03-23-1981 PC MIN
ELK RIVER PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
HELD AT THE ELK RIVER PUBLIC LIBRARY
MARCH 23, 1981
Members Present~ Corrumissioners Tracy, Kreuser, Pearce, and Busch
Also Present: Robert Middaugh, City Administrator
1 . l1eeting Called to Order
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Tracy at 7:30 p.m.
2 . P~genda
Item #7, George Dietz, Zone Change from R2 to PUD was added.
3. Minutes
The minutes of the February 23, 1981 meeting were approved as circulated.
4. Laverne and Barbara Bunker, Conditional Use Permit
Gary Santwire, representing Mr. and Mrs. Bunker explained this request.
He stated this property is zoned C2 and the Bunkers plan on operating a
floral shop in the garage (which will be upgraded) and live in the house
on the property. The property, located at Fourth and Holt, would require
four on-site parking spaces. A portion of that space is already concrete
and an additional eight feet would require some type of hard surfacing.
The operating hours of the shop would be Monday thru Friday, 9-6; Saturday,
9-5; closed Sundays. Mr. Santwire said he o\YllS the property and has talked
to the neighbors on the west and one neighbor on the east. This neighbor to
the east stated he had no objection to the shop, his only concern was cars
parking in front of his house. Mr. Santwire commented a high percentage of
the shops business is delivered out. The Commissioners had no objections
to a conditional use permit allowing the Bunkers to reside in a single family
dwelling in a C2 zone. COMMISSIONER PEARCE MOVED TO RECO}lliEND TO THE CITY
COUNCIL APPROVAL OF THE CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR MR. AND MRS. BUNKER.
CO}lliISSIONER BUSCH SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED 3-0.
5. Memo from City Planner Regarding Accessory Buildings
This item was tabled until the next meeting.
Other Business
Tom Brindmoour,who is in the process of opening a discount type lumberyard
on Highway #10 across from Country Chrysler, requested a clarification of what
was required of him regarding an enclosed warehouse in a C3 zone. He asked
if he could put up a six foot screening fence to satisfy the zoning requirement.
Mr. Middaugh indicated that a fence did not satisfy the requirement that stored
items be enclosed, and that only a building would meet this requirement.
Mr. Middaugh explained to the Commissioners that the lumberyard was not in
compliance with the C3 zone, but because of a technicality, it can be there
legally. He said he would bring this up before the Commissioners at the next
meeting. Mr. Brindammrralso asked if he could still go ahead with his planned
opening of April 1 even though the warehouse was not finished. Mr. Middaugh
felt something could be worked out with the City and would also check with the
City Attorney.
Page ~vo
March 23~ 1981
6. City Administrator's Update
A. 101 Bridge Replacement
Mr. Middaugh brought the Commissioner up-to-date on the old 101 bridge
replacement. He explained the four basic alternatives and the Historical
Society's involvement. The Commissioners asked how the bridge was to be
financed. Mr. Middaugh explained it would be paid jointly by Wright County
and Elk River with monies from Federal or State Bridge Bonding programs.
B. Staff Liaison
Mr. Middaugh explained that they are in the process of hiring a replacement
for Mr. Adolphson who resigned effective April 1. It is expected to have
someone hired by the next meeting and this person will serve as liaison for
the Planning Commission.
C. Per Diem and Expenses
Mr. Middaugh said the City Council had discussed this issue and decided
there should be no Per Diem or mileage for meetings, but would pay mileage
for out-of-tO\Vll meetings, etc. These expenses would have to be approved
by the City Administrator before they were incurred.
Commissioner Tracy asked about planning for some parks and if they should be
initiating a plan for them. Mr. Middaugh explained there are grant funds
available from the Land and Water Conservation Fund (Lawcon). Monies have
already been allocated for this year, but he will get some more data for the
next meeting so application can be made in May for next year. Mr. Middaugh
also would like to talk to the private land o\vuers involved prior to public
planning meetings regarding specific park proposals.
Commissioner Busch asked about street improvements for some of the urban gravel
roads. Mr. Middaugh said they will be upgraded and improved, but the City is
mainly concentrating on School Street this year. Commissioner Tracy commented
he would like to see the entrance onto School Street from Highway #169 straightened
or improved.
7. George Dietz, Change R2 Zone to PUD
Mr. Middaugh explained the confusion between the developer and Mr. Dietz. Mr.
Dietz wants the 13 acres attached to the other PUD with the understanding he will
have to present a plan for the total 53 acres. Jim LaRock of the East Side
Concerned Citizens Group was present for this discussion and questioned the
process of the PUD, specifically the public hearing process. COMMISSIONER
KREUSER MOVED TO RECOMMEND TO THE CITY COUNCIL APPROVAL OF A ZONE CHANGE FROM
R2 TO PUD FOR PROPERTY ADJOINING THE EXISTING PUD AS PRESENTED ON THE STAFF EX-
HIBIT. CO}MISSIONER PEARCE SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED 3-0.
Commissioner Busch commented on Mr. Maue's Conditional Use Permit and the six
months time limit close to expiration. Mr. Middaugh will check into this and get
Page Three
}'1a r c h 23, 1 981
back to the Commissioners regarding that. The need for a type of calendar
so these permits can be maintained was discussed and Mr. Middaugh will come
back to the Commission with a memo regarding it.
8. Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 8:35 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
... . -:. <;
.___///L/t./"'1~""~",,,.,~::;;,-:1:-:~':9(--~'3:.-~
~,:"./:)r :i
Robert C. Middaugh
City Administrator
,;
i
vi
DD:po