09-19-2005 CC MIN
MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER CITY COUNCIL
HELD AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HALL
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 19,2005
Members Present:
Mayor I<J.inzing, Councilmembers Dietz, Farber, Gumphrey, and Morin
Members Absent:
None
Staff Present:
City Administrator Pat I<laers, City Engineer Terry Maurer, City...f\.ttomey
Peter Beck, Community Development Director Scott Clark, Senior Planner
Scott Harlicker, Planner Chris Leeseberg, Assistant Director of Economic
Development Heidi Steirunetz, Street Superintendent Phil Hals, Assistant
Street Superintendent Mark Thompson, City Clerk Joan Schmidt, and
Recording Secretary Jessica Miller
Also Present:
Planning Commissioner Dana Anderson
Parks and Recreation Commissioner Jim Nystrom
1. Call Meeting To Order
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the meeting of the Elk River City Council was called
to order at 6:30 p.m. by Mayor I<J.inzing.
2. Consider 09/19/2005 .i\genda
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER FARBER AND SECONDED BY
COUNCILMEMBER GUMPHREY TO APPROVE THE AGENDA AS
AMENDED. MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
3. Consider Consent _Agenda
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER MOTIN AND SECONDED BY
COUNCILMEMBER FARBER TO APPROVE THE FOLLOWING CONSENT
AGENDA:
3.1. SEPTEMBER 6, 2005 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
3.2. CHECK REGISTER
3.3. REQUEST BY THE SINGER GROUP LCe FOR PRELIMINARY PLAT
(SINGER ADDITION), PUBLIC HEARING - CASE NO. P 05-15 -
postponed to October 17, 2005
3.4. REQUEST BY NEW CENTURY LAND DEVELOPMENT FOR LAND
USE MAP AMENDMENT FROM CC (COMMUNITY COMMERCIAL)
TO DR (URBAN RESIDENTIAL), PUBLIC HEARING - CASE NO. LV
05-05 - postponed to October 1~ 2005
3.5. REQUEST BY NEW CENTURY LAND DEVELOPMENT FOR
REZONING FROM C3 (HIGHWAY COMMERCIAL) TO pun
(PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT), PUBLIC HEARING - CASE NO.
Zc 05-03 - postponed to October 17, 2005
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September 19, 2005
Page 2
3.6. REQUEST BY NEW CENTURY LAND DEVELOPMENT FOR
PRELIMINARY PLAT (HERITAGE MAPLES), PUBLIC HEARING-
CASE NO. P 05-16 - postponed to October 17, 2005
3.7. REQUEST BY NEW CENTURY LAND DEVELOPMENT FOR
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR RESIDENTIAL PLANNED UNIT
DEVELOPMENT, PUBLIC HEARING - CASE NO. CD 05-17 -
postponed to October 17, 2005
3.8. PAY ESTIMATES
3.9. TOBACCO LICENSE FOR WESTBOUND LIQUOR
3.10. REQUEST FOR TEMPORARY ONSALE 3.20/0 MALT LIQUOR
LICENSE FOR ELK RIVER LIONS
3.11. AUTHORIZATION TO PURCHASE STREET DEPARTMENT
SWEEPER
3.12. PROCLAMATION - OCTOBER 2005 AS TOASTMASTERS MONTH IN
THE CITY OF ELK RIVER
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
4. Open :Mike
Patrick and Cheryl Melich, 13735 214th Avenue - presented a petition from a group of
residents in the Windsor Park 3rd j\ddition that would like to see the barriers at 212th
_I\venue NW removed. Mr. Melich reviewed a variety of reasons why the residents believe
the barriers should be removed.
City Engineer Terry Maurer indicated that when the Windsor Meadows plat was presented
to the Planning Commission a few residents of the \Vindsor Park 1 st and 2nd Additions came
before the Commission and argued for and received a condition on the \"X7indsor Meadows
plat that the connection from 212th Avenue stay blocked not only during construction but
until either the finalliEt of blacktop \vas laid or until at least 500/0 of the homes were
occupied. Ivir. 11aurer stated that the condition made sense at the time but the \X1incisor
Meadows development did not move fonvard as quickly as anticipated. He stated that now
that the \"X1indsor Meadows development is moving forward the \X1incisor Park 3rd Addition
is about 750/0 occupied, it vlould make sense to remove the barriers. 1vlr. Maurer suggested
that the condition should have been for the barriers to remain in place until the fust lift of
black top has been laid rather than the final lift. He stated that in the West Oaks
development, the condition '\vas for the barriers to remain until the first lift of black top had
been laid \vruch kept a majority of the construction traffic out and there ha\le no complaints
since the barriers have been removed. :Mr. Maurer noted that staff cannot remove the
barriers until direction is received from the City Council because the barrier condition was
added as part of the \Xiincisor Meadows plat approval and is part of the developer's
agreement.
