Planning Commission Packet for October 22, 2024
Planning Commission
Regular Meeting
&
Work Session
Agenda
Tuesday, October 22, 2024
6:30 PM
Elk River City Hall
▪ Regular meeting in Council Chambers
▪ Work Session meeting in Council Chambers immediately following regular meeting
1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. CONSIDER AGENDA
4. CONSIDER MINUTES
4.1 July 23 2024, Draft Planning Commission Minutes
5. PUBLIC HEARINGS
An opportunity for the public to express their opinions and raise questions pertaining to the agenda item. All comments
become part of the official public record. For this reason, all comments must be made at the podium so they can be heard
and recorded. Comments may also be provided in writing. There will not be deliberations, discussions, or answers to
questions until the hearing is closed. It is important to be courteous and allow each presenter to comment before adding
additional testimony.
5.1 Zone Changes: City of Elk River
6. GENERAL BUSINESS
Items in which the information is presented by city staff or consultants, then deliberation and action occur. General Business
items are not opportunities to receive or provide public input. However, the presiding officer may, at its sole discretion,
solicit public feedback.
7. COUNCIL LIAISON UPDATES
8. MOTION TO ADJOURN REGULAR MEETING
9. WORK SESSION
Work Sessions are less formal meetings to encourage dialog. Official action or votes are not typically taken. At the
conclusion of a discussion, a simple consensus provides staff direction for execution of the item. This portion of the agenda
is audio recorded but not video recorded or broadcast. Work Sessions are open to the public; however, visitors who wish
to provide input must be invited by the presiding officer, assume a seat at the discussion table and provide their full name
and address for the official record.
9.1 Concept Review: Enviro-Chem
9.2 Land Use Amendments: City of Elk River
10. MOTION TO ADJOURN
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Meeting of the Planning Commission
Held at the Elk River City Hall
Tuesday, August 27, 2024
Members Present: Acting Chair Eric Johnson, Commissioners Dennis Booth, Anthony Kaba, James
Zahler, Robert Rydberg, and Tony Mauren
Members Absent: Chair Perry Beise
Staff Present: Community Development Director Zack Carlton, Senior Planner Chris
Leeseberg, and Sr. Administrative Assistant/Recording Secretary Jennifer Green
1.CALL MEETING TO ORDER
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m.
2.PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
3.CONSIDER AGENDA
Moved by Commissioner Booth and seconded by Commissioner Rydberg to approve the
agenda. Motion carried 6-0.
4.CONSIDER MINUTES
Moved by Commissioner Rydberg and seconded by Commissioner Booth to approve the
following consent item as outlined in its respective staff report. Motion carried 6-0.
4.1 Draft Planning Commission Minutes - July 23, 2024
5.PUBLIC HEARINGS
5.1 Conditional Use Permit: Senior Housing/Memory Care Facility, PID 75-00729-0010 - DigniSuites
Mr. Leeseberg presented the staff report. He distributed an updated site plan from the applicant
received today, which shows a through-street from the north to the south, and eliminates the shared
access in this location. The applicant is also proposing to add a landscape berm to mitigate headlights
shining onto the units at Pullman Place. These site plan changes eliminate the need for Condition 1 and
Mr. Leeseberg requested the removal of Condition 1. Mr. Leeseberg stated they will also be reviewing
the proposed parking as they have noticed some parking concerns with Beehive Homes, a similar use
site.
Acting Chair Johnson asked that removing Condition 1 meant those concerns had been addressed by
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Mr. Leeseberg stated that was correct.
Acting Chair Johnson opened the public hearing.
