01-21-2003 CC MINMEETING OF THE ELK RIVER CITY COUNCIL
HELD AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HALL
TUESDAY, JANUARY 2 I, 2003
Members Present:
Mayor Kdinzing, Councilmembers Dietz, Kuester, Motin, and Tveite
Members Absent:
}"-~one
Staff Present:
City Administrator Pat KAaers, Director of Planning Michele McPherson,
Senior Planner Scott Harlicker, Planner Chris Leeseberg, City Attorney
Peter Beck, and Recording Secretary Tina Allard
Also Present:
Planning Commissioner Dana Anderson
Park and Recreation Commissioner Arthur Jackett
1. Call Meeting To Order
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the meeting of the Elk River City Council was called
to order at 6:30 p.m. by Mayor I~inzing.
2. Consider 1/21/2003 Agenda
COUNCILMEMBER TVEITE MOVED TO APPROVE THE AGENDA.
COUNCILMEMBER MOTIN SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION
CARRIED 5-0.
3. Consider Consent Agenda
COUNCILMEMBER MOTIN MOVED TO APPROVE THE CONSENT
AGENDA AS FOLLOWS:
3.1.
3.2.
3.3.
3.4.
3.5.
JANUARY 13, 2003 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
JULIE JOHNSON TO PRACTICE THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE AT THE
WATERFALL SALON AND DAY SPA
TOBACCO LICENSE GRANTED TO AJAY UPPAL, CENEX GAS
STATION
3.2 PERCENT BEER OFF SALE LICENSE GRANTED TO AJAY
UPPAL, CENEX GAS STATION
RESOLUTION 03-06 APPOINTING ASSISTANT WEED INSPECTOR
COUNCILMEMBER TVEITE SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION
CARRIED 5-0.
4.1. Utilities Update
Councilmember John Dietz provided an update regarding the January 14, 2003 Utilities
meeting. He stated that the Commission agreed to keep the Jackson Street water tower but
that it will need periodic maintenance. The Commission hopes to generate some revenue by
putting cell phone antennas on the water tower. The Commission reviewed the feasibility
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January 21, 2003
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study for 4m Street, Boston Street, and Concord Street. They also completed a performance
review for the Utilities General Manager.
4.2. NCDA Update
Senior Planner Scott Harlicker provided the Council with an update of the January 9, 2003
NCDA meeting.
4.3. Park and Recreation Commission Update
Director of Planning Michele McPherson provided an update of the Park and Recreation
Commission meeting of January 8, 2003.
Ms. McPherson stated that the city received letters of resignation from Park and Recreation
Commissioners Tim Sladek and Tom DeWall.
COUNCILMEMBER TVEITE MOVED TO ACCEPT THE LETTERS OF
RESIGNATION WITH REGRET FROM COMMISSIONERS TIM SLADEK
AND TOM DEWALL. COUNCILMEMBER KUESTER SECONDED THE
MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Ms. McPherson stated that residents living near Highlands East Park have petitioned the city
to develop the park with playground equipment. She stated that development plans had
been halted in the past due to residents that were opposed to the development of the park.
Ms. McPherson recommended the city determine the interest of the whole neighborhood.
COUNCILMEMBER TVEITE MOVED TO DIRECT THE PARK AND
RECREATION COMMISSION TO CONDUCT A NEIGHBORHOOD
MEETING REGARDING THE DEVELOPMENT OF HIGHLANDS EAST
PARK. COUNCILMEMBER KUESTER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Ms. McPherson reviewed the Lions Park Master Plan. She outlined three options for the
layout of park amenities. She discussed the concerns and comments of the Park and
Recreation Commission and the Lions Club. Ms. McPherson reviewed the proposed
development of a skate park at Lions Park. She stated that the street department could
contribute $24,000 in labor by hauling fill material to the skate park site. She stated that the
skateboarders would be responsible for acquiring funds of approximately $35,000 for
equipment in the skate park. The total skate park project, including city labor but not any
purchase of fill materials, is estimated at $128,500.
