08-12-2008 BA MINMEETING OF THE ELK RIVER BOARD OF ADJUSTMENTS
HELD AT ELK RIVER CITY HALL
TUESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2008
Members Present: Chair Westgaard, Commissioners Anderson, Austad, Lemke, Staul and
Westberg
Members Absent: Commissioner Scott
Staff Present: Jeff Gongoll, Community Development Director; Chris Leeseberg,
Planner; Debbie Huebner, Recording Secretary
Call Meeting To Order
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the meeting of the Elk River Board of Adjustments
was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Chair Westgaard.
Consider 8/12/08 Board of Adj_ustrnents Agenda
Chair Westgaard noted that Item 3. -Consider July 8, 2008 Board of Adjustments minutes
will be removed from the agenda and these minutes will be considered at the September
meeting.
MOVED BY COMMISSIONER LEMKE AND SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER STAUL TO APPROVE THE AUGUST 12, 2008 BOARD OF
ADJUSTMENTS AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED 6-0.
4. Consider Request by Elk River United Methodist Church for Setback Variances_ Case No. V
08-08
Mr. Leeseberg reviewed the request by United Methodist Church to use the existing building
setbacks for a proposed addition, which includes classroom space, a sanctuary, a narthex and
administration areas. He explained the ordinance requires a 30-foot setback from Main
Street and 4th Street, and current building setbacks are 7 feet from Main Street and 10 feet
from 4th Street. He noted that there are other properties in this neighborhood that don not
meet the setback requirements. Mr. Leeseberg reviewed each of the five criteria for granting
a variance, how they applied to this request. He stated that staff recommends approval of
the request.
Chair Westgaard opened the public hearing.
Phil Strom, Pastor of Elk Rivet United Methodist Church, 1304 Main Street -stated
that they would like to stay in the neighborhood, rather than relocating. He noted that they
have met with their neighbors regarding their expansion plans.
There being not further comment, Chair Westgaard closed the public hearing.
Commissioner Staul asked if staff has received any comments on the Holy Trinity Church's
expansion in this neighborhood Mr. Leeseberg stated that no concerns have been received.
Board of Adjustments Minutes
August 12, 2008
Page 2
Commissioner Anderson asked how many exits the church had off 4~h Street. Mr. Leeseberg
explained that there is one off 4~h Street and one off Main Street. He asked if staff has
considered allowing only one entrance, off 4~h Street. He stated he had concerns about
parking. Mr. Leeseberg stated that the variance is under consideration at this time and that
parking can be addressed when the site plan is reviewed. He noted that on street parking is
available to the church in this location, as it is for other uses in the downtown area.
MOTION BY COMMISSIONER AUSTAD AND SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER LEMKE TO APPROVE THE REQUEST BY ELK RIVER
UNITED METHODIST CHURCH FOR VARIANCES TO THE SETBACK
REQUIREMENTS, BY ALLOWING A 7-FOOT SETBACK FROM THE
PROPERTY LINE ON MAIN STREET, AND A 10-FOOT SETBACK FROM
THE PROPERTY LINE ON 4TH STREET, FOR A BUILDING ADDITION.
Chair Westgaard stated that he shared Commissioner Anderson's concern that parking be
reviewed, since growth could be an issue. He stated that he supported the variance.
MOTION CARRIED 6-0.
5. Other Business -None
6. Adjournment
There being no further business, MOVED BY COMMISSIONER STAUL ADJOURN
THE MEETING.
The meeting of the Elk River Board of Adjustments adjourned at 6:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
,~¢.~ 54
Debbie Huebner
Recording Secretary