Mayor I<J.inzing questioned '\V~hat steps would have to be taken to have the barriers removed.
City Attorney Peter Beck indicated that if the condition is part of the developer's agreement
. it is a contract and should be amended if the barriers are to be removed. Mr. Maurer
indicated that he spoke to the developer of\,\lindsor Meadovls and he does not have a
problem \vith removing the barriers. City Attorney Peter Beck indicated that as long as the
developer does not have a problem, then the barriers could be removed now and the
developer's agreement could be amended later.
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September 19, 2005
Page 3
Councilmember Morin stated that he does not have a problem 'With removing the barriers
but he would like to see the affected property owners notified prior to there removal.
Councilmember Gumphrey concurred.
Mayor I<J.inzing directed staff to draft a resolution amending the final plat and developer's
agreement for Windsor Meadows to allow the barriers to be removed after the first lift of
blacktop has been laid and for staff to notify the property owners in the Windsor 11eadows
development and the \XTindsor Park 1 st, 2nd, and 3rd _Additions once the issue has been
scheduled for an future Council meeting.
5.1. Inte~ew Library Board _Applicant
City Clerk Joan Schmidt indicated that the Library Board vacancy created by the resignation
of Leslie Anderson in August has been advertised and staff has received one application
from Ms. Donna Martin of Zimmerman.
The Council interviewed Donna Martin for the Library Board seat and voted via secret
ballot \vhether to appoint Ms. Martin at this time or to wait until additional applications are
received.
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER GUMPHREY AND SECONDED BY
COUNCILMEMBER MOTIN TO APPOINT DONNA MARTIN TO THE
LIBRARY BOARD TO FILL THE UNEXPIRED TERM OF LESLIE
ANDERSON UNTIL DECEMBER 31, 2007. MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
5.2. Consider :Micro Loan for Provo Enterprises. LLC (Alliance J:v1achine. Inc. Project)
Assistant Director of Economic Development Heidi Steinmetz indicated that Pat and Bryan
Provo of Alliance Machine submitted an Industrial Incentive Program :Micro Loan
application to be used towards the construction of an 18,000 sf manufacturing facility in the
Northstar Business Park. Ms. Steinmetz presented background and loan term information
on the 1vIicro Loan request as outlined in her staff report. Ms. Steinmetz indicated that both
the Finance Committee and the EDA have recommended approval of the loan and in
addition, the EDA recommended waiving the City Council public hearing scheduled for
October 3, 2005 to accommodate an early October closing date for the purchase of land,
bank financing, and city financing.
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER FARBER AND SECONDED BY
COUNCILMEMBER DIETZ TO APPROVE THE MICRO LOAN
APPLICATION SUBMITTED BY PAT AND BRYAN PROVO OF ALLIANCE
MACHINE AND TO WAIVE THE PUBLIC HEARING SCHEDULED FOR
OCTOBER 3, 2005. MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
5.3. Resolution 05-108 _Authorizing the Emergency Replacement or Repair of the Ice Arena
Roof Damaged by Hail '\vithout Competitive Notice or Competitive Bids
City Attorney Peter Beck reviewed the resolution authorizing the emergency replacement of
the Ice Arena roof that was damaged by hail '\Vi.thout competitive notice or competitive bids.
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER FARBER AND SECONDED BY
COUNCILMEMBER DIETZ TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 05-108
AUTHORIZING EMERGENCY REPLACEMENT OR REPAIR OF THE ICE
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September 19, 2005
Page 4
ARENA ROOF DAMAGED BY HAIL WITHOUT COMPETITIVE NOTICE OR
COMPETITIVE BIDS. MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
6.1. Resolution \Tacating Drainage and Utility Easements by Goetz/Gilbert for Easement
",\1 acation_ Public Hearing - Case No. EV 05-08 - continued_from August 15. 2005
Staff report submitted by Planner Chris Leeseberg. lvIr. Leeseberg indicated that the
applicant is requesting an easement vacation to provide more buildable area on the lot by
vacating a portion of the existing drainage and utility easement located in the southwest
corner of the property located at 20321 Auburn Street. 11r. Leeseberg stated that this item
was brought before the Council on July 18, 2005 at which time the Council approved the
administrative subdivision but tabled the easement vacation due to lack of information. He
stated that there is currently an 80-foot Vlide ~asement from the street to the wetland and it
is not apparent why such a large easement was created '\vith the Deerfield First addition plat
as there are no utilities in the easement and the terrain in the easement east of the road is
higher than the road itself. 11r. Leeseberg indicated that the new parcel should have enough
buildable area to support a home pad, primary and secondary septic fields, and well location.
