08-24-1993 PC MIN
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MINUTES OF THE ELK RIVER PLANNING COMMISSION
MEETING HELD AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HALL
TUESDAY, AUGUST 24, 1993
Members Present:
Chairman Minton, Commissioners Eberley (arrived at 7:05
pm), Kreger, Kuester, spotts, and Tveite.
Members Absent:
commissioner Emerson
Staff Present:
Steven Ach, City Planner; Gary Schmitz, Zoning
Assistant; Geryl Rogers, Recording secretary
1. Call Meeting to Order
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the meeting of the Elk River
Planning Commission was called to order at 7 p.m. by Chairman Minton.
2. Consider Planning commission Agenda
Commissioner Spotts
Commission Workshops.
firearms ordinance.
Comprehensive Plan.
added discussion regarding future Planning
Steve Ach requested time to review the current
Chairman Minton requested discussion regarding the
COMMISSIONER SPOTTS
COMMISSION AGENDA.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
MOVED TO APPROVE THE
COMMISSIONER KUESTER
AMENDED
SECONDED
8/24/93 PLANNING
THE MOTION. THE
3. Consider Planning Commission Minutes
Chairman Minton asked Commissioner Kuester if page 3, paragraph 2,
should be further clarified. Commissioner Kuester replied the
statement "Further, how many people will be around firearms that are
doing business with Mr. Palmer from his other occupations?" could be
clarified. Let the minutes reflect the amended statement "Furthermore,
how many people will come to Mr. Palmer's residence to obtain services
for his other home based businesses?"
COMMISSIONER TVEITE MOVED TO APPROVE THE 7/27/93 PLANNING COMMISSION
MINUTES. COMMISSIONER KREGER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED
5-0.
4. Planning Commission Representative to Attend City Council Meeting
It was indicated Chairman Minton would attend the 9/20/93 City Council
meeting to be held at the Elk River City Hall.
Commissioner Eberley arrived at this time (7:05 pm).
Elk River Planning commission Minutes
August 24, 1993
Page 2
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5.
Consider a Conditional Use Permit Request by Larry Leitschuh (Elk
River Theater)jPublic Hearing, Case No. CU 93-25
staff report presented by steve Ach. The applicant, Larry Leitschuh,
9110-83 Avenue N, Brooklyn Park, MN, 55445, is requesting a conditional
use permit to amend the Elk River Plaza Development Agreement expanding
the theater from five to ten screens, eliminating a portion of interior
mall corridor, increase movie theater signage, and modify site plan.
Chairman Minton opened the public hearing.
Bob Guetschoff, 130 N. Main, cambridge, MN, indicated that he currently
has theaters in Hastings & Cambridge, similar to the one being proposed
here in Elk River. Mr. Guetschoff presented photographs to the
Planning Commission showing other theaters. Also, he spoke of updating
current signage along Highway 169.
There being no further comments from the public, Chairman Minton closed
the public hearing.
Commissioner Tveite asked if
common areas be expanded also?
the theater is being expanded, will the
The applicant replied yes.
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Commissioner Kreger expressed concern regarding the signage facing
Highway 169. He feels it creates somewhat of a traffic hazard. Bob
Guetschoff replied that originally the Council recommended the signage
face Highway 169. Commissioner Kreger questioned if the sign could
face the traffic instead of across the traffic. steve Ach stated that
the current PUD does not allow free-standing signage. Discussion
ensued.
Larry Leitschuh, commented on chaser lights that were eliminated from
the original plan and that the speed limit was reduced by 10 miles per
hour in this particular area.
Commissioner Eberley expressed concern regarding the pedestrian traffic
in front of the theater. Could there be a walk-way to help control
pedestrian traffic. steve Ach replied that it would be very difficult
to control pedestrian traffic however, cross walks could be installed.
Larry Leitschuh explained the site plan and the proposed exits which
would help alleviate pedestrian traffic in a concentrated area. Mr.
Leitschuh offered to add crosswalk striping or a stop sign in the area
if necessary.
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Chairman Minton questioned steve Ach regarding the condition for
additional parking stalls and how that need would be identified and
enforced. Steve Ach replied that usually the applicant would request
additional parking for their business if demand rises however, the City
would require the additional parking if problems occurred. Larry
Leitschuh responded that if parking is not adequate, he would approach
the City as soon as the need was apparent.
