08-27-2001 CC MINMEETING OF THE ELK RIVER CITY COUNCIL
HELD AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HALL
MONDAY, AUGUST 27, 2001
Members Present:
Members Absent:
Staff Present:
Mayor Iadinzing, Councilmembers Dietz, Kuester, Motin, and Tveite
None
City Administrator Pat Iadaers, Director of Planning Michele McPherson,
Senior Planner Scott Harlicker, City Engineer Terry Maurer, City Attorney
Peter Beck, Building and Zoning Administrator Stephen Rohlf, and City
Clerk Sandra Peine
Call Meeting To Order
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the meeting of the Elk River City Council was called
to order at 6:25 p.m. by Mayor Klinzing.
Consider 8/27/2001 Agenda
Councilmember Dietz requested an update on the overlay project under other business.
COUNCILMEMBER KUESTER MOVED TO APPROVE THE AGENDA AS
AMENDED. COUNCILMEMBER DIETZ SECONDED THE MOTION. THE
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Consider Consent Agenda
COUNCILMEMBER TVEITE MOVED TO APPROVE THE CONSENT
AGENDA AS FOLLOWS:
3ol.
3.2°
3.4.
3.5.
8/13/2001 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - APPROVED
8/20/01 CITY COUNCIL AND EXECUTIVE SESSION MINUTES --
APPROVED
CHECK REGISTER - APPROVED
AUTHORIZATION TO HIRE THE FOLLOWING AS PAID ON-CALL
FIRE FIGHTERS -- APPROVED
· JASON MAYER
· RICH NEIMELA
· OWEN DECATHELINEAU
-- PAY ESTIMATE #8 - TO RICHARD KNUTSON, INC. FOR WORK
ON THE WESTERN AREA PHASE IV IMPROVEMENTS IN THE
AMOUNT OF $13,649.25 -APPROVED
--PAY ESTIMATE #1 TO MUNICIPAL BUILDERS, INC. FOR WORK
ON THE WWTP VENTIALTION SYSTEM AND ROOF
IMPROVEMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $61,415.60 - APPROVED
REQUEST FOR MASSAGE THERAPIST LICENSE FOR JESSICA
PALMER TO PRACTICE THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE AT SALINA SPA
SALON AT 19262 FREEPORT AVENUE - APPROVED
City Council Minutes
August 27, 2001
3.6.
3.7.
3.8.
3,9.
3.10.
Page 2
RESOLUTION 01-54 APPROVING PREMISE PERMIT RENEWAL FOR
THE ELK RIVER-ROGERS VFW POST #5518 TO OPERATE
CHARITABLE GAMBLING (PULL TABS) AT THE SUNSHINE DEPOT
- APPROVED
RESOLUTION 01-55 APPROVING PREMISE PERMIT RENEWAL FOR
THE ELK RIVER-ROGERS VFW POST #5518 TO OPERATE
CHARITABLE GAMBLING (PULL TABS) AT THE EAGLES CLUB -
APPROVED
RESOLUTION 01-56 DESIGNATING THE MAXIMUM HOUSEHOLD
INCOME LEVEL FOR QUALIFICATION FOR DEFERRAL OF
SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS BASED ON HARDSHIP -APPROVED
TEMPORARY 3.2 PERCENT BEER LICENSE FOR ELK RIVER LIONS
TO SELL BEER ON SALE ON SEPTEMBER 8, 2001 AT THE
SHERBURNE COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS FOR THE SHERBURNE
FALL DEMO DERBY - APPROVED
TEMPORARY LIQUOR LICENSE FOR THE ELK RIVER LIONS TO
SELL LIQUOR ON SALE ON SEPTEMBER 15, 2001, AT THE ELK
RIVER FIRE DEPARTMENT FOR THE ANNUAL FIRE
DEPARTMENT OPEN HOUSE -- APPROVED
COUNCILMEMBER DIETZ SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION
CARRIED 5-0.