Judy King, resident and president of the board at Pullman Place, and Estelle Gunkel, resident at
Pullman Place, spoke regarding their concerns with the proposed project. Ms. Gunkel thanked staff for
meeting to review their concerns and the applicant for making the reference changes. Ms. Gunkel stated
the residents of Pullman Place still had concerns with this project's potential to increase traffic and
effect flow, particularly from neighboring properties. She stated concerns with the proposed berm and
the plantings that will take several years before they are large and established. She asked if a second
story would ever be constructed for the facility. Ms. Gunkel also felt the proposed parking spots may be
too few for not only visitors but care providers and building employees. She addressed concerns with
the public hearing notice process as they felt they did not receive proper notice and was working with
Sherburne County to address that. Lastly, she asked if the property owner is the applicant. She stated
the proposed use was supported and felt it was a good fit for the area.
Bob Garen, a resident of Pullman Place, asked about their concerns with cut-through traffic on their
private drive, which includes residents, delivery trucks, and individual cars. He asked how they can
continue to keep their private drive private. He felt the no trespassing/private drive signage didn't seem
to make much difference.
There being no one else present to speak, Acting Chair Johnson closed the public hearing.
The applicants, Scott Clements, 4901 W. 93rd Bloomington, owner of CBS Construction Services,
Inc., and Brian Winges, DigniSuites, 3900 VanDyke Street, White Bear Lake, answered questions
brought up in the public hearing.
Mr. Clements explained that the berm was just brought to their attention earlier in the day, so they will
revise their plans and will work with both the city and the neighbors to develop an appropriate berm to
ensure compliance. The berm would include landscaping and as their landscape plan was submitted as
part of the application, they will work with the city to make any necessary updates and modifications.
Mr. Winges stated their company over-landscapes from the beginning, and being the owner/operators,
they assured the residents of Pullman Place that they look forward to being a part of the
community. He stated they would schedule a meeting with the Pullman Place residents to thoroughly
answer their questions about staffing and operation, and address their concerns.
Commissioner Rydberg addressed Mr. Winges and Mr. Clements, and noted he felt there would be cut-
through traffic on their proposed road, similar to traffic on Pullman Place's private drive, and he
suggested a speed bump. He asked them to address if there was adequate staff parking on site.
Mr. Winges stated the parking numbers are the same that are used in other similar memory care
facilities and has worked with their proposed use. They exceed the minimal parking requirements as
outlined in the ordinance for an apartment building, and stated they can provide proof of parking for
their other projects.
Mr. Leeseberg stated the ordinance doesn't outline parking numbers for assisted living buildings so they
can work with the applicant to ensure parking is adequate, noting the city can use proof of parking to
show adequate parking is available on the property. He stated they will look at a similar project in the DRAFTPage 3 of 27
Planning Commission Minutes
August 27, 2024
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community, Beehive Homes, and their parking requirements.
Commissioner Rydberg asked about whether a second story would ever be added in the future.
Mr. Winges stated a second story is not proposed for this building.
An audience member asked about a traffic study.
Acting Chair Johnson stated many of the issues heard during the public hearing seem to have already
been addressed by the developer, and staff will receive an updated landscape plan prior to the City
Council meeting. He stated the traffic study was done in 2009 as the proposed use at that time was for
commercial use and the area still supported that use.
Commissioner Rydberg agreed with Acting Chair Johnson and noted 2009 was a long time ago, but the
traffic study was done for retail use with more vehicles rather than a use such as DigniSuites. He felt
the biggest concern regarding traffic was the use of private drives.
Commissioner Mauren asked about the 2009 CUP and the private drive requirement.
Mr. Leeseberg stated in 2009, the Depot Apartment project had a condition imposed by the City
Council that they install a private drive for cut-through traffic. The road was constructed and remains in
place. Mr. Leeseberg asked the city attorney if that cut-through needs to be maintained and he stated
the city did not need to enforce the condition, noting it was unusual for a property to have a condition
imposed on it when it wasn't the property with the CUP.
Moved by Commissioner Booth and seconded by Commissioner Rydberg to recommend
approval of the Conditional Use Permit with the following conditions to satisfy the
standards set forth in Section 30-654:
1. A cross access easement shall be prepared and recorded outlining the use and
maintenance obligations of the access onto Quincy Street.
