09-24-1996 PC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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Planning Commission Minutes September 24, 1996 Page 8 . Discussion followed regarding the types and quantities of the materials being stored on the site. Kirt Charest noted he plans to landscape the proposed building and blacktop the drive. Chair Thompson opened the public hearing. Richard Baldwin, 4854 Thomas Avenue So., Minneapolis, MN, stated he owns the farm west of the subject site. Mr. Baldwin described a problem he had with Mr. Charest constructing a fence 40 feet onto his property. Mr. Baldwin contacted John Oliver's office and the situation was resolved. Mr. Baldwin explained he did not object to Mr. Charest operating a construction business but opposed having a junkyard on the site. Dave Merganthal, 21268 York Street NW, stated he owns the trucking company adjacent to the Charest's property. Mr. Merganthal stated when the Charests took over the subject property, he was told the site would be screened with a berm and a row of fast-growing trees and to date, this has not been done. Mr. Merganthal expressed his objection the grading Mr. Charest has done which has caused drainage problems, and also, the unsightly fence which has been started and not finished. . Jim Thompson, owner of Big 10 Auto Sales at 9945 Highway 10 stated he felt there was a need for an auto salvage yard in Elk River, since the auto salvage operations in Andover have been closed. He felt the Charests' site was appropriate for this type of use since it was low land, city sewer and water was not available, and the possibility the site may be contaminated from sewer sludge being dumped there in the past. Mr. Thompson requested that the Charests be required to blacktop the driveway to reduce the dust problems he is experiencing. He explained that due to the increased traffic at the Charest site, he now has to wash the cars on his lot every other day instead of once a week. Mr. Thompson also felt the fence was unsightly. Ed Schmik, 9975 Highway 10, expressed his opposition to the Charests' request. He felt the current zoning was appropriate and conditions have not changed to warrant a rezoning. Mr. Schmik expressed concern that a junkyard would eventually cause contamination of the ground water. He felt the use proposed by the Charests would devalue the commercial property in the area. There being no further comments from the public, Chair Thompson closed the public hearing. Commissioner Minton informed the Charests he did not support the zone change request; however, if they were to construct a building on the site, he would be willing to consider an application for a conditional use permit for outdoor storage. Commissioner Minton stated it was important that the applicants clean up the site and address the fence issue. . Commissioner Kuester indicated the city needs to address the issue of auto salvage yards, but did not feel this site was appropriate. She explained it is one