09-22-1992 PC MIN
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MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER PLANNING COMMISSION
HELD AT THE ELK RIVER PUBLIC LIBRARY
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 1992
Members Present:
commissioners Tveite, Minton, Johnson, spotts and
VanValkenburg
Members Absent:
Chairman Nadeau and Commissioner Eberley
Staff Present:
Stephen Rohlf, Building and Zoning; Janelle Szklarski,
Zoning Assistant
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 7:00 p.m. by Acting Chair
Johnson.
2.
Consider 9/22/92 Planning Commission Agenda
Acting Chair Johnson added Item 3.1, Planning Commission Representative
to Attend City Council Meeting, to the agenda. Commissioner spotts
added Item 11.1, Topics for October Workshop, to the agenda.
Commissioner Minton added Item 11.2, Commission Goals, to the agenda.
Stephen Rohlf informed the Commission that Item 7, Custom Motors
Discussion, may need to be delayed until the applicants arrive.
COMMISSIONER MINTON
AGENDA AS AMENDED.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
MOVED TO APPROVE THE 9/22/92 PLANNING COMMISSION
COMMISSIONER TVEITE SECONDED THE MOTION. THE
3. Consider 8/25/92 Planning Commission Minutes
commissioner Minton noted that on Page 16, last paragraph, the word
passed should be replaced with past. Acting Chair Johnson noted that
on Page 1, Item 3, the motion should read 6-0-1, with Commissioner
spotts abstaining from the motion.
COMMISSIONER SPOTTS MOVED TO APPROVE
MINUTES AS AMENDED. COMMISSIONER
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
THE 8/25/92 PLANNING COMMISSION
TVEITE SECONDED THE MOTION. THE
3.1. Planning Commission Representative to Attend 10/19/92 City Council
Meeting
It was indicated that Commissioner Minton would attend the 10/19/92
City Council meeting to be held at the Elk River Public Library.
4.
Consider Preliminary Plat and Variance Request for Lake Point
Shores/Mike Leary and Marilyn VanPatten/Public Hearing (Continued)
Elk River Planning Commission Minutes
September 22, 1992
Page 2
.
Janelle Szklarski, Zoning
requesting that this item
Commission meeting as they
Assistant, stated that the applicants are
be continued until the October Planning
are working on revisions to the plat.
COMMISSIONER MINTON MOVED TO CONTINUE THE PUBLIC HEARING TO THE OCTOBER
27, 1992, PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING. COMMISSIONER TVEITE SECONDED
THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Gary Santwire questioned whether this item would be readvertised since
this is the second time the item has been continued. Ms. Szklarski
stated that this item will be republished and readvertised. If
additional property is involved with this request, a new list of
affected property owners would be notified. Steve Rohlf stated that
the applicants may need to withdraw their current application and
submit a new one, as the request would deal with new land and would
essentially be a new request.
Commissioner spotts questioned what would happen if the information
not supplied for the October meeting. Janelle Szklarski stated
staff would recommend denial of the request as there is a 120 day
limit during which action must be taken on plats.
was
that
time
5.
Consider Preliminary Plat and Variance Request for Elk Park Center
East/John Weicht and Associates/Public Hearing (Continued)
.
Steve Rohlf, Building and Zoning Administrator, introduced this item by
stating that the property is located in the C3 zoning district and
needs to have city sewer and water available to it before it can be
subdivided. The issue of city sewer and water has not been resolved,
therefore, staff is recommending denial of the request.
Commissioner VanValkenburg questioned how long it would
city sewer and water issue is resolved. Steve Rohlf
feasibility study was prepared, however, the Council has
it.
be until the
stated that a
not approved
Commissioner Minton questioned how Hillside Estates was able
if these issues were not resolved. Steve Rohlf stated that
enough capacity to handle a residential development, but not
this commercial development.
to develop
there was
enough for
John Weicht, 13330 Island View Drive questioned when the extension of
city sewer and water would be considered imminent and if they could
resubmit their plat once a feasibility study was approved. Steve Rohlf
stated that the feasibility study is only a part of the picture. Mr.