Councilmember Motin stated that he favors both the Hillside East and Lions Park projects
but is concerned about their timing due to the state budget deficit, which may also affect the
city's budget.
Councilmember Dietz asked about the insurance liability of the skate park.
COUNCILMEMBER TVEITE MOVED TO APPROVE THE MASTER PLAN
FOR LIONS PARK AND TO ALLOW STAFF TO CONTINUE WORKING
WITH THE LIONS AND THE LOCAL SKATING COMMUNITY ON THE
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January 21, 2003
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DEVELOPMENT OF THE SKATE PARK. COUNCILMEMBER DIETZ
SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Page 3
COUNCILMEMBER MOTIN MOVED TO AUTHORIZE THE STREET
DEPARTMENT TO BEGIN MOVING FILL MATERIAL FROM THE TWIN
LAKES ROAD STOCKPILE TO LIONS PARK FOR THE SKATE PARK.
COUNCILMEMBER KUESTER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION
CARRIED 5-0.
4.4. Consider Residency Requirements for Board and Commission Members
City Administrator Pat Klaers provided background information on this issue and reviewed
the existing ordinances regarding residency requirements for boards and commissions.
Councilmember Tveite stated that Elk River residents should get priority when being
considered for appointments to a board but that the city shouldn't limit the candidates to
Elk River residents only.
Councilmember Motin stated that he is opposed to the residency requirement but also feels
that preferential treatment should be given to Elk River residents.
Mayor Klinzing stated that there should be residency requirements for boards and
commissions. She stated that the boards make recommendations that affect Elk River
residents. She questioned what the requirements were for other cities and if the city had
completed any type of survey on this issue.
Councilmember Kuester stated that if a non-resident expressed an interest in serving on a
board it shows that the person has in incredible interest and commitment to Elk River. She
stated that the residency requirement should be required for some boards such as the
Planning Commission.
Councilmember Dietz stated that non-residents currently serving as board members should
be allowed to serve as long as they are willing but that any new members should meet
residency requirements. He stated that the Park and Recreation Commission currently has
eight members and it should only have seven members to keep the board at an odd number
for voting.
City Attorney Peter Beck stated that changes should be made by ordinance for each board or
commission.
COUNCILMEMBER MOTIN MOVED TO AUTHORIZE STAFF TO DRAFT
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 2-232 (A) OF THE EXISTING
ORDINANCE RELATING TO THE PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION
BY CHANGING THE NUMBER OF MEMBERS FROM EIGHT (8) TO SEVEN
(7) AND BY DELETING THE LAST SENTENCE OF SECTION (A) AND
REPLACING IT WITH THE FOLLOWING LANGUAGE: "IT IS EXPECTED
THAT A PREFERENCE BE GIVEN TO ELK RIVER RESIDENTS, BUT
RESIDENCY BY ITSELF SHALL NOT BE A DISQUALIFICATION."
COUNCILMEMBER TVEITE SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION
CARRIED 4-1. Mayor Klinzing opposed.
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January 21, 2003
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COUNCILMEMBER KUESTER MOVED TO AUTHORIZE STAFF TO DRAFT
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 2-212 OF THE EXISTING
ORDINANCE RELATING TO THE HERITAGE PRESERVATION
COMMISSION BY DELETING THE LANGUAGE "AND MUST RESIDE IN
THE CITY: AND REPLACING IT WITH THE FOLLOWING LANGUAGE: "IT
IS EXPECTED THAT A PREFERENCE BE GIVEN TO ELK RIVER
RESIDENTS, BUT RESIDENCY BY ITSELF SHALL NOT BE A
DISQUALIFICATION. COUNCILMEMBER TVEITE SECONDED THE
MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 4-1. Mayor Klinzing opposed.