2. All comments on the Comment Letter dated August 21, 2024, shall be addressed.
3. Staff approval of all site, civil, and development plans.
4. The property shall be platted prior to issuance of any building permits.
Motion Carried 6-0.
5.2 Conditional Use Permit: Religious Institution, 21695 Elk Lake Rd NW - River of Life Church
Mr. Leeseberg presented the staff report.
Acting Chair Johnson opened the public hearing.
Mary Gillette - representing her parents at 22017 Elk Lake Road - asked questions about the road
improvements to 217th Avenue, who will bear the cost of the improvements and maintenance, and
where the road improvements would take place.
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Mr. Leeseberg stated the developer/church would take that expense of improvements and maintenance,
and the improvements would end just past the church's drive access, it would not include the entire
roadway.
Mrs. Gillette asked if the road width would increase.
Mr. Leeseberg stated he wasn't sure how wide, but the road width would stay within the road right-of
way.
There being no one else to speak, Acting Chair Johnson closed the public hearing.
Moved by Commissioner Rydberg and seconded by Commissioner Booth to recommend
approval of the Conditional Use Permit with the following conditions to satisfy the
standards set forth in Section 30-654:
1. Any addition, of any size, after Phase 2 will require the property to provide access
onto 217th Avenue with an upgrade of the gravel street to city standards from Elk
Lake Road to the second approved location of the second access.
2. A 20-foot-wide fire department access road shall be installed along the east side of
the building, connecting the northern and southwestern parking areas.
Motion Carried 6-0.
5.3 Conditional Use Permit: Vehicle Sales and Service, 17094 Vance St NW - Cornerstone KIA
Parking Lot Expansion
Mr. Carlton presented the staff report. He noted MnDOT is still reviewing the application and has not
submitted comments.
Acting Chair Johnson opened the public hearing. There being no one present to speak, Acting Chair
Johnson closed the public hearing.
Moved by Commissioner Booth and seconded by Commissioner Rydberg to recommend
approval of the Conditional Use Permit authorizing expansion of an existing vehicles sales
and service operation (Cornerstone Kia), with the following conditions:
1. The boundary line adjustment (Case No. P 24-08) must be approved and recorded.
2. The platted exemption (Case No. P 24-09) must be approved by the Elk River City
Council and recorded with Sherburne County.
3. Staff approval of all construction plans.
4. Approval of an encroachment agreement, authorizing the proposed parking lot
expansion to cross existing drainage and utility easements.
5. Address any comments provided by MnDOT.
Motion Carried 6-0.
DRAFTPage 5 of 27
Planning Commission Minutes
August 27, 2024
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5.4 Land Use Amendment/Zone Change/Preliminary Plat: Meadowsweet Bend Residential Subdivision
- Twin Cities Land Development
Mr. Carlton presented the staff report.
Commissioner Booth asked Mr. Carlton to explain his comment that the east connection is still under
review.
Mr. Carlton explained where the proposed development roadway connects with County Road 33. The
western section aligns with the exit from Queen Street in Windsor Park Third; however, the eastern
section does not align with the exit from Joplin Street. Since the road is a county road, it's being
reviewed between the county and city engineers to make suggestions for proper alignment.
Commissioner Mauren asked why sewer service was not being included with water service in this
proposed development.
Mr. Carlton stated the city has had some challenges with clustered septic systems in developments
around the city. The developer made a request to connect to the sewer line since it is in this location
and also brought the request to Elk River Municipal Utilities (ERMU) to review the lack of water
connection. ERMU was comfortable with it even with some billing challenges. He stated the developer
feels it will be a great amenity to have higher quality lots in this area that don't require land for a
primary and secondary sewer connection, allowing more use of the property by the property owner.
Acting Chair Johnson opened the public hearing.
Jason Bailey, 13731 214th Court - lives in Windsor Park Three. He explained his experience with
their own failed septic system and was happy to see this project was not a clustered septic system. He
discussed the alignment with He asked what scope creep looked like. and asked if multi-family homes
would be built.
