7.2. SR 08-17-2020 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Staff maintains concerns regarding the storage of damaged motor vehicles, and the hazardous materials that accompany them. However, due to the type of business Copart is classified, state and county regulations for salvage yards do not apply. Staff addressed this with the last project by requiring additional pollution control and stormwater treatment measures through the CUP process, and those same standards are again required for this phase. Land Swap The proposed site plan requires a land swap between Copart and the City of Elk River. The current plat provides each party with similar areas of developable property but facilitates more efficient use and growth in this area of the city. The swap will require updates to city's Comprehensive Plan and to the Park and Recreation Master Plan related to the Youth Athletic Complex (YAC). The attached graphics illustrate a draft reorganization of the existing land uses and YAC. Easement Vacation The plat of Cascade Industrial Park dedicated unimproved right-of-way within the currently proposed development area. The applicant has purchased the three vacant oudots surrounding the unimproved right-of- way and is requesting to vacate the right-of-way easements to allow development of the property as one large parcel. The two existing cul-de-sacs will be platted as right-of-way in the proposed plat of Cascade Industrial Park Third Addition. Planning Commission The Planning Commission held a public hearing on July 28, 2020, and a second on August 12, 2020. During the public hearing, a neighboring business owner spoke and addressed traffic from their existing operation and parking or staging of tow trucks for the new operation. He stated that he has seen numerous tow -trucks drive through the residential areas to the east and wants to make sure that will be addressed with the expansion. Staff addressed his concerns noting that the conditions of approval prohibit parking, staging, or stalling on the surrounding city streets. The applicant also stated that they will work with all contractors to use main roads, and not cut through residential areas. The Planning Commission discussed grading and landscaping. The staff comment letter noted a high point in the center of the salvage yard which put the area above the perimeter fence. The applicant submitted updated plans to lower the high point in the center and raise the fence. The Commission was satisfied with the change and unanimously recommended approval with the conditions in the staff report. Park and Recreation Commission The Park and Recreation Commission reviewed the application during the regular meetings on July 8, 2020, and August 12, 2020. During the first meeting there was desire from some commissioners for more information and the commission ultimately did not make a recommendation to the Council. The Commission again reviewed the project on August 12`' and with the additional information provided, unanimously recommended approval of the project. Financial Impact None Mission/Policy/Goal The proposed project expands an existing industrial operation, adds jobs to the community, and improves the development potential of the Youth Athletic Complex. N:\Public Bodies\Agenda Packets\08-17-2020\Final\7.2 sr Copartdocx