COUNCILMEMBER TVEITE MOVED TO AUTHORIZE STAFF TO DRAFT
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 2-252 (A) OF THE EXISTING
ORDINANCE RELATING TO THE ICE ARENA COMMISSION BY
DELETING THE LAST SENTENCE OF SECTION (A) AND REPLACING IT
WITH THE FOLLOWING LANGUAGE: "IT IS EXPECTED THAT A
PREFERENCE BE GIVEN TO ELK RIVER RESIDENTS, BUT RESIDENCY
BY ITSELF SHALL NOT BE A DISQUALIFICATION. COUNCILMEMBER
DIETZ SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 4-1. Mayor
Klinzing opposed.
5. Open Mike
No one appeared for Open Mike.
6.1.
Request by Cascade Land Co. for Final Plat Approval (Cascade Industrial Park), Case No.
P 01-20
Staff report submitted by Senior Planner Scott Harlicker. Mr. Harlicker stated that the
applicant is requesting to amend the final plat for Cascade Industrial Park. Mr. Harlicker
stated that the applicant is proposing to plat three lots alongJarvis Street instead of two. He
discussed the existing site conditions, lot and street layout, grading, drainage, utilities, and
park dedication fees.
Councilmember Motin questioned what is planned for Outlot B.
Jim Brown, Director of Development for Cascade Land Company - Stated that they would
be willing to deed Outlot B to the adjacent property owner.
COUNCILMEMBER TVEITE MOVED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 03-07
GRANTING FINAL PLAT APPROVAL FOR CASCADE INDUSTRIAL PARK,
CASE NO. P 01-20, WITH THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS:
A DEVELOPERS AGREEMENT OUTLINING THE TERMS AND
CONDITIONS OF THE PLAT APPROVAL AND INSTALLATION OF
IMPROVEMENTS BE PREPARED AND EXECUTED PRIOR TO
RELEASING THE PLAT FOR RECORDING.
2. ALL COMMENTS OF THE CITY ENGINEER BE SHALL BE
ADDRESSED.
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January 21, 2003
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$. STREET LIGHTS BE INSTALLED AS REQUIRED BY ELK RIVER
UTILITIES
A LETTER OF CREDIT BE PROVIDED TO THE CITY IN THE
AMOUNT OF 100% OF THE COSTS OF THE PUBLIC
IMPROVEMENTS.
UPON COMPLETING ALL OF THE IMPROVEMENTS AND HAVING
THEM ACCEPTED BY THE CITY, A WARRANTY BOND IN THE
AMOUNT OF 25% OF THE IMPROVEMENT COSTS SHALL BE
SUBMITTED TO THE CITY FOR THE PERIOD OF ONE YEAR.
SURFACE WATER MANAGEMENT FEE IN THE AMOUNT
REQUIRED BY THE CITY AT THE TIME OF FINAL PLAT BE PAID
PRIOR TO RELEASING THE PLAT FOR RECORDING.
A SEALCOAT FEE IN THE AMOUNT TO BE DETERMINED BY THE
CITY ENGINEER BE PAID PRIOR TO RELEASING THE PLAT FOR
RECORDING.
8. A GRADING AND EROSION CONTROL PLAN BE APPROVED BY
THE CITY ENGINEER
9. ALL DISTURBED AREAS SHALL BE GRADED AND SEEDED.
10. ALL APPROPRIATE EASEMENTS SHALL BE SHOWN ON THE
PLAT.
11. ALL WELLS ON LOTS ABUTTING THE WEST BOUNDARY OF THE
PLAT BE LOCATED TO THE EAST AS FAR AS POSSIBLE.
12.
PARK DEDICATION FEES IN THE AMOUNT REQUIRED BY THE
CITY AT THE TIME OF FINAL PLAT BE PAID PRIOR TO
RELEASING THE PLAT FOR RECORDING.
13. THAT OUTLOT B BE DEEDED TO THE ADJACENT PROPERTY
OWNER TO THE NORTH.
COUNCILMEMBER DIETZ SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION
CARRIED 5-0.
6.2.
Request by Pat/Lou Pertl for Variance, Public Hearing - Case No. V 02-08 - Appeal
Staff report submitted by Planner Chris Leeseberg. Mr. Leeseberg stated that the applicant is
requesting a variance to allow construction of a detached garage within the 35' front yard
setback on his corner lot, which has two front property lines. Mr. Leeseberg gave a brief
history of the variance request and discussed the five conditions that must be met in order
for Council to grant a variance.
