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03-29-1989 PC MIN MINUTES OF THE ELK RIVER PLANNING COMMISSION HELD AT THE ELK RIVER PUBLIC LIBRARY . MARCH 29, 1989 Members Present: Chairman Kimball, Commissioners Johnson, Olsen, Schroeder, Eberley, and Fuchs Members Absent: Bob Morton Staff Present: Stephen Rohlf, Building and Zoning Administrator; Steven Bjork, Zoning Assistant 1. Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the meeting of the Elk River Planning Commission was called to order at 7:00 p.m. 2. Consider 3/28/89 Planning Commission Agenda Chairman Kimball requested that Item 11.5 - "Discussion of Workshop Items" be added to the agenda. COMMISSIONER EBERLEY MOVED TO APPROVE THE 3/28/89 PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA AS AMlNDED. COMMISSIONER JOHNSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTtON CARRIED 6-0. 3. Consideration of 2/28/89 Planning Commission Minutes . The following changes were minutes. made to the 2/28/89 Planning Commission Page 5 Hearing" after Paragraph 5, add "Chairman Kimball closed the Public Page 7 - after Paragraph 2, add "Don Horvath of 22715 Baldwin was opposed to this request". By allowing this request, he felt his property values would go down. Page 8 - Item f/8 - "Morton was incorrectly spelled in the motion." COMMISSIONER EBERLEY MINUTES AS AMENDED. MOTION CARRIED 6-0. MOVED TO APPROVE THE 2/28/89 PLANNING COMMISSION COMMI SSIONER JOHNSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE 4. Conditional Use Permit/Peter Luke/Public Hearing Steve Bjork, Zoning Assistant, indicated that Peter Luke is requesting a conditional use permit to operate a light manufacturing business (cabinet making) in the C-3/Highway Commercial zone. Light manufacturing is permitted in the C-3 zone as a conditional use. At this time, Steve Bjork reviewed the conditions as outlined in his memo, dated March 28, 1989, that relate to this request. . Chairman Kimball opened the public hearing. There being no one for or against the request, Chairman Kimball closed the public hearing. Steve Bjork eXplained that the location dependant upon the perc test for the site. perc test was held up for frost reasons. of the structure will be Steve Rohlf noted that the . . . Planning Commission Mintues March 29. 1989 Commissioner Fuchs questioned the outside storage of lumber. Peter Luke indicated that everything would be stored inside except for the dust collector on the outside. Commissioner Schroeder felt this was a big improvement over what is out there now. At this time. Chairman Kimball questioned the building exterior. Peter Luke explained that the building would basically be light gray in color with dark gray trim. two overhead doors facing Cleveland Street and two service doors next to them. Mr. Luke further indicated that the roof would have a pitch and be the same color as the sides of the building. The front would be tarred pavement up to the building area. and shrubs on the south side. Chairman Kimball indicated he would like to see about six trees planted on the site. He also stated that a formula should be worked out for the planting of trees. Steve Rohlf indicated we have to be reasonable on what we require as far as size of trees. He felt the site was best suited for scrub oak. Not every tree grows on a site. if you start with a bigger tree on such poor soil it is hard to get these trees to grow. Commissioner Eberley agreed that it was unfair to request larger trees because not everything is going to grow there because of the sandy soil. Commissioner Schroeder felt it would be awful expensive for the applicant to request larger trees for the site. The Commissioners discussed in length the landscaping and size of trees they would like to see on the site. COMMISSIONER FUCHS MOVED TO RECOMMEND TO THE CITY COUNCIL APPROVAL OF THE CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT BY PETER LUKE TO OPERATE LIGHT MANUFACTURING BUSINESS (CABINET MAKING) ON CLEVELAND STREET WITH THE STIPULATIONS AS OUTLINED IN STAFF'S MEMO AND THE FOLLOWING TWO ADDITIONAL STIPULATIONS: 1. ANY AREA NOT OCCUPIED BY A BUILDING OR DRIVE BE SEEDED WITH GRASS AND LANDSCAPED TO BE AESTHETICALLY PLEASING TO THE AREA. 2. ANY FURTHER EXPANSION WOULD REQUIRE A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT. COMMISSIONER EBERLEY SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 6-0. 5. Conditional Use Permit/Northstar Service Center/Public Hearing Steve Bjork. Zoning Assistant explained this request. He indicated that the applicant i.s requesting a conditional use permit to operate a used car sales operation at 16501 Highway 10. Northstar Service Center was previously before the Planning Commission for a conditional use permit for the sales of used RV's. This item was tabled when sufficient information was not submitted to review the request. Staff was informed that Northstar Service Center was selling used cars at their site. Northstar Service Center was informed that in order to sell used 2. Planning Commission Minutes March 29, 1989 . cars, a conditional use permit must be obtained. It appears that a truck terminal is also being run out of this site. Truck terminals require a conditional use permit and should be addressed also. At this time, Steve Bjork reviewed the conditions that relate