4.1.
Consider Resolution Providing for the Sale of $3,590,000 General Obligation Water
Revenue Bonds Series 200lA
The City's bond consultant Rusty Fifield of Ehlers & Assodates, Inc. indicated that the City
would be issuing General Obligation Water Revenue Bonds on behalf of the Elk River
Munidpal Utilities to finance new water system facilities. Rusty indicated that there might be
an opportunity to reduce interest costs by allowing him to shift the bond sale off the regular
Council meeting date if necessary. He stated that if this were the case, approval of the bond
would be delegated to the Mayor and City Administrator.
COUNCILMEMBER DIETZ MOVED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 01-57
PROVIDING FOR THE SALE OF $3,590,000 G.O. WATER REVENUE BONDS,
SERIES 200lA. COUNCILMEMBER MOTIN SECONDED THE MOTION.
THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
4.2. Violation of Plat Approval in Mississippi Oaks 2nd Addition
Building and Zoning Administrator Steve Rohlf reviewed the staff report on this issue. He
explained that Mr. Gordon Moldenhauer is in violation of the plat approval requirements of
Mississippi Oaks 2nd Addition. The violation entails the removal of a number of trees from
the bank of the stream located in the plat. Mr. Rohlf stated that cutting the trees would
cause erosion of the riverbank.
Mr. Gordon Moldenhauer, Vice President of Mississippi Oaks Development Company,
reviewed the history of the land. He explained his reason for cutting down the trees, stating
that he wanted to enhance the area by cleaning it out. He stated that it was not his intent to
recklessly do something that should not have been done.
City Council Minutes Page 3
August 27, 2001
Steve Rohlf noted that in order to ensure no further degradation to the bank of the
waterway and to stabilize it until it is fully revegetated, he is recommending that Mr.
Moldenhauer prepare a restoration plan and provide a conservation easement in favor of the
city.
Councilmember Motin questioned what exacdy was violated. Steve Rohlfindicated that the
City's Attorney indicated that Mr. Moldenhauer has violated the City's subdivision ordinance
and a condition of his plat approval.
COUNCILMEMBER MOTIN MOVED THAT MR. GORDON
MOLDENHAUER TAKE THE FOLLOWING STEPS TO PREVENT
FURTHER DEGRADATION TO THE BANK OF THE WATERWAY AND TO
STABALIZE THE BANK UNTIL IT IS FULLY REVEGETATED:
THAT MR. MOLDENHAUER PREPARES A RESTORATION PLAN
THAT IS REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY THE DNR, SHERBURNE
COUNTY SOIL AND WATER DISTRICT, AND CITY STAFF.
THAT THE RESTORATION PLAN INCLUDE, AT A MINIMUM,
ABSOLUTELY NO GRADING, THAT STUMPS REMAIN IN PLACE,
REVEGETATION OF THE AREA TAKE PLACE, AND NO
ADDITIONAL CUTTING OF VEGETATION (INICLUDING BRUSH).
THAT MR. MOLDENHAUER PROVIDE A CONSERVATION
EASEMENT IN FAVOR OF THE CITY ON THAT PART OF LOTS 1
THROUGH 11, MISSISSIPPI OAKS 2nD ADDITION THAT FALLS
BELOW 872 FEET MEAN SEA LEVEL, AND THAT THE EASEMENT
WILL BE BINDING ON FUTURE PURCHASERS OF THE LOT.
THAT MR. MOLDENHAUER COMPLIES WITH THE ABOVE
REQUIREMENTS WITHIN TWO MONTHS AND THAT IF THIS IS
NOT COMPLIED WITHIN TWO MONTHS THAT IT IS BROUGHT
BACK TO THE COUNCIL TO DETERMINE IF THERE SHOULD BE
FURTHER ACTION TAKEN.
COUNCILMEMBER TVEITE SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION
CARRIED 5-0.
