05-24-1983 PC MIN
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ELK RIVER PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
HELD AT THE ELK RIVER PUBLIC LIBRARY
MAY 24, 1983
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairman Tracy, Commissioners Tralle, Ward, Oster & Pearce.
Commissioner Willie arrived at 7:40 p.m.
MEMBERS ABSENT:
Commissioner Hartman
STAFF PRESENT:
Rick Breezee, Building and Zoning Administrator, and Phil
Hals, Street Superintendent
1. Call Meeting to Order
Chairman Tracy called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.
2. Consider Minutes of April 26, 1983, Planning Commission Meeting
A MOTION WAS MADE BY CO~{ISSIONER TRALLE TO ACCEPT THE MINUTES OF THE APRIL
26, 1983, PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING AS PUBLISHED. COMMISSIONER PEARCE
SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION PASSED 5-0.
3.
Consider Agenda for May 24, 1983, Planning Commission Meeting,
Ken Beaudry was present, owner of the Skelly station on Lowell Avenue, and
requested to be added to the agenda so that he could discuss with the Com-
missioners a problem he was having with the Sign Ordinance. Chairman Tracy
stated that Ken Beaudry could be added to the agenda as number 6~.
The Planning Commission Members consented to accept the agenda as amended.
4.
Consider Zone Change Request - James Smith
Mr. Peter Kimball and Mr. James Smith of Century 21 White Dove Realty, and Mr.
Bob Klein of Great Outdoor American Adventure Company were present.
Mr. James Smith explained that he was representing the G.O.A.A. Company, and that
they were requesting a zone change to operate the G.O.A.A. Company on what was
previously known as Camp on the Mississippi.
Commissioner Pearce stated he would like to hear the presentation first,
before any recommendations be made.
Peter Kimball stated that the G.O.A.A. Company would like to operate the camp-
site as it has been in the past, for this year and next year, and then go to
a tentative five year improvement plan for 340 to 350 campsites. He stated
that they were actually looking at 300 sites but wanted permission for 350 sites.
He also stated that the campsites were not for sale, rent, or lease.
Chairman Tracy questioned if the State monitors sanitary facilities. Rick stated
that the State Health Department did monitor this.
Bob Klien explained that the company markets memberships in a chain of outdoor
camping resorts which provide campsites and amenities, such as clubhouses,
swimming pools, tennis courts, golf courses, sport courts, game fields, hiking
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Elk River Planning Commission
May 24, 1983
Page Two
trails, outdoor kitchens and country stores, generally to recreational
vehicle owners. He also stated that the cost of a membership was $5,895
and that members are entitled to use any available campsites and common
facilities located at the 16 resorts developed and operated by the company
in the states of Washington, Oregon, California, Arizona, and Texas.
Commissioner Pearce wanted to know what services were provided to the
campsites.
Mr. Bob Klien explained that the typical campground offers utility hook-ups,
restrooms with hot showers, laundry facilities, a convenience store, rec-
reational amenities with organized activities, full-time security and full-
time maintenance. Mr. Klien further indicated that the company would provide
a healthy economic impact on the community, in that most of the hiring for
employment would be done locally.
Discussion was held regarding complaints from the surrounding property owners.
Mr. Smith indicated that there was a public meeting held at the County two
weeks ago. He further indicated that there were only a couple of minor com-
plaints, and that the buffer zone being provided pretty much took care of the
complaints.
At this time an aerial map was presented to the Commissioners. It was stated
that the camp was 46 acres in size, approximately 1/2 mile on County Road 30
and 3/4 mile on the river. Mr. Peter Kimball stated there were already 126
sites existing and approximately 214 new sites were being requested. It was
indicated at this time that the campground site is bordered by Big Lake Township,
Sherburne County and the City of Elk River.
Mr. Kimball stated that the septic system far exceeds the minimum requirements
and that everything meets DNR Regulations.
Commissioner Oster questioned whether the County/City border would create any
problems.
Rick Breeze~ stated that he felt there should be no problem.
City and County should work together to make sure the minimum
met for safety and health measures.
He felt the
requirements are
Peter Kimball indicated that the landscaping would be done at the outset of the
five year plan, and more than likely would be started next year.