Mayor I<J.inzing opened the public hearing. There being no one to speak to this issue, :tvfayor
I<J.inzing closed the public hearing.
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER FARBER AND SECONDED BY
COUNCILMEMBER MOTIN TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 05-109 VACATING
THE STREET, DRAINAGE, AND UTILITY EASEMENTS, CASE NO. EV 05-08
WITH THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS:
1. ALL COMMENTS FROM THE CITY ENGINEER SHALL BE
ADDRESSED.
2. A LEGAL DESCRIPTION OF THE EASEMENT VACATION SHALL BE
PROVIDED PRIOR TO RECORDING THE REQUEST AT THE
COUNTY.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
6.2. Resolution Vacating Drainage and Utility Easements_ Lot 1 Block 1~ Elk Riv'er Crossing 6th
Addition. by AMY 1vlinnesota~ LLC (Tractor Supply). Public Hearing_ Case No. EV 05-07
Staff report submitted by Planner Chris Leeseberg. ivIr. Leeseberg indicated that the
applicant is requesting an easement vacation of drainage and utility easements to be able to
construct an approximately 23,630 sf Tractor Supply Store. 111:. Leeseberg stated that the
easement was created to protect a '\vetland but the amount of area of wetland that d1e
easement protected is Vlithin the de minimis amount '\vhich can be filled; therefore, there is
no need for a drainage and utility easement in this area. IvIr. Leeseberg noted that there aIe
two portions of the easement that exist on Lot 2, Block 1 of this plat that cannot be vacated
'\\lith this request as they are on separate property.
Mayor I<Iinzing opened the public hearing. There being no one to speak to this issue, Mayor
I<J.inzing closed the public hearing.
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER FARBER AND SECONDED BY
COUNCILMEMBER MOTIN TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 05-110 VACATING
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September 19, 2005
Page 5
STREET, DRAINAGE, AND UTILITY EASEMENTS, CASE NO. EV 05-07
WITH THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS:
1. ALL COMMENTS OF THE CITY ENGINEER SHALL BE
ADDRESSED.
2. A LEGAL DESCRIPTION OF THE EASEMENT VACATION SHALL BE
PROVIDED PRIOR TO RECORDING THE REQUEST AT THE
COUNTY.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
6.3. Request by _AMT Minnesota.LLC for Conditional Use Permit to Construct a 23.630sq. ft
Retail Facility (Tractor Supply). Public Hearing. Case No. CD 05-15
Planner Chris Leeseberg submitted the staff report. 1vfr. Leeseberg presented the request by
AMT Minnesota, LLC for a conditional use permit to construct a 23,630 square foot tractor
supply store in Elk River Crossing 6th _Addition. 1vft. Leeseberg reviewed the project location,
surrounding uses, layout of the building and outdoor storage, building materials) signage,
parking and circulation, and landscaping. He stated that both staff and the Planning
Commission recommend approval of the request.
Mayor I<J.inzing opened the public hearing. There being no one to speak to this issue, Mayor
I<J.inzing closed the public hearing.
Councilmember Dietz indicated that he has spoken to people who are concern(3d 'W'ith
trucks not being able to get out of the dock area.
City Engineer Terry 11aurer stated that the engineer of the project has flipped the dock on
the plans and that the applicant is working on a cross access agreement \vith the owner of
the building that Great River Energy occupies.
Barry Brottlund, representing AMT Minnesota, LLC - explained the change in the dock
area location and stated that the cross access agreement has been agreed upon in concept
but the details of the shared maintenance and language of the agreement 'Will be \vorked out
next week.
