12-28-1993 PC MIN
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MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER PLANNING COMMISSION
HELD AT ELK RIVER CITY HALL
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 28, 1993
Members Present:
Chairman Minton, Commissioners Eberley, Kuester, and Tacheny.
Members Absent:
Commissioners Kreger and Tveite.
Staff Present:
Steven B. Ach, City Planner, Steve Rohlf, Building & Zoning
Administrator, Terry Maurer, City Engineer, Gary Schmitz, Catherine
Schmidt, Recording Secretary.
1. Call Meetina 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 Plannina Commission Aaenda
Commissioner Eberley added general update items, Chairman Minton added
discussion regarding the Annual Meeting.
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COMMISSIONER EBERLEY MOVED TO APPROVE THE 12/28/93 PLANNING
COMMISSION AGENDA. COMMISSIONER KUESTER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE
MOTION CARRIED 4-0.
3.
Consider Plannina Commission Minutes
COMMISSIONER TACHENY MOVED TO APPROVE THE 11/23/93 PLANNING
COMMISSION MINUTES. COMMISSIONER EBERLEY SECONDED THE MOTION. THE
MOTION CARRIED 4-0.
4. Planning Commission Representative to Attend City Council Meetina
It was indicated Commissioner Kuester would attend the 1/18/94 City Council
meeting to be held at Elk River City Hall.
5. Consider A Conditional Use Permit Renewal bv NSP, Public Hearina, Case No. CU
87-01
Staff report presented by Steve Rohlf. NSP requested a renewal of the conditional
use permit to process municipal solid waste into refuse derived fuel (RDF). The
City Council will also consider a solid waste facility license for this plant. Mr. Rohlf
presented a memo from Terry Maurer dated December 27, 1993.
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Glen Kaas, NSP, gave a brief overview of NSP's facility and presented a handout
to the Planning Commission. Commissioner Eberley commented that a tour of
the facility in the past was very educational and perhaps another tour would
update the current Commission on the facility. Mr. Kaas stated he would be
happy to arrange a tour for the Planning Commission and City Council. ~'f!1!CJfUJWf'
Planning Commission Minutes
December 28, 1993
Page 2
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Bob Evans, NRG, explained the operations of the RDF processing facility and why
NRG is requesting the change in name from NSP to NRG and presented a
handout to the Commission.
Chairman Minton opened the public hearing. Discussion between the
Commissioners took place. There being no comments from the public, Chairman
Minton closed the public hearing.
COMMISSIONER EBERLEY RECOMMENDED APPROVAL OF THE RENEWAL OF THE
SOLID WASTE FACILITY CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT BY NORTHERN STATES POWER
(NSP), CASE NO. CU 87-01, TO PROCESS MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE INTO REFUSE
DERIVED FUEL LOCATED AT 1 0700-165TH AVENUE NW, ELK RIVER, MN, CITING
STAFF'S MEMO AND TERRY MAURER'S MEMO. A PUBLIC HEARING WAS HELD AND
THERE WAS NO OPPOSITION. THE USE MEETS THE SEVEN STANDARDS FOR
GRANTING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT AND IS CONSISTENT WITH THE
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN. THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS WILL BE ADHERED TO:
1. THE CITY ENGINEER CONTINUES TO MONITOR TRAFFIC ISSUES ASSOCIATED
WITH NSP'S PLANT AND CHANGES TO ROADS AND/OR PLANT OPERATIONS
ARE ORDERED IN HE FUTURE, IF WARRANTED.
2.
THE POTABLE WATER ISSUE (LEAD) IS RESOLVED TO STAFF'S SATISFACTION.
This condition does not take an amendment to NSP's permits.
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3.
NSP'S DUST COLLECTION SYSTEM MEET STATE PERFORMANCE STANDARDS.
This conditional does not take an amendment to NSP's permits.
4. NRG BE NAMED AS THE PERMITEE ON THE CITY'S LICENSE AND
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT, BUT NSP CO-SIGNS THE PERMITS.
COMMISSIONER KUESTER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 4-0.
6. Consider a Conditional Use Permit Renewal by UPA, Public Hearinq, Case No. CU
87-02
Staff report presented by Steve Rohlf. United Power Association (UPA) requested
renewal of their conditional use permit to operate a solid waste facility. The City
Council will also act on a license for this facility.
Jim Eggan and Steve Shurts, both of UPA, briefly explained the testing standards
as directed by State and Federal levels and why emission of mercury was chosen
as a testing standard.
Chairman Minton opened the public hearing. There being not comments from
the public, Chairman Minton closed the public hearing.