Rohlf suggested that he thought once plans and specs are being
prepared, Mr. Weicht could re-submit his application, but that
ultimately, this decision should be left up to the City Engineer.
.
Commissioner Minton questioned if there
applicant withdrawing the plat request
Commission recommending denial. Mr. Rohlf
wishes to have his request forwarded to
staff is recommending denial.
was an advantage to the
rather than the Planning
stated that the applicant
the City Council, therefore,
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Elk River Planning Commission Minutes
September 22, 1992
Page 3
Mr. Weicht questioned if it would be possible to meet with the Planning
Commission in a workshop setting with his engineers to discuss some of
the issues related to Elk Park Center West.
Steve Rohlf stated that he had some reservations with this issue being
discussed in a workshop setting. He further cautioned the Planning
Commission that they can only react to the applicant's suggestions.
Mr. Rohlf also questioned whether it was proper for the developer to
meet with the Planning Commission without staff being present. He
further stated that the meeting must be advertised due to the open
meeting law. Mr. Rohlf stated that he would like to check with the
City Attorney and City Administrator regarding this request.
Acting Chair Johnson requested that Mr. Rohlf follow up on this issue
in a timely manner so that adequate notice could be sent.
William Jones, 11763 194th
with the workshop idea
developer. He stated that
deserves to be reviewed at
Avenue, stated that
as he felt it was a
this is a very public
public meetings.
he was uncomfortable
lobbying effort by the
issue and therefore it
There being no further comment from the public, Acting Chair Johnson
closed the public hearing.
COMMISSIONER SPOTTS MOVED TO RECOMMEND DENIAL OF THE PRELIMINARY PLAT
AND VARIANCE REQUEST FOR THE PLAT OF ELK PARK CENTER EAST DUE TO THE
UNRESOLVED ISSUE OF THE EXTENSION OF CITY SEWER AND WATER AND
SPECIFICALLY THE ORDINANCE REQUIRING THAT THESE SERVICES ARE AVAILABLE
PRIOR TO DEVELOPMENT. COMMISSIONER TVEITE SECONDED THE MOTION. THE
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
6. Consider Conditional Use Permit Request by SuperAmerica/Public Hearing
(Continued)
Janelle Szklarski, Zoning Assistant, indicated that the proposed
SuperAmerica at the corner of 193rd Avenue and Highway 169 also has an
unresolved issue regarding the extension of city water and sewer to the
site. Ms. Szklarski further stated that staff is recommending that
this item be continued indefinitely until this issue is resolved.
COMMISSIONER MINTON MOVED TO CONTINUE THE PUBLIC HEARING
INDEFINITELY UNTIL THE ISSUE OF THE EXTENSION OF CITY
IS RESOLVED WITH READVERTISEMENT AND RENOTIFICATION.
TVEITE SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
ON THIS ITEM
SEWER AND WATER
COMMISSIONER
7. Consider Action Plan by Custom Motors
Steve Rohlf, Building and Zoning Administrator, requested that the
Planning Commission delay this item until the owners and their attorney
were present.
8.
Consider
Hearing
Permit Request/Tailwind Trailers/Public
Conditional
Use
Elk River Planning Commission Minutes
September 22, 1992
Page 4
.
Janelle Szklarski, Zoning Assistant, introduced this item. She stated
that Tailwind Trailers is requesting a conditional use permit for their
trailer sales lot located at 9784 Highway 10. Currently, Tailwind
Trailers is operating without a conditional use permit. Tailwind
Trailers is planning to expand their use by adding some more buildings
to the lot. Ms. Szk1arski briefly summarized her memo to the Planning
Commission dated September 17, 1992, which outlined several issues
related to the request.
Acting Chair Johnson opened the public hearing.
Cheryl
meaning
stated
display
Atkins, Tailwind Trailers,
of stipulation #5 outlined in
that this stipulation places
of trailers on the lot.
stated that she was unsure of the
staff's memo. Ms. Szklarski
restrictions on the storage and
.
