07-08-2008 PC MINMEETING OF THE ELK RIVER PLANNING COMMISSION
HELD AT ELK RIVER CITY HALL
TUESDAY, JULY 8, 2008
Members Present: Chair Westgaard, Commissioners Anderson, Lemke, Scott, Staul and
Westberg
Members Absent: Commissioner Austad
Staff Present: Jeremy Barnhart, Planning Manger; Rebecca Haug, Environmental
Administrator; Debbie Huebner, Recording Secretary
Also Present: Bryan Adams, Elk River Municipal Utilities General Manager
1. Call Meeting To Order
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the meeting of the Elk River Planning Commission
was called to order at 6:45 p.m. by Chair Westgaard.
2. Consider 7/08/08 Planning Commission Agenda
MOVED BY COMMISSIONER ANDERSON AND SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER LEMKE TO APPROVE THE JULY 8, 2008 PLANNING
COMMISSION AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED 6-0.
3. Consider 6/10/08 Planning Commission Minutes
MOVED BY COMMISSIONER LEMKE AND SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER WESTBERG TO APPROVE THE JUNE 10, 2007 MINUTES.
MOTION CARRIED 6-0.
4. Planning Commission Representative to Attend June 16, 2008 City Council Meeting
Commissioner Scott will attend the June 16, 2008 City Council meeting.
5.1. Request b~ymbet Corporation for a Conditional Use Permit for Above Ground Storage
Tanks. Public Hearing -Case No. CU 08-14
Mr. Barnhart presented the staff report. He noted that the 32-foot tall. 7-foot diameter,
6,000 gallon liquid nitrogen storage tank has already been installed. He explained that the
applicant was not aware a conditional use permit was required, and immediately applied
when he was informed it was needed. Mr. Barnhart stated that staff feels the use is
appropriate for the area. He noted that the Fire Department has no concerns with the
request. Staff recommends approval with the conditions listed in the staff report, including
screening of the chiller areas with appropriate materials as listed in the city's land use
regulations.
Chair Westgaard opened the public hearing.
Planning Commission Minutes
July 8, 2008
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David Gustafson, 18326 Joplin Street, representing applicant -Explained that the liquid
nitrogen is used for processes within the building.
There being no further comment, Chair Westgaard closed the public hearing.
Commissioner Staul stated he was in favor of recommending approval, with the condition
that staff will continue to work with the applicant on bringing their screening into
compliance. Commissioners Scott and Westberg concurred.
MOTION BY COMMISISONER LEMKE AND SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER STAUL TO RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF THE REQUEST
BY CYMBET CORPORATION FOR A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR
ABOVE-GROUND STORAGE TANK WITH THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS:
1. AS A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT IS NOT A BUILDING PERMIT, THE
APPLICANT SHALL APPLY FOR ALL REQUIRED PERMITS.
2. IF THE LOCATION AND/OR SIZE OF THE ABOVE GROUND
STORAGE TANK CHANGES, THE PROPERTY OWNER SHALL APPLY
FOR AN AMENDMENT TO THE CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT.
3. THE CHILLER (UTILITY) AREAS SHALL BE SCREENED WITH
APPROPRIATE MATERIALS.
MOTION CARRIED 6-0.
5.2. Request by River of Life Evangelical Free Church for Interim Use Permit to Extend Use of
Temporary Classrooms/Office. Public Hearing -Case No. CU 080-13
Staff report presented by Mr. Barnhart. He stated that staff has no concerns with the
request. He stated that River of Life is currently fundraising for their building addition and
hopes to be able to build in two years. Staff recommends approval of the request.
Commissioner Anderson asked if any previous requests for this type of interim for
classrooms have been denied. Mr. Barnhart stated that is was not aware of any requests
being denied. Commissioner Scott stated that the Planning Cotninission has recommended
fewer years than an applicant may have requested, but he did not recall a permit being
denied. Mr. Barnhart stated that the Council has generally established supporting athree-
year time period for other interim use permits.
Chair Westgaard opened the public hearing. There being no public comment, Chair
Westgaard closed the public hearing.
MOTION BY COMMISSIONER LEMKE AND SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER SCOTT TO RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF THE REQUEST
BY RIVER OF LIFE CHURCH FOR AN INTERIM USE PERMIT FOR
TEMPORARY CLASSROOMS/OFFICES WITH THE FOLLOWING
CONDITIONS:
1. ALL THREE PORTABLE OFFICE/CLASSROOMS SHALL BE REMOVED
BY SEPTEMBER 1, 2010.
