03-27-2001 PC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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. . . Planning Commission Minutes March 27, 2001 Page 2 Ms. McPherson reviewed a letter from Brian Bensen, Sherburne County Administrator. written on behalf of the Sherburne County Board, regarding the proposed amendments. She stated that the County does not feel it is possible to separate "courthouse" and "county offices", and asks that "courthouse" remain in the definition of Governmental Offices. as a permitted use. Chair Mesich opened the public hearing. There being no public comment. Chair Mesich closed the public hearing. Commissioner Schuster asked if it was the intent to keep jails out of the permitted uses. Ms. McPherson stated that that was the Commission's intent. Chair Mesich, and Commissioners Pederson and Johnson were in agreement that the "courthouse" use should be listed as a conditional use. Commissioner Pederson stated that he felt "county offices" would be a good buffer between the future business park and the residential use. Discussion followed regarding the County's opinion that "county offices" and "courthouse" cannot be separated. Ms. McPherson stated that Mr. Bensen explained to her that the uses are defined by State Statue. She suggested that. as an example. if a future expansion of the County offices included moving social services or the assessors, or recorder's offices. these would be permitted uses. Commissioner Franz questioned the County's letter regarding location of the County Attorney's office. The Commissioners felt it would be difficult to determine which offices would need to be in close proximity to the court rooms or jail facilities. Ms. McPherson explained that if the proposed amendments are adopted, "courthouse" uses would require a conditional use permit. She stated that the Commission's concern regarding the issue of the location of "holding cells" would be addressed by conditional use permit process. Ms. McPherson stated that it would be difficult to list all the county's functions which would be permitted uses. The Commissioners discussed the issue of jails and holding cells. Ms. McPherson read the definition of jails from the City's ordinance. COMMISSIONER JOHNSON MOVED TO RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF THE REQUEST BY THE CITY OF ELK RIVER TO AMEND SECTION 900.08 AND 900.10.5. - DEFINITIONS FOR GOVERNMENTAL BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES, AND GOVERNMENTAL OFFICES AS FOLLOWS: GOVERNMENTAL BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES DEFINITION: DELETE THE WORDS "CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES" AND INCLUDE THE WORDS, "JAILS. COURTHOUSES". GOVERNMENTAL OFFICES: DELETE THE WORDS "COURTHOUSES, JAILS OPERATED ON THE SAME SITE AND AS PART OF A CITY OR COUNTY COURTHOUSE". R-1 - SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL - PERMITIED USES: ADD VII. GOVERNMENTAL OFFICES.