Tom Baillargeon, 9744 Highway 10, stated that he owns property to the
east of Tailwind and that he has a 40 foot easement across Tailwind's
property to be used for access to his property. He stated that if
MnDOT ever removes his direct access to Highway 10 he will need this
easement or his property would be landlocked. He also stated that
frequently the easement is obstructed by the display of trailers,
parking of vehicles, unremoved snow, etc. Mr. Baillargeon also stated
that frequently customers come in larger vehicles, therefore, he felt
larger parking stalls were needed than what was shown on the site plan.
Ms. Atkins stated that they have always kept the road easement free of
obstructions, so Mr. Baillargeon should not have a problem getting to
his property. She further stated that Tailwind does pay for snow
removal within this easement. Ms. Atkins also stated that they realize
that their parking situation is not adequate and that they are before
the Planning Commission to bring their use up to code.
There being no further comments from the public, Acting Chair Johnson
closed the public hearing.
Commissioner spotts questioned the City's role in preventing
encroachments or obstructions within the easement. Ms. Szklarski
commented that the easement is a private easement between three parties
and that it is not in favor of the City.
Commissioner Minton stated that he felt that it was a legal matter that
would need to be resolved between the private parties.
Commissioner VanValkenburg questioned the City's right to put
restrictions on the private easement. Steve Rohlf stated that because
it is a private easement, it is not a City issue. Mr. Rohlf stated
that he thought it was proper for the City to dictate that a drive
remain open. other than that, it should be treated as a private issue.
.
Acting Chair Johnson questioned what happened after the conditional use
permit was denied in 1989. Ms. Szklarski stated that because Tailwind
Trailers did not make any changes to their site, they were
grandfathered-in.
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Elk River Planning Commission Minutes
September 22, 1992
Page 5
Commissioner spotts stated that the applicant needs to provide twelve
additional parking stalls according to staff's memo and questioned
where they would be located.
Janelle Szklarski stated that because the applicant needs to provide
additional parking stalls, perhaps a stipulation stating that these
parking stalls are larger than average should also be added to this
request.
Commissioner Minton stated that he felt that a stipulation stating that
the applicants provide a 24 foot wide paved driveway should also be
added.
Acting Chair Johnson stated that she was uncomfortable with allowing
the applicant to park or display trailers on the grass area as it is
contrary to City Code.
Commissioner Minton questioned if the issue of where the lot lines were
was something that would trigger this item back to the Planning
Commission. Ms. Szklarski stated that the issue could be resolved by
staff.
COMMISSIONER MINTON MOVED TO RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF THE CONDITIONAL USE
PERMIT FOR TAILWIND TRAILERS CITING STAFF'S MEMO DATED SEPTEMBER 17,
1992, SUBJECT TO THE FOLLOWING STIPULATIONS:
1.
THAT THE
EXISTING
PROPOSED
DETERMINE
APPLICANT PROVIDE
PROPERTY LINES AND
BUILDINGS. STAFF
WHETHER CERTAIN PARCELS
STAFF WITH A SURVEY
THEIR PROXIMITY TO
WOULD USE THIS
WOULD NEED TO BE
SHOWING
EXISTING
INFORMATION
COMBINED.
T~
AND
TO
2. THAT THE APPLICANT PLANT 32 TREES AS REQUIRED BY T~ LANDSCAPING
ORDINANCE. IN PARTICULAR, THAT THE BERM SHOWN ON THE SOUTH SIDE
OF THE PROPERTY LINE IS PLANTED WITH CONIFEROUS TREES TO HELP
SCREEN IT FROM THE RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY.
3. THAT THE DUMPSTER, MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT AND ROOFTOP EQUIPMENT ARE
ALL SCREENED PROPERLY ACCORDING TO ORDINANCE.
4. THAT LIGHTING FOR THE SITE MEETS CITY CODE.
5. THAT THE APPLICANT NOT BE ALLOWED TO STORE OR DISPLAY TRAILERS ON
THE NORTH SIDE OF THE IMPROVED ROADWAY. THE APPLICANT SHALL
MAINTAIN THE GRASSY AREA IN A NEAT MANNER.