2. IF AN EXTENSION TO THE SEPTEMBER 1, 2010 DATE IS REQUIRED,
THE APPLICANT SHALL APPLY FOR AN AMENDMENT TO THE
INTERIM USE PERMIT.
Planning Commission Minutes
July 8, 2008
Page 3
3. THE TOTAL SQUARE FOOTAGE OF ALL THREE PORTABLE OFFICES
SHALL NOT EXCEED 2,750 SQUARE FEET.
4. IF THE LOCATION OF THE ANY OF THE PORTABLE
OFFICE/CLASSROOMS IS CHANGED, THE APPLICANT SHALL APPLY
FOR AN AMENDMENT TO THE INTERIM USE PERMIT.
5. ALL THREE PORTABLE OFFICE/CLASSROOMS SHALL MEET ALL
BUILDING AND FIRE CODES.
MOTION CARRIED 6-0.
5.3. Request by Chris Carlson (Sportech) for Interim Use Permit for Elk River Extreme Motor
Park_ Public Hearing -Case No. CU 0816
Mr. Barnhart reviewed the request by Chris Carlson and Todd Plaisted for an Interim Use
permit to operate a motor cross facility on the former Elk River Bituminous site on Highway
169. He explained that this property is in the CRT (Commercial Reserve Transitional)
zoning district. He noted that interim uses are allowed by ordinance for five years and the
proposed use seems to fit within the guidelines. Mr. Barnhart stated that the applicant
proposed to use the former gravel pit for snow cross and motor cross ATV events. He
stated that the applicant is considering adding a fourth metal-skinned building in the future.
The existing paved area will be used for parking. He stated the main concern of staff is
traffic stacking and a condition of approval is recommended which would require an on-site
traffic/distribution plan. Mr. Barnhart noted that noise could be considered an issue, since
there may be a potential for night events. He stated that the request meets the ordinance
and staff recommends approval with the five conditions listed in the staff report.
Chair Westgaard opened the public hearing.
Todd Plaisted, 15891 Andrew Street NW, Ramsey, co-applicant -stated that for large
events, they would only open the entrance to the north end, which would allow nearly ahalf-
mile of stacking. Mr. Barnhart stated that it is not necessary for the Planning Commmission to
make a recommendation on the stacking, since staff will need input from the Fire
Department on that issue.
There being no public comments, Chair Westgaard closed the public hearing.
Commissioner Scott asked what impact the hours of operation would have, since the gravel
mining hours are different. Mr. Plaisted stated that the races would be held on Saturdays
and Sundays, starting at approximately 9 a.m. and ending around 3 or 4 p.m. He noted that
occasionally there may be an evening race. Mr. Plaisted noted that this is afamily-oriented
sport and they would have 4 - 12 sanctioned events per year.
Chair Westgaard asked if the events are similar to those held at the county fairgrounds. Mr.
Plaisted stated yes, and that they did post some races at the county previously.
Mr. Barnhart proposed the hours could be 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8
a.m. - 4:30 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. He noted that the use is not the same as the
gravel mining and therefore, would have different hours.
Commissioner Anderson asked if events would be held year round, and what types of events
would be held. Mr. Carlson stated that the snow cross events would be their main focus, but
they may hold a couple of events in the summer. He explained there would be one regional
Planning Commission Minutes
JUIy s, Zoos
Page 4
event, the same as the county has held; an additional event of similar size, plus two or three
smaller events. Commissioner Anderson asked if there would be overnight parking or
camping. Mr. Carlson explained that there may be some overnight parking of
campers/trailers for the 2-day events, with participants arriving on Friday and staying until
Sunday. He stated that 95 percent of the out of town participants will stay in local hotels,
and that a very small percentage have self-contained trailers with sleeping quarters. He
noted that camping will not be the focus and they would discourage it. Commissioner
Anderson asked if lighting or security has been considered for weekend events. He
expressed concern that concerts or late-night events could be a potential issue. Mr. Carlson
stated that they have no intention of holding late night events, since this would require
lighting. He noted that the gravel pit would provide a buffer around the site to reduce the
noise level, which would be much more than the county site offers. Chair Westgaard noted
that winter daylight hours would dictate the hours of operation. Commissioner Scott stated
that even though the use is much different that the gravel mining, it still needs to be
considered.