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Commissioner Eberley expressed concerns regarding the self contained water
system. Mr. Shurts explained the system and the testing system for iron levels. Iron
levels are monitored weekly and audited by the State (MPCA).
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December 28, 1993
Page 3
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Discussion among the Commissioners ensued.
COMMISSIONER EBERLEY RECOMMENDED APPROVAL OF THE RENEWAL OF THE
SOLID WASTE FACILITY CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT RENEWAL BY UNITED POWER
ASSOCIATION (UPA), CASE NO. CU 87-02, TO BURN REFUSE DERIVED FUEL LOCATED
AT 17845 HIGHWAY 10, ELK RIVER, MN, CITING STAFF'S MEMO AND TERRY MAURER'S
MEMO. A PUBLIC HEARING WAS HELD AND THERE WAS NO OPPOSITION. THE USE
MEETS THE SEVEN STANDARDS FOR GRANTING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT AND IS
CONSISTENT WITH THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN. THE FOLLOWING CONDITION WILL
BE ADHERED TO:
1. NEW, MORE RESTRICTIVE STATE OR FEDERAL STANDARDS ARE
AUTOMATICALLY INCORPORATED INTO UPA'S CITY PERMITS.
7. Consider a Conditional Use Permit by Paul Krause, Public Hearing, Case No. CU
93-39
Presented by Gary Schmitz. Paul Krause requested a conditional use permit to
add a temporary driving range to his golf course facility.
Chairman Minton opened the public hearing. There being no comments from
the public, Chairman Minton closed the public hearing.
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Commissioner Kuester expressed concern regarding pedestrians crossing Waco -
some type of warning or road markings may be appropriate. Mr. Maurer
responded that the City would be responsible to stripe pavement however, Mr.
Krause would be responsible for putting up signs on golf course property warning
pedestrians of traffic. Also, Street Superintendent Phil Hals and Police Chief Tom
Zerwas should be informed of this request and asked for their input.
Commissioner Eberley questions that if landscaping requirements are waived for
this use, would that set a precedent for future "temporary uses?" Steve Ach
explained that his use is an accessory facility to the golf course and that the golf
course, as a whole, meets the current landscaping requirements per City code.
COMMISSIONER EBERLEY MOVED TO RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF A CONDITIONAL
USE PERMIT BY PAUL KRAUSE, BASE NO. CU 93-39, TO ADD A TEMPORARY DRIVING
RANGE TO THE PINEWOOD COUNTRY CLUB FACILITY, CITING STAFF'S MEMO AND
NOTING THAT THE REQUEST MEETS THE SEVEN STANDARDS FOR GRANTING A
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT. THIS IS AN ACCESSORY FACILITY TO THE GOLF COURSE
AND THE GOLF (AS A WHOLE) MEETS THE CURRENT LANDSCAPING REQUIREMENTS
PER CITY CODE. THE USE IS CONSISTENT WITH THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN. A
PUBLIC HEARING WAS HELD AND THERE WAS NO OPPOSITION. THE FOLLOWING
CONDITIONS WILL BE ADHERED TO:
1. THE DRIVING RANGE BE LIMITED TO 15 TEE STALLS, UNLESS ADDITIONAL
PARKING IS PROVIDED.
2.
HOURS OF THE DRIVING RANGE BE CONSISTENT WITH THAT OF THE GOLF
COURSE.
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December 28, 1993
Page 4
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3.
THE EXISTING PARKING LOT OF THE GOLF COURSE BE UPGRADED TO MEET
EXISTING CODE REQUIREMENTS (BITUMINOUS SURFACING, STRIPING,
SETBACKS) WITHIN A THREE YEAR TIME PERIOD. A PLAN SHALL BE SUBMITTED
TO THE CITY ILLUSTRATING THE THREE PHASES OF IMPROVEMENT AND WHEN
THOSE WILL BE COMPLETED.
4. THIS USE BE REVIEWED ON A TWO YEAR BASIS TO ENSURE COMPATIBILITY
WITH THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AND SURROUNDING DEVELOPMENT
ACTIVITY.
5. STAFF REVIEW PEDESTRIAN WARNING SIGNS FOR THE WACO CROSSING
AREA WITH STREET SUPERINTENDENT PHIL HALS AND POLICE CHIEF TOM
ZERW AS.
COMMISSIONER TACHENY SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 4-0.
8.