Acting Chair Johnson stated the application before them did not include multi-family homes and if
something were to change, there would be a similar public hearing process.
Ryan Alcott, 13261 Ranch Road, at the corner of CR 33 and CR 1, stated he has lived there for 15
years. He stated his concerns about proposed setbacks, asked about the location of the proposed trail
and proposed sewer connections, and asked if his zoning would change. Lastly, he asked if there was an
option to connect to city sewer services.
Mr. Carlton stated the concept plans for the trail show them on the inside loop, to bring people to the
park on the trail. He noted any trail would take place within the 60' right-of-way. He stated the zone
change only affected the project parcels, not Mr. Alcott's. He stated there could be an option to
connect to city sewer, but those details have not been worked out yet. Mr. Carlton stated he could
talk to the public works director about it.
Mary Gillette - representing Carl and Sally Thompson with land on the north and east side. She stated
that when this area was annexed into the city, she was told anything north of County Road 33 would
never be developed. She asked if that changed.
Acting Chair Johnson stated this area has been included in the Comprehensive Plan for development. DRAFTPage 6 of 27
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Mr. Carlton stated this application affects only the proposed 217 acres. He outlined the project
boundaries and explained the updated sewer connections offered a smaller lot size opportunity, rather
than a 2.5 acre. He stated this area is surrounded by wetlands.
Ms. Gillette asked if there would even be a connection to County Road 1 through her parent's
property. She felt the wetlands would be affected by the proposed development, with each lot having
their own well. She asked if a groundwater survey was taken and data available for how this will impact
the surrounding landowners. She stated the land to the north contains unique plants that have been
protected and studied, and feels those plant species and endangered species that will be affected by this
development. Minnesota Land Trust is interested in preserving this area as an asset to the city. She
asked about soil types, well depths, what proposed utilities will be included and what the setbacks will
be.
There being no one else to speak, Acting Chair Johnson closed the public hearing.
Chris Dahn, an engineer with Bogart Pederson and Associates, discussed the process and methods
when modeling the wetlands to approximate drainage from the subdivision to the wetlands, using an
approximate number of impervious that could go onto each lot, run off amounts on each site, and the
effect it has on the surrounding wetlands, all details are in the submitted stormwater report. He
discussed the groundwater report details, and stating the proposed 100 homes would not have an
impact on the groundwater. Mr. Dahn then discussed endangered species and wasn't aware of any. He
stated the soil types and borings completed throughout the entire plat, required on the roadways and
stormwater basins, and go down at least 3' below the groundwater location to prevent contamination.
Commissioner Booth asked a question about the runoff and where it's going.
Mr. Dahn explained there will be 18 different infiltration basins installed to manage the runoff from the
impervious surface into the ditches, to the infiltration basins.
Commissioner Rydberg asked if the road alignment at the eastern connection could be adjusted.
Mr. Carlton stated that as it currently sits, the property line for the neighboring parcel is not included in
the proposed subdivision, and therefore limits where the roadway connection can be placed.
Ben Schmidt – owner of Twin Cities Land Development – stated at this time, the roadway alignment
across cannot be made. He said the wetland study did not identify any endangered species but does
recognize this area to be an asset and one they wouldn't want to see disturbed. He said the large
wetland will be in an outlot to protect the area with either the city or the HOA owning it.
There being no one else to speak, Acting Chair Johnson closed the public hearing.
Commissioner Rydberg asked about the differences between the R1a and R1b zoning.
Mr. Carlton stated the minimum lot size for a R1a lot is 2.5 acres, R1b for sewered lots, minimum lot
size is 12,000 sq. ft.; Rb1 for non-sewered lots the minimum lot size is 1 acre.
Commissioner Rydberg wondered if they should be concerned with the potential for an increase in
residents requesting variances, zone changes, or adjustments when there are larger lots, and will they DRAFTPage 7 of 27
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want a horse barn, a kennel, or a request for a mechanics' shop.