Chair Westgaard stated that he was in favor of staff working with the applicant on the
stacking issue. Commissioner Anderson stated that it appears stacking will work for vehicles
coming into an event, but questioned how it would work when they leave the site. He did
not feel it would be a problem in the winter, but they still need to consider the amount of
traffic on Highway 169. Mr. Barnhart stated that is the reason staff is recommending a
traffic distribution plan.
Chair Westgaard asked how many participants they expect for the events. NIr. Carlson stated
that typical participation is 200 riders. He explained that there are usually 2 - 3 riders per
trailer, for a total of 75 - 100 trailers. He stated that there are perhaps ahalf--dozen larger
trailers, and the rest are pickups and trailers. He did not feel there would be a stacking issue
with vehicles leaving an event. Mr. Carlson stated that he has attended races all over the
United States and has seen no mass exodus of vehicles, since the racers usually complete
their races, and leave.
Commissioner Westberg questioned what would happen if the use continued for 15 years.
Mr. Barnhart stated that at the end of the five years, the applicants would need to re-apply
and the use would be re-evaluated. He noted that it would likely not be in the property
owner's best interest to continue the use, if the property became more valuable for another
type of use.
Commissioner Anderson stated that he would be more comfortable if you overnight public
parking were allowed. Mr. Carlson stated that most participants are from out of town and
racers tend to like to come early and park their trailers. Commissioner Anderson stated that
his concern was public safety. Mr. Carlson stated that there are some families that may bring
a motor home. He stated that all the events he has attended have allowed this, as well as for
Sherburne County events, and have had no problems. Commissioner Anderson stated he
would not like it to become an issue in the future. Mr. Plaisted stated he would be willing t
work with Chief Beahen if security becomes an issue.
Chair Westgaard asked if there was a separation between the race trailer parking and the
spectator parking. Mr. Plaisted stated that the southern parking would be for fans and the
middle area for the trailers. He stated that would be no overnight parking in the public
parking area. Mr. Barnhart suggested that the applicant notify the Police Department or city
Council before an overnight event. Commissioner Anderson stated he felt there may be
more of an issue in the summer than in the winter. Mr. Plaisted stated that the summer
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]uly 8, 2008
---------------------------
events are only one day and the snow cross events are two-day events. Mr. Plaisted noted
that they plan to clean up the site and landscape.
Commissioner Scott stated that he was in favor of the request and that it meets the criteria
for interim uses in the CRT. He felt it was an appropriate use, since they will not be adding
a large amount of value to the land with new buildings. He stated he was comfortable with
the hours proposed, notification of the police for large events, and no parking in the public
parking area.
Commissioner Lemke stated that he felt is was appropriate to notify the police department
for all events, so that emergency staff was available if needed. He favored staff continuing
to work with the applicants on the details of the recommended conditions.
Commissioner Anderson asked if any advertising signs for the events have been requested.
Mr. Barnhart stated that no new signage has been proposed, but that the applicant may use
the existing sign or apply for additional signage.
Commissioner Scott stated that he felt that directional signage may also be needed.
MOTION BY COMMISSIONER LEMKE AND SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER SCOTT TO RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF THE REQUEST
BY CHRIS CARLSON (SPORTECH) FOR AN INTERIM USE PERMIT FOR
ELK RIVER EXTREME MOTOR PARK, CASE NO. CU 08-16, WITH THE
FOLLOWING CONDITIONS:
1. ALL MN/DOT COMMENTS OUTLINED IN THE LETTER DATED JUNE
25, 2008 SHALL BE ADDRESSED.
2. PROVISION OF A SPECTATOR SAFETY PLAN, TO BE APPROVED BY
THE ELK RIVER FIRE DEPARTMENT.
3. PROVISION AND APPROVAL OF AN ON-SITE TRAFFIC/
DISTRIBUTION PLAN THAT DEMONSTRATES:
A. LOGICAL ON-SITE DISTRIBUTION OF PARTICIPANTS,
SPECTATORS, AND PUBLIC SAFETY.
B. ADEQUATE ON-SITE STACKING FOR ADMISSION AND EGRESS.
C. ADEQUATE OFF-SITE STACKING FOR ACCESS AND EGRESS
WITHOUT IMPACTING US HIGHWAY 169.
4. AS AN INTERIM USE PERMIT IS NOT A BUILDING PERMIT, THE
APPLTCANT SHALL APPLY FOR ALL REQUIRED PERMITS.