Consider Preliminary Plat and Conditional Use Permit Reauest by SuoerAmerica,
Public Hearina, Case No. P 92-7 and CU 92-16
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Staff report presented by Steve Ach. SuperAmerica requested preliminary plat to
subdivide approximately 12 acres into one commercial lot and one outlot, and a
conditional use permit to operate a motor vehicle station and convenience store.
Terry Maurer presented issues regarding drainage and utilities. Mr. Ach stated
that staff received a revised site plan and the sedimentation pond area has been
revised.
Chairman Minton opened the public hearing.
Carl Carlson introduced members from his group and briefed the Planning
Commission regarding this request. John Bogart (John Oliver & Associates)
explained the revisions and discussed the easement issue. Terry Maurer stated
that an easement corridor should be provided, however, an actual easement on
an outlot is premature.
Mike Rasnak, SuperAmerica, discussed the conditional use permit and questioned
the signage requirements. Steve Ach explained why a monument style sign was
proposed and further discussed the signage issues.
Commissioner Eberley discussed the wooded ridge and requested clarification
regarding the protection of the ridge and trees along the ridge. John Bogart
explained the land contour and the proposed tree protections. Discussion
ensued.
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COMMISSIONER EBERLEY RECOMMENDED APPROVAL OF THE PRELIMINARY PLAT
TO SUBDIVIDE APPROXIMATELY 12 ACRES INTO ONE COMMERCIAL LOT AND ONE
OUTLOT BY SUPERAMERICA ON THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF HIGHWAY 169 AND
193RD AVENUE, ELK RIVER, MN, CASE NO. P 92-7, CITING STAFF'S MEMO AS
FINDING OF FACT. THE REQUEST IS CONSISTENT WITH THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
AND MEETS CURRENT CITY ORDINANCES. A PUBLIC HEARING WAS HELD AND THERE
WAS NO OPPOSITION. THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS WILL BE ADHERED TO:
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December 28, 1993
Page 5
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1.
ISSUES OUTLINED IN TERRY MAURER'S MEMO DATED DECEMBER 16, 1993, BE
ADDRESSED AND/OR INCORPORATED INTO THE PRELIMINARY PLAT.
2. A DRAINAGE AND UTILITY EASEMENT BE ESTABLISHED ALONG THE SOUTHEAST
PROPERTY LINE PROTECTING THE RIDGE AND EXISTING TREES. THIS
EASEMENT SHALL BE A MINIMUM OF 30 FEET IN WIDTH AND FOLLOW THE
SOUTHEAST PROPERTY LINE.
3. ELK RIVER UTILITIES, BE CONTACTED TO ARRANGE THE EXTENSION OF
ELECTRICAL SERVICES TO THE PROPERTY.
4. A STREET LIGHT BE INSTALLED AT THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF 193RD AVENUE
AND THE EASTERLY ENTRANCE DRIVE.
5. CASH PAYMENT OF PARK DEDICATION IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,500 PER ACRE
BE PAID PRIOR TO RELEASING THE FINAL PLAT FOR RECORDING.
6. PA YMENT OF $7,500 TO THE CITY OF ELK RIVER FOR THE PROPERTY'S FAIR
SHARE COST FOR SIGNALIZATION IMPROVEMENTS AT 193RD AVENUE AND
HIGHWAY 169.
7. PAYMENT OF A TRUCK SANITARY SEWER AND WATER MAIN ASSESSMENT IN
THE AMOUNT OF $3,800 PER ACRE BE PAID PRIOR TO RELEASING FINAL PLAT
FOR RECORDING.
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8.
COMPLETING A DEVELOPERS AGREEMENT FOR OAK PARC PLAZA PLAT.
9. PROVIDE TO THE CITY FOR REVIEW AND APPROVAL A DEVELOPMENT PLAN
ILLUSTRATING THE GENERAL GRADING, STORM/SEDIMENTATION PONDING
NEEDS AND FINISHED FLOOR ELEVATIONS OF BUILDINGS.
COMMISSIONER TACHENY SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 4-0.
COMMISSIONER KUESTER RECOMMENDED APPROVAL OF THE CONDITIONAL USE
PERMIT TO OPERATE A MOTOR VEHICLE STATION AND CONVENIENCE STORE BY
SUPERAMERICA, LOCATED AT THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF HIGHWAY 169 AND
193RD AVENUE, ELK RIVER, MN, CASE NO. CU 92-16, CITING STAFF'S MEMO AS
FINDING OF FACT. THE REQUEST IS CONSISTENT WITH THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
AND MEETS THE SEVEN STANDARDS FOR GRANTING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT. A
PUBLIC HEARING WAS HELD AND THERE WAS NO OPPOSITION. THE FOLLOWING
CONDITIONS WILL BE ADHERED TO:
1. ISSUES OUTLINED IN TERRY MAURER'S MEMO DATED DECEMBER 16, 1993, BE
ADDRESSED AND/OR INCORPORATED INTO THE SITE PLAN FOR
DEVELOPMENT OF LOT 1, OAK PARC PLAZA.
