11-22-1983 PC MIN
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ELK RIVER PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
HELD AT THE ELK RIVER PUBLIC LIBRARY
November 22. 1983
Members Present:
Chairman Tracy. Commissioners Oster. Ward. Pearce and Hartman.
Members Absent:
Commissioners Wille and Tralle.
Staff Present:
Rick Breezee, Building and Zoning Administrator
1. Call meeting to order
Chairman Tracy called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.
2. Consider minutes of the October 25, 1983 Planning Commission Meeting
COMMISSIONER PEARCE MOVED TO APPROVE THE OCTOBER 25, 1983 PLANNING COMMISSION
MINUTES AS SUBMITTED. COMMISSIONER WILLE SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION
PASSED 5-0.
3. Consider Agenda for the November 22, 1983, Planning Commission Meeting
There being no corrections or additions, it was the consensus of the Planning
Commission Members to accept the agenda as submitted.
Consider Zimmerman Conditional Use Request
Mr. Steve Zimmerman was present for this request.
Chairman Tracy indicated that Mr. Steve Zimmerman, who lives at 21628 Vernon
Street NW, Elk River, has applied for a conditional use permit to construct
a metal-skinned pole barn building on his property. Chairman Tracy further
indicated that Mr. Zimmerman's property is zoned A-l/Agricultural, and is
located in Greenhead Third Subdivision.
Mr. Zimmerman indicated that the reason for constructing the. agricultural
building was for the keeping of horses. Mr. Rick Breezee. Planning and Building
Administrator, indicated that originally, in the code. it was stated that no
agricultural building shall be located within 600 feet of any neighboring
residential home. however, because of areas such as Greenhead 1st, 2nd, and 3rd,
which are platted subdivisions, this could not be met because of the smaller lots.
Mr. Breezee further indicated that it was decided by the Planning Commission and
the City Council, that the best way to handle these circumstances was as a con-
ditional use, and therefore, the proper use for the property could be specified.
Mr. Breezee further indicated that the City Staff had no problem with Mr. Zimmerman
constructing an agricultural building on his lot to house horses.
Commissioner Hartman questioned Mr. Zimmerman as to how many horses he would like
to keep in the building. Mr. Zimmerman indicated that he felt there probably
would be no more than three horses at one time.
Chairman Tracy stated that he felt Mr. Zimmerman met the six standards requested
for the granting of a conditional use permit.
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Planning Commission Minutes
November 22, 1983
Page Two
Mr. Breezee indicated that Mr. Steve Zimmerman owned two lots and that the agri-
cultural building was 25 feet from the lot line of the vacant lot which Mr.
Zimmerman owned. and that if at some time Mr. Zimmerman should sell the lot, the
person buying the lot would be made aware of the agricultural building and the
setbacks.
COMMISSIONER HARTMAN MOVED TO RECOMMEND TO THE CITY COUNCIL TO GRANT THE CON~
DITIONAL USE REQUEST BY MR. STEVE ZIMMERMAN AT 21628 VERNON STREET NW, ELK RIVER,
TO CONSTRUCT A METAL~SKINNED POLE BARN BUILDING ON SAID PROPERTY TO HOUSE NO
MORE THAN 3 HORSES AND TO BE REVIEWED IN TWO YEARS. COMMISSIONER PEARCE SECONDED
THE MOTION.
Commissioner Ward questioned the limitation of three horses and felt that maybe
at some time Mr. Zimmerman would want more than three horses. Mr. Zimmerman
indicated that just to be on the safe side he would like the motion to read 5
horses instead of 3 horses.
COMMISSIONER HARTMAN MOVED TO AMEND THE PREVIOUS MOTION TO READ FIVE HORSES
INSTEAD OF THREE HORSES. COMMISSIONER WARD SECONDED THE AMENDMENT. THE AMEND-
MENT PASSED 5-0.
THE MOTION AS AMENDED PASSED 5-0.
Barthel PUD Concept presentation
Mr. Rick Breezee indicated that the City Council and the Planning Commission had
previously reviewed the preliminary plat and recommended approval for the Barthel
PUD, and that the reason for the presentation tonight was because of two small
changes in the original proposal.
Mr. Dick Larson representing Mr. Ken Barthel of Barthel Realty and Construction
Company. indicated that the main difference is in the layout of the shopping center
from the original plan. He indicated that the layout was reversed from the original
plan. Mr. Larson pointed out to the commissione~s that in Parcel "A" the shopping
center, the building now abuts the highway 169, with parking area being constructed
along the street right-of-way Parcel IlK". Mr. Larson indica.ted that by doing this
there is more space between both the housing within the PUD project, and the res-
idents further west, and that by having the center located as proposed also puts
the rear of the building toward highway #169. Mr. Larson indicated that by doing
this, truck deliveries and trash removal areas are also located further away
from the residents and this would cut down both on visual and noise problems.
There was some concern about the buffering and the berming of the area. It
was indicated by Mr. Barthel that the same buffering and berming planned for the
previous proposal would be done should this proposal be accepted by the City.