6. THAT DRAINAGE CALCULATIONS AND THE GRADING PLAN FOR THIS SITE ARE
APPROVED BY T~ CITY ENGINEER. FURT~R, THAT IF NECESSARY, MNDOT
APPROVE GRADING FOR THE SITE AS IT RELATES TO T~ DITCH FOR
HIGHWAY 10.
7.
THAT THE APPLICANT PROVIDE 32 PARKING STALLS INCLUDING ONE
HANDICAPPED STALL AS PER CITY ORDINANCE.
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Elk River Planning Commission Minutes
September 22, 1992
Page 6
8.
THAT THE PROPOSED NEW STRUCTURE HAVE A BRICK FASCIA IN ORDER TO
COMPLY WITH THE ARCHITECTURAL STANDARDS FOR THE AREA.
9. THAT ALL EXISTING BUILDINGS THAT WERE REMODELED PRIOR TO BUILDING
PERMIT APPROVAL BE BROUGHT UP TO THE MINIMUM STANDARDS OF THE 1988
UNIFORM BUILDING CODE.
10. THAT THE APPLICANT VERIFY THAT THE INCREASED FLOW TO THE SOUTH
WILL NOT ADVERSELY AFFECT THIS AREA AND THAT A LARGER PVC PIPE TO
DISCHARGE OVERFLOW FROM THE SOUTH POND BE USED.
11. THAT THE APPLICANT PROVIDE A 24 FOOT WIDE PAVED DRIVEWAY WITHIN
THE ROAD EASEMENT AREA.
COMMISSIONER TVEITE SECONDED THE MOTION.
Acting Chair Johnson stated that she did not feel the applicant should
be able to display trailers on a grass area as the Code should be
enforced consistently. Janelle Szklarski stated that she will check
with the City Attorney as to whether the City can place any
stipulations on the use of the private easement for storage or display.
THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Acting Chair Johnson stated that regardless of whether this conditional
use permit is approved, she felt that the issue of parking on the site
should be addressed as she feels it is an unsafe situation.
9.
Consider Conditional Use Permit/Elk River Machine/Public Hearing
Steve Rohlf, Building and Zoning Administrator introduced this item by
stating that the applicant is requesting to build a 26,250 square foot
addition to an existing building located in the 11 zoning district. He
stated this item requires a conditional use permit because it is an
amendment to an existing conditional use permit which allowed multiple
principal structures on one lot. In addition, the applicant is
requesting that they be allowed to combine another lot with this parcel
which would add another building to the same lot. Mr. Rohlf stated
that the applicant is proposing to add parking to accommodate the
potential new employees of the proposed addition. He stated that staff
is recommending approval of the conditional use permit.
Acting Chair Johnson opened the public hearing.
Larry Ebert, Elk River Machine, stated that they are not changing the
use of the property, rather they are just enlarging their current use.
He stated that the proposed addition would add employees and would also
improve the view from the park as there would be trees planted and the
outside storage would be relocated.
There being no further comments from the public, Acting Chair Johnson
closed the public hearing.
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Elk River Planning Commission Minutes
September 22, 1992
Page 7
commissioner
the parking
property.
an easement
Mr. Rohlf
indirect.
Minton questioned how the applicant would have access to
lot if they do not acquire the additional piece of
Mr. Ebert stated that the present owners are willing to give
to Elk River Machine to access the proposed parking lot.
added that they currently have access, however, it is
Commissioner Minton questioned if the proposed addition would also
increase the outside storage. Larry Ebert stated that the storage will
not increase, however it will be moved from the east to the west side
and would therefore be less visible to the public.
Commissioner Minton questioned why the issue of the City planting trees
is a stipulation of this request as it is the City's responsibility to
fulfill this obligation. Steve Rohlf stated that the trees would be
planted on the Elk River Machine property and therefore approval from
Elk River Machine was needed.
