4.1 DRAFT MINUTES 04-15-2024Members Present:
Members Absent:
Meeting of the City Council
Held at the Elk River City Hall
Monday, March 18, 2024
Mayor John Dietz, Councilmember Jennifer Wagner, Councilmember Mike Beyer,
Councilmember Matt Westgaard, Councilmember Cory Grupa
None
Staff Present: City Administrator Calvin Portner, Business Services Director/Assistant City
Administrator Joe Stremcha, Public Works Director/Chief Engineer Justin
Femrite, Senior Planner Chris Leeseberg, Engineer I Ryan Sandhoefner and
Deputy City Clerk Jolene Richter
Others Present: City Attorney, Jared Shepherd
CALL MEETING TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 6:1 1 pm.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. CONSIDER AGENDA
Moved by Councilmember Wagner and seconded by Councilmember Beyer to approve
the agenda. Motion carried 5-0.
4. CONSENT AGENDA
Moved by Councilmember Westgaard and seconded by Councilmember Grupa to approve
the Consent Agenda. Motion carried 5-0.
4.1 Minutes
The March 4, 2024, Closed Meeting Minutes.
The March 4, 2024, Regular Meeting Minutes.
4.2 Check Register
The check register outlined in the staff report for the period ending March 18, 2024.
4.3 Annual Approval Electing Not to Waive the Statutory Tort Limits for Liability
Insurance
Elect not to waive the statutory tort limits for liability insurance, per Resolution 13-
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34.
4.4 Pay Estimates
The pay estimates detailed in the staff report.
4.5 Lease Agreement: GLG Elk River, LLC - Spikes
The Parking Lot Lease Agreement, 24-06, with GLG, Elk River, LLC/Spilces and
Houles.
4.6 2024 Equipment Replacement Fund Purchase - Cat Compact Track Loader
The 2024 Street Maintenance Division equipment replacement purchase for a
Caterpillar 255 Compact Track Loader with an HM316 Forestry Mulching attachment
for $90,370, as scheduled in the Capital Improvement Plan.
5. OPEN FORUM
No one appeared for Open Forum.
6. PRESENTATIONS, AWARDS, AND RECOGNITION
6.1 City of Elk River Volunteer of the Month
Mayor Dietz presented the March Volunteer of the Month award to Jackie Sadowski. He
highlighted the following:
■ St. Andrew's Fall Festival co-chair or Committee member, 2008-2023
■ Parish Council member, 2017-current
■ St. Andrew's sacristan/Eucharistic minister, 2019-present
■ United Way event coordinator of I I years
■ Conference coordinator for Women in New Evangelization
■ Worked on Fall BBQ committee at Federal Cartridge
7. PUBLIC HEARINGS
7.1 Simple Plat Of Thompson Third Addition
Mr. Leeseberg presented the staff report.
Mayor Dietz opened the public hearing. There being no one to speak to this issue, Mayor Dietz
closed the public hearing.
Moved by Councilmember Wagner and seconded by Councilmember Westgaard to
adopt Resolution 24-17 approving the final plat of Thompson Third Addition with the
following conditions:
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I. Park Dedication Fees shall be paid for one dwelling unit at the rate applicable
when the subdivision is released for recording
2. A trail easement of 30-feet along 221 st Avenue for a future trail shall be drafted
by the city attorney and recorded against the property.
Motion carried 5-0.
7.2 Conditional Use Permit: Amend CUP 19-14 to Allow an Additional Structure for Office Space,
Auto -Body Works, Inc., 21475 Highway 169
Mr. Leeseberg presented the staff report.
Mayor Dietz opened the public hearing. There being no one to speak to this issue, Mayor Dietz
closed the public hearing.
Moved by Councilmember Westgaard and seconded by Councilmember Grupa to
approve the Conditional Use Permit with the following conditions to satisfy the
standards set forth in Section 30-654:1.
I. Approved Conditional Use Permits CU 16-09 & CU 19-14 shall be terminated
and become void.