5. THE DEVELOPMENT SHALL MEET ALL APPLICABLE FIRE CODES.
6. HOURS OF OPERATION SHALL BE LIMITED FROM 7:00 A.M. TO 7:00
P.M., MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY AND 8:00 A.M. TO 4:30 P.M. ON
SATURDAY AND SUNDAY.
7. NO OVERNIGHT PARKING IN SPECTATOR LOT.
MOTION CARRIED 6-0.
5.4. Reduest b~duisite Stone_ Inc. for Conditional Use Permit to Allow Stone Fabrication
Business and Building Expansion, Public Hearing -Case No. CU 08-15
Mr. Barnhart presented the staff report. He explained the Exquisite Stone, Inc. is requesting
a conditional use permit to operate a stone fabrication business at 15560 Cleveland Street, in
the C-3 zoning district. The applicant indicated an interest in expanding the building, but
Planning Commission Minutes
July 8, 2008
Pa~c 6
due to issues regarding access, parking and platting of the property, he is requesting only
approval for the use at this time. The applicant plans to utilize the retail/showroom
component of the building and is proposing no changes with this request. He stated that the
issues discussed previously will need to be addressed if the property is platted in the future.
Mr. Barnhart noted that the applicant's existing location on Jarvis Street has a large amount
of storage, and that his goal is to move to this larger building accommodate the storage. He
noted that some of the existing parking is in the Cleveland Avenue right of way.
Chair Westgaard opened the public hearing.
Lance Van Norman, applicant -Stated that his only concern was the number of parking
stalls being required by staff. He stated that the 14 additional spaces on the adjacent parcel
are not needed, and that he would not want the approval to be "hinged" on parking on
someone else's property.
Commissioner Anderson asked how many spaces the applicant feels he needs. Mr. Van
Norman stated that there are six employees that start at 8:00 a.m. He stated that four more
spaces could be added on the existing site. Chair Westgaard asked if the retail/showroom
space would require additional parking. Mr. Van Norman stated that the space would be
used more as a showroom than for retail sales.
Commissioner Scott asked if there were any options for the applicant on the number of
parking stalls. Mr. Barnhart stated that the number is determined by the use and the square
footage of the building. He stated that they are somewhat limited, and that the least
intensive parking requirements are being applied for the site. He stated that if an expansion
is proposed, parking, landscaping, lighting and drainage issues will need to be addressed and
the use would require 22 spaces.
Commissioner Staul asked if the applicant could request a variance. Mr. Barnhart stated yes,
but that parking in the Cleveland Avenue right of way is an issue.
Chair Westgaard stated that he supported staffs recommendation of approval with the
conditions as outlined.
MOTION BY COMMISSIONER LEMKE AND SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER SCOTT TO RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF THE REQUEST
BY EXQUISITE STONE, INC. FOR A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO
PERATE A STONE FABRICATION BUSIENSS IN THE C-3 ZONING
DISTRICT WITH THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS:
1. NO EXTERIOR MODIFICATIONS ARE INCLUDED IN THE APPROVAL.
2. A BUILDING PERMIT SHALL BE PROVIDED FOR ANY INTERIOR
MODIFICATIONS
MOTION CARRIED 6-0.
5.5. Request by City of Elk River for Ordinance Amendment Regarding Placement of Black Dirt,
Public Hearing -Case No. OA 08-06
Mr. Barnhart stated that the Elk River Municipal Utilities (ERMU) Comtission is proposing
an ordinance amendment that would require certain soil improvements for new lots. The
draft ordinance would require 4 inches of topsoil to be placed on lots less than one-half acre
Planning Commission Minutes
July s, Zoos
Page 7
and on disturbed areas of larger lots, and then tilled into the upper 8 inches of grade. Also,
the specifications require a minimum and maximum percentage of the topsoil mix to be of
sand, clay, silt and organic material (NII~TDOT Specification 3877 "Select Topsoil"). NLr.
Barnhart stated that the purpose of the ordinance is to reduce the amount of water
consumed by watering lawns. He stated that staff has no concern with trying to conserve
water, but they are concerned with the ordinance's effectiveness, enforceability, and cost to
homeowners.