Mr. Carlton stated a lot of those requests for agricultural animals or other things rely on a R1a zoning,
or parcels over 2.5/5 acres. He stated by keeping the zoning R1b, we remove a lot of those
opportunities.
Commissioner Rydberg commented that an HOA can also restrict some of those requests.
Mr. Leeseberg commented the R1b zoning can't have larger accessory structures.
Moved by Commissioner Booth and seconded by Commissioner Mauren to recommend
approval of a Comprehensive Plan land use amendment to change the guidance for
certain parcels from Rural Residential to Traditional Single-Family Residential. Motion
carried 6-0.
Moved by Commissioner Rydberg and seconded by Commissioner Booth to recommend
approval of a Zone Change that rezones the subject property from R-1a to R-1b subject to
the condition that the Council approve the associated Comprehensive Plan amendment.
Motion carried 6-0.
Moved by Commissioner Booth and seconded by Commissioner Rydberg to recommend
approval of the preliminary plat of Meadowsweet Bend, subject to the following
conditions:
1. Council approval of the Land Use Amendment (LU 24-03) and Zone Change (ZC
24-02) supporting the plat.
2. All cul-de-sacs and streets must comply with MN State Fire Code Chapter 5 and
Appendix D.
3. Staff approval of all site, utility, engineering, and landscaping plans.
4. State and local approval of all wetland permits related to the proposed wetland fill.
5. The developer shall pay a per lot trunk utility fee, determined by the Public Works
Director, at the time of platting.
6. A Sewer Access Fee shall be paid for each lot at the time of building permit.
7. All buildable lots shall include a drainage and utility easement for areas within the
45-foot wetland setback or within 45 feet of the OHW for wet stormwater ponds.
8. A trail shall be constructed on one side of each residential street.
9. Landscape plans shall be submitted for review and approval by city staff.
10. Grading for all stormwater ponds must begin 10-feet behind the front property
line.
11. Address all comments from Sherburne County.
12. 12. A sign noting “future through street” shall be posted at all temporary dead-end
streets.
13. Wetland boundaries shall be signed at all property lines.
Motion Carried 6-0.
5.5 Conditional Use Permit: Government Facility (Electrical Substation), PID 75-00915-0105 - Elk
River Municipal Utilities DRAFTPage 8 of 27
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Mr. Carlton presented the staff report.
Acting Chair Johnson opened the public hearing. There being no one to speak, Acting Chair Johnson
closed the public hearing.
Moved by Commissioner Booth and seconded by Commissioner Mauren to recommend
approval of the proposed government facility conditioned upon staff’s approval of all site
and civil plans.
Motion Carried 6-0.
6. GENERAL BUSINESS
With Commissioner Mauren stepping down from the Planning Commission, Mr. Carlton thanked
Commissioner Mauren for his service as commissioner. Commissioner Mauren stated he appreciated
his time with the other commissioners and staff.
7. COUNCIL LIAISON UPDATES
Councilmember Westgaard provided an update on recent City Council actions.
8. MOTION TO ADJOURN REGULAR MEETING
Moved by Commissioner Booth and seconded by Commissioner Mauren to adjourn the
meeting of the Planning Commission. Motion 6-0.
The meeting adjourned at 7:55 p.m.
Minutes prepared by Jennifer Green.
___________________
Perry Beise, Chair
___________________
Tina Allard, City Clerk
DRAFTPage 9 of 27
The Elk River Vision
A welcoming community with revolutionary and spirited resourcefulness, exceptional service, and community
engagement that encourages and inspires prosperity
Request for Action
To
Planning Commission
Item Number
5.1
Meeting Date
October 22, 2024
Prepared By
Chris Leeseberg, Senior Planner
Item Description
Zone Changes: City of Elk River
Reviewed by
Zack Carlton
Action Requested
Recommend, by motion, approval of the following three zone changes as they are consistent with the
Comprehensive Plan:
1. Highway Commercial (C3) to Single Family Residential (R1-c)
2. General Industrial (I3) to Highway Commercial (C3)
3. General Industrial (I3) to Single Family Residential (R1a)
Background/Discussion
The Comprehensive Plan, adopted by the City Council in October 2021, includes a Land Use map that guides
appropriate zoning for properties. The current zoning of several properties does not align with their
designated land uses, and to ensure consistency with the approved plan, rezoning is recommended.
