02-11-2003 PC MIN - SPECIAL-JOINT

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Special Joint Meeting Minutes February 11, 2003 Page 2 e Ms. Duckor then discussed the Key Client Requirements by Development Type as shown on Matrix 1. EDA Commissioner Dwyer stated that he felt visibility is more important to other types of users than is shown on the matrix. Discussion followed regarding development costs. Ms. McPherson noted that the pricing shown takes into account all aspects of building costs and is based on the fee schedule provided by the Uniform Building Code. Mayor Klinzing stated that one issued that has not been addressed is the unique transportation issues in Elk River and MN/DOT's future plans. Ms. McPherson reviewed the locations of Industrial and Business Park-zoned property listed on Matrix 2 as follows: Elk Path Business Center, the Gagne property, Country Crossing, Mulvaney Point, Elk River Business Park, the Brown property, and Cascade Industrial Park. Ms. Duckor discussed each of these sites, which make up the City's land offerings to potential industrial clients. Ms. McPherson then reviewed the City's current building standards for the Industrial and Business Park zoning districts. Planning Commission Chair Mark Pederson noted that the Business Park standards were designed for the higher end user and have been modified to allow pre-cast concrete panel construction, which was previously excluded. Ms. Duckor stated that she did not feel there was anything wrong with the Business Park standards, but that the issue is providing a place for Industrial clients to locate. She stated that utilities need to be in place to attract industrial clients, and also the park dedication requirements need to be reviewed and revised. e Ms. McPherson stated that the group needs to look at whether or not the City, with its own industrial park, is competing with the market. She stated that industrial clients have needs that are not being met by Elk River; and can the City meet those needs without competing with private developers. Ms. McPherson stated that there are four tasks which need to be accomplished: 1) review the existing Business Parks for appropriate zoning, 2) review the current Business Park Standards, including areas guided for Highway Commercial, 3) determine if the existing regulations are in line with the City's goals, and 4) review the park dedication requirements for the Industrial zoning districts. Planning Commissioner Leo Offerman asked if the Business Park districts which allow retail should be treated separately, since it seems their needs would be different. Ms. McPherson stated that the retail allowed in these districts must complement and support the Business Park, such as copy centers, small restaurants, etc. She noted that in the case of the Elk River Industrial Park, a retail component would likely not be appropriate, since it is in close proximity to Elk River Crossing. Discussion followed regarding outside storage. Ms. Mehelich stated that outside storage is a primary issue. EDA Commissioner Jeff Gongoll asked what the next step would be to allow outdoor storage. Ms. McPherson stated that an ordinance would need to be drafted which would include criteria for the number of square feet of outdoor storage allowed and any screening requirements. Commissioner Gongoll stated that he felt the number one issue is the lack of industrial-zoned property, and the second issue is the fact that the uses are very heavily restricted. He stated that the City needs to find other areas where industrial uses can be allowed. Commissioner Gongoll stated they also need to look at allowing outdoor storage. e Chair Pederson stated that he feels the City needs look at more mixed-use areas, and to zone Light Industrial and Business Park uses separately. He suggested that the Gagne property would be a good area for mixed industrial uses. Councilmember Motin stated that a buffer from residential area needs to be maintained. Ms. Mehelich noted that the warehouse issue also should be looked at.