5. Open Mike
Elaine Anderson 17804 Concord Court stated that she is a board member of the Elk River
Area Arts Council and a member of the Arts Alliance. Mrs. Anderson stated that the litde
theater at the High School is in jeopardy of being destroyed unless the school received
$500,000 to save it. She indicated that there currently is no space in Elk River for the
performing arts. She requested the Council to consider adding a small amount of land to the
land the City is considering donating for the family center for the performing arts.
A resident of 18633 Concord Court requested the Council to reconsider its action on his
driveway variance. Mayor K3inzing indicated that in order for the Council to reconsider its
action, someone on the prevailing side would have to bring the motion back to the table.
She indicated that no one has come forward at this time to reconsider the motion and
therefore, the Council action is still binding.
City Council Minutes
August 27, 2001
Page 4
The Council recessed at 7:50 p.m. and reconvened at 7:55 p.m.
6.1. Request by Elk River Station, LLP for Waiver to the Townhouse Moratorium
Senior Planner Scott Harlicker indicated that the applicant is requesting a waiver to the
townhouse moratorium. He stated that the developers of Elk River Station have been
actively discussing this project with the staff and Planning Commission since last year and
have made formal presentations to the Planning Commission and City Council prior to the
moratorium being implemented.
COUNCILMEMBER TVEITE MOVED TO WAIVE THE TOWNHOUSE
MORATORIUM REQUIREMENTS FOR THE ELK RIVER STATION PLAT.
COUNCILMEMBER MOTIN SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION
CARRIED 5-0.
6.2.
Request by Elk River Station, LLP for Land Use Amendment to Change the Land Use
From LI, Light Industrial and LR, Low Density Residential, to CC, Community. Commercial
and MR, Medium Density Residential, and to Bring Property. into the Urban Service
District, Public Hearing - Case No. LU 01-02
6.3,
Request by Elk River Station, LLP for Rezoning from Rla and A1 to PUD ,(Planned Unit
Development), Public Hearing - Case No. ZC 01-03
6.4.
Request by Elk River Station, LLP for Preliminary Plat Approval .(Elk River Station), Public
Hearing - Case No. P 01-05
6.5.
Requst by Elk River Station, LLP for Conditional Use Permit (Elk River Station), Public
Hearing- Case No. CU 01-08
Senior Planner Scott Harlicker gave an overview of the location of the plat.
Developer, Len Pratt introduced those present which included Paul Sween, Mark
Moorhouse, and Chris Barnes representing Dominium Apartments; Derrick Passe, Passe
Engineering; Brian Lubben, BIO/; Jim Johnson, Hakansen-Anderson; and Marc Putman,
Putman Design Group. Mr. Pratt then proceeded with a Powerpoint presentation of the Elk
River Station. Mr. Pratt noted that although the Planning Commission recommended denial
of the preliminary plat, zone change, and conditional use permit, he had been working with
staff to address the Planning Commission's concerns. He indicated that some of the
concerns regarding traffic, grading and drainage are being addressed with the City Engineer.
He also indicated that he was certain that he would be able to resolve all of the Planning
Commissions concerns.
Following the presentation Mayor Iadinzing opened the public hearing. There being no one
for or against the matter, Mayor Klinzing closed the public hearing.
Senior Planner Scott Harlicker gave the staff report on the land use amendment. Scott
explained that the land use amendment involves extending the urban service district to
include 50 acres of property and changing the land use plan designation from light industrial
and low density residential to community commercial and medium residential. Scott
indicated that the Planning Commission voted to recommend approval of the land use
amendment and noted that staff is also recommending approval.
City Council Minutes
August 27, 2001
Page 5
Mayor I~dinzing indicated that she is opposed to the land use amendment. She stated her
reasons for opposition, which include the extension of the urban service district, changing
property to a higher density, and eliminating light industrial property. She also indicated her
concern of how the plat would affect the light industrial businesses that are currendy located
in the area.
