05-24-1988 PC MIN
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MINUTES OF THE ELK RIVER PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
HELD AT THE ELK RIVER - PUBLIC LIBRARY
MAY 24. 1988
Members Present:
Chairman Kropuenske. Commissioners. Johnson. Fuchs.
Morton. Kimball and Olsen
Members Absent:
Commissioner Barrett
Staff Present:
Stephen Rohlf. B & Z Administrator
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 5/24/88 Planning Commission Agenda
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof. the meeting of the Elk River
Planning Commission was called to order at 7:00 p.m.
Item 10.5 - Overview of the format for the Growth Management Task Force
(GMTF) meeting was added to the agenda.
Item 5 was moved to 9.5 since Mr. Houle indicated he could not be at the
meeting until after 8:00 p.m.
COMMISSIONER KIMBALL MOVED TO APPROVE THE PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA AS
AMENDED. COMMISSIONER FUCHS SECONDED THE MOTION~ THE MOTION PASSED 6-0.
3.
Consider 4/26/88 Planning Commission Minutes
COMMISSIONER FUCHS MOVED TO APPROVE THE 4/26/88 PLANNING COMMISSION
MINUTES. COMMISSIONER MORTON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION PASSED 6-
o.
4. Determination of Use by Roger Leech
Chairman Kropuenske read the definition of a "Determination of Use."
Stephen Rohlf. Building & Zoning Administrator. explained that in order
for this use to be allowed. it has to be substantially similar to an
existing use classification within the zone being considered. He further
stated that Mr. Leech's request would not be incompatible within Mr.
McChesney's building.
Discussion was held on how much work would be done indoors. Since it
will be strictly contract only use. there will not be many cars there at
one time. Since the building is in an H-3 occupancy. it already meets
strict codes.
COMMISSIONER KIMBALL MOVED TO RECOMMEND TO THE CITY COUNCIL APPROVAL OF
'l'M1 DETERMINATION OF USE.' KNOWN AS ' 'AUTO DETAILING. -BE ALLOWED AS A
PRINCIPAL USE AS IN AN INDUSTRIAL 'ZONE- (PRODUCT-PROCESSING). COMMISSIONER
JOHNSON SECONDED THE MOTION~ - THE MOTION PASSED 6-0. --
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Planning Commission Minutes
May 24. 1988
6. Signage Request by Big Wheel Auto
Stephen Rohlf introduced this item stating that the minutes of the
7/28/87 Elk River Planning Commission agreed upon a maximum height of 25
ft. for the freestanding sign.
Mr. Mike Johnson of Sign Crafters stated that Big Wheel Auto wanted a
sign 35 ft. in height so they would be known as Big Wheel Center. It
would also be easier for people passing by to notice them since that
would be their only sign facing the highway. He further stated that 20%
of their business comes from people seeing the sign.
Chairman Kropuenske said that the trees would break up the sign if it
were at a lower elevation. Mr. Johnson would have to contact the DNR
about clearing away some of the trees.
COMMISSIONER OLSEN MOVED TO RECOMMEND TO THE CITY COUNCIL APPROVAL OF
THE SIGNAGE REQUEST BY BIG WHEEL AUTO WITH THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS:
1. THAT THE FREESTANDING SIGN BE A MAXIMUM OF 20 FT. IN HEIGHT AND 64
SQ. FT. IN TOTAL SIZE..
2.
THAT EACH TENANT BE ALLOWED 128 SQ. FT. OF WALL SIGNAGE ON ANY SIDE
OF THE BUILDING.
COMMISSIONER MORTON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION PASSED 6-0.
7. Ordinance Amendments/P.H.
Discussion was held as to whether New Creation Homes should be allowed to
function as a temporary real estate office. The Building and Zoning
Administrator noted that while he was out of town. an application was
processed by one of his staff. for New Creation Homes for a temporary
real estate office.
Mr. Mike Leary of New Creations Homes stated that they wanted a
receptionist there during regular office hours. Sometimes a contract is
signed in the model home but most of the paper work was done at the
downtown office.
Chairman Kropuenske indicated he didn't want to see a full-blown office
in the home.
Mr. Leary said they needed to be competetive with other contractors. He
feels they should be allowed the same treatment as Christian and Ziegler.
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Planning Commission Minutes
May 24. 1988
Commissioner Olsen wanted to table discussion until staff could write up
some new guidelines for model homes.
Mr. Rohlf indicated that he has already contacted at least a dozen
other cities and has information on their guidelines
Chairman Kropuenske opened the public hearing.
Mr. Leary stated that sometimes (during Spring Preview) they will need
more desks and furniture than what a model home requires.
Chairman Kropuenske closed the public hearing.
COMMISSIONER FUCHS MOVED TO RECOMMEND TO THE CITY COUNCIL APPROVAL OF THE
ORDINANCE AMENDMENT AMENDING SECTION 900.16(2}-CONDITIONAL USES BY
DISTRICT SUBSECTION 2-R-1 AND R-2 RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS. COMMISSIONER
OLSEN SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION PASSED 5-0 WITH CHAIRMAN
KROPUENSKE ABSTAINING FROM THE VOTE.
COMMISSIONER OLSEN MOVED TO TABLE ORDINANCE AMENDMENT AMENDING SECTION
900.08(2) - DEFINITIONS. THE MOTION DIED DUE TO LACK OF SECOND.
