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1(il <br /> L <br /> Original Message <br /> From: Johnson, Eric<Eric.Johnson(a�ElkRiverMN.gov> <br /> To: Dietz, John <Jahn.Dietz(cDElkRiverMN.gov>; Olsen, Jerry<Jerry.Olsen(a�ElkRiverMN.gov>; <br /> Westgaard, Matt<Matt.Westgaard(c�ElkRiverMN.gov>; Barbara.Burandt <br /> <Barbara.Burandt(a�ElkRiverMN.gov>; Wagner, Jennifer<Jennifer.Wagner(a ElkRiverMN.gov> <br /> Sent: Fri, Jul 15, 2016 9:58 am <br /> Subject: Lake State Recycling CUP <br /> Dear Council Members, <br /> On June 28th, 2016 the Planning Commission reviewed a conditional use permit for Lake State <br /> Recycling. One of the conditions recommended by city staff was, "No vehicles or equipment shall be <br /> stored or recycled." Lake State Recycling is located in a"Light Industrial" zone where"Junkyards, auto <br /> wrecking and storage, and salvage yards" are not permitted or conditional uses. Correct,junkyards are <br /> not allowed on the subject property which is zoned Light Industrial I-1. <br /> Since auto recycling accounts for 10-15% of the applicants business this was a large topic of <br /> discussion. After the applicant explained that they are simply storing vehicles (the definition of junkyard) <br /> until they have enough to fill a trailer to haul away and there is nothing done with them onsite. There was <br /> no removal of parts, demolition, repair, or breaking down of the vehicles. The Planning Commission <br /> unanimously agreed that their operation was not considered to be"auto salvage" and we recommended <br /> removing that condition from the permit. This is true, but the PC did not have the definition of a junkyard. <br /> as outlined in the city ordnance at their meeting. <br /> It has come to my attention that City Staff is still recommending that auto recycling NOT be permitted as a <br /> condition in their CUP. I have done some more investigation into this matter and feel that the automobile <br /> recycling operation that Lake State Recycling is performing does not fall into the categories suggested by <br /> city staff. <br /> Auto Wrecking-the ruin or destruction of automobiles (no destruction, disassembly or ruin is taking place <br /> here). This is his definition and in not defined in the city ordinance <br /> Junkyard - a yard for collection, storage, and resale of junk(there is no sale taking place here and <br /> vehicles are only held not stored indefinately) This is not the definition of a junkyard as outlined in the city <br /> ordnance. Junkyard means land or buildings where products resulting from the wrecking of vehicles or <br /> other machinery are bought, sold, exchanged, stored, baled, cleaned, packed, disassembled or handled. <br /> The outdoor storage of two or more inoperative motor vehicles shall also be considered a junkyard. <br /> Salvage yard -a place where disused vehicles or other machinery is broken up and parts are saved, <br /> processed or sold. (there is nothing being broken up, dissembled or processed here) i his is his <br /> definition and in not defined in the city ordinance. <br /> It is still my strong recommendation that Lake State Recycling be able to continue with their automobile <br /> recycling operation as they are doing today. I would be in support of adding conditions limiting the <br /> number of vehicles held at any given time, and setting a limit on the time any vehicle is being held on the <br /> property if the council deems it appropriate. The city cannot add conditions to allow a non-permitted use <br /> in a zoning district. However, if it is the desire of the Council to allow such a use in the area, staff can be <br /> directed to amend the ordinance to allow the operation as proposed. <br /> Unfortunately, I will not be able to attend the meeting next Monday, June 18th. However, if you have any <br /> questions or concerns feel free to contact me. <br /> Thanks, <br /> Eric Johnson <br /> Planning Commission Chair <br /> 612-889-7236 <br />