01-24-2017 PC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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Planning Commission Minutes Page 7 January 24,2017 5.5 City of Elk River • Ordinance amendment relating to dumpsters and portable storage containers in city right-of-way, Case No. OA 17-02 Mr. Carlton presented Mr. Leeseberg's staff report. Staff recommended approval of the ordinance amendment as presented. Commissioner Thiel further expressed safety concerns when driving through neighborhoods at night with material being left on the street. Chair Johnson opened the public hearing.There being no one to comment on the matter, Chair Johnson closed the public hearing. Commissioner Rydberg stated staff should include this information as part of their education and marketing when working with groups on signage. Councilmember Wagner questioned the following: • Permit cost. • How long items can sit on street. • Enforcement process. She noted many times landscaping companies are in and out of a project in one day and will often dump product on the street. She questioned what would happen to them if they are caught. Mr. Carlton stated the permit cost has yet to be determined but it would be minimal. He P Y noted the more significant cost to the applicant will be for the escrow fee. He stated a permit can be valid for up to 30 days. He stated enforcement hasn't been worked out yet but it may be through the police department. He discussed the enforcement process and noted the landscaping company could be fined if caught dumping material in the street without a permit. Councilmember Wagner asked for these items to be included as part of the Council discussion. Commissioner Rydberg stated some people may not have the ability to pay a cash escrow and he questioned if there were alternative options for payment such as a bond. Mr. Carlton stated no but staff could do further research. He noted a bond may be difficult for a homeowner to acquire. Commissioner Larson-Vito stated a homeowner going through a fire or flood may not be able to afford to pay the escrow. Moved by Commissioner Konietzko and seconded by Commissioner Thiel to recommend approval of an ordinance amending Section 46-39, Performance Standards of the City of Elk River,Minnesota, City Code. Motion carried 7-0.