COMMISSIONER SPOTTS MOVED TO RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF THE CONDITIONAL USE
PERMIT FOR ELK RIVER MACHINE CITING STAFF'S MEMO DATED SEPTEMBER 16,
1992, SUBJECT TO THE FOLLOWING STIPULATIONS:
1. THAT THEIR EXISTING PARKING LOT IS STRIPED.
2.
THAT THE PROPOSED ADDITIONAL PARKING LOT IS HARDSURFACED AND
STRIPED. FURTHER, THAT ACCESS TO THIS PARKING LOT IS FROM THE ELK
RIVER MACHINE PROPERTY OR THAT THEY SECURE AN EASEMENT.
3. THAT ELK RIVER MACHINE PROVIDE ACCESS TO THEIR PROPERTY FOR THE
CITY TO PLANT TREES.
COMMISSION TVEITE SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
COMMISSIONER SPOTTS MOVED TO RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF THE COMBINATION OF
LOTS WHICH WOULD ADD ANOTHER BUILDING ON THE SAME LOT. COMMISSIONER
MINTON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
A 10 minute recess was taken at this time.
10. Consider Ordinance Amendment to Section 900.22 Sign Regulations/City
of Elk River/Public Hearing
Janelle Szklarski, Zoning Assistant, stated that there were four issues
to be discussed in regards to the sign ordinance.
Large Commercial Signs Ms. Szklarski introduced this item by
stating that staff was recommending that wall signage in the C3
district be increased to 2 square feet of sign area for each linear
foot of building frontage and that the maximum size of wall signage be
increased from 128 square feet to 300 square feet. Steve Rohlf,
Building and Zoning Administrator, added that staff is also
recommending that there be a mechanism to allow more than two wall
signs per tenant as some businesses have frontage on three sides and
may need additional wall signage.
Elk River Planning Commission Minutes
September 22, 1992
Page 8
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Commissioner Spotts stated that the businesses are also allowed pylon
signs and that these could act as the third sign. Janelle Szklarski
stated that in the case of gas stations, a canopy also needs a sign.
Steve Rohlf indicated that a minimum size of sign may also be needed to
accommodate small tenants. Commissioner Tveite questioned the signage
requirements for tenants with no frontage at all. The issue of shared
tenants and sub-leases was discussed in regards to dividing the signage
allowed for that particular building amongst the tenants.
Acting Chair Johnson opened the public hearing. There being no one for
or against the item, Acting Chair Johnson closed the public hearing.
The consensus of the Planning Commission was that two square feet of
sign area per linear foot of building frontage be allowed in the C3
district and that the maximum size of wall signs be increased to 300
square feet. The Planning Commission also felt that three signs per
occupant should be allowed with a minimum size of 50 square feet also
allowed.
.
Commissioner spotts asked staff to check with other communities as it
appears that they are leaning towards uniformity in signage for malls.
Ms. Szklarski stated that strip malls are currently a conditional use
permit and therefore the issue of signage can be addressed through that
process.
It was the consensus of the Planning Commission that
their recommendation into an ordinance amendment to
the Planning Commission at the October 27 meeting.
staff incorporate
be brought back to
Shimmering Discs - Steve Rohlf introduced this item by stating that
the City Council had interpreted that the shimmering discs used on
billboards fell within the definition of animated or flashing signs
which are illegal in the City of Elk River. Mr. Rohlf further stated
that it was the consensus of staff that these discs do not pose any
safety hazards. Mr. Rohlf referenced the material supplied by Mr. Dick
Mlodzik of Skoglund OUtdoor Advertising which outlined several cases
involving the use of this glittering material. Mr. Rohlf stated that
in addition to the three alternatives outlined in staff's memo dated
September 14, 1992, a fourth alternative was also available. That
alternative would be to change the definition of animated and flashing
so as not to include this material.
Dick Mlodzik, Skoglund Outdoor, stated that this material called solar
rays, has been successfully used in traffic signs to prevent accidents,
not cause them. He indicated that the solar ray business has been
around for twenty-two years and that the City should not have an
anti-business attitude towards their use.
.
