05-12-2009 PC MINMEETING OF THE ELK RIVER PLANNING COMMISSION
HELD AT ELK RIVER CITY HALL
TUESDAY, MAY 12, 2009
Members Present: Chair Scott, Commissioners Anderson, Ives, Lemke, Staul, and Westberg
Members Absent: None
Staff Present: Planning Manager Jeremy Barnhart, Park Planner Chris Leeseberg, and
Recording Secretary Jessica Miller
Call Meeting To Order
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the meeting of the Elk River Planning Commission
was called to order at 6:44 p.m. by Chair Scott.
2. Consider 05/12/09 Planning Commission Agenda
MOVED BY COMMISSIONER LEMKE AND SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER STAUL TO APPROVE THE MAY 12, 2009 PLANNING
COMMISSION AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED 6-0.
3. Consider 4/14 /09 Planning Commission Minutes
Mr. Barnhart stated these minutes would be approved at the June meeting.
4. Planning Commission Representative to Attend City Council Meeting
Commissioner Staul will attend the May 18, 2009 City Council meeting.
5.1. Request by the City of Elk River to Amend the City of Elk River Land Use Regulations
Relating to Signs. Including 30-1. 30-851-867. 30-1022-1026. 30-1292-1294. 30 158, Case
No. OA 09-01 -Public Hearing Continued from April 14 2009 Planning Commission
Me- etr~
Mr. Leeseberg presented the staff report. He noted that there are no major changes since the
April 14 meeting.
Chair Scott opened the public hearing.
Steve Rohlf, 12821 188t" Ave NW -stated that his business is unique and he does not feel
the proposed language adequately addresses his situation. He added that he doesn't feel he
should have to apply for variances for each sign. He was supportive of the campus setting
language. Mr. Barnhart indicated that staff is not opposed to exploring the concept but is
looking for direction from the City Council on the matter.
There being no one else to speak to this issue, Chair Scott closed the public hearing
Planning Commission Minutes Page 2
May 12, 2009
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The Conuiiission discussed the proposed language. Mr. Barnhart recommended moving
forward with the proposed language minus the campus setting language.
MOVED BY COMMISSIONER STAUL AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER
IVES TO APPROVE THE PROPOSED SIGN ORDINANCE LANGUAGE AS
OUTLINED IN THE APRIL 14, 2009 STAFF REPORT. MOTION CARRIED 6-0.
5.2. Review FAST Studv
Mr. Barnhart presented the staff report.
Chair Scott opened the public hearing
John Weicht, 13330 Island View Drive - indicated he has several concerns with the plan as
presented. He reviewed his proposal for a RV storage facility on one of the parcels. His
immediate concern is that this type of business would not be allowed under the plan. He
requested that wording be included that would allow 100% storage in a business park.
Commissioner Staul indicated that he believes Mr. Weicht's comments would be better
addressed later in the process. Mr. Barnhart noted that the City Council's approval of the
plan does not automatically rezone the area. He stated that Mr. Weicht's concern would be
better addressed during the public hearing portion of the rezoning.
Richard Kurth, Broadway Bar and Pizza, 16754 Highway 10 -questioned the interchange
plans and the plans for the west side of the study area. Mr. Barnhart indicated that the west
side plans have not been addressed but staff is requesting they be addressed as outlined in
the staff report. He noted that additional funding will be required.
Steve Rohlf, 12821 188th Ave NW -outlined concerns with the interchange as presented.
He recommended the interchange be moved further to the north so as not to affect as many
businesses.
Mr. Barnhart explained that Mn/DOT typically requires interchanges to be at least one mile
apart. He further explained that the proposed location of the interchange was determined
based on the Interregional Corridor Plan and Mn/DOT's input. He noted that because
Mn/DOT likely will be funding a portion of the interchange, their input must be taken into
account.
The Planning Commission concurred that the detailed issues brought before them tonight
by public may be premature and would be more appropriately discussed further through the
process.
MOVED BY COMMISSIONER ANDERSON AND SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER LEMKE TO RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF THE 171sT
AREA FOCUS AREA STUDY TO THE CITY COUNCIL. MOTION CARRIED
6-0.
6. Other Business
6.1. Election of Officers
Chair
Commissioner Anderson recommended Commissioner Scott as Chair. Commissioner Staul
concurred with that recommendation.
Commissioner Westberg nominated Commmissioner Lemke as Chair.
It was the consensus of the Commission for Commissioner Scott to serve as Chair of the
Planning Commission.
Vice Chair
Commissioners Lemke and Westberg were nominated for Vice Chair. Commissioner
Westberg respectfully declined.
MOVED BY COMMISSIONER STAUL AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER
IVES TO NOMINATE COMMISSIONER LEMKE AS VICE CHAIR OF THE
PLANNING COMMISSION. MOTION CARRIED 6-0.
Adjournment
There being no further business, the meeting of the Elk River Planning Commission
adjourned at 8:14 p.m.
Minutes repared by Je ~ a Miller.
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Tina Allard
City Clerk
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Kevin Scott
Acting Chair