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Elk River Planning Commission Minutes
August 24, 1993
Page 3
Chairman Minton asked steve Ach if the proposed signage is within
current ordinance. Mr. Ach replied that it exceeds current ordinance
and explained the current ordinance and the PUD Agreement.
COMMISSIONER KREGER MOVED TO RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF THE CONDITIONAL USE
PERMIT TO AMEND THE ELK RIVER PLAZA DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT EXPANDING THE
THEATER AND INCREASING SIGNAGE BY LARRY LEITSCHUH, CASE NO. CU 93-25,
FINDING THE REQUEST CONSISTENT WITH THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AND CITING
STAFF'S MEMO DATED AUGUST 18, 1993, WITH THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS:
1. A SITE PLAN ILLUSTRATING DEMONSTRATED PARKING THAT MEETS CITY
PARKING REQUIREMENTS BE SUBMITTED FOR STAFF REVIEW AND APPROVAL.
2. THE PROPOSED SITE PLAN MAINTAIN A MINIMUM 15 FOOT LANDSCAPED AREA
ALONG FREEPORT AVENUE TO BE USED AS A BUFFER TO THE RESIDENTIAL
AREA.
3.
THE THEATER BE ALLOWED
OF SIGNAGE BE USED ON
FT PANELS MAY BE USED
FREEPORT AVENUE) AND
HIGHWAY 169.
NO MORE THAN A TOTAL OF 1,020 SQUARE FEET
THE ENTIRE BUILDING. NO MORE THAN TWO 60 SQ
ON THE WEST BUILDING ELEVATION (FACING
NO MORE THAN TEN 75 SQ FT PANELS FACING
4.
THE PROPERTY OWNER BE RESPONSIBLE TO INSTALL ADDITIONAL PARKING
SPACES, AS ILLUSTRATED ON THE APPROVED PLAN, IN THE EVENT THAT
PARKING PROBLEMS ARISE IN THE FUTURE.
5. THE THEATER MUST TURN OFF SIGN LIGHTING AND CHASER LIGHTS 15
MINUTES FOLLOWING THE START OF THE LAST MOVIE OF THE DAY.
6. LANDSCAPED PLANTERS BE INCORPORATED WITH THE NEW SIDEWALK IN FRONT
OF THE THEATER SITE.
7. NO CHASER LIGHTS BE USED ON ANY BUILDING ELEVATION EXCEPT FOR THE
ARCHITECTURAL SIGN, WHICH MAY INCORPORATE CHASER LIGHTS.
8.
APPROPRIATE SIGNAGE AND CROSSWALKS
PROVIDING SAFE PEDESTRIAN CROSSING
PARKING AREA.
BE INSTALLED AS NECESSARY,
FROM THE BUILDING TO THE
9. THE APPLICANT INCLUDE HIS RECOMMENDATIONS FOR LANDSCAPING WITH THE
APPLICATION TO THE CITY COUNCIL.
COMMISSIONER EBERLEY SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 6-0.
Commissioner Eberley iterated concern regarding pedestrian traffic and
parking.
6. Consider a Conditional Use Permit Request by William palmer/Public
Hearing, Case No. CU 93-24
Staff report presented by Steve Ach. The applicant, William Palmer,
11712-200 Ave NW, Elk River, is requesting a conditional use permit to
construct a detached accessory building exceeding 1,000 sq ft in area
and having a total of 1,408 sq ft of accessory garage space.
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Elk River Planning Commission Minutes
August 24, 1993
Page 4
Chairman Minton opened the public hearing.
steve Ach presented a written statement of a telephone call received by
Joan Bruntmyer, 20028 Irving st NW, Elk River, stating that she objects
to this request.. She stated that the request is against the Brentwood
Association covenants. Further, Mrs. Bruntmyer heard the building
would be used to build race cars and she was concerned about the
traffic and noise generated by this use. For the public hearing, Mr.
Ach explained that the City does not enforce subdivision covenants.
Further, if a business or home occupation was conducted from this
building, Mr. Palmer would have to obtain a conditional use permit to
conduct such .business.
Chairman Minton asked Mr. Palmer if he would be conducting a business
from this building. Mr. Palmer stated he would not.