2. The buildings shall be inspected by the city building official and fire marshal to
verify compliance with all building and fire codes.
3. All septic systems must provide a certificate of compliance or notice of
noncompliance for the existing septic system and must be signed by a licensed
inspection company or by a qualified employee certified as an inspector who is
authorized by the local unit of government. The certificate of compliance or
notice of noncompliance must be submitted to the local unit of government no
later than 15 days after any compliance inspection.
4. There shall be no repair or maintenance of vehicles outside the buildings.
5. All customer vehicles shall be stored inside structures or within the screened
outdoor storage area as shown on the staff site plan dated March 18, 2024.
6. The outdoor storage area shall be completely enclosed with a six-foot high
100% opaque fence by April I, 2024. Gates shall be closed when not in use.
7. There shall be no repair or maintenance of vehicles outside of buildings.
8. Car, truck, RV, and marine sales shall not be allowed.
9. The Conditional Use Permit must be recorded by April 15, 2024.
Recording
As the property is currently being utilized without the prior CUPS being recorded, the
city needs assurance the property will become compliant in a reasonable timeframe.
Upon approval, this CUP shall be recorded by April 15, 2024, or the city may begin
the revocation process.
Motion carried 5-0.
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7.3 Conditional Use Permit: Cargill, Agricultural Research Facility (Dairy Barn) - 10700 165th Ave NW
Mr. Leeseberg presented the staff report.
Mayor Dietz opened the public hearing. There being no one to speak to this issue, Mayor Dietz
closed the public hearing.
Moved by Councilmember Beyer and seconded by Councilmember Wagner to
approve the Conditional Use Permit authorizing an agricultural research facility at
10700 165th Ave NW, with the following conditions to satisfy the standards set forth
in Section 30-654:
The facility must meet all state and local building codes consistent with an
agricultural research operation.
Prior to releasing the building permit, the applicant must demonstrate
compliance with all MPCA and EPA requirements.
Motion carried 5-0.
7.4 Conditional Use Permit: Allow Development of Commercial Cannabis Cultivation Facility at 10700
165th Avenue
Mr. Leeseberg presented the staff report.
Mayor Dietz opened the public hearing. There being no one to speak to this issue, Mayor Dietz
closed the public hearing.
There was a discussion regarding the possible odor from the facility. Mark Doherty, Vice President
of Vireo Health was present, and he stated each cultivation room would be a room within a room
and have a positive -pressure HVAC system. This system would allow them to direct the air in the
facility where they want it to go and through that, if they have to exhaust any air, they would be
able to scrub the air, clean it up, and remove any odor before it is released.
Moved by Councilmember Westgaard and seconded by Councilmember Grupa to
approve conditional use permit authorizing establishment of a commercial cannabis
cultivation facility along with the following conditions to satisfy the standards set forth
in Sec. 30-654:
I. The facility must comply with all licensing and operating procedures required
under Minnesota Statutes Chapter 342.
2. The Conditional Use Permit may be issued prior to the applicant having
received all necessary state permits and licenses, but the applicant shall submit
proof of obtaining all state permits prior to beginning cultivation operations.
3. Issuance of this CUP does not exempt the applicant from all standards outlined
in state statute.
4. The operation/building must connect to city sewer and water and pay the
required SAC/WAC fees in accordance with city codes.
5. Construction activities will require signed plans prepared by a qualified
professional.
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Motion carried 5-0.
7.5 Ordinance Amendment: Commercial Signage Along Highway 169
Mr. Leeseberg presented the staff report.
Mayor Dietz opened the public hearing. There being no one to speak to this issue, Mayor Dietz
continued the public hearing to the April 15, 2024, City Council meeting.
Moved by Councilmember Beyer and seconded by Councilmember Wagner to
continue Item 7.5 Ordinance Amendment: Commercial Signage Along Highway 169
to the April 15, 2024, City Council meeting. Motion carried 5-0.
8. GENERAL BUSINESS
8.1 Resolution: Hazardous Property Order
Mr. Shepherd presented the staff report.