Bryan Adams, Elk River Municipal Utilities General Manager -provided the following
information regarding water usage in Elk River:
• 30,000,000 - 35,000,000 gallons used per month in the winter months
• Up to 160,000,000 gallons per month in the summer
• 400,000,000 gallons per year used for lawn watering
• 1.25 - 1.50 million gallons used per day in the winter
• 6- 7 million gallons used per day in the summer
• 900 million gallons a year is Elk River's total usage
He stated that the concern for the future is whether or not we will have the quality and
quantity of water needed. Mr. Adams explained that Elk River's water is obtained from the
Mount Simon Aquifer near Hinckley. He noted that more water is being taken out and not
enough is going back in. Mr. Adams stated that The Mount Simon is the only one of the
series of 3 - 4 aquifers in the area that is not contaminated, causing more and more suburbs
to access the Mount Simon aquifer. He explained that summer water usage lowers the level
30 - 40 feet and usually comes back to normal level in the fall. He stated that their concern
is when the level does not come back. Also, drift wells 40-60 feet deep are more susceptible
to contamination. Mr. Adams reviewed the history of Elk River's geology, and its impact on
Elk River's water supply. He noted that the aquifer is 20 - 30 feet in deep in western Elk
River, compared to 100 - 150 feet deep in eastern part of the city, because it sits on the edge
of an old sea.
Mr. Adams stated that one-third of the capacity of the newly constructed wells is consumed
by GRE's new peaking plant and the two new data centers.
He explained that measures have been taken to reduce water usage such as education,
requiring well head protection, watering bans, low flow shower heads and toilets, and rain
sensors for irrigation. He noted that it has been proven that watering bans actually increase
water usage, because people tend to water on the allowed days, whether they need to or not.
He stated that they have implemented tiered fees so that the more water that is used, the
higher the per gallon the rate will be. Mr. Adams explained that use of drought-tolerant
grass and use of black dirt to retain moisture are ways to conserve water. He noted that
requiring commercial properties to irrigate landscaping contributes to the higher water usage
in the summer months.
Mr. Adams stated that he gave a presentation to a townhome owners association. Many
townhome associations use 1,000,000 gallons a month for irrigation. The average household
uses 40,000 -50,000 gallons a month in the summer.
That is why he is pushing for approval of this ordinance. He stated that most communities
have a policy requiring topsoil, but he is suggesting the requirement for tilling to make the
topsoil more effective.
Planning Commission Minutes
July 8, 2008
Page 8
Mr. Adams stated that he was satisfied with the requirement for a certificate of compliance,
and that the building official was also comfortable with it He estimated that the impact on
new lots would be approximately $3,000 for placement of the soil and tilling. He noted that
drafted the ordinance and it was reviewed by Ciry Attorney Peter Beck.
Commissioner Lemke asked if he could get a copy of Mr. Adams' presentation to the
homeowner's association. Mr. Adams stated yes, he could provide it to him.
Commissioner Lemke questioned the impact of the ordinance on larger lots. Mr. Adams
stated that by requiring the topsoil on disturbed areas, this would likely be the area that
would be mowed and watered. Commissioner Lemke stated that he shared staffs concern
that the ordinance would be ineffective, since most of the urban service district is built out.
Mr. Adams stated that he has seen numerous expansions of the urban service area, and that
the ordinance needs to be in place if another expansion were to occur. Commissioner
Lemke expressed his thanks to Mr. Adams for putting education first in their conservation
measures. Mr. Adams stated that property owners don't pay attention to their water usage
until they receive a $100 water bill.
Commissioner Scott asked if Mr. Adams could estimate how much of the water usage spike
in the summer was related to commercial properties being irrigated. Mr. Adams estimated
that the ratio was probably 50-50 between commercial and residential. He noted that he
often sees sprinklers running on commercial sites when it is raining.
Commissioner Anderson stated that the reality is that people do not take conservation
seriously until the price goes up, similar to gasoline consumption. He suggested more
enforcement of water bans with serious fines. Mr. Adams stated that it has already been
proven that watering bans don't work, as far as reducing water consumption, and felt the
police department has better things to than issue tickets for watering. Commissioner
Anderson stated he agreed. He stated that if the ordinance were adopted and a property
owner applied the topsoil properly, there was no guarantee that he would not water everyday
anyway. Commissioner Anderson asked if the utilities have considered using water from the
Mississippi River. Mr. Adams stated that would require a totally different type of water and
distribution system and would not be financially feasible.