2. B612 CONCRETE CURB AND GUTTER BE USED THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE SITE.
3.
SUPERAMERICA PRESENT PLANS OF A MONUMENT STYLE SIGN TO CITY STAFF
FOR REVIEW AND APPROVAL.
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December 28, 1993
Page 6
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4.
PROVIDE A DIVERSITY OF LANDSCAPING AND MAINTAIN CLEAR SIGH
VISIBILITY TRIANGLES.
5. SOD ALL DISTURBED AREAS.
6. FOLLOW BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES AND INSTALL SILT FENCE AND
OTHER EROSION CONTROL MEASURES AS DETERMINED BY THE CITY
ENGINEER.
7. TRASH ENCLOSURE BE CONSTRUCTED OF MASONRY MATERIAL SIMILAR TO
THE BUILDING AND HA VE GATES.
8. A 24 FOOT WIDE DRIVE ISLE BE MAINTAINED AROUND THE SOUTH END OF
THE CANOPY. DRIVE ISLE DIMENSION SHALL BE MEASURED FROM THE CURB
TO THE NEAREST POINT OF A VEHICLE DISPENSING GASOLINE.
9. UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANK VENTING PIPES BE SCREENED WITH
LANDSCAPING AND/OR LATTICE.
10. LETTER FROM UPA AUTHORIZING USE OF 50 FOOT EASEMENT ALONG
HIGHWAY 169.
11. EXISTING TREES IN MNDOT RIGHT OF WAY AND ALONG THE WEST PROPERTY
LINE SHALL NOT BE REMOVED.
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12.
THE PROPOSED GRADING PLAN FOR SUPERAMERICA SHALL BE REVISED TO
BE CONSISTENT WITH THE DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR THIS PLAT.
13. THE GRADING PLAN SHALL BE DESIGNED WITH MAXIMUM SLOPES NOT
EXCEEDING CITY STANDARDS.
COMMISSIONER T ACHENY SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 4-0.
9. Consider a Conditional Use Permit Reauest bv Steve LaTour. Public Hearinq, Case
No. CU 93-40
Staff report presented by Gary Schmitz. The applicant, Steve LaTour, requested a
conditional use permit to encroach on the 300 foot setback for a metal skin
building. Mr. LaTour was not present at the public hearing.
Chairman Minton opened the public hearing. There being no comments from
the public, Chairman Minton closed the public hearing.
Discussion among the Commissioners ensued.
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COMMISSIONER EBERLEY RECOMMENDED APPROVAL OF THE CONDITIONAL USE
PERMIT REQUEST BY STEVEN LATOUR, 11-63-207 AVENUE NW, ELK RIVER, MN TO
ENCROACH ON THE 300 FOOT SETBACK FOR A METAL SKIN BUILDING, CASE NO. CU
93-40, CITING STAFF'S MEMO AS FINDING OF FACT. THE REQUEST MEETS THE SEVEN
STANDARDS FOR GRANTING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT AND IS CONSISTENT WITH
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December 28, 1993
Page 7
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THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN. A PUBLIC HEARING WAS HELD AND THERE WAS NO
OPPOSITION. THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS WILL BE ADHERED TO:
1. THE COLOR OF THE BUILDING BE COMPATIBLE WITH THE COLOR OF THE
EXISTING HOME.
2. THE LOCATION OF THE BUILDING BE CONSISTENT WITH THE SITE PLAN.
COMMISSIONER KUESTER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 4-0.
10. Consider a Variance Request bv Gary Westerland, Public Hearing, Case No. V 93-
l.Q
Staff report presented by Gary Schmitz. Gary Westerland requested a 50 foot
variance to the 100 foot shoreland setback requirement for the Elk River.
Chairman Minton opened the public hearing. There being no comments from
the public, Chairman Minton closed the public hearing.
Discussion among the Commissioners ensued.