Moved by Councilmember Westgaard and seconded by Councilmember Grupa to
approve Resolution 24-18 ordering repair or removal of hazardous conditions at 19176
Kent Street NW. Motion Carried 5-0.
8.2 Trott Brook Farms Park Playground
Mr. Stremcha presented the staff report.
Councilmember Westgaard asked how it would be funded. Mr. Stremcha stated it would come out
of the Park Dedication Fund, which has $125,000 allocated in the Capital Improvement Plan and
the project came in at $1 18,000.
Moved by Councilmember Westgaard and seconded by Councilmember Wagner to
approve playground concept #3 to replace the playground at Trott Brook Park
Playground. Motion carried 5-0.
9. MOTION TO ADJOURN REGULAR MEETING
Moved by Councilmember Beyer and seconded by Councilmember Grupa to adjourn the
regular meeting of the City Council. Motion carried 5-0.
The regular meeting adjourned at 6:36 p.m. Mayor Dietz called the work session to order at 6:41 p.m.
10. WORK SESSION —UPPER TOWN CONFERENCE ROOM
10.1 225th Avenue and Highway 169 Intersection Concerns
Mr. Femrite presented the staff report, explaining the safety concerns regarding this intersection,
historic planning, limitations, and timelines around potential future improvements.
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Mr. Femrite explained the long-term vision of the 169 corridor and referred to a 2008-2012 study
both from the EAW and Geometric Alignment that was done for the Highway 169 corridor from
the Mississippi River/Highway 10 1 /Highway 10 to the interchange in Zimmerman. That study called
for ultimate improvements along the Hwy 169 corridor to go to freeway style, where all the at -
grade intersecting points would be eliminated and would change to access controls to future
interchanges. The future interchange location identified in that study in the northern part of Elk
River would put it just south of 225th Avenue more closely located to 221 st Avenue which would
then include and require connections for frontage road improvements through the general mining
area and once those mining areas are reclaimed the system of local roadway would get
reconstructed. MnDOT has further reviewed the existing configuration in this location and
committed to a safety audit of these connections in this part of the corridor as a starting point. Mr.
Femrite further stated that it is within the local governing body to be able to support MnDOT and
push for more funding and MnDOT's controls to improve the safety of the corridor. There is little
we can do on the local level to fund the level of full interchanges and bear the costs. We need to
look to our federal and state partners to put more money towards those programs.
Mayor Dietz asked in order for change to happen would it have to rise up on MnDOT's Radar
somehow and if so inquired how that could be done. He further asked do they have a plan in place
and a time frame. Mr. Femrite responded that it is in the planning document that guides future
decisions. There are a lot of economics around it and it is hard to say when it would be ready.
Councilmember Grupa asked if there is anything that can be done in the meantime. Mr. Femrite
answered that would be part of the safety audit for MnDOT to identify what could be done now.
Todd Curtis, 10988 235th Ave NW, noted he had a conversation with MnDOT they stated they
would probably not support a J-turn but possibly install an acceleration lane and a cable barrier
north of the landfill. Mr. Curtis also expressed his safety concerns and concerns regarding the fast
speed of traffic.
Martin Loso,1 1 125 233rd Ave NW, is concerned regarding the road's decline as it approaches
225th. He stated when going westbound from 225th it is a steep slope and is dangerous especially
in slippery conditions.
Ben Fisher, 1 1 139 235th Ave NW, father of the child who passed away in the recent car accident
at this intersection suggested Waste Management change their entry/exit access point to the
landfill from that intersection. He expressed concerns regarding going southbound from that
intersection especially with a lot of commercial and ERX traffic, noting there is not a good way for
traffic to travel southbound from the intersection.
Mayor Dietz stated the landfill will be closed by the end of 2030 and he is not sure if they would
do anything regarding their traffic.
Councilmember Westgaard asked if about Waste Management's long-term plans regarding the
Livonia Township site and whether they intend to still use this access point.
Mayor Dietz asked staff to talk with Waste Management and Livonia Township about the landfill
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expansion.