Mayor Kflinzing opened the public hearing. There being no one to speak to this issue, Mayor
K2inzing closed the public hearing.
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January 21, 2003
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Page 6
COUNCILMEMBER MOTIN MOVED TO GRANT THE VARIANCE FOR PAT
AND LOU PERTL BASED ON THE FOLLOWING FINDINGS:
LITERAL ENFORCEMENT WOULD REQUIRE THE APPLICANT TO
PLACE THE GARAGE IN A LOCATION THAT WILL NOT SUIT THE
APPLICANT'S PHYSICAL NEEDS AND WOULD NOT BE
ACCESSIBLE OR PLACE IT WHERE THERE IS CONSTANT
CONFLICT WITH THE WELL. IT WILL ALSO REQUIRE THE
REMOVAL OF A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF TREES TO PLACE THE
STRUCTURE IN AN AREA THAT WOULD NOT REQUIRE A
VARIANCE.
o
THE HARDSHIP IS CAUSED BY SPECIAL CONDITIONS AND
CIRCUMSTANCES THAT ARE PECULIAR TO THE LAND. THE LOT
SIZE IS MUCH SMALLER THAN THE MINIMAL LOT SIZE FOR
THAT ZONED AREA. THE SITE IS HEAVILY WOODED AND THE
HOUSE WAS PLACED CLOSE TO THE ROAD TO MINIMIZE THE
IMPACT OF TREE REMOVAL. THE CONTOUR OF THE TERRAIN
LIMITS THE APPLICANT'S MOBILITY. THE LOCATION OF THE
WELL RESTRICTS WHERE THE GARAGE COULD BE PLACED.
THE PROPERTY IS A CORNER LOT, WHICH HAS TWO FRONT
PROPERTY LINES, WHICH FURTHER RESTRICTS THE "SIDE" OF
THE HOUSE.
°
OTHER PROPERTIES IN THE SAME DISTRICT DO NOT HAVE
THE SAME CHARACTERISTICS (LOT SIZE, TERRAIN,
VEGETATION) THAT LIMIT THE LAND THAT IS AVAILABLE TO
CONSTRUCT ADDITIONAL GARAGE SPACE.
o
THE SPECIAL CONDITIONS ARE NOT A CONSEQUENCE OF THE
APPLICANT'S ACTIONS OR INACTIONS. THE SPECIAL
CONDITIONS RELATE TO THE PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF
THE SITE AND THE LOCATION OF THE HOUSE, WELL AND
SEPTIC FIELD.
°
THE GRANTING OF THIS VARIANCE WOULD NOT BE INJURIOUS
TO OR ADVERSELY AFFECT THE HEALTH, SAFETY OR WELFARE
OF THE RESIDENTS OF THE CITY OR THE NEIGHBORHOOD
WHERE THE PROPERTY IS LOCATED. THE REMOVAL OF OAK
TREES MAY IN FACT PRODUCE OAK WILD IN THE AREA IF NOT
DONE PROPERLY.
COUNCILMEMBER TVEITE SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION
CARRIED 5-0.
6.3.
Request by Chris Stokke (Greenscape Landscaping) for an Amendment to a Conditional
Use Permit, Public Hearing - Case No. CU 02-33
Staff report submitted by Planner Chris Leeseberg. Mr. Leeseberg stated that the applicant is
requesting an amendment to a conditional use permit for a landscape contractor's yard. The
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January 21, 2003
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applicant would like to amend the permit to build a 60' X 80' building with office and
storage space. Mr. Leeseberg discussed landscaping, grading, drainage, and Planning
Commission action.
Page 7
Mayor Klinzing opened the public hearing. There being no one to speak to this issue, Mayor
Klinzing closed the public hearing.