• North of Highway 10 at the Gary Street alignment: This area is designated for Traditional
Single-Family Residential but is currently zoned Highway Commercial (C3). Staff recommends rezoning
it to Single Family Residential (R1-c), matching the zoning of the nearby Cove on Lake Orono
development.
• South of the Plants and Things Recreation Complex: The formerly named Youth Athletic
Complex (YAC) land is designated for Industrial use and is currently zoned General Industrial (I3).
However, the area proposed for rezoning is park land. To support its use as a park, staff recommends
rezoning it to Single Family Residential (R1a). Additionally, the land use designation will need to be
amended in the future to Rural Residential.
• South of Highway 10 and west of Edison Street: This area is designated as Highway Business but
is currently zoned General Industrial (I3). Staff recommends rezoning it to Highway Commercial (C3)
to align with its land use designation.
Financial Impact
None
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Mission/Policy/Goal
Ethical, efficient, and responsible.
Attachments
1. Location Maps
2. Proposed Zone Changes
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The Elk River Vision
A welcoming community with revolutionary and spirited resourcefulness, exceptional service, and community
engagement that encourages and inspires prosperity
Request for Action
To
Planning Commission
Item Number
9.1
Meeting Date
October 22, 2024
Prepared By
Zack Carlton, Community Development Director
Item Description
Concept Review: Enviro-Chem
Reviewed by
Chris Leeseberg
Action Requested
Provide the applicant with informal, non-binding, feedback regarding the proposed ordinance amendment to
the Business Park Zoning District.
Background/Discussion
The applicant requests feedback regarding a proposal to operate an electronic recycling processing site in the
former Max-Sun building at 11074 179th St. NW. The Rogers-based company has been in operation since
1980 and is seeking feedback on whether the city would support an ordinance amendment to allow Recycling
Processing Centers in the Business Park Zoning district. The use is currently only permitted in the I-1 and I-2
districts, and is defined in the ordinance as follows:
Recycling processing center means land or buildings where reusable materials are bought, sold, exchanged,
stored, baled, cleaned, packed, disassembled or handled, including metal, rags, plastic, paper, cardboard, rubber
(excluding tires), glass and wood products, or where segregated waste materials are reprocessed into usable,
salable products. The staging of motor vehicles for processing off site shall be permitted. The salvage of motor
vehicles and machinery parts are not included and shall be prohibited at a recycling processing center.
The applicant is proposing 15–20 employees, 6 existing and a potential hiring an additional 12-15. They are
also considering a future move of their current shredding operation from Rogers to Elk River in the next two
years. Residential recycling may also be a possibility at a low or no cost to residents.
In reviewing the potential change, the Commission should remember that a change to this site will open the
opportunity for all properties zoned Business Park.
Financial Impact
Mission/Policy/Goal
Support the growth and development of the community.
Attachments
1. Location Map
2. Enviro Chem Concept Review Letter
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Enviro-Chem Inc.
21821 Industrial Blvd.
Rogers, MN. 55374
To the City of Elk River:
Enviro Chem Inc. has an interest in the property that is available at 11074 179th St NW,
Elk River, MN 55374. Enviro-Chem would need an amended ordinance to practice
business at the available property. Enviro-Chem Inc would like to know if the City of Elk
River would be willing to entertain the idea of amending the zone to fit Enviro-Chem
Inc’s business practice?
We have supplied a short background in this letter and have also attached our company
audit packet as well for review.