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER GUMPHREY AND SECONDED BY
COUNCILMEMBER DIETZ TO APPROVE THE REQUEST BY AMT
MINNESOTA, LLC FOR A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO CONSTRUCT A
23,630 SQUARE FOOT RETAIL FACILITY (TRACTOR SUPPLY), CASE NO. CD
05-15, WITH THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS:
1. ALL COMMENTS OF THE CITY ENGINEER SHALL BE
ADDRESSED.
2. THE TRASH ENCLOSURE SHALL BE WITHIN AN ENCLOSURE
CONSTRUCTED OF THE SAME MATERIALS AND COLORS AS
THOSE USED IN THE BUILDING.
3. TWO WALL SIGNS SHALL BE ALLOWED IN LIEU OF A
MONUMENT SIGN.
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September 19, 2005
Page 6
4. WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE AREA BETWEEN THE PARKING
AND THE NORTH SIDE OF THE BUILDING/FENCED-IN AREA,
NO OUTDOOR DISPLAY SHALL BE ALLOWED OUTSIDE OF THE
FENCED-IN AREA.
5. BRICK PILATERS TO MATCH THE BRICK ON THE BUILDING
SHALL BE PROVIDED ON THE NORTH AND EAST SIDE OF THE
STORAGE AREA
6. AN AGREEMENT BE REACHED WITH THE ABUTTING PROPERTY
OWNER THAT ADDRESSES THE DOCK AREA ISSUES.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
6.4. Resolution Granting Final Plat of Eagles Marsh 2nd i\ddicion b3i Phoenix Enterprises, Case
No. P 05-18
Staff report submitted by Sernor Planner Scott Harlicker. :MI. Harlicker presented the
request by Phoenix Enterprises for fmal plat approval for Eagles Marsh 2nd ...r\ddition. 1:vfr.
Harlicker reviewed the property location, lot layout, street layout, park dedication, grading,
drainage, and utilities, and staff's recommendation.
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER FARBER AND SECONDED BY
COUNCILMEMBER GUMPHREY TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 05-111
GRANTING FINAL PLAT APPROVAL FOR EAGLES MARSH SECOND
ADDITION, CASE NO. P 05-18 WITH THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS:
1. A DEVELOPERS AGREEMENT BE PREPARED AND EXECUTED'
OUTLINING THE TERM:S AND CONDITIONS OF THE PLAT
APPROVAL AND INSTALLATION OF IMPROVEMENTS PRIOR TO
RELEASING THE PLAT FOR RECORDING.
2. A LETTER OF CREDIT BE PROVIDED TO THE CITY IN THE AMOUNT
OF 1000/0 OF THE COSTS OF PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS.
3. UPON COMPLETING ALL OF THE IMPROVEMENTS AND HAVING
THEM ACCEPTED BY THE CITY, A WARRANTY BOND IN THE
AMOUNT OF 250/0 OF THE IMPROVEMENT COSTS SHALL BE
SUBMITTED TO THE CITY FOR A ONE YEAR PERIOD.
4. SURFACE WATER MANAGEMENT FEE IN THE AMOUNT REQUIRED
BY THE CITY AT THE TIME OF FINAL PLAT BE PAID PRIOR TO
RELEASING THE PLAT FOR RECORDING.
5. SEALCOAT FEE IN THE AMOUNT TO BE DETERM:INED BY THE. CITY
ENGINEER BE PAID TO THE CITY PRIOR TO RELEASING THE PLAT
FOR RECORDING.
6. THE NECESSARY DRAINAGE AND UTILITY EASEMENTS BE
DEDICATED ON THE PLAT AS REQUIRED BY THE CITY.
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September 19, 2005
Page 7
7. ALL COMMENTS OF THE CITY ENGINEER BE ADDRESSED.
8. ALL APPROPRIATE WETLAND PERMITS MUST BE OBTAINED PRIOR
TO COMMENCING WORK ON THE SITE.
9. GRADING AND EROSION CONTROL PLAN AND DVELOPMENT PLAN
BE SUBMITTED AND APPROVEDBY THE CITY ENGINEER PRIOR TO
THE ISSUANCE OF BUILDING PERMITS.
10. ALL GRADING WILL NEED TO BE CERTIFIED PRIOR TO THE
ISSUANCE OF BUILDING PERMITS.
11. STREET LIGHTS SHALL BE INSTALLED AS RECOMMENDED BY ELK
RIVER MUNICIPLAL UTILTIIES.
12. WATER AVAI LAB ILTY CHARGE BE PAID PRIOR TO RELEASING THE
PLAT FOR RECORDING.
