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Planning Commission Minutes Page 2 <br /> January 26,2016 <br /> Zack Carlton presented the staff report. Mr. Carlton reviewed the criteria required in order <br /> to grant a Conditional Use Permit. Staff recommended denial of the land use amendment, <br /> stating that the request is not consistent with the comprehensive plan and the use is not <br /> compatible with surrounding properties. Staff also recommended denial of the Conditional <br /> Use Permit,citing that conditions #2,#3 and#7 cannot be met. <br /> Commissioner Johnson stated that he had a potential conflict of interest on this item and <br /> excused himself from discussion and voting on this item. <br /> Chair Johnson opened the public hearing. <br /> Marla Weston,Briggs Companies, 19021 Freeport Street NW, stated that she met with Zack <br /> Carlton to discuss the possibility of operating the hotel as it currently is,as an extended stay, <br /> by requesting an interim use permit. She stated that would allow them time to acquire the <br /> property to the south needed to convert the use to an apartment building. Chair Johnson <br /> asked what the time frame would be for the interim use. Ms.Weston stated five years. <br /> Commissioner Larson-Vito asked if they are operating as an extended stay hotel,when the <br /> online site for the business states it is an apartment building. Ms.Weston stated they have <br /> been operating as an extended stay hotel since 2011. <br /> Chair Johnson asked staff if Briggs Companies could submit a new application for an interim <br /> use permit. Mr. Carlton stated that an interim use permit would allow some flexibility,and <br /> could allow the use to continue,with additional inspections as an apartment building. <br /> Pat Briggs, 19021 Freeport Street NW, discussed the proposed changes by MnDOT to <br /> Highway 10 and impacts on the subject property. He asked if the proposed changes were a <br /> 20-year plan. Mr. Carlton stated yes,a 20+year plan. Mr. Briggs stated that MnDOT <br /> contacted him and he met with them approximately three months ago regarding another <br /> property. He stated that MnDOT told him there is some opposition to the FAST Plan. <br /> Mr. Briggs stated that the site is the former Americ-Inn and he took it over in 2011, <br /> operating as an extended stay hotel. He stated that in working with previous city staff, the <br /> goal was for the property to be zoned R4 and he was moving toward that goal. He discussed <br /> the loss of the nearby property sale to Skeeter Boats,which he felt would have funded the <br /> R4 apartment building project. <br /> Mr. Briggs stated that he felt there are misconceptions about the extended stay use. He <br /> stated that other hotels and motels in the city have cooking facilities,such as the Landmark <br /> Hotel on Main Street. Mr. Briggs stated that there are also extended stay hotels in Maple <br /> Grove which all have cooking facilities. Mr. Carlton noted that the City of Elk River's <br /> ordinance does not allow them. Mr. Briggs questioned the definition of hotel in the zoning <br /> land use regulations and extended stay. <br /> Commissioner Larson-Vito stated there still is the discrepancy in what Mr. Briggs was saying <br /> his operation is and what his website states. Mr. Carlton stated that if a stay is past 7 days it <br /> is considered lodging and the city's ordinance does not allow it. Mr. Briggs stated that some <br />