to the proposed operation. Mr. Bjork explained that the applicant had not provided plans for signage. The site currently exceeds the maximum square footage allowed, for freestanding signs, therefore, additional signage for this operation will be restricted to wall signage. Chairman Kimball opened the public hearing. There being no one for or against the request, Chairman Kimball closed the public hearing. Ron Black of 913 Main Street was present representing Northstar Service Center. Mr. Black explained that the building location on Highway 10 has had numerous uses in the past. We are attemping to generate more business and make the site worthwhile. Commissioner Fuchs indicated he was in favor of the site being used for used car sales, but not in its present condition. He would like to see this area cleaned up and then felt he could vote in favor of the conditional use permit request for a car lot. Commissioner Fuchs indicated he had visited the site and felt that they were also running a truck terminal operation. . Steve Rohlf, Building & Zoning Administrator indicated he agreed with Commissioner Fuchs. He felt the site needed to be arranged so it looks better, right now its an eyesore. But more important, this site needed to be arranged for proper traffic circulation for safety reasons. Commissioner Schroeder questioned staff as to whether Northstar Service Center was selling used cars on their site. Steve Rohlf indicated that they were selling used cars illegally. Commissioner Schroeder indicated that he had looked at the site and felt Northstar was not meeting the City's requirements. Everyone else has to get a permit before they start a business, not start the business and then get a permit. Ron Black felt there was a lot of discussion regarding the use of the property for RV sales, RV sales was dropped from the site. Mr. Black indicated he didn't understand why the RV issue was resurfacing again. Steve Rohlf addressed this issue by stating the conditional use permit is the same for used cars as RV sales. They are lumped under the same conditional use. What Northstar needed for a conditional use permit for RV sales (details that were needed to process the conditional use permit) is basically the same for used cars. The information submitted for RV's and now used cars were both incomplete. . Commissioner Olsen felt that there were four standards that were not met for a conditional use permit request. Commissioner Olsen indicated that the site was unsafe, it was not consistent with the Comprehensive Plan, it was not clear whose property is whose, sewer and drainage was not spoken to. Commissioner Olsen indicated he found it hard to vote in favor of this request based on the site plan with its lack of detail and what is happening out there. 3. . . . Planning Commission Minutes March 29. 1989 After discussing the site plan and the truck terminal. it was consensus that the applicant had failed to submit the information (such as site drainage. sign drawing. off street approve this request. the general necessary parking) to Steve Rohlf suggested that this item be tabled for a month to give staff a chance to work with the applicant to get site plan issues clarified and more details on the drainage plan. Steve explained that the storing of trucks is a separate conditional use permit and recommended that if this is tabled we should advertise the truck terminals for public hearing also to clean up the site. Chairman Kimball suggested that the applicant get together with staff to work on the additional information needed for a conditional use permit prior to the next meeting. Also. that Ron Black meet with the petitioner and update them on what is needed to obtain a conditional use permit to operate the used car sales and truck terminal. COMMISSIONER EBERLEY MOVED TO TABLE THIS REQUEST UNTIL THE NEXT MEETING TO GIVE THE APPLICANT TIME TO SUBMIT THE CORRECT DOCUMENTS. COMMISSIONER OLSEN SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 6-0. 6. Conditional Use Permit/Elk River Fire Department/Public Hearing Steve Bjork explained that the Elk River Fire Department located at 415 Jackson Avenue is requesting a conditional use permit to construct a new addition (4.088 sq. ft.) to the existing fire station. The new addition will be used to house the new aerial ladder truck. Municipal fire stations are classified as governmental buildings. All governmental buildings and structures require a conditional use permit. Chairman Kimball opened the public hearing. There being no one for or against the request. Chairman Kimball closed the public hearing. Chairman Kimball questioned the would like to see this screened. should address in the future. mechanical equipment on the roof and He felt this was one issue that staff COMMISSIONER FUCHS MOVED TO RECOMMEND TO THE CITY COUNCIL APPROVAL OF THE CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT REQUEST BY THE ELK RIVER FIRE DEPARTMENT WITH THE FOUR STIPULATIONS AS OUTLINED IN STAFF'S MEMO. DATED MARCH 28. 1989. WITH THE FOLLOWING ADDITIONS: 1. ANY MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT ON THE ROOF BE SCREENED. 2. AREAS NOT OCCUPIED BY BUILDINGS OR DRIVE BE SEEDED. 3 . THAT THE DUMPSTER BE SCREENED. COMMISSIONER SCHROEDER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 6-0. 