07-20-2009 BOA MINSPECIAL MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER BOARD OF ADJUSTMENTS
HELD AT ELK RIVER CITY HALL
MONDAY, JULY 20, 2009
Members Present: Acting Chair Lemke, Commissioners Anderson, Ives, and Westberg
Members Absent: Chair Scott and Conuiussioner Staul
Staff Present: Planning Manager Jeremy Barnhart, Recording Secretary Debbie Huebner
1. 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 5:30 p.m. by Acting Chair Lemke.
2. Consider July 202009 Board of Adjustments Agenda
MOVED BY COMMISSIONER WESTBERG AND SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER ANDERSON TO APPROVE THE JULY 20, 2009 BOARD OF
ADJUSTMENTS AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED 4-0.
3. Consider May 12 2009 Board of Adjustments Minutes
MOVED BY COMMISSIONER IVES AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER
WESTBERG TO APPROVE THE MAY 12, 2009 BOARD OF ADJUSTMENTS
MINUTES. MOTION CARRIED 4-0.
4. Consider Reduest b~Elk River Community Agencyfor Lot Size Variance Public Hearing-
Case No. V 09-03
Mr. Barnhart explained that a group of citizens is leading an effort to construct a "Welcome
to Elk River" sign along Highway 10 near the eastern city limits, similar to the sign by Lake
Orono. He noted that in October 2008, the City Council approved an ordinance
amendment that allowed city entrance monuments signs on city or private property. The
group plans to purchase a .05-acre parcel (split from a 50.44-acre parcel) to locate the sign.
The minimum lot size in this zone (Commercial Reserve Transition -CRT) is 20 acres;
therefore, a variance is required. Mr. Barnhart reviewed the criteria for granting a variance.
Staff recommends approval of the request.
Acting Chair Lemke opened the public hearing.
Lynn Caswell, 580 Dodge Avenue -stated he represented the applicants. He stated they
would like to build the sign this fall. He noted that the lettering and logo would be very
similar to the sign by Lake Orono, but that the landscaping and retaining wall design will be
slightly different. Mr. Caswell stated that they will raise funds to construct the sign when they
obtain the necessary approvals.
Commissioner Westberg asked what would happen if the funds are not raised. Mr. Barnhart
stated that if not action is taken in two years, the variance would expire.
Board of Adjustments Minutes
July 20, 2009
Page 2
Commissioner Ives asked if the old welcome sign has been removed. Mr. Barnhart stated
yes, he believed it had been taken down. Chair Lemke asked if commercial signs would be
allowed in this location. Mr. Barnhart stated no, only civic signs would be allowed.
Commissioner Anderson stated he liked the fact that the sign would be similar to the one by
Lake Orono.
MOTION BY ANDERSON AND SECONDED BY WESTBERG TO APPROVE
THE REQUEST FOR A LOT SIZE VARIANCE REQUEST BY ELK RIVER
COMMUNITY AGENCY, CASE NO. V 09-03, BASED ON THE FOLLOWING
FINDING:
1. ALL CRITERIA FOR GRANTING A VARIANCE ARE MET.
MOTION CARRIED 4-0.
Adjournment
There being no further business, MOVED BY COMMISSIONER ANDERSON AND
SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER WESTBERG TO ADJOURN THE
MEETING. MOTION CARRIED 4-0.
The meeting of the Elk River Board of Adjustments adjourned at 5:40 p.m.
Minutes prepared by Debbie Huebner.
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Tina Allard, Ciry Clerk
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Board of Adjustments Chair