There being no further comments from the public, Chairman Minton closed
the public hearing.
COMMISSIONER EBERLEY MOVED TO RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF THE CONDITIONAL USE
PERMIT TO CONSTRUCT A DETACHED ACCESSORY BUILDING BY WILLIAM PALMER,
CASE NO. CU 93-24, CITING STAFF'S MEMO DATED AUGUST 18, 1993, AND THAT
THE REQUEST MEETS THE SEVEN STANDARDS FOR GRANTING A CONDITIONAL USE
PERMIT, WITH THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS:
1.
THE GARAGE MAINTAIN THE SAME ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN AND EXTERIOR
MATERIAL AS THE EXISTING HOME.
2. PRIOR TO BUILDING PERMIT ISSUANCE, THE APPLICANT SUBMIT A TREE
PRESERVATION PLAN INCLUDING DETAILS ON DISPOSAL OF TREE STUMPS AND
DEBRIS.
COMMISSIONER TVEITE SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 6-0.
7. Consider a Conditional Use Permit Request by David Gow/Public Hearing,
Case No. CU 93-26
Staff report presented by Gary Schmitz. The applicant, David Gow,
20493 Meadowvale Road, Elk River, is requesting a conditional use
permit to construct a 2,000 sq ft metal skin agricultural accessory
building within a platted area and to keep agricultural animals within
a platted area.
Chairman Minton opened the public hearing. There being no comments
from the public, Chairman Minton closed the public hearing.
A brief discussion was held by the Commissioners regarding the number
of animal units per acre allowed by City Code.
COMMISSIONER EBERLEY MOVED TO RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF THE CONDITIONAL USE
PERMIT TO CONSTRUCT A METAL SKIN AGRICULTURAL ACCESSORY BUILDING WITHIN
A PLATTED AREA AND TO KEEP AGRICULTURAL ANIMALS WITHIN A PLATTED AREA,
BY DAVID GOW, CASE NO. CU 93-26, STATING THE REQUEST MEETS THE SEVEN
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Elk River Planning Commission Minutes
August 24, 1993
Page 5
STANDARDS FOR GRANTING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT AND CITING STAFF'S MEMO
DATED AUGUST 19, 1993, WITH THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS:
1. THE COLOR AND ROOF OF THE ACCESSORY STRUCTURE MATCH THE EXTERIOR
OF THE HOUSE OR BE OF AN EARTH TONE COLOR.
2. WHEN THE AREA IS FURTHER SUBDIVIDED, THE ISSUE OF THE AGRICULTURAL
USE WILL BE ADDRESSED.
3. THE ACCESSORY STRUCTURE BE SETBACK A MINIMUM OF 300 FEET FROM ANY
NEIGHBORING DWELLING.
4. THE AGRICULTURAL FENCE BE SETBACK A MINIMUM OF 200 FEET FROM ANY
NEIGHBORING DWELLING.
COMMISSIONER KREGER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 6-0.
8. Consider a Conditional Use Permit Request by Donald Robideau/Public
Hearing, Case No. CU 93-28
Staff report presented by Gary Schmitz.
Robideau, 10654-201st Circle NW, Elk River, is
use permit to encroach on the 300 foot
building and to construct a 30'x32' metal skin
platted area.
The applicant, Donald
requesting a conditional
setback for a metal skin
pole building within a
Chairman Minton opened the public hearing. There being no comments
from the public, Chairman Minton closed the public hearing.
There was some discussion
ordinance pertaining to
Commissioners directed staff
skin buildings.
among the Commissioners
metal skin buildings in
to review the ordinance
regarding
general.
regarding
the
The
metal
COMMISSIONER KREGER MOVED TO RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF THE CONDITIONAL USE
PERMIT TO CONSTRUCT A METAL SKIN POLE BUILDING BY DONALD ROBIDEAU, CASE
NO. 93-28, FINDING THE REQUEST CONSISTENT WITH THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
AND CITING STAFF'S MEMO DATED AUGUST 18, 1993, WITH THE FOLLOWING
CONDITIONS:
1. THE COLOR OF THE BUILDING MATCH THE EXTERIOR OF THE HOUSE.
2. THE STRUCTURE BE USED ONLY FOR STORAGE PURPOSES.
COMMISSIONER TVEITE SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 6-0.