Councilmember Tveite indicated that he felt comfortable with the land use amendment due
to the unique manner in which the property is being developed and also due to the unique
location and its tie-in with the commuter rail.
Councilmember Kuester indicated that she is in favor of the land use plan due to the
uniqueness of the plat and because of the mixed uses in the PUD. She further indicated that
it was an opportunity to support the rail station.
COUNCILMEMBER TVEITE MOVED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 01-58 TO
AMEND THE URBAN SERVICE AREA MAP OF THE COMPREHENSIVE
PLAN TO INCLUDE CERTAIN PROPERTY IN THE URBAN SERVICE
DISTRICT AND TO CHANGE THE LAND USE DESIGNATION OF CERTAIN
PROPERTY FROM LIGHT INDUSTRIAL AND LOW DENSITY
RESIDENTIAL TO COMMUNITY COMMERCIAL AND MEDIUM DENSITY
RESIDENTIAL (LU 01-02). COUNCILMEMBER MOTIN SECONDED THE
MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 4-1. MAYOR KLINZING OPPOSED.
The Council discussed whether to move forward with the remainder of the items even
though the Planning Commission recommended denial. The City Administrator indicated
that even though the Planning Commission recommended denial, staff is recommending
postponing any decision until the Environmental Assessment Worksheet (~AW) has been
completed.
The City Engineer noted that most of the storm drainage and other larger issues have been
resolved with the developer. He noted that he is still working with the developer to resolve
the traffic issues.
COUNCILMEMBER MOTIN MOVED TO POSTPONE ITEMS 6.3
(REZONING), 6.4 (PRELIMINARY PLAT) AND 6.5 (CONDITIONAL USE
PERMIT) UNTIL AFTER THE RESULTS OF THE EAW HAVE BEEN
RECEIVED. COUNCILMEMBER KUESTER SECONDED THE MOTION.
Mayor Klinzing indicated that she would be voting against these issues because she is
opposed to the urban service area being extended, to the light industrial area being
eliminated, and that she is concerned with the buffer between the residential and light
industrial. She also indicated her concern with phasing of the plat which calls for only
residential on the east side of Tyler Street in phase I.
THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Councilmember Dietz stated that he agrees with the Park and Recreation Commission's
recommendation on park dedication. Councilmember Kuester and Motin concurred.
Councilmember Tveite indicated that he also agrees with the Park and Recreation
Commission's recommendation on park dedication. He stated that he likes the development
City Council Minutes Page 6
August 27, 2001
and design standards however he has a concern with voL, ring private and public streets in the
plat. He suggested that the developers work with Street/Park Superintendent Phil Hals
regarding this issue. Councilmember Tveite also stated that he wants to see the results of the
LAW and the traffic and other issues resolved before moving forward.
7. Other Business
Councilmember Dietz questioned whether the city received a waiver from all of the
residents in McChesney Park for the overlay project. City Engineer Terry Maurer stated that
he had waivers from all residents but one and that he has been in contact with the
outstanding resident. He noted he would have an answer within a day or two.
City Administrator Pat I~daers informed the Council that there have been two accidents at
County Road 33 and County Road 1 within the past week. He suggested that the Council
express its concern to the County Highway Department regarding the dangerous situation at
that intersection.
COUNClLMEMBER TVEITE MOVED TO INSTRUCT STAFF TO WRITE A
LETTER TO THE SHERBURNE COUNTY HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT
INFORMING THEM OF THE SITUATION AND REQUESTING THEM TO
PLACE LARGER STOP SIGNS AND RUMBLE STRIPS AT THE LOCATION.
COUNClLMEMBER DIETZ SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION
CARRIED 5=0.
8. Staff Updates
There were no staff updates.
9. Adjournment
There being no further business, Mayor K3inzing adjourned the meeting of the Elk River
City Council at 9:30 p.m.
Sandra Peine
City Clerk