13. ALL NECESSARY TRUNK SANITARY AND WATER ASSESSMENT, AND
LATERAL WATER ASSESSMENTS BE PAID PRIOR TO RELEASING THE
PLAT FOR RECORDING.
14. ANY ITEM OR CONDITION FOIJND THAT INDICATES THE SITE IS
LIKELY TO YIELD INFORMATION IMPORTANT TO PRE-HISTORY OR
HISTORY SHALL BE REPORTED TO THE CITY IMMEDIATELY.
FURTHER, THE CITY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO STOP WORK
AUTHORIZED IN ITS APPROVAL UNTIL THE SITE IS
APPROPRIATELY INVESTIGATED AND WORK IS AUTHORIZED.
15. ANY TREES OFF SITE OR ON SITE, NEAR THE LIMIT OF GRADING
THAT ARE TO BE PRESERVED, SHALL BE FENCED WITH A SNOW
FENCE AT THE DRIP LINE TO PREVENT GRADING, COMPACTION,
OR STORAGE OF EQUIPMENT, DEBRIS OR MATERIALS. STAFF
SHALL INSPECT THE FENCING PRIOR TO GRADING COMMENCING.
16. THE DEVELOPER SHALL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR MARKING PARK
BOUNDARIES WITH THE CITY'S PARK BOUNDARY SIGNS.
17. SIDEWALKS SHALL BE INSTALLED ALONG ONE SIDE OF EACH OF
THE STREETS.
18. STAFF AND THE DEVELOPER SHALL WORK TO DEVELOP A
GRADING PLAN AND TREE PRESERVATION PLAN THAT WILL SAVE
AS MANY TREES ON THE SITE AS POSSIBLE.
19. OUTLOTS B AND D SHALL BE DEEDED TO THE CITY. THE ACRES OF
UPLAND AREA IN OUTLOT B WILL BE COUNTED TOWARDS
MEETING THE PARK DEDICATION REQUIREMENT. THE
REMAINDER OF THE PARK DEDICATION REQUIREMENT SHALL BE
CASH.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
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September 19, 2005
Page 8
6.5. Resolution Granting Final Plat of Kingdom Estates 2nd Addition by Dennis \Xlurm~ Case
No. P 05-11
Planner Chris Leeseberg submitted the staff report. :Mr. Leesberg presented the request by
Dennis Wurm- for final plat approval of I<ingdom Estates 2nd Addition. 1vfr. Leeseberg
reviewed the location, lot layout, connections for future development, and staffs
recommendation.
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER MOTIN AND SECONDED BY
COUNCILMEMBER FARBER TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 05-112 GRANTING
FINAL PLAT APPROVAL FOR KINGDOM ESTATES SECOND ADDITION,
CASE NO. P 05-11 WITH THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS:
1. ALL COMMENTS OF THE CITY ENGINEER SHALL BE ADDRESSED.
2. A SEALCOAT FEE SHALL BE PAID PRIOR TO RELEASING THE PLAT
FOR RECORDING.
3. A LETTER OF CREDIT IN THE AMOUNT OF 1000/0 OF THE COST OF
THE IMPROVEMENTS SHALL BE SUBMITTED PRIOR TO RELEASING
THE PLAT FOR RECORDING.
4. THE APPLICANT SHALL EXECUTE A DEVELOPER'S AGREEMENT
OUTLINING THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL.
5. PARK DEDICATION SHALL BE IN CASH FOR 14 LOTS.
6. THE PLAT SHALL COMPLY WITH THE RiA SETBACK
REQUIREMENTS.
7. A SIGN SHALL BE PLACED AT THE 214TH AVENUE CUL-DE-SAC TO
ADVISE FUTURE PROPERTY OWNERS OF ITS TEMPORARY STATUS,
AND THAT A FUTURE ROAD CONNECTION IS PLANNED.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Planning Commission Chair Dana Anderson stated that the Planning Commission recently
discussed a ,vedand ordinance and asked for clarification on the actual location of the 20-
foot trail discussed in City Engine"er Terry Maurer's memo to Mr. Leeseberg dated
September 8, 2005. 1v1r. Maurer indicated that he has no specific location for the trail in
mind and that it was included in his memo because the preliminary plat included a trail. Mr.
Maurer indicated that if the Planning Commission or staff has a specific location they would
like the trail, they should let him know so that information can be relayed to the developer
so it can be recorded with the final plat and easement documents. Ivrr. Maurer noted that he
\Vill speak to Environmental Technician Rebecca Haug regarding the trail easement location.
