01-21-1995 PC MIN
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ANNUAL MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER PLANNING COMMISSION
HELD AT ELK RIVER CITY HALL
SATURDAY, JANUARY 21,1995
Members Present:
Vice Chair Kuester, Commissioners Kreger, Minton, Thompson,
Tacheny, Sullivan-Slocum, and Dillon
Members Absent:
None
Staff Present:
Steven B. Ach, City Planner
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the meeting of the Elk River Planning
Commission was called to order at 8:35 a.m. by Vice Chair Kuester.
Members of the Planning Commission introduced themselves since two newly appointed
Commissioners were present.
Steve Ach brought up the regional planning conference which is May 16, 1995 at the
Otsego Town Hall. This conference is sponsored by the Minnesota Planning Association.
An informal discussion pursed regarding Commissioners' roles, the Planning Commission
and its role and purpose.
The agenda was review and approved by consensus.
Commissioner Minton moved that the Secretary cast a white ballot to elect Louise
Kuester as Planning Commission Chairman. Motion was voted on and approved
unanimously.
Commissioner Minton moved that the Secretary cast a white ballot to elect Chris Kreger
as Planning Commission Vice Chair. Motion was voted on and approved unanimously.
The Planning Commission reviewed the rules and procedures and made the following
changes:
. Article III, Sentence 2 be changed to read: "The Commission has recommended
that Commissioners limit their service to 2 (two) terms."
The Commission discussed Article IV, which pertains to the types and number of
conferences available for educational purposes. The following changes were made to
Article IV, Section 8, 8.1 :
. Sentences number 4, 5 & 8 were deleted.
. Removed the word "additional" from sentence 6.
. Added the sentence: "After closing a hearing the Commissioners may continue to
question applicants or other constituents who have testified."
Planning Commission Annual Meeting Minutes
January 21, 1995
Page 2
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The Commission discussed Section 9 & 10 and requested that Section lObe clarified by
the City Attorney: as to whether Commissioners should leave the room or can continue to
participate as part of the audience.
The Commission discussed Section 12 and reviewed training opportunities available.
Steve Ach brought up the National Conference in Toronto, Canada, April 8-12, 1995 and
promised to keep the Commission updated as dates and topics became available for
conferences.
The Commission took a short break at 10:20 a.m.
Discussion reconvened at 10:30 a.m. on the topic of the budget. One addition to the
budget was pointed out, of $1 ,500.00 to be used for expenses related to broadcasting
Planning Commission meetings.
Section 214 of the City Code was introduced to the Planning Commission. This section
discusses Planning Commission duties, powers and procedures.
Discussion ensued regarding the Planning Commission's goals and objectives. A review of
past goals and objectives identified that most were met, with the exception of
modification of the firearms ordinance, home occupations ordinance, and modifying
zoning requirements in the C-3 & C-2 zones.
The following goals were met:
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. The update to the Comprehensive Plan was begun.
. The Planning Commission felt that goals for public communications were met.
. The Transportation Study was reviewed and approved.
. Otsego and Zimmerman Planning Commissions were visited by our members.
. The regional local planning conference was attended by 6 (six) commissioners.
. Bob Minton attended the National Conference.
. Judy Thompson and Louise Kuester attended the State Planning Conference.
. and, the Commission had a joint meeting with the City Council.
Commissioner Minton reviewed activities on the Comprehensive Plan and its purpose
with the Commission. He also pointed out the existence of the Downtown Task Force
which intends to provide a recommendation to the Steering Committee regarding the
Comprehensive Plan update.
The 1995 Goals for the Planning Commission were set as follows:
1. Complete update of the Comprehensive Plan.
2. Continue to pursue public relation activities which include articles in the City
newsletter, initiate a discussion with teachers regarding classroom visits, re-
establish informational pamphlets on conditional use permits and variances
available in council chambers during meatiness; establisn a phone line for public
to comment on the Comprehensive Plan and explore describing the
Comprehensive Plan on cable television.
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3.
Review ordinances as directed by the City Councilor otherwise necessary
including firearms, home occupations, and C-3 zoning.
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Planning Commission Annual Meeting Minutes
January 21, 1995
Page 3
Consider the establishment of liaisons with other planning commissions.
Participate in the organization of an area regional conference.
Continue to promote Commissioner's training.
Meet with the City Council in a workshop format for the purpose of reviewing
goals, rules and procedures, and other items.
Have a joint meeting with the Park & Recreation Commission.
The following items were identified as topics for Planning Commission workshops:
Develop meeting questions for Mayor and City Council meeting.
Development of program of liaisons with other local governmental jurisdictions
and discuss conditional use permit and variance requirements.
Platting and map reading.
Overview of Sherburne County comprehensive Plan.
Wetlands.
Review of draft Comprehensive Plan update.
Joint meeting with the Park and Recreation Commission.
Other workshops will be utilized for ordinance amendment discussions and being topics
of interest.
There being no further business Commissioner Kreger moved to adjourn the meeting,
Commissioner Slocum seconded, motion was carried.
Meeting adjourned at 12:00 noon.
Respectfully submitted,
a~~~cLUZ
Commissioner Chris Kreger
Vice Chairman