Discussion was held regarding the number of dollars required to improve the
existing campsite. Mr. Klien stated that the cost per site would be approximately
$3,000 with a gravel pad. The total cost of the entire operation would be
approximately 1.5 million dollars.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONERTRALLE. TO RECOMMEND TO THE CITY COUNCIL APPROVAL
OF THE ZONE CHANGE REQUEST FOR CAMP ON THE MISSISSIPPI. COMMISSIONER OSTER SEC-
ONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION PASSED 6-0.
Commissioner Ward questioned if the existing road would have to be upgraded, and
how it would hold the incoming traffic Rick Breezee indicated that there would
be more traffic on Waco Street than on County Road 30. Mr. Kimball indicated
that the membership brochures would direct traffic from Highway 10 to Waco.
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Elk River Planning Commission
May 24, 1983
Page Three
A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER TRALLE TO AMEND THE PREVIOUS MOTION TO READ
AS FOLLOWS: THAT THE PLANNING COMMISSION RECOMMEND TO THE CITY COUNCIL TO
APPROVE THE ZONE CHANGE REQUEST FOR CAMP ON THE MISSISSIPPI LEGALLY DESCRIBED
AS THE WEST THREE HUNDRED (300) FEET OF GOVERNMENT LOT THREE (3), AND ALL OF
GOVERNMENT LOT FOUR (4), IN SECTION SIX (6) TOWNSHIP THIRTY-TWO (32), RANGE
TWENTY-SIX (26). COMMISSIONER OSTER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION PASSED
AS AMENDED 6-0.
5.
Conditional Use Permit - James Smith
Mr. Smith requested a conditional use permit for the Gre& Outdoor American
Adventure Company.
Chairman Tracy stated they might consider a time period on the Conditional
Use Permit. Mr. Smith stated he would like to see a long term time period
because of all the money being tied up.
Mr. Rick Breezee indicated he felt there would be no problem in issuing a
conditional use permit to the G.O.A.A., specifically. If any complaints or
problems would come up, the staff could review them, and insure corrections
be made through the City's Nuisance Ordinance.
Mr. Klien indicated that he felt that once the conditional use is established,
they should be able to sell the property with the present use.
Mr. Breezee stated that the use, if granted, is recorded with the property at
the County Recorders office. Mr. Breezee further stated that whatever stipulations
are on the property go with the property at the time the property is sold.
Chairman Tracy indicated that he would like to see a recommendation for the
. staff to inspect every two or three years to see that they are abiding by the
Conditional Use permit.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER OSTER TO RECOMMEND TO THE CITY COUNCIL THAT
A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR THE GREAT OUTDOOR AMERICAN ADVENTURE COMPANY BE
GRANTED WITH THE STIUPLATIONS THAT THE PERMIT BE USED FOR A TRANSCIENT VEHICLE
PARK CONSISTING OF 350 RV SITES WITH POLE HOOK UPS, AND SOME WITHOUT, AND GENERAL
CAMPGROUND AMENITIES, AND THAT THE PARK MEETS CITY AND STATE MINIMAL REQUIREMENTS,
AND ALSO THAT THE CITY STAFF BE REQUIRED TO INSPECT EVERY TWO YEARS TO SEE THAT
THE CONDITIONS OF THE CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT ARE BEING MET. COMMISSIONER TRALLE
SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION PASSED 6-0.
6.
Variance Request by Richard Lindq~ist
Mr. Lindquist was present and was requesting a variance to a sideyard setback,
to build a garage. He stated that the garage is for personal storage and his own
personal workshop. Mr. Lindquist further stated that he poured the cement four
years ago for his driveway and leading to his proposed garage and at that time
the sideyard setback was 10 feet and sinc~ it has been changed to 20 feet, therefore
making him in violation.
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Elk River Planning Commission
May 24, 1983
Page Four
Chairman Tracy indicated that Mr. Lindquist has responded to the five standards
but questioned whether his situation was a hardship.
Rick Breezee indicated that a hardship is an individual situation.
After some discussion, it was agreed that there was a hardship in Mr. Lindquist's
situation.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER WILLE TO RECOMMEND TO THE CITY COUNCIL THAT
THE VARIANCE REQUEST MADE BY MR. RICHARD LINDQUIST BE APPROVED. COMMISSIONER
PEARCE SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION PASSED 6-0.
