02-23-1981 PC MIN
ELK RIVER PLA1~ING COMMISSION MEETING
HELD AT THE ELK RIVER PUBLIC LIBRARY
FEBRUARY 23, 1981
Members Present: Commissioner Kreuser, Busch, Tracy, Pearce, and Driessen
Also Present: Herbert S. Adolphson, Community Development Director
1. Meeting Called to Order
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Tracy at 7:30 p.m.
2. Minutes
The minutes of the January 26, 1981 meeting were approved as circulated.
3. Agenda
Items 7 - Zack Johnson, Discussion on Signs, Communication Towers, and
Accessory Buildings; and 8 - Commissioner Kreuser, Discussion of Vice-Chairman-
ship, were added.
4. Bob Middaugh, Discussion on Per Diem and Mileage Payments
Mr. Middaugh said the mileage would be better lumped into the Per Diem payments.
In the discussion that followed, some of the Commissioners were definitely for
receiving Per Diem, and some felt it was not necessary. COMMISSIONER KREUSER
RECOMMENDED TO LEAVE IT UP TO THE CITY COUNCIL TO DECIDE, CO}IMISSIONER DRIESSEN
SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED 4-0.
5. Douglas Johnson, Zone Change Request
Tom Kohler and Doug Johnson were present for this request to change the zone
from R-1B to R-4. This property is bounded by Proctor (County Road 77) on the
East, CSAH #1 on the West. Mr. Kohler said they plan to put up a 24 to 36 unit
multiple dwelling and felt this would be a good buffer between the school and
the industrial park. He said they plan to tap into the new sewer system, but
was unsure if they could do the same with the gas line. He presented some
concept drawings of the units proposed. There was discussion about the east-
west easement for a proposed road through this property, but Mr. Adolphson said
nothing had been acted upon. COMMISSIONER PEARCE MOVED TO RECOMMEND TO THE
CITY COUNCIL THIS PROPERTY BE CHANGED FROM R-1B TO R-4. CO}llirSSIONER BUSCH
SECO~~ED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED THREE (3) YES, ONE (1) NO. Commissioner
Driessen said the reason for his objection was that he did not like doing a lot
of spot zoning after all the work done on the new zoning maps.
6. George Dietz, Zone Change Request
Mel Beaudry and Nancy Webber from Barthel Homes, Inc., were present for this
request to change the zone from R-2 to P.U.D. The property, to be attached to
the present P.U.D., is located at Lot 1, Block 4, Auditor's Subdivision #5 in
Section 34, T33N, R26W. The parcel is 10.8 acres with 3~ to 4 acres of the
south portion to be used for a 36 unit to\vnhouse (24 - 2 bedroom and 12 - 3
bedroom). The Commissioners felt it would be better to change the zone to R-3
rather than P.U.D. as this might place an undue hardship on Mr. Dietz to have to
provide a plan for the entire 50 acres. Mr. Beaudry and Ms. Webber decided to
talk to Mr. Dietz and come back in for a zone change to R-3.
February 23, 1981
Page Two
7. Zack Johnson, Discussion on Signs, Communication Towers, and Accessory
Buildings
A. Signs
Zack Johnson discussed Zoning Sb, Sc, and Se, sign codes, and the time
limit on non-conforming signs. He felt that unless it becomes a big
problem, Sb, Sc, and Se need not have any major change at this time.
However, he will clarify the various types of signs.
B. Communication Towers
Mr. Adolphson said there are some regulations in the Building Codes, but
they are sketchy and pertain to the structure and there should be some
ordinance so that their height can be regulated. This was discussed at
length. The Commissioners felt that anything over a specified height
should require a permit. Zack will look into this and come up with some
ideas for the next meeting.
C. Accessory Buildings
This is mainly concerned with residential areas rather than industrial.
There is some control of accessory buildings in set back and side yard vari-
ances. Mr. Adolphson suggested it would be preferrable to limit accessory
buildings for a single family unit to a detached garage and a storage shed.
Zack Johnson felt this number could be handled at staff level as regular
staff procedure, then anything beyond that should go to the Planning Com-
mission for a determination. He said he would draft something on this for
the next meeting.
Municipal State Aid Streets
The need for east-west streets and the state aid program in general was
discussed. COMMISSIONER BUSCH RECOMMENDED TO THE CITY COUNCIL THAT THERE
SHOULD BE A STUDY }UillE OF THE EAST-WEST ROADS. COMMISSIONER DRIESSEN SEC-
ONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED 4-0.
8. Commissioner Kreuser, Discussion of Vice-Chairmanship
Commissioner Kreuser felt that he had not been on the Planning Commission long
enough to qualify for this position. After discussion, it was unanimously
agreed that Commissioner Driessen should be Vice-Chairman.
9. Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 9:30 p.m.
Res.p.....~....e. :~full ~.'~.' u. b.ml..tt..ed..'~",_,/;-'-;/".'~" /~y
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erbert S. Adolphson
Community Development Director
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