Erin Fischer, 1 1 139 235th Ave NW, whose son passed away in the car accident in this intersection,
stated she appreciates everyone looking at the matter and the safety concerns. She stated there is
always a different safety situation that you have to handle when using this intersection. She does
think the acceleration lane would be a good short-term fix. She further stated the hill is a safety
concern along with many other concerns regarding this area.
Mayor Dietz expressed his condolences and gave their neighborhood credit to speak up to
MnDOT regarding this issue.
The Council stated they did bring the issue to the State Representatives as well.
Todd Curtis,10988 2351h Ave NW, added that some of the haulers get to the landfill before 6:00
a.m. and they stack up in the turn lane and causes problems. The Council direct staff to talk to the
landfill about this issue.
10.2 Yale Street and Yale Court Accessibility
Mr. Sandhoefner presented the staff report.
The Council discussed the potential street connection of Yale Court to Yale Street between 170th
and 171 st Ave.
Mayor Dietz asked how it would be funded. Mr. Sandhoefner answered Municipal State Aid funds.
Councilmember Westgaard asked about the land acquisition. Mr. Sandhoefner said the City of Elk
River owns the land already.
Councilmember Westgaard questioned if more traffic would be going down Yale Street by only
doing part of the project.
Councilmember Wagner agreed and stated she did not see the benefit of only doing part of the
project.
The Council directed staff to get neighborhood input first then bring it back to the Council.
10.3 Proposed Missing Middle Housing Legislation
Mr. Portner presented the staff report.
The Council discussed proposed legislation regarding zoning and housing regulations and the
limitations it would make for the city level to make decisions on housing development. The
Council asked staff what they recommended. Staff recommended not supporting it.
The Council does not see how these housing regulations would benefit the city.
The Council directed staff and the city attorney to draft a letter to representatives noting we do
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not support the proposed legislation.
10.4 Parks and Recreation Commission Ordinance and Conflict of Interest in Multipurpose Facility
Advisory Commission Ordinance
Mr. Portner presented the staff report.
The Council directed staff to bring the ordinance back to the Parks and Recreation Commission
with a clean copy to go through again, then bring it back to the Council at the April 15, 2024, City
Council meeting.
The Council discussed the conflict of interest regarding the fee schedule and whether the
Multipurpose Facility Advisory Commission (MFAC) should be recommending fees and voting on
contracts. They also discussed the purpose of the commission and the make-up of the members,
whether they should be representatives from the various groups or all at -large representatives.
There was discussion regarding contracts and fees in general whether there should be contracts or
negotiations at all or just set rates.
The Council asked the city attorney if any contract and fee decisions could be removed from the
duty of the MFAC and have those decisions be recommended by staff and go directly to the
Council. The city attorney stated that is what he would recommend along with more training for
the Commission on the purpose and rules of the Commission.
10.5 Ordinance: Park Trail Closure
Mr. Portner presented the staff report.
The Council discussed and agreed to set an ordinance regarding trail closures and being able to
enforce the ordinance during the trail closure.
10.6 Council/Staff Annual Retreat Discussion Topics
Mr. Portner presented the staff report and suggested the following topics to be discussed at the
retreat:
1) MN Affordable Housing Aid Grant Use
2) MN Public Safety Aid Grant Use
3) SWOT Analysis, staffing models, and job description revisions.
4) Master Planning: Parks and Fire Station #1
5) Northbound Capital Improvement Plan
The Council reviewed and discussed the topics to be reviewed at the retreat, agreed to the list,
and decided to add the following to the list: Interior Design at the Furniture and Things
Community Event Center and a summary of the ARPA funds.
11. MOTION TO ADJOURN
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Moved by Councilmember Beyer and seconded by Councilmember Grupa to adjourn the
meeting of the City Council. Motion carried 5-0.
The meeting adjourned at 8:08 p.m.
Minutes prepared by Jolene Richter.
12. INFORMATION
12.1 February Financial Reports
John J. Dietz, Mayor
Tina Allard, City Clerk
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