Commissioner Pearce felt the new drawing made more sense the way it is now than
did the previous proposal. Chairman Tracy's only concern was that the back of
the building be maintained because there is a lot of traffic going along the
highway. Mr. Barthel again stated that there would be buffering along that area.
Commissioner Oster felt that this new concept was an improvement over the old one.
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Planning Commission Minutes
November 22. 1983
Page Three
COMMISSIONER OSTER MOVED TO RECOMMEND TO THE CITY COUNCIL THAT THE NEW CONCEPT
PRESENTATION SUBMITTED FOR THE BARTHEL PUD FOR THE CHANGE IN PARCEL '~" BE
ACCEPTED AS PRESENTED. COMMISSIONER HARTMAN SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION
PASSED 4-0. COMMISSIONER WARD ABSTAINED.
Mr. Larson indicated to the commissioners that the other change taking place
was in Parcel "D" which was redesigned to show some different forms of housing
and a slightly different number of units. Mr. Larson indicated that these units
will consist of 4 buildings, with 3 of the buildings having 8 rental units and
the 4th building having nine units, and that 2 of these units would be handicapped
units. Mr. Larson further indicated that there would be 16 detached garages.
Mr. Rick Breezee indicated that the main concern of the City Staff was that there
be plenty of green space, there be sufficient off-street parking, and that the
setbacks be appropriate.
Commissioner Hartman indicated that he sees no objections to this part of the
layout.
COMMISSIONER PEARCE MOVED TO RECOMMEND TO THE CITY COUNCIL THAT THE BARTHEL PUD
CONCEPT PRESENTATION IN PARCEL D BE ACCEPTED AS PRESENTED. COMMISSIONER OSTER
SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION PASSED 5-0.
Gospodar Preliminary Plat Amendment
Mr. Rick Breezee indicated that the initial preliminary plat has mostly remained
unchanged, and that what Mr. Gospodar was proposing to amend was the number of
possible building sites which could abut upon Lake Orono. Mr. Breezee further
indicated that the reason for the change was that if city sewer and water, and
utilities ever served the area, the lot sizes should be reduced in order that
the people would be able to afford these services. Mr. Breezee indicated that
this change would not be a zone change and that the area would still remain single-
family.
Mr. Grady Boeck indicated that they are proposing to move Main Street approximately
80 feet to the south which will provide for nine single family lots abutting Lake
Orono. Mr. Grady Boeck further indicated that the reason for moving the roadway
was to gain more frontage and to get more lots on the lake. He felt it would make
a more viable project for the City and the landowner, and also that the lot owner
would have 85 feet to pay for instead of 300 feet for sewer, water, utilities,
and roadway. Mr. Boeck indicated that the problem without moving the street to the
south was that they could not meet the requirements set by the City or the DNR
regarding the setback from the street or the setback from the lake. General dis-
cussion was held regarding the DNR's and the City's setback requirements.
Mr. Boeck indicated that he felt the amended plat would provide and comply with all
the requirements of the DNR and the City. Chairman Tracy questioned whether the
minimum requirements would be met by the DNR.
Mr. Rick Breezee indicated that he had checked with the DNR, and the mlnlmum
requirements would be met. Mr. Breezee further indicated that the only problem
right now was that these lots could not be platted because there was no city sewer
or water in the area now. and that if the plat was approved as shown, Mr. Boeck
would have to come in and show the plat to the Planning Commission and City Council.
Planning Commission
November 22. 1983
Page Four
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Minutes
Commissioner Pearce indicated that he felt the new concept was much better
the previous concept for the Gospodar preliminary plat.
than
COMMISSIONER WARD MOVED TO RECOMMEND TO THE CITY COUNCIL THAT THEY APPROVE THE
AMENDMENT TO THE GOSPODAR PRELIMINARY PLAT. COMMISSIONER HARTMAN SECONDED THE
MOTION. THE MOTION PASSED 4~0. CHAIRMAN TRACY ABSTAINED.
7. Woodland Estates Subdivision Concept
Mr. Leo and Lewis Polack were present for this item.
Mr. Breezee indicated that the proposed subdivision, Woodland Estates, is located
just north of Elk Hills, and east of Highway #169.
Mr. Polack presented the Woodland Estates subdivision concept to the Planning
Commission members and indicated that originally there was anticipated to be
over 100 lots in the subdivision. and that at the present time 82 lots was
considered the maximum they could get in the subdivision because of the hilly
terrain. Mr. Polack indicated that he was interested in preserving the aesthetic
value of the area and that the trees and hills are what appeal to the people. Mr.
Polack further indicated that if there were more lots in the area it would make
the costs higher because of the cost of roads. Mr. Polack further indicated that
he would like it known that they were not asking for any City financing for the
project.
Commissioner Pearce questioned how the roads would run in the subdivision. Mr.
John Oliver indicated that highway #169, Elk Hills Drive, Dodge Street, and Elk
Land would be access roads. General discussion was held regarding access roads
to the subdivision.
John Oliver indicated that the west 40 acres of the subdivison is zoned for 2~
acre lots and the future developers would like to see this zoned to one acre
lots, to cut costs down to future buyers.