Commissioner Minton stated that the issue before the Planning
Commission was not the use of solar rays on traffic signs, but rather
on advertising signs and he was concerned that by attracting attention,
Elk River Planning Commission Minutes
September 22, 1992
Page 9
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the solar rays could in fact cause some safety problems when used in
advertising devices.
James Kleinke, Franklin Outdoor Advertising, stated that their industry
frequently meets with MnDOT and they have never indicated that they
have a problem with the use of solar rays in regards to safety. Steve
Rohlf questioned whether the Planning Commission wished to regulate a
maximum percentage of a billboard which could be covered by solar rays.
Acting Chair Johnson stated that she agreed that too many solar rays
could be dangerous. Dick Mlodzik stated that the solar rays are a very
expensive advertising tool and that they are best when used as an
accent. He felt that it would be too expensive for businesses to use
too many solar rays and that he did not think it would present a
problem.
COMMISSIONER TVEITE MOVED TO RECOMMEND TO THE CITY COUNCIL THAT SOLAR
RAYS NOT BE INTERPRETED TO FALL WITHIN THE DEFINITION OF FLASHING OR
ANIMATED SIGNS. COMMISSIONER VANVALKENBURG SECONDED THE MOTION.
Commissioner spotts stated that he thought staff should use their
discretion with the issue of safety and that if a sign presents a
safety hazard by the use of too many solar rays, staff could order that
it be taken down.
.
THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Acting Chair Johnson stated that she would like staff to check on
another safety concern; that being the ballfield lights. When a person
is headed eastbound on Highway 10, they present a major safety problem.
Nowthen Country Store/Off-Premise Signs - Steve Rohlf introduced this
item by stating that Nowthen Country Store has two off-premise signs
which are non-conforming in regard to their location. Mr. Rohlf stated
that he did not know how to address this specific case through an
ordinance amendment without opening the door for other off-premise
signs to be located in residential zones.
Ed Klemesh, Nowthen Country Store, stated that the signs have been
there for over seven years and that he has not had any complaints other
than those of the City. Mr. Klemesh stated that his business is a
rural business and he needs signs to direct people to the store. Mr.
Rohlf stated that the Planning Commission and Council recently
addressed the need of off-premise signage for rural based businesses.
However, Nowthen Country Store does not meet the intent of this
ordinance.
.
Mr. Klemesh questioned why this
business definition. Commissioner
rural based business refers to
areas by necessity, not by choice.
sign did not meet the rural based
Tveite stated that the definition of
those businesses that locate in rural
Mr. Klemesh stated that he did not feel that the City should make him
remove the signs as they are not hurting anyone. Commissioner Spotts
.
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Elk River Planning Commission Minutes
September 22, 1992
Page 10
stated that if these signs are allowed, then other signs in residential
zones will follow and it will become very cluttered. Mr. Rohlf stated
that staff is not recommending an ordinance amendment to address this
specific case.
Bill Kennedy, Kennedy Gardens, stated his support for the Nowthen
Country Store signs.
Commissioner VanValkenburg stated that he cannot see how the City could
allow those signs to stay without opening the door to other signs.
Commissioner Minton questioned why the signs could not be
grandfathered-in. Mr. Rohlf stated that staff has found no evidence of
permits being issued for these signs and that the billboard regulations
did not allow off-premise signs in that area at the time these signs
were constructed.
It was the consensus of the Planning Commission that no ordinance
amendment was needed to address this situation.
Farmers Market -
of a Farmer's
october S, 1992,
Bill Kennedy,
Market will
meeting.
Kennedy Gardens, stated that the issue
be discussed with the City Council at the
It was the consensus of the Planning commission that because so many
issues related to signage for a Farmer's Market are unresolved, this
issue would be better discussed when these details are ironed out with
the City Council.
Commissioner spotts requested that staff check with the St. Paul and
Minneapolis Farmer's Market to determine what signage requirements they
had.
Ms. Szklarski stated that the City Council had directed the Planning
commission to review the identification signs allowed in the C1
district as a result of the Bank of Elk River's sign request. It was
the consensus of the Planning Commission to work on this issue at the
October 27, 1992, Planning Commission meeting.
7.
