rd, long range plans,
existing well and septic system, and deferring the requirement for on site
improvements. Staff recommended approval of the request with the conditions
outlined in the staff report.
Chair Anderson opened the public hearing.
Greg Karnis, 13527 190th Avenue NW, Elk River, applicant, explained his
remodeling plans for the proposed restaurant.
.
Planning Commission Minutes
Page 8
.
There being no comments from the public, Chair Anderson closed the public
hearing.
Commissioner Mesich expressed concern for the height of the step at the
entrance to the existing Bridgeman's Restaurant.
Discussion followed regarding the 1 73rd A venue access.
COMMISSIONER MESICH MOVED THE PLANNING COMMISSION RECOMMEND
APPROVAL OF THE REQUEST BY GREG KARNIS FOR A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO
OPERATE A CLASS I RESTAURANT AND ON-SALE LIQUOR ESTABLISHMENT, PUBLIC
HEARING CASE NO. CU 97-7, WITH THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS:
1. THE EXISTING SEPTIC SYSTEM BE INSPECTED AND REPAIRED TO MEET ALL OF
THE STATE REQUIREMENTS PRIOR TO THE ISSUANCE OF ANY BUILDING
PERMITS.
2. IN ORDER TO PRESERVE THE OPPORTUNITIES FOR A FUTURE FRONTAGE ROAD
OR UTILITY CORRIDOR, NO BUILDING CONSTRUCTION SHALL OCCUR WITHIN
THE NORTHEASTERLY 35 FEET EXTENDING FROM 173RD AVENUE
NORTHWESTERLY TO THE NORTH PROPERTY LINE.
3. AT THE TIME ANY BUILDING EXPANSION PLANS ARE PROPOSED, THE ENTIRE
SITE SHALL BE REVIEWED FOR SITE IMPROVEMENTS WHICH MEET THE CITY'S
CURRENT ORDINANCES.
.
4.
ANY MODIFICATIONS TO THE EXISTING SIGNAGE SHALL MEET THE CITY'S
SETBACK REQUIREMENTS FOR FREESTANDING SIGNS AND CONSIST OF A
MONUMENT STYLE WITH A MAXIMUM HEIGHT OF 20 FEET AND SIGN AREA OF
100 SQUARE FEET.
5. A SITE PLAN BE SUBMITTED ILLUSTRATING HOW THE PARKING AREA WILL BE
STRIPED. ALL DRIVE AISLE AND PARKING STALL DIMENSIONS SHALL
CONFORM TO CITY STANDARDS.
6. THE ACCESS POINT CLOSEST TO HIGHWAY 10 SHALL BE REMOVED AT THE
TIME OF UPGRADING OF 173RD AVENUE, OR, AT THE TIME AN APPLICATION IS
SUBMITTED TO EXPAND THE BUILDING, WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST.
CHAIR ANDERSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 6-0.
5.6. City of Elk River Reauest for Ordinance Amendment to Establish Minimum Lot
Depths in Residential Districts, Public Hearinq Case No. OA 97-5
Staff report by Scott Harlicker. The City of Elk River is requesting an ordinance
amendment to change the dimensional regulations for urban residential (R 1 b,
R 1 c, R 1 d and R 1 e) zoning districts.
Chair Anderson opened the public hearing. There being no comments from the
public, Chair Anderson closed the public hearing.
.
.
.
.
Planning Commission Minutes
Page 9
COMMISSIONER MINTON MOVED THE PLANNING COMMISSION RECOMMEND
APPROVAL OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDMENT REQUESTED BY THE CITY OF ELK RIVER
ESTABLISHING MINIMUM LOT DEPTHS AS FOLLOWS:
R1 B (SEWERED
R1C
R1D
RlE
135 FEET
130 FEET
140 FEET
135 FEET
COMMISSIONER THOMPSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED
6-0.
COMMISSIONER MINTON MOVED THE PLANNING COMMISSION RECOMMEND
APPAROVAL OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDMENT REQUESTED BY THE CITY OF ELK RIVER
AMENDING THE MINIMUM LOT SIZE IN R1C FROM 10,000 SQ. FT. TO 11,000 SQ. FT.
COMMISSIONER SULLIVAN SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 6-0.
COMMISSIONER MINTON MOVED THE PLANNING COMMISSION RECOMMEND
APPROVAL OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDMENT REQUESTED BY THE CITY OF ELK RIVER
AMENDING THE GARAGE SIDE SETBACK IN R1 B (UNSEWERED) FROM 10 FEET TO 5
FEET. CHAIR ANDERSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED
6-0.
6.1.
Draft Ordinance Reaardina Communication Towers
The Planning Commission discussed the draft ordinance for the antenna tower
overlay district. Several minor corrections were discussed and will be
incorporated in the draft to be presented to the Planning Commission at the April
22nd meeting.
6.2.
Strateaic Plannina Task Force
The Draft Strategic Plan will be presented to the City Council, Planning
Commission, EDA, HRA, and other affected committees on Monday, April 21,
1997, at 5:00 p.m.
6.3. Update - March 18th City Council Meetina
Commissioner Thompson provided an update on actions taken by the City
Council on planning items at the March 18, 1997 City Council meeting.
6.4. Plannina Conference
To be held on May 8th at the Otsego City Hall.
There being no further business, COMMISSIONER MINTON MOVED TO ADJOURN THE
MEETING. CHAIR ANDERSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 7-0.
The meeting of the Elk River Planning Commission adjourned at 9:37 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Planning Commission Minutes
Page 10
. AO~' ~
Debbie Kleckner
Recording Secretary
.
.