COMMISSIONER JOHNSON MOVED TO RECOMMEND TO THE CITY COUNCIL APPROVAL OF
THI ORDINANCE AMBNDMBNT AMENDING ORDINANCE 900.08(2} ADDING THE FOLLOWING
WORDAGE.
1. THAT SOMEONE TO STAFF THE MODEL FULL TIME IS ALLOWED.
2. THAT THERE BE NO PERMANENT SALES STAFF OFFICED THERE.
3. LIMITED TO MARKETING HOMES IN THE SUBDIVISION OR CONCEPT REPRESENTED
BY THE MODEL. EXCLUDING FORMERLY OCCUPIED HOMES OR LOTS IN OTHER
SUBDIVISIONS.
It, 'r1lA'!' A M(}DIt. II ALLOWED TO BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC FROM 9: 00 A. M. TO
9:00 P.M.
;. OCCASIONAL MEETINGS BE ALLOWED.
8: 'I'M'!' BIGNAGE BE THAT OF A MODEL HOME (NOT OFFICE).
7. 'rltl INSIDE AND OUTSIDE LOOK LIKE A HOME.
COMMISSIONER MORTON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION PASSED 4-1 WITH
CHAIRMAN KROPUENSKE ABSTAINING FROM THE VOTE AND COMMISSIONER OLSEN
VOTING NAY.
8.
Consider Conditional Use Permit Request for a Temporary Real Estate
by New Creations Homes/P.H.
Chairman Kropuenske introduced the item. He explained that New Creation
Homes is requesting a conditional use permit to allow a temporary real
estate office. The model home's address is 11625 197th Avenue NW and
lies within an R-lA zone.
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Planning Commission Minutes
May 24, 1988
COMMISSIONER OLSEN MOVED TO RECOMMEND APPROVAL TO THE CITY OF THE
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO OPERATE A TEMPORARY REAL ESTATE OFFICE BY NEW
CREATIONS HOMES. THE MOTION DIED DUE TO LACK OF SECOND.
Chairman Kropuenske opened the public hearing.
Mr. Leary felt that the Planning Commission should approve the request.
Chairman Kropuenske closed the public hearing.
COMMISSIONER MORTON MOVED TO RECOMMEND TO THE CITY COUNCIL TO DENY THE
REQUEST BY NEW CREATIONS HOMES FOR A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT BASED ON THE
CURRENT OPERATIONS WITHIN THE CONFINES 'OF THE MODEL HOME. COMMISSIONER
FUCHS SECONDED THE MOTION.' THE MOTION PASSED 4-1 WITH COMMISSIONER OLSEN
VOTING NAY AND CHAIRMAN KROPUENSKE' ABSTAINING SINCE NEW CREATIONS IS A
CUSTOMER OF HIS EMPLOYER. .
9. Consider Variance Request by Mark Coombs/P.R.
Chairman Kropuenske explained that Mr. Coombs was requesting a 120 ft.
encroachment on the 300 ft. setback required from neighboring residences
to an agricultural building.
Stephen Rohlf stated that he went over the five standards for granting a
variance request with Mr. Coombs.
Mrs. Coombs stated that somebody at City Hall told her that they did not
need a permit and that the building could be placed within 5 ft. of the
property line so they had the earth moved which cost $1,000.
Chairman Kropuenske opened the public hearing.
Mr. Bill
close to
enforced.
Osborn of 18763 Cleveland Street said he did not want a barn so
the front of his house. He would like to see the ordinance
Staff suggested that maybe there was some confussion between an
agricultural permit and a building permit.
Chairman Kropuenske closed the public hearing.
COMMISSIONER KIMBALL MOVED TO RECOMMEND TO THE CITY COUNCIL TO DENY THE
VARIANCE REQUEST BY MARK COOMBS BECAUSE IT DIDN'T CONSTITUTE A HARDSHIP.
COMMISSIONER MORTON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION PASSED 6-0.
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Planning Commission Minutes
May 24. 1988
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9.5 Determination of Use by Wally Houle
Chairman Kropuenske introduced the item. He stated that Mr. Houle is
considering having a vehicle impound lot on his site located at 17069
Highway 10. This would be an accessory to his towing company.
Staff feels it should not be considered outside storage since used cars
in car lots are not.
Discussion was held on screening around the cars.
COMMISSIONER KIMBALL MOVED TO RECOMMEND TO THE CITY COUNCIL APPROVAL OF
THE DETERMINATION OF USE BY WALLY HOULE ~ COMMI SSIONER FUCHS SECONED THE
MOTION. THE MOTION PASSED 6-0.
10. Planning Commission Representative to attend City Council Meeting on
June 20. 1988
It was indicated that Chairman Kropuenske and Commissioner Johnson
will represent the Planning Commission at the 6/20/88 City Council
Meeting. Commissioner Barrett will take the next meeting of the City
Council since he was not present at tonight's meeting.
10.5 Item 10.5 - GMTF Format
Discussion was held on the meeting of the Growth Management Task Force
(GMTF) to be held on May 31st at the Senior High School. It was decided
to have both oral and written questions.
11. Adjournment
There being no further business. COMMISSIONER FUCHS MOVED TO ADJOURN THE
MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER PLANNING COMMISSION. COMMISSIONER OLSEN
SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION PASSED 6-0.
The meeting of the Elk River Planning Commission adjourned at 9:45 p.m.
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Kate Skogstad
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