09-13-1990 CC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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e MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER PLANNING COMMISSION/CITY COUNCIL HELD AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HALL CONFERENCE ROOM THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 1990 Councilmembers Present: Mayor Tralle, Councilmembers Schuldt, Holmgren, and Kropuenske Planning Commission Members Present: Chairman Kimball, Commissioners Johnson, Eberley, Bischoff, VanValkenburg and Nadeau Staff Members Present: Steve Rohlf, Building and Zoning Administrator; Janelle Szklarski, Zoning Assistant; Pat Klaers, City Administrator; Cliff Skogstad, Building Official and Phil Hals, Street Superintendent 1. Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the joint meeting of the Elk Ri ver City Council and Planning Commission was called to order at 7: 00 p.m. by Mayor Tralle. 2. HOME OCCUPATIONS - Janelle Szklarski, Zoning Assistant, stated that this topic was put on the agenda because of a recent condi tional use permit application (Gemini Communications), where the home occupation involved a number of outside employees. It was the Planning Commission's desire to discuss possible changes to the ordinance regarding home occupations. e Commissioner Kimball stated that the main focus of this discussion should be on the number of non-resident employees. He stated that the technology of the 21st Century will make it possible for more people to work out of their homes. Mayor Tralle agreed that many people are now connecting their home computers to their employer's main frame so that business can be done from their home. He also stated that he is not as concerned with these types of home occupations as he is with the retail home occupations such as Camo Alley on Jackson Avenue. Commissioner Kimball stated that he had talked with Jackie Schuelein, Executive Vice President of the Elk River Area Chamber of Commerce, and she felt that many people start businesses in their homes which eventually grow into the commercial sector. Chairman Kimball stated that home occupations encourage new businesses to start. Councilmember Kropuenske stated that the permit process should limit the number of employees or customers that are in the home at one time. e Steve Rohlf, Building and Zoning Administrator, stated that in the case of Gemini Communications, the business started out small and grew to a more intensive state where it required outside employees. Mr. Rohlf stated that originally he had viewed this request as being similar to contractors, which do not require conditional use permits. He stated that staff needs some discretion to determine which home occupations require a conditional permit, and which do not. Mayor Tralle stated that he would hesitate to change the ordinance and that some discretion should be left at staff level.