03-06-1990 PC MIN
.
MINUTES OF THE ELK RIVER PLANNING COMMISSION
HELD AT THE ELK RIVER PUBLIC LIBRARY
TUESDAY, MARCH 6, 1990
Members Present:
Chairman Kimball, Commissioners Johnson, Eberley,
Schroeder, Morton and Nadeau
Members Absent:
Commissioner Fuchs
Staff Present:
Stephen Rohlf, Building and Zoning Administrator;
Bill Weber, Planning Consultant, BRW, INC; Richard
Woldorsky, Planning Consultant, BRW, INC.
1.
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof; the meeting of the Elk River
Planning Commission was called to order at 7:15 p.m. by Chairman
Kimball.
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Chairman Kimball provided background information for the meeting
indicating that this is a preliminary hearing and the information will
be passed on to the City Council. Chairman Kimball indicated that the
City Planners; Bill Weber and Richard Woldosky of BRW were present to
discuss some of their preliminary findings and plans and also to
receive information. Chairman Kimball indicated that the Planning
Commission probably would not be making a recommendation to the Council
tonight until they have time to process the new information.
Steve Rohlf, Building and Zoning Administrator, explained that two
years ago the City finished a Growth Management Plan (long range
plan). The City has identified four areas that need to be looked at in
more detail. Area "A" and "B" are two of the areas that are going to
be presented tonight. Mr. Rohlf further indicated that this is a
follow up of the original planning process in 1988. Mr. Rohlf explained
what we will be looking at tonight is what uses will go where, such as
multifamily, SFD, commercial, industrial, possible parks, and future
road connections. Mr. Rohlf explained that the planning study issue is
not about low income housing or City sewer and water for those of you
that have questions and concern regarding this issue.
Steve explained the land use map (which is a long range plan for the
City) and the zoning map (which is the current existing zoning) on the
site.
Bill Weber of BRW indicated that they were asked by the City Council
last fall to take a look at four locations in detail to see how they
should be allowed to develop. The City Council asked us to take a took
at the land use pattern, the street pattern, and give recommendations
on landscaping and other elements that we refer to as urban design.
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At this time Mr. Weber explained "Area A" which is basically in the
southwestern portion of the City and is bound by the Elk River on the
north, Orono Lake on the east, the Mississippi River on the south, and
the western city limits on the east. Mr. Weber noted a few of the
existing items in the area were; Orono park, the fairgound, four
ballfields, Sherburne County Government Center and to the southeast of
Planning Commission Minutes
March 6, 1990
Page 2
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the government center there is an approved but not developed
residential subdivision. Mr. Weber showed and explained three
alternative layouts for the land use and traffic circulation patterns
within "Focus Area A" which had been presented to the Planning
Commission a couple of weeks ago.
Chairman Kimball opened the hearing for those who had questions or
statements to make. Chairman Kimball explained that any written or oral
statement at this hearing will be considered. by the Planning Commission
in their final decision.
Al Sanudo 13416 Riverview Drive suggested the sewer should be
extended to the east to promote more business and jobs. Mr. Sanudo
indicated his major concern would be the high density multifamily
housing in the area.
.
Mr. Rohlf indicated that Mr. Sanudo is within the city sewer and water
district which will have City sewer and water some day. Mr. Rohlf noted
that any new development in this area according to the 1988 Growth
Management Plan has to have City sewer and water to develop.
Ken Carr representing the school district indicated they would like to
be involved in the planning of school sites.
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Marilyn Van Patten Chuba of 20454 Meadowvale Road asked about sewer and
water in the Westwood Area. Mr. Rohlf indicated that this was not one
of the issues tonight, but it is a good example of where sewer and
water is going to become necessary in the near future.
Jerry McChesney asked if this was just proposed rezoning of these areas
and if basically new permits or new developments of this areas will be
put on hold until it is serviced by sewer and water. Mr. Rohlf
indicated that you can not subdivide or plat in this area without
providing sewer and water. If you have an existing lot of record you
can build on it without City sewer and water.
Russell Kline 14148 Mississippi Road stated there are three
proposals for Area A presented here tonight. How do you arrive at the
final one? What impact will our opinions or objections have on your
final decision?
Chairman Kimball indicated that the Planning Commission will analyze
the testimony, and in a future public meeting will decide which of the
three alternatives to recommend to the City Council.
Mr. Kline indicated that he would be opposed to this request as it
would not add any value to his property.
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Morey Common was concerned with the area planned for business parks and
questioned if this would ever be considered for another area. Mr.
Common asked if there would be additional meetings on Study A and B.
Steve Rohlf addressed his concern indicating that because of the size
of the areas being studied, the Planning Commission would hold another
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March 6, 1990
Page 3
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meeting for areas "c" and "D". The City Council will be making a
recommendation on all four areas at once.
Penny Kline - 14148 Mississippi Road was concerned about the wildlife
and the increased traffic.
Cindy Phillips - 13640 Riverview Drive was concerned with the existing
home values and keeping the industrial and commercial to a minimum. Mr.
Weber indicated the home values would probably go up in value because
this was a good opportunity for good quality residential building, and
sewered lots. The business park is going to be nicely designed as to
improve the value of your homes.
Mr. Fox a resident of Elk River was concerned with the additional
traffic and the wildlife in the area. Mr. Fox was also concerned with
his property values going down and was objecting t~ the three proposals.
Bob Saxon - 18044 Union Street felt it was amazing to find a court
house surrounded by a business park. Mr. Weber indicated any
industrial uses will be designed to be attractive, relatively quiet,
nicely designed, and compatible with an office building (mainly
Sherburne County Government Center).
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Larry Koenig - 18068 Union Street indicated that in looking at these
plans you have to be sensitive to the existing surrounding land uses.
He also indicated he felt Areas "c" & "D" would be better suited for
industrial and business growth.
Stuart Wilson 17975 Troy Street asked how this process is approved and
implemented. Mr. Weber indicated that the recommendation comes from
the Planning Commission to the City Council who will incorporate this
study into the current Growth Management Plan so it will be part of the
official document.
The Planning Commission took a short recess at this time.
At this time Mr. Weber explained area "B". Mr. Weber explained that
focus Area "B" is approximately 313 acres in size and located in the
Central portion of Elk River on either side of US 169. This site is
bound by 197th Avenue on the north, Jackson Avenue on the west, School
Street on the south, and, partially, Dodge Avenue on the east. Mr.
Weber showed and explained three al ternati ve layouts for the land use
and circulation pattern within Focus Area "B" Mr. Weber summarized the
major issues dealing with Area "B"
Dale and Everett Specht were present to hear this issue as they owned
property in Area "B". They questioned Mr. Weber on whether he was
opposed to Area "B" being commercial based on the fact that there are a
lot of nice oak trees along Highway 169.
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Chairman Kimball submitted a letter from Commissioner Fuchs addressing
his concerns. Chairman Kimball indicated he would like this to be part
of the public record.
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Planning Commission Minutes
March 6, 1990
Page 4
There being no further business, COMMISSIONER JOHNSON MOVED TO ADJOURN
THE 3/6/90 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING. COMMISSIONER EBERLEY SECONDED
THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 6-0.
The meeting of the Elk River Planning Commission adjourned at approximately
10:35 p.m.
jj=2#l~
Sharon Maue
Recording Secretary