Enviro-Chem Inc was started in 1980 by Roger Meyer in recycling practices for the
printed circuit industry. By 1990 Enviro-Chem Inc continued as one of the largest Circuit
Board recyclers in the Midwest. In 1984 ECI built our Headquarters in Rogers MN
equipped with furnaces and incinerators for precious metal reclaim. In 1994 we opened
our second facility at 20005 County Rd 81 Rogers, MN. This is a 14-acre site with two
12,500 sq ft facilities. This opened as our Shredding division.
In 2010 Roger Meyer retired from Enviro-Chem Inc, from there his two sons Todd and
Brian continue to run it. We pride ourselves on being a family-owned business as most
of the employees on our staff have exceeded 10 plus years of being employed with
ECI.
Site: ECI plans for site would be used as a processing site. This would include incoming
materials from accounts to be separated and sorted to their commodity. After packaging
materials would be sent over to our two existing sites to be recycled or shipped directly
to one of our downstream partners. The material would mostly be electronics that could
be reused or need to be recycled. The site would have 15-20 employees, 6 existing
employees and a potential hiring of 12-15 more. We have a long list of hazards that are
not accepted that will continue. No outdoor use is needed besides parking of 2 dock
trucks and 4 semi-trailers. All practices on the site would be relocated to indoors only.
In 2 years, Enviro-Chem would like to move our shredding operation into the facility as
well. Enviro-Chem has already looked at technologies of dust collection systems for
permanent indoor use eliminating any environmental impact outdoors. We are a no
landfill policy company within all our recycling practices.
How Enviro-Chem feels we could benefit the city: We have interest in running a city only
program where residents could recycle all their household electronics at next to no cost.
These style programs have proven beneficial in eliminating E-waste in our landfills.
For 44 years we have been operating at the highest industry standards without incident.
We practice a vast environmental standard which has allowed us to partner with some
of the largest companies in the world. We also have Government contracts that call for
high security demands.
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We feel the site would be used to the best of our abilities with great benefit to the
residents of the City and County. If this is something you feel we can proceed with we
can begin the process of getting our team to provide anything you may request and
request a “intent to purchase” with the existing owner.
We would like to thank you for your time in regard to this matter.
Sincerely,
Josh Blaisdell GM of Operations
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The Elk River Vision
A welcoming community with revolutionary and spirited resourcefulness, exceptional service, and community
engagement that encourages and inspires prosperity
Request for Action
To
Planning Commission
Item Number
9.2
Meeting Date
October 22, 2024
Prepared By
Chris Leeseberg, Senior Planner
Item Description
Land Use Amendments: City of Elk River
Reviewed by
Zack Carlton
Action Requested
Staff is seeking feedback from the Planning Commission on whether the current land use designations for the
subject areas should remain unchanged or be revised to reflect residential uses.
Background/Discussion
The Comprehensive Plan guides the following areas as Highway Business and Neighborhood Commercial.
• Northeast corner of Highway 169 and 207th Avenue: This property is guided as Highway
Business which primarily consists of a mix of auto-oriented retail and service businesses, restaurants,
and community and regional-scale shopping centers. Highway business uses are located along Highway
169 and Highway 10 and have high visibility from these corridors.
The property is a single-family residential parcel with an approved residential occupation, accessible via
Brook Road from County Road 33.
If the area is to remain designated as Highway Business, the property would need to be rezoned to
Highway Commercial. This zoning designation does not permit residential use, which would leave the
property legally non-conforming.
• County Road 33 and County Road 13 area: This area is guided as Neighborhood Commercial
which includes local-serving commercial that provides surrounding residents with daily goods and
services like specialty food stores, daycares, or cafés. Neighborhood commercial uses are found near
residential neighborhoods and reduce the need to drive across the city for essential commercial goods
and services. Neighborhood commercial knits into the fabric of both established and new
neighborhoods and complements these areas with appropriately-scaled development that emphasizes
connections and 360-degree architectural design.
This area comprises four parcels: three containing single-family residences and the fourth, a vacant lot.
Financial Impact
None
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Mission/Policy/Goal
Ethical, efficient, and responsible.
Attachments
1. Location Maps
2. Land Use Map
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