COUNCILMEMBER KUESTER MOVED TO APPROVE THE AMENDMENT
TO THE CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR CHRISTOPHER STOKKES
WITH THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS:
THE OUTDOOR STORAGE AREA CONSIST OF CLASS V
MATERIAL AND THE PERIMETER BE BOUNDED WITH
RAILROAD TIES OR SOME OTHER BARRIER TO PREVENT
THE AREA FROM GRADUALLY EXPANDING.
2. ALL LANDSCAPING SHALL BE INSTALLED AS INDICATED BY
THE PROPOSED LANDSCAPE PLAN. DATED 11/23/02
3. ALL COMMENTS OF THE CITY ENGINEER BE ADDRESSED.
4. THE ENTRANCES SHALL BE NO WIDER THAN 30 FEET.
5. NO RETAIL SALES ARE ALLOWED.
6. THE BUILDINGS SHALL COMPLY WITH ALL APPLICABLE
BUILDING AND FIRE CODES.
COUNCILMEMBER DIETZ SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION
CARRIED 5-0.
6.4.
Request by Cascade Land Company, LLC to Amend the Urban Service Area Map of the
Ci~'s Comprehensive Plan, Public Hearing - Case No. LU 01-06
Staff report submitted by Senior Planner Scott Harlicker. Mr. Harlicker stated that the
applicant would like to amend the Comprehensive Plan to include a six-acre parcel into the
Urban Service District. He gave a background history of the parcel. He stated that there is a
concern with bringing this parcel into the Urban Service District because of how it will
interact and affect the parcels around it. He discussed three options for Council
consideration.
Mayor Klinzing opened the public hearing.
Jim Brown, Director of Development Cascade Land Company - Stated that due to the
reconstruction of 175m Avenue, the well on this parcel went dry. He stated that the existing
septic had been crushed and filled. Mr. Brown stated that he would be willing to do an
administrative subdivision to allow just the single family residence access to sewer and
water.
Mayor Klinzing closed the public hearing.
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January 21, 2003
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Councilmember Motin questioned whether this residence could be temporarily served by
sewer and water. He stated that he would like to wait until the Comprehensive Plan is
completed as the parcel may be brought into the Urban Service District as part of the
implementation of the Comprehensive Plan.
Councilmember Tveite stated that this parcel should not be brought into the Urban Service
District until the Comprehensive Plan is completed.
Councilmember Dietz stated that he would not want the applicant to pay for a well and
septic system only to have the parcel brought into the Urban Service District in a few
months.
City Attorney Peter Beck stated that the city could enter into an agreement with the
applicant to connect to city sewer and water until the Comprehensive Plan was complete.
He stated that the city could charge a users fee and then if this parcel is brought into the
Urban Service District the assessments could be determined at a later date.
The Council had concerns with allowing the applicant to connect to city services and then if
this parcel were not brought into the Comprehensive Plan; how would they make the
applicant disconnect?
Planning Commissioner Dana Anderson stated that the Planning Commission felt this
property should not be brought into the Urban Service District until the Comprehensive
Plan had been completed.
City Administrator Pat Klaers stated that staff is opposed to this entire parcel being brought
into the Urban Service District until the Comprehensive Plan is complete. He stated that
staff had less of a concern if the City Council approved a smaller subdivided area into the
Urban Service District.
COUNCILMEMBER TVEITE MOVED TO DENY THE REQUEST TO
INCLUDE THIS PARCEL IN THE URBAN SERVICE DISTRICT BASED ON
THE FOLLOWING FINDINGS:
1. THE PARCEL IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE URBAN SERVICE
DISTRICT.
2. THE PARCEL IS NOT CONSISTENT WITH THE COMPREHENSIVE
LAND USE PLAN.
COUNCILMEMBER MOTIN SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION
CARRIED 5-0.
7. Other Business
There was no other business.
8. Staff Updates
City Attorney Peter Beck updated the Council on the Tollefson lawsuit.
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9. Adjournment
Page 9
There being no further business, Mayor Klinzing adjourned the meeting of the Elk River
City Council at 8:15 p.m.
Tina Allard
Recording Secretary