3.1. PC DRAFT MINUTES 05-23-2023
Meeting of the Elk River Planning Commission
Held at the Elk River City Hall
Tuesday, April 25, 2023
Members Present: Chair Jill Larson-Vito, Commissioners Perry Beise, Dennis Booth, Eric Johnson, Tony
Mauren, and Rob Rydberg
Members Absent: Commissioner Craig Keisling
Also Present: Councilmember Matt Westgaard
Staff Present: Community Development Director Zack Carlton, Senior Planner Chris Leeseberg, and Sr.
Admin. Assistant/Recording Secretary Jennifer Green
1. Call Meeting to Order
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the meeting of the Elk River Planning Commission was called to
order at 6:38 p.m. by Chair Larson-Vito.
2. Consider Agenda
Moved by Commissioner Beise and seconded by Commissioner Booth to approve the April 25,
2023, Planning Commission agenda as presented.
Motion carried 6-0.
3. Consider Minutes
Moved by Commissioner Johnson and seconded by Commissioner Booth to approve the March 28,
2023, Planning Commission minutes as presented.
Motion carried 6-0.
4.1 Vinje Investments, LLC – David Vinje PID #s 75-011-2401, 75-011-2120, 75-011-3203, 75-
011-3235
Land Use Amendment from Business Park to Highway Commercial, Case No. LU 23-03
Zone Change from FAST (H) to PUD, Case No. ZC 23-01
Conditional Use Permit for Planned Unit Development, Case No. CU 23-06
Preliminary Plat of Vinje Commercial Addition, Case No. 23-03
Mr. Carlton presented the staff report. He explained the applicant is running into some additional challenges
with the Easement Vacation application and requested the Planning Commission open and continue the
public hearing for these items to May 23, 2023.
Commissioner Maurer asked about driveway access to the billboard site.
Mr. Carlton indicated one of the comments he had for the applicant is while the billboard remains in place,
the plat will need to be amended to have the billboard on the same lot as his ministorage property, and
private improvements will be to add an access driveway. Because this will be developed as a PUD, the
applicant can request the billboard be treated as an accessory use to the ministorage facility.
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April 25, 2023
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Chair Larson-Vito opened the public hearing. There being no one present to speak, the public hearing was
continued to May 23, 2023.
4.2 Rock Solid Companies – Ron Touchette
Ordinance Amendment: Allow Motor Vehicle Sales in the I3 Zoning District, Case No. OA 23-01
Mr. Carlton presented the staff report.
Chair Larson-Vito asked if this was an oversite or omitted for some reason.
Mr. Carlton stated the I3 is a newer district and couldn’t say why it wasn’t included as a permitted use,
noting it was possible it was an oversight.
Chair Larson-Vito opened the public hearing. There being no one to speak on this issue, Chair Larson-Vito
closed the public hearing.
Moved by Commissioner Beise and seconded by Commissioner Johnson to recommend approval
of the request by Rock Solid Companies – Ron Touchette for an ordinance amendment adding
motor vehicle sales as a permitted use in the I-3, General Industrial, zoning district.
Motion carried 6-0.
5. General Business
There was no reported general business.
6. Council Liaison Updates
Councilmember Westgaard updated the Planning Commission of recent City Council updates.
7. Adjourn Regular Meeting
Moved by Commissioner Johnson and seconded by Commissioner Booth to adjourn the regular
meeting of the Planning Commission.
Motion carried 6-0.
The regular meeting adjourned at 6:45 p.m. Chair Larson-Vito called the work session to order at 6:45 p.m.
8.1 Concept Review: CR33/CR1 Residential Subdivision
Mr. Carlton presented the staff report. Both Craig Wensmann from Bogart Pederson and property owners
were present for questions.
The Planning Commission reviewed the proposed residential subdivision. They discussed:
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April 25, 2023
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1-acre lot size, noting that lot size seems small to support septic systems and was concerned for the
proximity of wetlands. Minimum standards in this area are 2.5-acre lot sizes. Each property would
have their own well and own septic. Council prefers future developments connect to both sewer and
water; no extension for urban services unless for both. The council was not opposed to seeing some
lots as small as one acre if proof of concept can be achieved; showing that primary and secondary
sites can be supported as well as maintaining a separation per code for individual private wells for
each lot.
Sidewalks are currently proposed on the south side of the main road; no sidewalks shown in cul-de-
sacs at this time.
Comprehensive Plan supports a smaller lot size in this area, allowing for a transition.
It was the consensus of the Planning Commission to support the concept with lot sizes around 2 acres
and be supported with primary and secondary sites for their sewer system.
8.2 Home Occupations
Mr. Leeseberg updated the commission and indicated he continues to work with the city attorney regarding
home occupations operating out of attached or detached accessory structures, and when is the need for
professional design services.
9. Motion to Adjourn
Moved by Commissioner Johnson and seconded by Commissioner Booth to adjourn the meeting of
the Planning Commission.
Motion carried 6-0.
The meeting adjourned at 7:11 p.m.
Minutes prepared by Jennifer Green.
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Jill Larson-Vito, Chair
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Tina Allard, City Clerk