6~. Ken iBeaudry' (Skelly) Interpretation of Sign Ordinance
Mr. Ken Beaudry of Skelly was present and stated he needed an interpretation of
the Sign Ordinance as specified in nonconforming use. Mr. Beaudry indicated that
Skelly is changing their name to Getty as of July 1st, and therefore, he needs
to replace his Skelly sign which is 50 square feet in measurement.
Rick Breezee stated that the Code reads "at the time a new sign is to be put up,
all existing signs must be taken down." The question now being, is Mr. Beaudry's
sign a new sign or just a replacement.
After some discussion it was the consensus of the Planning Commission that Mr.
Beaudry's sign is a replacement and not a new sign.
A MOTION WAS MADE B.Y COMMISSIONER WILLE STATING THAT MR. KEN BEAUDRY IS IN COM-
PLIANCE WITH THE ZONING ORDINANCE 900.34, SUBSECTION 2b. COMMISSIONER PEARCE
SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION PASSED 6-0.
7. Private Roads
Phil Hals, City Street Superintendent, and Terry Maurer, Consulting Engineer from
CED, were present for this item.
Rick Breezee explained to the Commissioners that at the last Council Meeting the
private roads in Heavenly Hills were discussed and that the people were in favor
of having the City take over the roads. Mr. Breezee further explained that there
were other private roads in the City and the concern whether the City should take
over these roads, and who should maintain them.
Ii MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER OSTER THAT THERE BE NO. MORE PRIVATE ROADS TN THE
CITY AND THAT THE EXISTING PRIVATE ROADS BE TAKEN OVER BY THE CITY IF 51% OF THE
PEOPLE AGREE. COMMISSIONER WARD SECONDED THE MOTION. THE THE MOTION WAS NOT
VOTED UPON.
At this time the Commissioners discussed the questionnaire they had received on
roads by Staff, with Terry Maurer.
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Elk River Planning Commission
May 24, 1983
Page Five
Chairman Tracy indicated that he felt private roads should meet minimal City
standards for gravel.
The fact that the City owns and maintains a great deal of roads that are not
up to City standards was also discussed.
Commissioner Pearce wanted to know who would pay for the City to take over and build
the existing private roads up to standard - the City or the property owner?
Discussion was held on the options of this. It was at this time that the previous
motion was rescinded. There was no actual vote taken to rescind that motion.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER PEARCE AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER WILLE THAT
THE CITY COUNCIL REFER TO THE QUESTIONNAIRE FROM TERRY MAURER AND TO LEAVE THE
ACTUAL DESIGN REQUIREMENTS UP TO THE CITY STAFF DISCRETION.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER TRALLE TO RECOMMEND TO THE CITY COUNCIL TO AMEND
ORDINANCE 1008.22 SUBDIVISION C. - PAVING.,.. TO READ, "THE CITY COUNCIL SHALL RE-
QUJ:RE THAT ALL STREETS AND ALLEYS BE IMPROVED WITH CONCRETE OR, BITUMINIOUS SURFACE.
COMMISSIONER WILLE SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION PASSED 6-0.
8. Planning Commission Holding Public Hearings
Rick Breezee explained to the Commissioners that at th,e last City Council meeting,
the Councilmembers recommended that the Planning Commission make a decision as to
either they do or do not hold public hearings.
Commissioner Wille stated that he felt the Planning Commission should act as an
advisory board to the City Council and that by the Planning Commission holding
public hearings, they are delaying people and developers, costing them money and
time. Commissioner Wille also stated that by the Planning Commission holding
public hearings, it was a duplication of effort that the City Council goes through.
MOTIONf,BY COMMISSIONER WILLE TO RECOMMEND TO THE CITY COUNCIL THAT THE PLANNING
COMMISSION DOES NOT HOLD PUBLIC HEARINGS FOR ANYTHING EXCEPT PRELIMINARY PLATS.
COMMISSIONER OSTER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION PASSED 6-0.
9. Adjournment
There being no further business, A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER PEARCE TO ADJOURN
THE MEETING. COMMISSIONER WILLE SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION PASSED 6-0.
submitted,
Rick Breezee
Building and Zoning Administrator
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