06-25-1996 PC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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Planning Commission Meeting Minutes June 25, 1996 Page 11 . Chair Dillon opened the public hearing. Greg Fontaine of Dorsey and Whitney, representing Cargill, explained the background of Cargill's interest in the subject ordinance amendment. Mr. Fontaine stated Cargill is in favor of the ordinance amendment but feels the use should be included in the 1-1 zone as well. If the use were allowed in the 1-1 zone, Cargill would then be a conforming use on all of their property. He felt this was a reasonable solution for both the City and Cargill. Mr. Fontaine stated that Cargill was not notified when their property was rezoned, making portions of their operation non-conforming. He indicated he is not aware how the area was determined for the feedlot permit. steve Ach explained that a site plan was presented at the time the feedlot permit was being considered, identifying the research facility. However, the legal description which accompanied this request encompassed a larger area. The City approved the permit with the understanding that only the area shown on the feedlot was being included. Steve explained that a portion of Cargill's property was included in the urban service district and it was not intended to include the feedlot. He suggested that if it is the intention of Cargill to expand the feedlot, the portion included in the urban service district be taken out. Steve explained that the City is attempting to meet Cargill's needs both now and in the future and have reduced the amount of Cargill's property included in the urban service area. . Discussion followed regarding whether or not animal. nutrition and agricultural uses were appropriate in the 1-1 zoning district. Mr. Fontaine felt the definition is so restrictive, the chance of an animal research facility being located in an 1-1 zone is very remote. There being no further comments from the public, Chair Dillon closed the public hearing. The Planning Commissioners discussed whether or not to include the use in the 1- 1 zone, as well as the possibility of creating a new zoning district. steve Ach explained that Cargill's existing facility is conforming, and if the rezoning were to be approved, Cargill would still be a confoming use. If the agri-business was not allowed in the industrial, they would not be able to expand the feedlot portion in the industrial zoned portion of their property. He felt that it would not be appropriate to expand the agricultural aspect of their business into the industrial zone; however, any research or offices could be included in the industrial area. . COMMISSIONER MINTON MOVED TO RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF THE CITY OF ELK RIVER'S REQUEST FOR AN ORDINANCE AMENDMENT, AMENDING SECTION 900.08 AND 900.12, AND 900.14 OF THE CITY'S ZONING ORDINANCE, PUBLIC HEARING CASE NO. OA 96-9. COMMISSIONER TACHENY SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-2. COMMISSIONERS KUESTER AND DILLON OPPOSED.