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COMMISSIONER EBERLEY RECOMMENDED APPROVAL OF THE VARIANCE REQUEST
FOR A 50 FOOT VARIANCE TO THE 100 FOOT SHORELAND SETBACK REQUIREMENT
FROM THE ELK RIVER BY GARY WESTERLAND, 14133 HIGHWAY 10 NW, ELK RIVER,
MN, CASE NO. V 93-10, CITING STAFF'S MEMO AS FINDING OF FACT. IT WILL NOT
ADVERSELY AFFECT THE EXISTING OR POTENTIAL USE OF ADJACENT LAND. THE
REQUEST IS IN CONFORMANCE WITH THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AND MEETS THE
FIVE STANDARDS OF VARIANCE REVIEW. THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS WILL BE
ADHERED TO:
1. THE APPROVAL IS CONTINGENT UPON THE APPLICANT RECEIVING A
FA VORABLE RESPONSE FROM THE DNR.
2. AT THE TIME OF BUILDING PERMIT APPLICATION, THE APPLICANT MUST SHOW
THA T THE LOWEST FLOOR ELEVATION IS AT OR ABOVE THE 883 ELEVATION.
COMMISSIONER KUESTER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 4-0.
Commissioner Eberley thanked Mr. Schmitz on the thoroughness of his staff
memos and findings of fact presented for Planning Commission review.
11. Consider Business Park Zonina Ordinance, Public Hearinq, Case No. OA 93-9
Staff report presented by Steve Ach. Staff proposed a business park zoning
ordinance structured to facilitate the development of light manufacturing and
office uses along with limited commercial. The standards found in this proposed
ordinance are a step above current standards in the 11 (Light Industrial) and 12
(Medium Industrial) Districts.
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Chairman Minton opened the public hearing. There being no comments from
the public, Chairman Minton closed the public hearing.
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Planning Commission Minutes
December 28, 1993
Page 8
Commissioner Eberley questioned using titles such as "Zoning Administrator" and
the potential of future conflicts. Mr. Ach responded that the title Zoning
Administrator did not indicate an individual and therefore, should not be a
conflict. Further, the Zoning Ordinance is written as such that using the title
Zoning Administrator removed doubt of its intent.
COMMISSIONER EBERLEY RECOMMENDED APPROVAL OF THE ADOPTION OF THE
BUSINESS PARK ZONING ORDINANCE CITING STAFF'S MEMO AS FINDING OF FACT,
CASE NO. OA 93-9. COMMISSIONER TACHENY SECONDED THE MOTION. THE
MOTION CARRIED 4-0.
12. OTHER BUSINESS/STAFF UPDATES
Steve Ach state there is a conflict with his schedule and Terry Maurer's schedule
regarding the January Planning Commission workshop and requested the
Planning Commission consider rescheduling Mr. Maurer's presentation to the
February workshop.
Steve Ach notified the Planning Commission of the February 7, 1994, meeting
date with the City Council to discuss various issues that will be coming up in 1994.
Steve Ach presented an article to the Planning Commission regarding the issue of
suburban communities closing their door to low and moderate income housing
opportunities. This subject recently reached the State Legislature with a proposed
bill that would require communities to provide their "fair share" of low and
moderate income housing opportunities. Mr. Ach will keep the Commission
informed.
Gary Schmitz presented a summary of accessory structure requests for 1993, and
a comparison of how other communities regulate accessory structure requests.
No formal action was required, this was merely a discussion item.
Chairman Minton added discussion regarding the Planning Commission's Annual
Meeting, to be held on January 22, 1994, at 8:30 a.m. and requested staff make
arrangements in City Hall for this meeting.
Commissioner Kuester gave a brief presentation after her attendance at a
Planning Commission meeting in the City of Ramsey.
Chairman Minton presented a letter of recommendation for Donald Spotts after
his recent resignation of Planning Commissioner. COMMISSIONER EBERLEY
MOVED TO APPROVE THE LETTER AND A COPY BE SENT TO DONALD SPOTTS.
COMMISSIONER KUESTER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 4-0.
Commissioner Eberley asked staff about the concerns raised by the Planning
Commission regarding TIF projects. What was the response from the City Council,
etc. Steve Ach explained.
Commissioner Eberley asked staff what the current situation is regarding Custom
Motors. Steve Ach replied that Steve Rohlf, Building and Zoning Administrator, is
Planning Commission Minutes
December 28, 1993
Page 9
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working with Custom Motors, however, staff will present an update at the next
Planning Commission meeting.
13.
Adjournment
There being no further business, COMMISSIONER TACHENY MOVED TO ADJOURN
THE MEETING. COMMISSIONER EBERLEY SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION
CARRIED 4-0.
The meeting of the Elk River Planning Commission adjourned at approximately 11: 15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
()dMdiJl1L In )Am,ctO
Catherine M. Schmidt
Recording Secretary
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