Commissioner Westberg asked if a possible solution to the commercial watering would be
for them to drill their own wells. Mr. Adams stated that they still would be taking water out
of the same aquifer, since Elk River has no other aquifers. Commissioner Westberg stated
that it would seem natural that the rates should be raised for higher usage. Mr. Adams stated
that the rates are structured to help pay for building new wells and water towers, but that he
would like nothing better that not to have to build more. Mr. Adams explained how water is
tested for tritium, to determine the age of its source. He stated that there are three flowing
wells in Elk River. He stated that the wells quit flowing in March-April and flow again in the
fall. He stated that each year the flow goes down earlier and takes longer to come back in
the fall, which reflects the impact of the added demand. Commissioner Westberg asked why
they don't get rid of the bans if they are not effective. Mr. Adams stated that they are
beneficial from an educational perspective, by making users aware of the need to conserve
water. He noted that the DNR still encourages them to use water bans.
There being no other speakers, Chair Westgaard closed the public hearing.
Commissioner Staul stated that given the presentation and staff concerns, he was in favor of
tabling the issue for further research and input from other communities.
Planning Commission Minutes Pagc 9
July s, zoos
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Mr. Barnhart stated that many of the issues are policy issues for the City Council and that
staff is comfortable with moving the ordinance forward.
Chair Westgaard stated that he also had concerns about the effectiveness and enforceability
of the ordinance. He noted that in some cases, the topsoil is scraped back for construction,
and then is replaced, and that this soil is sometimes as good as or better than the topsoil mix
being proposed. Mr. Adams stated that he would be comfortable with using the topsoil on
site, if it is tested first. Chair Westgaard stated he is concerned that the amendment will not
produce the results they are looking for, and that it will be difficult to enforce and monitor.
He stated that if it could be done without a lot of cost to the homeowners and placing a
burden on staff, he would be more supportive of the amendment. Mr. Adams stated that he
felt the amendment was written so sit would not place a burden on staff, by requiring a
certificate of compliance.
Commissioner Scott stated that if other cities are adopting similar ordinances and reducing
water consumption, it would be helpful for Elk River to implement an ordinance that has
been proven to be successful.
Commissioner Anderson stated that education is the most important way to encourage water
conservation. He was not in favor of the proposed ordinance because of the enforceability
issue. He suggested finding other ways to encourage people to use less water, such as
financial rebates.
Rebecca Haug, Environmental Administrator -stated that she has discussed the ordinance
amendment in great length with Mr. Adams. She stated that for environmental purposes,
she supports the use of less sod and more native vegetation. She did not feel there were
enough lots left for development for the ordinance to have much of an impact. She stated
that since Elk River is Energy City, she supports conserving water, as well as all other energy
resources.
Commissioner Scott suggested talking with some of the larger users to look at alternatives to
excessive watering. Mr. Adams stated it has been his experience with the townhome
associations that they are not willing to give up their "green" grass.
Chair Westgaard summarized the concerns of the Planning Commission from the
discussion. He stated that he felt it was important to find a way to educate the property
owners of existing lots who are high users.
Commissioner Lemke stated that he was in favor of tabling the issue.
Mr. Adams stated that he was willing to table the request, but that he had concerns with the
DNR allowing new wells to be drilled, if the city is not willing to take measures to conserve
water.
Commissioner Staul stated that he would be in favor of the ordinance if cost effectiveness
could be demonstrated. He also stated he would be interested in a comparison of
commercial water usage compared to residential.
MOTION BY COMMISSIONER LEMKE AND SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER TO TABLE THE REQUEST BY THE CITY OF ELK RIVER
FOR AN ORDINANCE AMENDMENT REGARDING THE REQUIREMENT
Planning Commission Minutes
July 8, 2008
------------------
TO PLACE TOPSOIL, IN ORDER FOR MORE INFORMATION TO BE
PROVIDED ON THE FOLLOWING:
• COST EFFECTIVENESS
• STATISTICAL DATA FROM OTHER CITIES WITH SIMILAR
ORDINANCES
• ENFORCEABILITY
MOTION CARRIED 6-0.
6. Other Business
Page 10
Commissioner Anderson asked if Ms. Haug had any concerns with the request in Item 5.3.
She stated that the only concerns that she would are regarding possible seepage any
hazardous materials. She noted that she is aware that these types of operations are very
good about cleaning up and spills immediately.
7. Adjournment
There being no further business, MOVED BY COMMISSIONER ANDERSON TO
ADJOURN THE MEETING.
The meeting of the Elk River Planning Commission adjourned at 8:55 p.m.
Minutes Prepared by:
Debbie uebner
~~
Tina Allard, City Clerk