4. . . . Planning Commission Mintues March 29. 1989 .. 7. Site Plan Review for Expansion of the County Market The Commission discussed at length the parking issue. Staff felt that the diagonal parking would necessiate those using the parking to have to drive around the entire building to the south to exit. At this time. the petitioners submitted a new site plan showing the parking straight on instead of diagonal. Commissioner Eber1ey was concerned regarding the machine for recycling pop cans. She felt we should have a place for people to park when they bring their pop cans and not obstruct pedestrian and car traffic. Dave Wolff of Barthel suggested maybe they could move it to the corner on the proposed extension and have it properly screened. After discussing this issue. it was the concensus of the Commission that the pop can dispenser issue be approved by staff. Commissioner Fuchs questioned the incinerator at Hagen's County Market and wondered if anything could be done about this. Steve Rohlf suggested he look into a baghouse for the incinerator or recycling. COMMISSIONER SCHROEDER MOVED TO RECOMMEND TO THE CITY COUNCIL APPROVAL OF THE EXPANSION OF COUNTY MARKET AT THE ELK RIVER PLAZA SHOPPING CENTER WITH THE SEVEN STIPULATIONS AS OUTLINED IN STAFF'S MEMO WITH THE THREE ADDITIONAL STIPULATIONS: 1. THAT THE CAN DI SPENCER LOCATION I S APPROVED BY STAFF. 2. THAT THE PROPOSED PARKING IS STRAIGHT ON INSTEAD OF DIAGONAL. 3. THAT THE DEVICES FOR ROOF TOPS BE SCREENED FROM THE HIGHWAY AND AESTHETICALLY PLEASING AS POSSIBLE. COMMISSIONER JOHNSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 6-0. Discussion took place on the motion. Commissioner Olsen indicated that he had difficulty with screening of roof top devices. Commissioner Olsen felt this issue needed to be clarified and more specific. COMMISSIONER SCHROEDER MOVED TO AMEND HIS MOTION TO DELETE DEVICES ON ROOF TOPS BE SCREENED. COMMISSIONER EBERLEY SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 6~0. 10. Sign Request/Pamida (Pharmacy) At this time. Chairman Kimball requested that this item be heard next as Gary Dominick representing Pamida had another committment. Zoning Assistant. Steve Bjork, explained that Pamida is requesting sign approval for the proposed pharmacy sign. 5. . . . Planning Commission Minutes March 29. 1989 Gary Dominick explained that they are requesting signage for both the front (south half of front phase) and back (Highway 169). This would be a total of 36 sq. ft. COHNI SSIOma~ '1'RE PROPOSED TOTAL) SIGNS. CARRIED 6~0. OLSEN MOVED TO RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF THE SIGN REQUEST FOR PHARMACY CONSISTING OF TWO (2) 2 FT. BY 9 FT. (36 SQ. IT. COMMISSIONER EBERELY SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION 8. Ordinance Amendment/Definition for Mini Storage/Section/P.H. Chairman Kimball opened the public hearing. There being no one for or against the request. Chairman Kimball closed the public hearing. COMMISSIONER EBERLEY MOVED TO RECOMMEND TO THE CITY COUNCIL APPROVAL OF THE ORDINANCE AMENDMENT AMENDING . SECTION 900.08 "DEFINITIONS" . COMMISSIONER JOHNSON SECONDED THEMOTION~ THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. 9. Ordinance Amendment/Accessory Use Setbacks/Section 900.18/P.H. Chairman Kimball opened the public hearing. There being no one for or against the request. Chairman Kimball closed the public hearing. COMMISSIONER OLSEN MOVED TO RECOMMEND TO THE CITY COUNCIL APPROVAL OF THE ORDINANCE AMENDMENT AMENDING SECTION 900.18 "ACCESSORY USE SETBACKS". COMMISSIONER SCHROEDER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED .6-0. 11. Public Information Handout Concerning Planning and Zoning Functions It was the consensus of the Commission that they were in approval of the information submitted by staff regarding "Planning and Zoning Functions." 11.5 Discussion on Workshop Session At this time. Commissioner Johnson gave a brief informational report on the seminar "Beyond the Basics" she attended in February. at the request of Chairman Kimball. The Planning Commission asked for an update on the following items discussed at their February Workshop: Research on conflict of interest. wetland issue. ordinance amendment for a maximum slope allowed reviewing variance based on economic hardships. tree ordinance. for driveways and Steve Rohlf indicated that Greg Korstad. City Attorney suggested that we get the State Statute concerning variances. Steve Rohlf further noted that Staff is still researching these other issues. Steve Bjork. explained that he had contacted the City of Blaine on their wetland ordinance. which was basically an overlay from the Army Corp of Engineering and not what the City is looking for. 6. . . . Planning Commission Minutes March 29. 1989 12. Planning Commission Representative to Attend City Council meeting on April 17. 1989. It was indicated that Commissioner Fuchs and Kimball would attend the April 17. 1989 City Council Meeting. 13. Adjournment There being THE MEETING. CARRIED 6-0. no further business. COMMISSIONER JOHNSON MOVED TO ADJOURN COMMI SSIONER EBERLEY SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION The meeting of the Elk River Planning Commission adjourned at approximately 10:45 p.m. S!1({AfJJ() m (lu.JU Sharon Maue Recording Secretary slm 7 .