Consider Action Plan by Custom Motors
Steve Rohlf, Building and Zoning Administrator, distributed an updated
action plan titled "Focus on Issues". Mr. Rohlf summarized the
proposal. The decision on whether to screen or relocate is highly
dependent on the amount of funding available and required for each
alternative. Mr. Rohlf emphasized that staff, the Planning Commission,
City Council and the applicant should all work together to resolve this
issue. Mr. Rohlf reminded the Planning Commission that Custom Motors
is a legal business as it has a conditional use permit and is located
in the proper zoning district. He further stated that staff feels the
salvage yard should screen in the interim even if the ultimate choice
is to relocate it.
Elk River Planning Commission Minutes
september 22, 1992
Page 11
.
Bob Miller, Attorney
like the City Council's
regarding the future
further.
for Custom Motors, stated
input. They feel that
of this use is needed
that his clients would
the Council's intent
before they can go any
Commissioner Tveite stated that he is sympathetic to Custom Motors
situation, however he feels that screening is a top priority as it is
one of the stipulations of their CUP.
Mr. Miller stated that before they can implement a screening plan they
need an indication from the City Council as to what the future of
Custom Motors is. steve Rohlf stated that he felt this issue should be
brought to the City Council at their October 19 meeting and that the
applicants should also submit a landscape plan for the Council's
review. Mr. Rohlf suggested that two plans be shown; a temporary plan
if relocation is the ultimate decision and a permanent screening plan
if the use is to remain. Mr. Rohlf further stated that he is
recommending a more detailed action plan with firm deadlines
incorporated in it.
.
Commissioner VanValkenburg stated
long and questioned its ability to
Miller answered that most likely,
owners will be needed in order to
property.
that the parcel is rather narrow and
be developed residentially. Mr.
coordination with adjoining property
develop the land as residential
Commissioner Minton stated that
be relocation and that the City
achieve this goal as the primary
he felt that the long range goal should
should work with Custom Motors to
factor is economics.
Acting Chair Johnson agreed that the long range plan for this area
should remain residential and that screening was a must. She further
suggested that the applicant meet with Bill Rubin, Economic Development
Coordinator, to discuss possible economic incentives.
Commissioner Minton
Rohlf stated that
question.
questioned the use of TIF for this
Bill Rubin, should be contacted
project. Mr.
to answer that
It was the consensus of the Planning Commission that relocation is the
preferred alternative, but that a cooperative spirit between staff, the
City Council and Custom Motors should be maintained to reach that goal.
commissioner spotts questioned what the applicant's wishes were in
regards to the future of Custom Motors as this was as important as what
the City would like to see happen.
11. other Business
.
11.1 October Workshop
The topic of the proposed commercial development, Elk Park Center
West, at the October Planning Commission workshop was discussed.
Commissioner Minton felt that this was not an appropriate topic
.
.
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Elk River Planning Commission Minutes
September 22, 1992
Page 12
for the workshop as it appeared to be a lobbying effort by the
developer.
Commissioner Tveite stated that as long as this meeting was open
and published, there should not be a concern.
Acting Chair Johnson stated that she really felt that the issue of
traffic should be discussed at this meeting in order to understand
the issue more clearly. Steve Rohlf stated that he would consult
with the City Engineer, Terry Maurer, in regards to the traffic
study and possibly arrange a worksession on this topic alone. Mr.
Rohlf also stated that the developer should be invited, the
meeting should be open to the public and that he needed to check
with the City Attorney on this topic.
11.2 Planning Commission Goals
Commissioner Minton reviewed the goals of the Planning
Commission. It was the consensus of the Planning Commission that
the Downtown Redevelopment Plan is a possible topic for the
November workshop.
12. Adjournment
There being no further business, COMMISSIONER TVEITE MOVED
THE MEETING. COMMISSIONER SPOTTS SECONDED THE MOTION.
CARRIED 5-0.
TO ADJOURN
THE MOTION
The meeting of the Elk River Planning Commission adjourned at approximately
11:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
~~
Janelle Szklarski
Zoning Assistant