Rick Breezee indicated at this time, that this subdivision does fall into the
sewer interceptor district. and that this area being looked at could eventually
be serviced by city sewer. Mr. Oliver indicated that the future developers were
against City sewer going into that area, mainly because in order to get the number
of lots out of the subdivison to make it pay, there would have to be more roads put
in, and more roads means higher costs to the future landowners. Mr. Oliver further
indicated that the area is zoned for one acre lots, and that is what it should be,
and if sewer went in, the size of lots would have to be made smaller so that they
would be affordable.
Chairman Tracy indicated that he had no problem with the zone change for the
west 40 acres of the subdivison from an R-la to an R-lb. Commissioner Pearce also
agreed with Chairman Tracy.
COMMISSIONER PEARCE MOVED TO RECOMMEND TO THE CITY COUNCIL THAT THE PROPOSED WOODLAND
ESTATES SUBDIVISON BE LEFT OUT OF THE SEWER INTERCEPTOR DISTRICT. COMMISSIONER
OSTER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION PASSED 4-1. COMMISISONER WARD VOTED AGAINST
THE MOTION.
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Planning Commission Minutes
November 22, 1983
Page Five
Commissioner Hartman questioned whether a zone change from R-la to R-lb would be
out of bounds because of the original layout of the whole area. Chairman Tracy
indicated that a zone change was compatible with the land use map. Chairman Tracy
questioned whether anyone would be opposed to the zone change. C'6mmissioReprFearce
indicated that he would not be opposed because it was not spot zoning. Commissioner
Ward indicated that he had a problem with the zone change, and wanted to know why
they were actually breaking the lots up. John Oliver indicated that the purpose
was to increase the yield. Commissioner Hartman indicated that he felt the zone
change would be OK.
Chairman Tracy indicated that four of the five commissioners recommended the zone
change to the City Council and that Darrell Ward was against this recommendation.
8.
Custom Motors Zone Change
Mr. Breezee reviewed with the Planning Commission Members that at the last Planning
Commission Meeting the Planning Commission had reviewed the land area presently
owned by Custom Motors, and that it was the unanimous decision by the Commission
to zone change the area from I-2/Medium Residential to R-lb/Single Family, and
that an amortization period from 5 to 10 years be required. Mr. Breezee indicated
that in the City Ordinance there is a requirement of an amortization period of a
maximum of 5 years, and that the City staff felt that in order to keep the ordinance
intact so that future problems do not develop, the ordinance should not be deviated
from.
Commissioner Oster questioned as to what kind of buildings were on the property.
Mr. Breezee indicated that they were metal-skinned pole barn buildings. Com-
missioner Pearce indicated that he had a problem with going less than 10 years
on an amortization period because of the investment put in by Custom Motors.
Commissioner Hartman felt that by changing the time limit, we are not taking
away the value of the land. Commissioner Hartman further indicated that if the
concept of having this is wrong for the area. a change has to be made. Com-
missioner Hartman questioned whether there was cause for concern about ground
contamination. Mr. Breezee indicated that he did some checking and found that
motor oil does not cause ground contamination.
After further discussion it was the general consensus of the Planning Commission
to leave the original motion stand as it previously read with a 5 to 10 year
amortization period. and negotiations done between the City and Custom Motors.
9.
Wapiti Park Zoning Designation
Mr. Rick Breezee explained that presently Wapiti Park is located in an R-lb section
of the City, and that because of this, the campground is a non-conforming use, and
as such they cannot expand or extend their present operation. Mr. Breezee further
explained that a zone change to A-l agricultural, which is where campgrounds are
only allowed presently within the ordinance, would not be appropriate because of
the land use. Mr. Breezee further indicated that he felt it would be best to amend
the ordinance to allow campgrounds as a conditional use in the R-lb zone.
Mr. Rick Breezee further indicated that the Camp on the Mississippi Campground is
also a non-conforming use. and that if the ordinance was amended to allow camp-
grounds as conditional uses in an R-lb area, this would also apply to this camp-
ground.
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Planning Commission Minutes
November 22. 1983
Page Six
COMMISSIONER HARTMAN MOVED TO RECOMMEND TO THE CITY COUNCIL THAT THE R-1B SECTION
OF THE CITY ZONING ORDINANCE BE AMENDED TO ALLOW CAMPGROUNDS AS A CONDITIONAL USE.
COMMISSIONER PEARCE SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION PASSED 5-0.
10. Administrative Update
A. Menkveld
Rick Breezee indicated that the Menkveld case went to court, and the Mr.
Mendveld was given 30 days jail sentence and a $500 fine, and that the jail
sentence would be suspended if he agreed to clean up the property within 60
days.
B. Meeting date in December
Mr. Breezee asked the Planning Commission members whether they would hold
a meeting in December and questioned the possibility of changing the date
in December so that it would not be so close to the holidays.
It was the general consensus of the Planning Commission Members that there
be no Planning Commission Meeting during the month of December, 1983.
COMMISSIONER PEARCE MOVED THAT THE MEETING BE ADJOURNED. CHAIRMAN TRACY SECONDED
THE MOTION. THE MOTION PASSED 5-0.
Meeting adjourned at 9:45 p.m.
Rick Breezee
Building and Zoning Administrator