6.6. Request by the City ofETh: River for Ordinance Amendment to Allow Engineered Fabric
Structures in the 11 and 12 Industrial Districts~ Public Hearing~ Case No. OA 05-12
Staff report submitted by former Director of Planning 1\1ichele McPherson. Senior Planner
Scott Ha.rlicker presented the request by the City of Elk River for an Ordinance Amendment
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September 19, 2005
Page 9
to allow engineered fabric accessory structures in the Ii and 12 industrial districts. :rvI.r.
Harlicker reviewed the proposed language change that would occur in Section 30-938. He
stated that the Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend approval of the
proposed ordinance amendment to the City Council.
Mayor I<J.inzing opened the public hearing. There being no one to speak to this issue, Mayor
I<J.inzing closed the public hearing.
Councilmember Morin questioned if the fabric structures were the same as the ones recently
approved for the Rl a district. 1Y1r. Harlicker indicated that they are and that the fabric
structures must meet building codes in order to comply. Councilmember Morin questioned
if there are minimum lot size requirements. Mr. Harlicker stated that there was no such
requirement. Councilmember Morin indicated that he would like to see the structures kept at
least 250 feet away from any neighboring primary structure.
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER MOTIN AND SECONDED BY
COUNCILMEMBER FARBER TO APPROVE ORDINANCE 05-22 AMENDING
SECTION 30-938 - ARCHITECTURAL STANDARDS OF THE CITY CODE OF
ORDINANCES TO ALLOW ENGINEERED FABRIC STRUCTURES AS
ACCESSORY USES IN THE 11 AND 12 ZONING DISTRICTS WITH
LANGUAGE ADDED "THAT THE ENGINEERED FABRIC STRUCTURES
MUST BE NO LESS THAN 250 FEET AWAY FROM ANY EXISTING
RESIDENTIAL STRUCTURE". MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
6.7. Request by the City of Elk River for Ordinance ...f\mendment to Section 30-1 to i\mend the
Definition of "Lot _Area" Public Hearing Case No. O.l\ 05-13
Staff report submitted by former Director of Planning 1vIichele McPherson. Sernor Planner
Scott Harlicker presented the request by the City of Elk River for an Ordinance Amendment
to Section 30-1 to amend the definition of "lot area" to require one acre of contiguous
buildable area on lots in the R1a unse\vered and Ai zoning districts.
Mayor I<J.inzing opened the public hearing. There being no one to speak to this issue, Mayor
I<J.inzing closed the public hearing.
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER FARBER AND SECONDED BY
COUNCILMEMBER DIETZ TO ADOPT ORDINANCE 05-23 AMENDING
SECTION 30-1 THE DEFINITION OF "LOT AREA" OF THE CITY CODE OF
ORDINANCES. MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
6.8. Resolution Ordering the Preparation of Plans and Specifications for the School Street/High
School Parking Lot Signalization Project
City Engineer Terry Maurer indicated that one of the transportation priorities that has come
out of the numerous discussions \Vi.th the City Council is the signalization of the intersection
of School Street and the High School parking lot. l\1r. Maurer stated that the thought is by
installing a signal system, there would no longer be the need for a community 'service officer
to place themselves in the center of the street to direct traffic \vhen school ends each day.
1v1:r. Maurer stated that a topographic map of the area has been prepared and discussions
have taken place \Vith MnDOT regarding \vhether or not they would be involved in the
review of the design of the project. lvII. Maurer stated that MnDOT indicated that since it is
City COlUlcil1vIinutes
September 19, 2005
Page 10
anticipated that no 11unicipal State Aid monies VJill be utilized for this project, there would
be no need for a MnDOT review and therefore, the city could chose whether or not to
prepare a Signal Justification Report. Mr. Maurer indicated that this intersection may not rise
to the level of needing a signal based on a Signal Justification Report and noted that the
report does not measure personal safety such as a community service officer placing
themselves in the center of traffic in order to facilitate a reasonable traffic flow during
exiting school times. lvlr. Maurer noted that his recommendation would be for the
restriping of School Street to be studied as the signal project proceeds.
:Mr. Maurer explained that as with previous signal projects, this work could be completed
during the fall with -wiring and concrete bases installed prior to the onset of \V:inter. He
indicated that due to the delays typically experienced in receiving signal mast arms and
controller cabinets to the site, it would likely be later in the \V:inter that the equipment would
be available and could be installed and signal operations instituted.