9. Consider a Variance Request by Gerald and Cecelia Sneft/Public
Hearing, Case No. V 93-06
Presented by Steve Ach. The applicants, Gerald and Cecelia Sneft,
22300 Jarvis, Elk River, have withdrawn this request and asked staff to
refund the application fee. Staff recommends withdrawing the request
and refunding the Sneft's application fee.
Elk River Planning Commission Minutes
August 24, 1993
Page 6
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Chairman Minton opened the public hearing.
from the public, Chairman Minton accepted the
closed the public hearing.
There being no comments
withdrawal notice and
10. Consider a Conditional Use Permit Request by John Weicht/Public
Hearing, Case No. CU 93-13
Presented by steve Ach. During a conversation with Mr. Weicht, staff
learned that the option agreement with the property owner has expired;
therefore, without the "fee owners" consent this application is no
longer valid. Due to the incomplete and invalid application, staff
recommends denial of the request.
Chairman Minton reminded the public that this is a public hearing and
the hearing was opened at a previous meeting and continued to this
meeting. There being no comments from the public, Chairman Minton
closed the public hearing.
COMMISSIONER KREGER RECOMMENDED DENIAL OF THE CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT
REQUEST TO CONSTRUCT AND OPERATE A BUS TERMINAL BY JOHN WEICHT, CASE
NO. CU 93-13, CITING STAFF'S MEMO DATED AUGUST 24, 1993. COMMISSIONER
TVEITE SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 6-0.
11.
Other Business
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commissioner spotts suggested the Planning Commission review a current
City Sewer map including proposed expansions, and meet with City
Engineer, Terry Maurer, at a future Planning Commission Workshop.
Dennis Pitz with Metro Truck Equipment expressed disappointment that
his previous application had been delayed and then denied due to lack
of information. Steve Ach explained that more information was required
before the Planning Commission could act on this request. Chairman
Minton asked staff if the information could be provided by the next
Planning Commission meeting. Steve Ach replied it could if the
necessary information is received. Also, issues relative to access off
Highway 10 and possibly vacating 156th Street have complicated this
application.
Steve Ach stated the City Council directed the Planning Commission to
review the possibility of a firearms ordinance, specifically, the sale
of firearms. Discussion among the Commissioners ensued. The Planning
Commission directed staff to review the recent Legislation regarding
the sale of firearms and to research an ordinance of this type within
other communities.
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Chairman Minton reviewed the August 2, 1993, City Council minutes
regarding the Comprehensive Plan and a planning consultant. Chairman
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Elk River Planning Commission Minutes
August 24, 1993
Page 7
Minton asked staff how soon the City would start updating. steve Ach
replied that he has been talking with the City Administrator regarding
this issue and hopes to begin by this fall. Staff is aware that this
is a top priority. It was the consensus of the Planning Commission to
try to utilize available staff and limit the amount of consultant help
regarding the Plan.
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Chairman Minton requested steve Ach send in the necessary information
regarding the upcoming MN Planning Association meeting.
steve Ach asked the Planning commission if they were ready to approve
the June 10, 1993, Planning Commission minutes regarding the Elk Park
Center project. Chairman Minton stated they did not have a copy with
them however, he wanted to ask that the minutes reflect more detail
regarding Phil Johnson's comments about the seven standards for a
conditional use permit. It was decided that another set of minutes
would be sent to the Planning Commission members to review at the next
Planning Commission meeting.
Commissioner Eberley reviewed an article from the Minneapolis Tribune
regarding urban transit. She felt it was an excellent editorial and
perhaps the Planning Commission should read this type of information in
preparation for reviewing the Comprehensive Land Use Plan. If anyone
needs a copy of the article, contact Commissioner Eberley. Regarding
reviewing the Land Use Plan, Chairman Minton asked staff to provide the
Planning commission with a copy of a transportation report from the
citizens League, which was given to the Council.
11.
Adjournment
There being
THE MEETING.
CARRIED 6-0.
no further business, COMMISSIONER TVEITE MOVED TO ADJOURN
COMMISSIONER KREGER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION
The meeting of the Elk River Planning Commission adjourned at approximately
8:55 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Ctf:II)jJ~(i-t tnlchmlcl6
Catherine M. Schmidt
Recording Secretary