Councilmember Dietz questioned if the school district is open to paying for half of the cost
of the signals. City Administrator Pat I<Iaers stated that there has been positive feedback
from school district officials in the past but that the decision would be that of the School
Board.
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER MOTIN AND SECONDED BY
COUNCILMEMBER FARBER TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 05-113 ORDERING
THE PREPARATION OF PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS IN THE MATTER
OF THE SCHOOL STREET/HIGH SCHOOL PARKING LOT
SIGNALIZATION IMPROVEMENT OF 2005. MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
6.9. Gateway Business Park Preliminary Development 'Xlork
City j\.dministrator Pat I<Jaers stated that at a meeting \V-1th Great River Energy (GRE)
questions were raised regarding additional information on the Gateway Business Park site.
:Mr. I<laers stated that follo\V:ing that meeting, he asked City Engineer Terry Maurer to
prepare some information on work that could be completed that would be beneficial
whether or not GRE decides to locate on the Gate,\\Tay Business Park site.
:Mr. Maurer indicated that he '\vould suggest that a boundary survey, wetland delineation,
topographic dra\V:ing, and geotech.nical investigation be completed as outlined in his staff
report. He explained that he would estimate that all of this work could be accomplished for
approximately $25,000. He noted that this would include hiring a geotechnical firm to
perform soil borings and an environmental firm for delineating the wetlands on the site. He
estimated this work could be completed in three to four weeks. lv1r. I<laers noted that this
timeline may not meet GRE's deadline but staff feels that the work should be completed
regardles s.
Ivfayor I<J.inzing stated that she agrees that the \vork should be completed regardless of
GRE's decision as she doesn't believe any time or money would be wasted in completing
this ,\\7ork for future development of the site.
Councilmember Dietz questioned \vhere the funding for the work would come from. 1Yfr.
I<laers stated that it would come from reserves and the costs are planned to be recaptured
when a project is developed.
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September 19, 2005
Page 11
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER FARBER AND SECONDED BY
COUNCILMEMBER GUMPHREY TO AUTHORIZE A BOUNDARY SURVEY,
WETLAND DELINEATION, TOPOGMPHIC DRAWING, AND
GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATION TO BE COMPLETED ON THE
GATEWAY BUSINESS PARK SITE. MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
7.1. Consider Bids for Fabric Salt/Sand Storage Building
Street Superintendent Phil Hals stated that on July 14 the city received bids for a cast in
place concrete walled salt/sand storage building with a metal roof system but all bids were
rejected since the lowest bid \vas $118,000 over budget. He stated after revie\V:ing other
options, staff concluded that the most economical and functional structure would be a fabric
covered roof \\ti.th concrete salt/ sand retaining walls. :MI. Hals stated that bids were received
on i\ugust 12 for the fabric covered salt/storage building and staff is recommending
accepting the bid from Greystone Construction for a salt/ sand building \vith cast in place
walls. He noted that the buildings Vlith the "T" panels are about $22,255 less expensive but
provide 180/0 less storage area.
Councilmember Farber questioned what the life expectancy is on the fabric since it '\vill be
used for salt. MI. Hats stated that the metal is hot dipped galvanized to 'Withstand the salt
and air and the fabric has a is-year warranty and if necessary, just the fabric can be replaced.
MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER MOTIN AND SECONDED BY
COUNCILMEMBER FARBER TO APPROVE THE BID FROM GREYSTONE
CONSTRUCTION FOR THE 80' BY 108' FABRIC COVERED SALT /SAND
STORAGE BUILDING INCLUDING "ALTERNATE 2" FOR THE CAST IN
PLACE CONCRETE WALLS FORA TOTAL COST OF $159,980. MOTION
CARRIED 5-0.
7.2. Utilities Update
Councilmember Dietz provided an update of the Utilities Commission meeting held
September 13, 2005.
7.3. YlvICA Update
Councilmember Gumphrey provided an update of the Northstar YlvICA Community Board
meeting that was held September 8, 2005.
8. Other Business
There was no other business.
9. Staff Updates
There were no staff updates.
10. .l\djournment
There being no further business, Mayor I<J.inzing adjourned the meeting of the Elk River
City Council at 8:02 p.m.
City Council 11inutes
September 19, 2005
Page 12
11inutes prepared by Jessica 11iller.
Joan Schmidt
City Clerk